The Master's in MFT Programs Online: A Comprehensive Guide
The road to becoming a marriage and family therapist starts with a master’s degree. Learn about accredited, convenient online programs that let you complete your degree on your terms.
If you’re interested in helping couples, spouses, and families have healthier and happier relationships, then a career as a marriage and family therapist can be the perfect choice. Becoming a licensed therapist in this field, however, requires earning either a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely-related field. For most people, that will be a master’s in MFT.
Fortunately, there are plenty of fully-accredited MFT master’s programs available at colleges throughout the U.S. Many of them are also now offered at least partially online, allowing you to continue to work and meet your other obligations while earning your MFT degree.
Choosing the right online program for you can be challenging, though. To help you with your decision, we’ve researched online MFT master’s programs with the goal of finding the ones with the best combination of affordability, flexibility, and quality. See which MFT programs stand above the rest this year.
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Public
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, California
Private
University of Massachusetts Global
Irvine, California
Private
South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary
Deerfield Beach, Florida
Private
University of West Alabama
Livingston, Alabama
Public
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, Louisiana
Public
University of Holy Cross
New Orleans, Louisiana
Private
FAQs About Online Marriage and Family Therapy Programs
Choosing to earn an MFT master’s degree online is a big decision, both financially and in terms of your time – and you’ll want to make sure you understand every little detail before you commit. Below are the answers to some of the most important questions you need to ask about online MFT master’s programs:
What do you learn in an online marriage and family therapy master’s program?
One thing you’ll find during your online MFT master’s program search is that every program is different, each offering its own unique blend of program philosophies, curriculum and study formats, practicum and internship opportunities, specializations (if available), student support services, and more. All programs, however, provide foundational knowledge and skills in several key MFT areas, including therapy theory and techniques, research, psychopathology, cultural diversity, and ethics. Here are some of the key learning outcomes you can expect from your MFT master’s studies:
- A clear understanding of the major theoretical concepts of marriage and family therapy treatment, and the ability to identify and critically analyze theory in its application to the range of mental health issues.
- A demonstrated ability to design and conduct effective, evidence-based systemic therapy and counseling treatment to individuals, couples, families, groups, and others suffering from mild and severe mental health issues.
- Possession of the skills required for the analysis and application of scientific research relevant to marriage and family therapy practice, including keeping up with the most current research findings.
- A demonstrated knowledge of ethnically and culturally sensitive issues (including the engagement and integration of social justice issues) in all practice setting and professional advocacy contexts.
- The demonstrated ability to identify legal and ethical standards related to marriage and family therapy practice, and apply them effectively to decision-making across the range of service contexts.
Common Courses in Online Marriage and Family Therapy Programs
What specializations or concentrations are available in marriage and family therapy programs?
In addition to their core subject course requirements, MFT master’s programs often provide students the ability to additionally focus on one of a number of specialized areas of study, either in the form of a specialization or concentration track or, more commonly, through the student’s elective course choices. Below are a few examples of popular specializations or elective subjects you might be interested including in your MFT master’s academic studies:
Can you earn a marriage and family therapy degree 100% online?
No. Online MFT master’s degree programs describe themselves in one of two ways: fully-online or partially-online (hybrid). What this means is that didactic coursework for their programs is accessed and completed either entirely or partially online. It does not mean, however, that all degree requirements can be completed online. All MFT master’s degree programs leading to professional certification and license eligibility include practicum experiences and/or internships that require in-person participation.
Additionally, some online programs include one or more short-term on-campus residencies that allow students to attend seminars and workshops, and to meet face-to-face with program faculty members and fellow students.
How long does it take to complete an online MFT program?
The exact number of credits you’ll need to earn, as well as how long it will take you to complete your entire online MFT master’s program, depends on the specific program you choose. However, most programs require 60 to 66 total credit hours for graduation. That includes all didactic coursework and credits awarded for practicum and internship work. Some programs do not award credits for required practicums or internships. In those cases, the total credit requirements will fall into the 45-55 credit hour range. As for program length, you can expect to devote two to three years of full-time study to your MFT master’s program. Students in part-time formats should expect to complete all degree requirements in three to five years.
How do I get into an online marriage and family therapy master’s program?
