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
83%
Yes
69%
N/A
$6,678
$13,356
69%
5,860
Public
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
49%
Yes
70%
N/A
$6,490
$18,590
73%
8,398
Public
Touro University Worldwide
- Los Alamitos, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
68%
Yes
87%
N/A
$13,230
$13,230
76%
1,120
Private
University of Massachusetts Global
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
