Capella University : Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accreditation. Master's and PhD options avaialble. )
Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Pepperdine University : Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees (GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. LPC/MFT emphases available.)
NYU Steinhardt : Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC accredited, GRE not required) Pepperdine University : Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) (No GRE required) NYU Steinhardt : Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling (Accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) under the Masters in Counseling Accreditation Committee (MCAC) standards.)
Our Lady of the Lake University : Online Master of Arts in Counseling (No entrance exam required to apply)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)
Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)Top MFT Graduate Programs
This article provides an overview of top MFT graduate programs, including the benefits of studying in this field, admission requirements, cost considerations for both on-campus and online studies, and an overview of the curriculum. By understanding these elements, you'll be better equipped to embark on a rewarding career in Marriage and Family Therapy.
What Is Marriage and Family Therapy?
Marriage and Family Therapy is a part of psychotherapy that focuses on people's behavior in a family, including couples and individuals. It is set to address these behaviors and how they affect the individual, the relationships, and the other members as a whole family unit through the licensed Marriage and Family therapists. These licensed mental health professionals specialize in family systems, structures, and psychotherapy. To practice MFT, you must be certified and have graduated with at least two years of clinical experience.
MFT students learn how relationships, families, and marriage function, the effects of a dysfunctional family, such as mental and emotional disorders, and how to help these units navigate these challenges. As an MFT, you can diagnose and treat mental or emotional disorders to help individuals and couples overcome complex family dynamics and foster healthy, stable relationships. Research has confirmed that Marriage and Family Therapy has helped reduce conflict in families and couples and substance abuse.
The Importance of MFT in Modern Society
The Need for Emotional Stability in Children
Marriage and Family Therapists strive to create emotionally stable homes for children. Stable family environments contribute to emotional security, high self-esteem, and positive social behavior in children. With emotionally stable children, we can look forward to healthier families and relationships in the future.
Changing Family Structures
Traditional family structures are undergoing significant changes, with increases in cohabitation, divorces, and blended families. These shifts lead to new challenges like financial strains, mental and emotional disorders, lack of communication, and generational trauma. In response, more people are seeking the support of Marriage and Family Therapists to navigate these issues.
Growing Demand for MFT Professionals
The increasing need for family support has led to higher demand for professionals in this field. For students interested in making a meaningful impact, a career in MFT offers an opportunity to contribute to individual and societal well-being.
Why Earn a Master's or Doctoral Degree in MFT?
One of the reasons for earning a Master's or Doctoral Degree is the increased need for licensed MFTs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for marriage and family therapists are set to increase by 15% from 2022 to 2032. The growth rate is faster than any other occupation. A Master's degree in this field requires a completed bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or any related field. A master's degree qualification is required to practice in Marriage and Family therapy. Upon completing the master's degree, which includes clinical experience, you must sit for the licensure exam for the state you plan to practice. Licensure exams are offered in all the states.
You can also advance to a doctoral degree if you want to achieve specific career goals such as research and teaching. A Doctoral degree will help you get a university teaching position, higher job ranks such as program directors, and broaden your scope of practice. You also qualify for higher salaries in any roles you will get. Therefore, before advancing to a Doctoral Degree, you must clearly define your professional path of interest.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Capella University
Counseling & Therapy
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Offering Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling; and Advanced Studies in Human Behavior and Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD). Learn More |
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Pepperdine University
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees
LPC/MFT emphases available. |
✔ Online
No GRE Required. Bachelor's Degree Required. |
Choose your path at Pepperdine: pursue licensure as either an LMFT or LPC and serve diverse clients with our online master’s in clinical psychology. GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. Take the next step toward creating a positive social impact today. Learn More |
| NYU Steinhardt
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
 MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required |
As few as 21 months to complete Learn More |
| Pepperdine University
Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
|
✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required |
Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
| NYU Steinhardt
Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling
MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's required. GRE scores are not required. |
Prepare to become a school counselor with NYU Steinhardt’s online master’s in Counseling and Guidance program. The online MA degree gives you the knowledge and skills to pursue certification and employment in pre-K–12 schools nationwide in as few as 18 mos. Bachelor’s required: Learn more. GRE scores are not required. Learn More |
| Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
|
✔ Online
No GRE required. |
Help students navigate the emotional terrain of getting an education, empower people of all ages to overcome mental health hurdles, or support someone recovering from drug addiction as they obtain or maintain a job, with the Master of Arts in Counseling from OLLU. Learn More |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required. |
This online CMHC program prepares students for a career offering mental health services in a variety of settings; helping diverse clients through issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, and suicidal impulses. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Benefits of MFT Graduate Programs
Top MFT graduate programs are among the most rewarding careers. The program offers job satisfaction as you directly impact people's lives and relationships. There is job flexibility because you can choose between employment, private practice, or work both with private practice as part-time. You can also advance and specialize in various fields, such as trauma therapy, couples therapy, or individual therapy. The increased demand for licensed therapists gives you a competitive advantage in salary negotiations as the open opportunities are plenty.