Admission requirements vary somewhat from program to program. However, you can expect the following requirements for any MFT master’s program you apply to:
- Bachelor’s degree: All MFT master’s programs require a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. In most cases, programs admit students regardless of their bachelor’s degree major. Minimum GPA requirements (typically between 2.7 and 3.0) almost always apply.
- Standardized test scores: GRE or GMAT test scores may or may not be required, and the current trend for online programs is away from standard test scores. Those that do require them may state a minimum score for admission or may consider any score as one factor in a competitive admission process.
- Official transcripts: From all postsecondary institutions where the applicant has earned a degree or certificate.
- Letters of recommendation: Two or three letters of recommendation are typically required, written by persons able to speak to the applicant’s academics and professional background.
- Interview: Programs may require an interview, normally with the program’s department head or a faculty member. Interviews may be conducted in person, over the phone, or via videoconferencing.
- Additional requirements: Other possible admissions requirements include: a statement of purpose or personal statement, and CV or resume. International and non-native English speakers will likely be required to submit proof of English proficiency.
How much does an online MFT master’s program cost?
The total price tag for your particular online MFT program will depend on several factors, chief among them total program length, your choice of full-time or part-time curriculum, and whether your program is offered by a public or private school. The following are the current (2020) tuition costs for three online MFT master’s programs to give you an idea of what you can expect to pay. And if low cost is the most important factor you’re looking for in your MFT program, check out our list of top most of affordable online MFT programs.
Liberty
University
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
Total Credits: 60
$565/credit (full-time); $615/credit (part-time); $275/credit (military discount rate)
Touro University
Worldwide
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
Total Credits: 72 (clinical track); 54 (non-clinical track)
$500/credit
Finding Help Paying for Your Online MFT Degree
Given the substantial expense involved in earning any college degree, you may want to put off thinking about the cost as long as possible. Don’t let that happen. It’s critical that you develop a funding plan well before you begin your studies. Fortunately, there are several resources you can take advantage of to help pay for college. Here’s a look at the most popular:
Accreditation for Online Marriage and Family Therapy Degrees
When searching for an MFT master’s program, the first thing to consider is proper accreditation. Accreditation is the means by which colleges and their degree programs are investigated and determined to meet important minimum academic standards. In short, accreditation is your first way of being confident a program you choose is worth your time and money and will be recognized by licensing and certification boards.
There are two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation has to do with the college or university itself. Institutional accreditation in the United States is carried out by several regional and national agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Programmatic accreditation refers to the vetting of individual degree programs. The primary accrediting organization of master’s marriage and family therapy programs in the U.S. is the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). You can find current information on institutional and programmatic accreditation status by checking degree program websites, or by searching this Department of Education database.
Getting Your Marriage and Family Therapist License and Certification After Graduation
Licensure to practice as a marriage and family therapist is required in all U.S. jurisdictions. However, specific licensing (education, training, examination, etc.) requirements vary, sometimes substantially, from state to state. For example, some states require applicants Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) applicants to hold a degree from a COAMFTE-accredited program, while many others require applicants to meet certain COAMFTE academic and training standards for licensure, whether their degree programs are COAMFTE-accredited or not. And eligibility for LMFT licensure in some states is additionally open to holders of non-MFT master’s degrees from programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Confusing? You bet. That’s why it is absolutely critical that you understand in detail the licensure requirements for any and all states in which you intend to practice before enrolling in any degree program. Contact information for licensing boards in all 50 states and the District of Columbia can be found on this Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards webpage.
While there are no professional certifications specifically designated for marriage and family therapists, there are a number of certifications in closely-related practice areas that MFTs may qualify for, including National Certified Counselor, Certified Addiction Specialist, Certified Sex Therapist, and Board Certified Specialist in Couple and Family Psychology. You can learn more about these and other possible professional certifications at this U.S. Department of Labor sponsored website.
Career and Salary Outlook for Marriage and Family Therapists
Becoming a marriage and family counselor offers a promising career with plenty of opportunities, as indicated by the job outlook numbers. In the United States, the projected growth rate for marriage and family counselors is 14.9%, significantly higher than the average for all occupations. In certain states, this growth is even more pronounced; for example, the job is expected to grow by 26.6% in California, 29.7% in Arizona, and 26.3% in Florida. In Utah, the job outlook is an impressive 46.5%.
