Best Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs

Drexel University offers a hybrid Master of Family Therapy program with a concentration in Trauma and Addiction, designed for those aiming to specialize in these critical areas. This 90-credit, COAMFTE-accredited program blends online and on-campus learning, requiring a minimum of 500 direct client hours. It uniquely prepares students for Pennsylvania MFT licensure, emphasizing evidence-based techniques and telehealth practice. The program stands out for its focus on trauma, addiction, and working with specialized populations, offering extensive clinical practicum experiences. No entrance exam is required, making it accessible for aspiring therapists seeking advanced training in a flexible format.

• 90-credit master's degree
• COAMFTE accredited program
• Full-time campus program
• Some online course options
• Trauma and addiction focus
• Clinical practicum required
• Minimum 500 direct client hours
• Telehealth practice training
• Pennsylvania MFT licensure eligible
• Diverse therapy approach training

Drexel University's hybrid Master of Family Therapy program, concentrating on LGBT and Specific Populations, equips students with the skills to address complex health issues within diverse communities. This 90-credit, COAMFTE-accredited program combines online and on-campus courses, featuring specialized training for working with LGBT populations and requiring at least 500 clinical hours. It prepares graduates for licensure in Pennsylvania and careers in various settings, including healthcare and private practice. The program emphasizes interprofessional healthcare training and multiple therapy approaches, with no entrance exam needed, offering a comprehensive and inclusive education for future therapists.

• 90-credit Master's degree
• COAMFTE-accredited program
• Full-time campus and online courses
• Trauma and addiction focus
• Minimum 500 clinical hours required
• Pennsylvania MFT licensure eligible
• Specialized training with LGBT populations
• Interprofessional healthcare training
• Multiple therapy approach models
• On-campus clinical simulation center

The University of Southern California offers an online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program, designed for those seeking to become skilled therapists in a digital age. This program stands out for its integration of research with practical skills, focusing on cultural competence and the ability to provide both telehealth and in-person therapy. It prepares graduates for a variety of settings, including mental health agencies, schools, and private practice, with a clear path toward California licensure. Notably, the program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible to a broad range of students. Highlights include a holistic approach to mental health, supervised clinical work, and a strong emphasis on cultural humility, all delivered through a flexible online format.

• Fully online MFT program
• 2-year full-time enrollment
• California licensure pathway
• Field work in residence state
• Holistic mental health approach
• Telehealth and in-person skills
• Cultural humility focus
• Supervised clinical work
• Multiple career opportunities
• Research-practice integration

Northwestern University offers an online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) that stands out for its rigorous, licensure-focused curriculum. This program is designed for professionals eager to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families. Utilizing the Integrative Systemic Therapy approach, students gain hands-on clinical training near their communities, ensuring practical experience. The program is COAMFTE-accredited, emphasizing a self-reflective practice to tackle complex relational issues. Notably, it does not require the GRE for admission, offers four start dates annually, and features rolling admissions, making it accessible for aspiring therapists seeking flexibility and quality education.

• Online and on-campus options
• COAMFTE accredited program
• No GRE required
• Four annual cohort starts
• Integrative Systemic Therapy approach
• In-person clinical training
• Rolling admissions process
• Licensure-focused curriculum

Syracuse University's online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit program accredited by COAMFTE, designed for professionals seeking to make a difference in mental health services. Focusing on cultural humility and social justice, the program covers complex relationship dynamics, trauma, and LGBTQ concerns, with a 500-hour clinical practicum. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths, from private practice to healthcare institutions. This fully online program does not require an entrance exam, offering flexibility for students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments.

• Fully online master's degree
• 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
• 500-hour clinical practicum
• COAMFTE accredited program
• Over 50 years department history
• Social justice framework
• Prepares for state licensure
• Diverse career path options
• Cultural humility focus
• Supervised clinical training