The program also impacts the students as they acquire skills and knowledge to navigate their private relationships. Due to the nature of the programs, students interact as they collaborate on different tasks and nurture networking, which encourages a sense of community even after school.
Advantages of Studying MFT Online
In earlier days, for you to advance in your career, you only had the on-campus option. It limited the flexibility in pursuing advanced education, especially for those who had to earn enough money to pay tuition fees. The good news is that top MFT graduate programs are accessible through flexible online classes, which take two to three years of full-time study. The quality is not compromised because you can still enjoy the whole study experience with virtual simulated therapy sessions, role-playing, and classes. Remember, today, people also attend and schedule their therapy sessions online.
Costs of MFT Graduate Programs
The cost of top MFT graduate programs' tuition fees ranges between $10,611 for in-state students and $19,866 for out-of-state students. Some schools charge the same rate for online MFT programs in California and traditional programs, and the cost mainly differs for the in-state and out-state. Depending on the campus, additional costs may vary. Therefore, it is essential to contact the specific campus to get the total cost breakdown, which may include enrollment fees. The full breakdown will help you compare the costs and help you prepare better for enrollment.
Curriculum for MFT Graduate Programs
The average curriculum length is between 60 and 66 credit hours. The curriculum of the 2-year program focuses on mental health studies that include diagnosing and treating these disorders. It also includes counseling techniques for different groups based on their cultural background and psychotherapy. Students are also taught how to address specific issues like trauma and addiction. The curriculum includes practical experience to support the course work and equip them with skills to apply what is learned. Practical experience involves supervised clinical work or internships, which may be 250 to 500 hours. For the online mft programs in California, the students may have three to five practical courses.
Admission Requirements for MFT Graduate Programs
The minimum requirement for admission to top MFT graduate programs is a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. Other requirements include submitting transcripts, recommendation letters, and an average of 2.50 to 3.0 grade points. You must provide any relevant experience during the application, which may be voluntary or paid. Although most campuses are moving away from providing GRE scores, some may have this as part of the application and admission requirements.
Importance of Accreditation for MFT Programs
Accreditation confirms the program offered meets quality standards and increases the chances of the student acquiring licensure and jobs. COAMFTE and other accreditation bodies accredit top MFT graduate programs. Reaccreditation of these programs and annual reporting confirms commitment to ensuring high-quality education.
Therefore, it is better to focus on accredited schools during the application process, which is a supporting factor during job search and licensure.
Career Opportunities with a Graduate Degree in MFT
Upon completion of top MFT graduate programs, there are different career opportunities, and one can choose depending on their interest. Licensed Marriage and Family therapists can work in schools to provide guidance, mental health clinics for counseling and treating disorders, community centers, and private practice. Specialization is critical as it helps focus on one aspect and may include couples, children, or adolescent therapy. You can also choose to focus on trauma therapy.
With a graduate degree and licensure, one can help clients overcome complex challenges such as divorce and overcoming emotions by opening up. You can also help them develop coping mechanisms for life challenges and decision-making. As part of practice, you may also diagnose and treat mental health cases and refer clients to support groups and inpatient care if needed.