The income for this position is generally strong across the country. The annual median wage for marriage and family counselors in the United States is $58,510. Some states offer higher salaries, such as $66,290 in Alaska, $70,540 in Idaho, and $62,790 in Pennsylvania. Nevada stands out with an expected income of $239,000 for this position. To learn more, check out the charts below.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 71,200 | 81,800 | 10,600 | 14.90% | 5,900 |
| Alabama | 480 | 540 | 60 | 12.50% | 40 |
| Arizona | 640 | 830 | 190 | 29.70% | 70 |
| California | 33,100 | 41,900 | 8,800 | 26.60% | 3,240 |
| Colorado | 960 | 1,160 | 200 | 20.80% | 90 |
| Connecticut | 520 | 610 | 90 | 17.30% | 50 |
| Delaware | 240 | 240 | – | 0.00% | 20 |
| Florida | 3,540 | 4,470 | 930 | 26.30% | 350 |
| Georgia | 550 | 650 | 100 | 18.20% | 50 |
| Idaho | 710 | 930 | 220 | 31.00% | 70 |
| Illinois | 1,700 | 1,820 | 120 | 7.10% | 120 |
| Indiana | 1,060 | 1,220 | 160 | 15.10% | 90 |
| Iowa | 460 | 560 | 100 | 21.70% | 40 |
| Kansas | 210 | 230 | 20 | 9.50% | 20 |
| Kentucky | 610 | 720 | 110 | 18.00% | 50 |
| Louisiana | 60 | 60 | – | 0.00% | 10 |
| Maine | 30 | 30 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Maryland | 620 | 720 | 100 | 16.10% | 50 |
| Massachusetts | 230 | 260 | 30 | 13.00% | 20 |
| Michigan | 300 | 350 | 50 | 16.70% | 30 |
| Minnesota | 4,850 | 5,570 | 720 | 14.80% | 400 |
| Missouri | 340 | 380 | 40 | 11.80% | 30 |
| Nebraska | 40 | 50 | 10 | 25.00% | – |
| Nevada | 280 | 340 | 60 | 21.40% | 30 |
| New Hampshire | 290 | 350 | 60 | 20.70% | 30 |
| New Jersey | 4,680 | 4,800 | 120 | 2.60% | 310 |
| New Mexico | 230 | 290 | 60 | 26.10% | 20 |
| New York | 1,690 | 2,100 | 410 | 24.30% | 40 |
| North Dakota | 110 | 130 | 20 | 18.20% | 10 |
| Ohio | 240 | 260 | 20 | 8.30% | 20 |
| Oklahoma | 1,350 | 1,560 | 210 | 15.60% | 110 |
| Pennsylvania | 2,480 | 2,720 | 240 | 9.70% | 190 |
| South Carolina | 630 | 760 | 130 | 20.60% | 60 |
| South Dakota | 90 | 90 | – | 0.00% | 10 |
| Tennessee | 2,250 | 3,010 | 760 | 33.80% | 240 |
| Texas | 720 | 850 | 130 | 18.10% | 60 |
| Utah | 1,870 | 2,740 | 870 | 46.50% | 230 |
| Washington | 590 | 650 | 60 | 10.20% | 50 |
| Wisconsin | 140 | 160 | 20 | 14.30% | 10 |
| Wyoming | 80 | 100 | 20 | 25.00% | 10 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $39,090 | $58,510 | $104,710 |
| Alabama | $37,230 | $51,590 | $74,140 |
| Alaska | $46,080 | $66,290 | $123,500 |
| Arizona | $43,680 | $49,600 | $67,810 |
| Arkansas | $38,530 | $41,600 | $63,770 |
| California | $39,430 | $52,230 | $113,340 |
| Colorado | $48,420 | $60,990 | $121,390 |
| Connecticut | $41,910 | $59,160 | $113,660 |
| Delaware | $48,120 | $60,130 | $73,890 |
| Florida | $33,670 | $46,000 | $86,170 |
| Georgia | $41,400 | $57,870 | $104,430 |
| Hawaii | $38,140 | $62,120 | $135,760 |
| Idaho | $42,760 | $70,540 | $80,900 |
| Illinois | $40,950 | $49,710 | $74,380 |
| Indiana | $30,370 | $53,770 | $73,330 |
| Iowa | $24,080 | $37,980 | $66,100 |
| Kansas | $42,360 | $54,250 | $88,790 |
| Kentucky | $31,020 | $54,300 | $79,310 |
| Louisiana | $57,310 | $64,980 | $75,160 |
| Maine | $61,150 | $63,580 | $80,010 |
| Maryland | $51,550 | $67,050 | $131,310 |
| Massachusetts | $43,680 | $66,470 | $83,310 |
| Michigan | $31,550 | $49,060 | $75,560 |
| Minnesota | $44,370 | $65,870 | $94,070 |
| Mississippi | $42,270 | $46,280 | $52,000 |
| Missouri | $44,180 | $63,580 | $95,920 |
| Nebraska | $33,430 | $33,430 | $104,000 |
| Nevada | $239,000+ | $239,000+ | $239,000+ |
| New Hampshire | $40,200 | $54,960 | $79,650 |
| New Jersey | $69,140 | $86,030 | $106,230 |
| New Mexico | $47,180 | $59,170 | $79,570 |
| New York | $30,510 | $59,440 | $107,890 |
| North Carolina | $44,940 | $49,410 | $64,840 |
