The Best Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling for 2025
A master’s MFT degree is a vital step toward becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist. Compare and learn about top-ranked programs.
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Marriage and family therapy (MFT) ranks among the fastest-growing counseling specializations. A master’s MFT degree marks a critical step in your journey toward becoming a licensed therapist.
This guide explores what to look for in graduate MFT programs and includes a ranked list of leading study opportunities. Use it to research and compare study options as you work toward professional credentialing.
Best Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling Programs
University of West Alabama
- Livingston, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Recognized for its affordability, UWA's online master of science in family counseling accommodates busy learners with a rigorous yet flexible curriculum. Eight-week courses cover three focus areas: required courses, base concentration electives, and applied concentration electives. We like that this unique structure incorporates advanced counseling techniques and connects learners with internship opportunities.
UWA designed the program for licensed counselors who want to develop marriage and family therapy specializations, and for established paraprofessionals seeking supervised counseling roles. The curriculum excludes pathology-based counseling theories, making it suitable for students without extensive scientific training.
Highlights:
- Graduate in 1-2 years
- UWA accepts up to nine transfer credits
- Licensed professionals instruct courses
Considerations:
- Program does not lead to independent counselor licensure
- No specialized accreditation
- High student-to-teacher ratio
83%
Yes
69%
N/A
$6,678
$13,356
69%
5,860
Public
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
ULM's online counseling program develops ethical, compassionate, and culturally responsive professionals well-versed in evidence-based therapies. The program uses a cohort model to explore foundational coursework in the first year. Students then complete a summer workshop, which synthesizes fundamental knowledge before immersing second-year learners in advanced topics.
This structure leads to excellent student outcomes. In fact, the 2023-24 graduating class reported a 100% job placement rate and licensure exam pass rate, along with a 94% completion rate.
We like that ULM also accommodates students seeking experiential opportunities and curricular enrichment. ULM caps enrollment in internship courses at six students, and professional-track learners can take extra classes to meet their licensure or certification requirements.
Highlights:
- Licensure-track program accredited by Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
- Maximum of 15 students in many classes
- Diverse electives for unique specialization pathways
Considerations:
- Marriage and family studies covered only in electives
- Synchronous components
- Fall starts only
49%
Yes
70%
N/A
$6,490
$18,590
73%
8,398
Public
Touro University Worldwide
- Los Alamitos, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
TUW's online master of arts in marriage and family therapy uses a holistic perspective to deliver career-focused practical training for emerging therapists. Multiple accreditations reflect the program's exceptional academic rigor. The program is recognized by both the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
The program features two concentration tracks: an MFT clinical track, and a licensed professional clinical counseling (LPCC) track. MFT clinical track students complete 54 credits, including an 18-credit internship before becoming eligible for the LPCC track. The optional LPCC track adds four additional courses, earning BBS accreditation and accelerating students toward licensed careers.
TUW also offers a non-clinical track, which does not hold COAMFTE accreditation.
Highlights:
- Admits students from all academic backgrounds
- Tuition rates lock in when students matriculate
- TUW offers grants to students with financial needs
Considerations:
- Accreditation statuses vary among program tracks
- Practicum components may not meet minimum client contact requirements in all states
99%
Yes
N/A
N/A
$9,000
$9,000
90%
2,249
Private
University of Holy Cross
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
Students in UHC's online master of arts in counseling program can pace their learning as they proceed through an intensive 60-credit curriculum. We like the program's immersive and extensive clinical experience components. Learners complete more than 700 hours of practical training, which includes at least 280 hours of direct client contact.
The tightly structured curriculum explores the theoretical, cultural, and social foundations of counseling while emphasizing research literacy, diagnostic techniques, and counseling skills. UHC also includes required coursework in systems theory, which grounds the program in dynamic interdisciplinary perspectives.
Highlights:
- Accredited by CACREP
- Dual focus on couples and children
- Opportunities to present original research at academic conferences
Considerations:
- Three-year program
- Campus residencies required
- Minimum 3.00 undergraduate GPA required
68%
Yes
87%
N/A
$13,230
$13,230
76%
1,120
Private
University of Massachusetts Global
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Why We Chose This School:
UMass Global's online master of arts in counseling program features a dual emphasis on marriage and family therapy (MFT), and professional clinical counseling (PCC). We like this unique feature, as it sets students up for dual MFT and PCC licensure. Student outcome data indicates that UMass Global does an exceptional job of preparing students for licensure-track careers.