Salary and Job Outlook for MFT Graduates
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, marriage and family therapists' median wage was $56,570 in May 2022. The highest paid were those who worked for the state government, excluding the hospitals and schools. The jobs are generally full-time, and some therapists may work during the weekends in case they have individual clients. The job market for MFTs is expected to grow 15% between 2022 and 2032. The projection for job opportunities is around 5,900 annually due to integrated care needs, occupation transfers, and career exits. Integrated care is treating multiple illnesses simultaneously with a group of specialists.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for MFT Graduate Programs
Paying for tuition fees can sometimes be a challenge, especially if you must pay from pocket. Some institutions offer scholarships, student loans, and grants for the MFT graduate program. To secure financial aid, you should research the organizations that may offer the grant. You can then check your eligibility; early application may help with consideration. You should maintain high grades to maintain the scholarship, as some scholarships are merit-based.
Capella University - Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Pepperdine University - Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees
NYU Steinhardt - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)
Our Lady of the Lake University - Online Master of Arts in Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)
MFT Graduate Programs FAQ
What Is The Earning Potential With An MFT Graduate Degree?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can earn over $98,000 with an MFT graduate degree. The median pay is $56,570. You can combine employment and private practice, potentially earning you more.
What Is The Typical Duration For Completing MFT Graduate Programs?
The typical duration for completion is 2- years of full-time study with 60 to 66 credit hours. Some people may take up to three years to complete.
Is Pursuing a Graduate Degree in MFT Worth the Investment?
Yes, you can do more with a Graduate Degree in MFT, although it depends on your career goals. It opens doors for licensure for practice, increases earning potential, and impacts society positively through therapy sessions with clients. You can also decide to advance to a Doctoral Degree.
Why Do Some MFT Programs Do Not Require the GRE?
Most schools are dropping the GRE as a requirement as it limits most students. It may not reflect the true potential of the student. Therefore, they take a holistic view of the student’s educational background for a fair chance.
Can I Complete an MFT Graduate Program Entirely Online?
Yes, you can complete the MFT Graduate Program Entirely Online
What Are The Career Pathways for MFT Graduates?
MFT has several career paths, including couples, children, or adolescent therapy. You can also focus on trauma therapy, teaching, and research.
What Are the Admission Requirements for MFT Graduate Programs?
Typically, admission requirements may include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and possibly work experience in a related field. However, these can vary from program to program, so it’s important to consult individual schools for their specific criteria.
Are There Any Accreditation Standards I Should Be Aware Of?
Yes, it’s crucial to choose a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or a similar accrediting body. Accreditation ensures the program meets certain educational standards and is recognized professionally.
Can I Work While Completing an MFT Graduate Program?
Many programs offer flexible schedules or part-time options to accommodate working professionals. However, the intensity of the coursework and internship requirements may make it challenging to maintain a full-time job.
What Is the Licensure Process After Graduation?
After completing an accredited graduate program, you’ll typically need to pass a state licensure exam and complete a set number of supervised clinical hours. The specific requirements can vary by state.
What Kinds of Settings Do MFT Graduates Work In?
MFT graduates work in a variety of settings, such as private practice, mental health centers, hospitals, schools, and social service agencies.
How Does an MFT Graduate Program Differ from a Counseling or Psychology Graduate Program?
MFT programs focus specifically on relationships and family dynamics, whereas counseling and psychology programs may offer a broader range of topics and may not delve as deeply into family and relationship issues.
Is Financial Aid Available for MFT Graduate Programs?
Yes, financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, are usually available. Check with the financial aid office of the schools you’re interested in for more details.
What Are the Ethical Guidelines for Practice in MFT?
Ethical guidelines are established by professional organizations like the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). These guidelines cover client confidentiality, dual relationships, and informed consent among other ethical considerations.
These additional questions and answers can provide a more comprehensive understanding for prospective students interested in MFT graduate programs.
List of Programs
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Bachelors
Rivier University 🗹 Online
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of New Haven 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
University of Wisconsin – Superior 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Wisconsin – Superior 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