| North Dakota | $36,130 | $62,170 | $101,020 |
| Ohio | $45,440 | $57,540 | $81,420 |
| Oklahoma | $37,080 | $54,270 | $75,180 |
| Pennsylvania | $40,660 | $62,790 | $95,330 |
| South Carolina | $18,930 | $31,300 | $65,020 |
| South Dakota | $39,450 | $48,790 | $56,680 |
| Tennessee | $29,520 | $44,180 | $58,710 |
| Texas | $40,410 | $59,430 | $88,790 |
| Utah | $36,420 | $77,600 | $114,870 |
| Vermont | $40,920 | $48,650 | $90,850 |
| Virginia | $39,590 | $57,940 | $129,620 |
| Washington | $43,250 | $66,670 | $101,800 |
| West Virginia | $42,300 | $50,550 | $59,730 |
| Wisconsin | $31,330 | $31,340 | $66,000 |
Source: Marriage and Family Therapists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Further Education & Related Degrees
As discussed above, earning an MFT (or closely-related) master’s degree is a must for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a licensed marriage and family therapist. And for many MFTs, the MFT master’s degree will satisfy all of their professional academic needs. Others, however, will be interested in expanding their knowledge and skills into other areas, or advancing their careers into top-level MFT education, research, administrative, or clinical practice positions. Below are a few examples of degrees available to do just that, along with some related degree opportunities that may be worth considering.
Continuing Education Opportunities
PhD in Human Development and Family Studies
Human development and family studies is a multi-disciplinary field that concerns how individuals develop across the lifespan, and in a range of contexts that include couples and family relationships, and in communities, schools, workplaces, and more. The PhD in Human Development and Family Studies prepares graduates for positions in research, postsecondary teaching, and the administration of public and private practice programs.
Doctorate in Social Work
Doctorate in social work (Doctor of Social Work or PhD) degrees are designed for current working professionals in the field, providing students with advanced skills to develop practical solutions to large-scale social problems. DSW degree holders work in advanced practice as licensed clinical social workers, and as social services administrators and consultants. Those earning a PhD in Social Work are typically employed as researchers and as teachers in postsecondary education settings.
Related Degrees to Consider
Online Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)
The Master’s of Social Work degree prepares students for advanced practice as licensed clinical social workers. MSW degree programs often feature specialization options and/or coursework in clinical practice, administration and management, research and policy, and more. Programs also typically offer advanced track (for students entering with a previously-earned BSW degree) and traditional track (for students with a previously-earned non-BSW bachelor’s degree) options.
Online Master’s Degree in Counseling
A master’s in counseling degree is a good choice for individuals interested in providing support services to individuals, and family and group members to help them lead healthier and more productive lives. Counseling master’s degrees are available in a range of specific major titles, including Child and Adolescent Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, School Counseling, and Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling.
Additional Resources for MFT Students and Professionals
American Family Therapy Academy (AFTA)
American Psychological Association (APA)
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Marriage and Family Therapists
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Delta Kappa: The International Marriage & Family Therapy Honor Society