Learners engage with fully online coursework asynchronously, with UMass Global configuring the program to accommodate working adults. The curriculum blends practicum and capstone requirements, building applied learning into the culminating experience.
Highlights:
- Transfer in up to 12 semester credits
- 100% licensure exam pass rate
- 85% job placement rate
Considerations:
- Higher-cost program
- May not meet licensure requirements in all states
- Low full-time (52%) and part-time (25%) graduation rates in advertised length of completion
99%
Yes
93%
N/A
$12,510
$12,510
40%
8,689
Public
What to Look for in a Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling Program
From admission requirements and curriculum details to costs and financial aid, you have much to consider when choosing a master’s MFT degree. This point-by-point summary highlights factors to evaluate:
- Curriculum: MFT curricula cover a similar set of core topics. However, if you have specific interests, such as adolescent or military therapy, see how well schools represent them in their curricula or seek a specially concentrated program.
- Internship Requirements: Field learning components are required for accredited programs. In some states, you can also apply supervised experience gained as a student toward your licensing requirements. Consider not only placement settings but also internship durations and whether your state’s licensing standards recognize these as supervised experiences.
- Program Format: Format options include face-to-face, fully online, and hybrid programs that blend on-campus and online learning. Campus-based programs offer networking and social advantages, but they also tend to cost more. Online learning is flexible, convenient, and affordable, but demands more self-discipline. Consider your learning needs, personal preferences, and financial impacts.
- Admission Requirements: Each school maintains its admission policies. Some schools are more inclusive, and others are more selective. Research application requirements at target schools and assess whether you match the profile. This graduate application guide may also help.
- Accreditation: Institutional and programmatic accreditation are important, indicating a program meets high academic standards. Consider seeking an MFT degree with COAMFTE accreditation, which may help you qualify more readily for professional certification or licensure.
- Cost and Financial Aid Options: Consider the total price of your MFT degree and account for financial aid and other discounts. Explore school-based financial aid programs. Determine whether you qualify and estimate how much aid you might receive.
Hybrid and Online Options
Fully online programs build convenience and scheduling flexibility into your learning experience. They also make managing outside commitments easier while studying, which is great for working students. Notably, agencies like COAMFTE accredit some exceptional programs with fully online formats.
Hybrid programs offer an alternative for students who want flexibility without entirely foregoing the traditional learning experience. Campus residency requirements vary. Some programs feature low-residency formats, while others have face-to-face components that account for 70% or more of the degree.
In a hybrid program, you have more opportunities to interact and network with peers and faculty. These social elements can help you form connections that may later prove valuable.
However, you should account for practical considerations. If you enroll in a high-residency hybrid program, you must live near campus. This may increase your schooling costs. If cost minimization is your top priority, an accredited, fully online program might make a better match.
Practical Experience Requirements
MFT degrees usually include extensive field training or internship components. Your school may arrange your placement or help you find one independently. Schools often maintain close relationships with local community agencies and therapy providers, which they can leverage to secure student placements.
Field training components generally focus on building assessment, interviewing, documentation skills, and other clinical proficiencies. Students work alongside licensed MFT professionals. In most cases, students accrue hours they can later apply toward their therapist licensing requirements. Experiences may include direct contact hours, relational contact hours, or both.
Time requirements vary, but MFT degrees usually include internships or practicums in the range of 300-500 hours.
Program Outcomes
From an academic standpoint, program outcomes typically include:
Deep knowledge of standard MFT clinical models and intervention techniques within a human development context- Preparation for the MFT licensure exam
- Advanced research design, performance, and evaluation skills
- Professional-level abilities in applying clinical techniques to complex situations
- A sound understanding of professional ethics and code-of-conduct standards
With a master’s MFT degree, you will likely meet state-level educational requirements for licensure as a marriage or family therapist. You may apply for your license once you meet pre- and post-graduate supervised experience requirements, which vary by state but usually fall in the range of 300-4,000 hours.
According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the number of marriage and family therapists in the U.S. has grown 50 fold since 1970. The Chicago School has linked ongoing demand to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects rapid job growth of 15% from 2022-32.
As of May 2024, the BLS listed the median marriage and family therapist salary at $63,780 annually. The top 10% of earners reported salaries of more than $111,610 per year.
While most people with master’s MFT degrees become licensed therapists, you can pursue other career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling Programs
If you plan to become a licensed therapist, an MFT degree is not only “worth it,” but also essential. You must hold a master’s degree to qualify for MFT licensure. In addition, graduate degrees translate well to other paths, including doctoral education or other career-track community mental health roles.
