It's been said that in America there are approximately 100 divorces per hour. In fact, 42-45% of marriages end in divorce. When marriages fail, in many cases, it indicates a family in crisis. It's not just the couple who suffer, but children and other family members feel the effects. This is where the trained Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) comes into work with the emotions, experiences, and adjustments of those involved.
25 Best Online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy Programs
The need for counselors specifically trained and licensed in marriage and family therapy, according to data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is expected to grow by 23% between 2016-2026, a much faster rate than other professions. Therapists work in a variety of settings from private practice, family services agencies, and outpatient care centers. The median salary, according to the BLS, for licensed MFTs is $50,000. PayScale surveys suggest the average annual salary for an MFT is around $53,700.
Methodology
In reviewing online MFT degrees, Best Medical Degrees has developed a list of some of the Best Online Marriage and Family Therapy degree programs. The review looked at certain criteria: 1) program accreditation (preferred are degrees accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP), 2. length of program, 3) national recognition by U.S. News and World Report and/or Forbes Magazine, 4) estimated program cost (tuition only) and graduation rates as reported by schools to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), and 5) program format ( online, blended or hybrid). If you're pursuing licensure, be sure to verify with your state that the program you choose, meets all requirements.
Note: Schools may change curriculum or tuition costs without notice.
1. Messiah College
Messiah College is one of Forbes' America Top Colleges, and U.S. News and World Report rate it as a Best Value School. You can receive an MA of in Counseling with an MFT concentration. This program will qualify you to pursue licensure. You may want to be sure this program meets your state's licensing requirements. An internship and practicum are required. Studies include Foundations of Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, Premarital and Family Counseling, Human Sexuality, and more. For admission, students need to have either a bachelor's or master's degree, provide academic transcripts, successfully completed nine credit hours in behavioral science courses, and provide a personal statement.
Program Length Average: 60 Credit HoursAccreditation: CACREPEstimated Program Cost: $41,400Overall School Graduation Rate: 78%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website:Messiah College
2. Bethel University
Bethel University ranks as one of Forbes' America's Top Colleges. This is a Master of Arts in Counseling with an MFT track. In this track, topics include Family Systems Theory, Family Development, and Marriage and Family Therapy. The program also requires an internship. Bethel University has a standard admission procedure, but the MA in Counseling does require you to have at least nine undergraduate credit hours in Lifespan Human Growth and Development, Abnormal Psychology, and Research Methods.
Program Length Average: Credit HoursAccreditation: HLCEstimated Program Cost: $16,740Overall School Graduation Rate: 77%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website: Bethel University
3. Arizona State University
Arizona State University gets high marks from U.S. News and World Report as the #1 Most Innovative Schools, Best College for Veterans, a Top Public Schools and Forbes named ASU one of America's Top Colleges. You can earn an MS in Family and Human Development. This degree covers courses in Marriage and Family Relationships, Parenting, Theoretical in Child Development as well as requiring a capstone project. You can work with families crisis centers, adoption agencies, or in community support center with this degree. Admission is straightforward, requiring an undergraduate degree with a 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, official transcripts, etc.
Program Length Average: 30 Credit HoursAccreditation: HLNEstimated Program Cost: $9,784Overall School Graduation Rate: 69%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website:Arizona State University
4. Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University (ACU) receives national rankings as Best Value Schools, Most Innovative Schools, and Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report and one of Forbes' America's Top Colleges. ACU offers an online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy that can be completed in 33 months. This program offers four specialty tracks in Treatment of Trauma, Medical Family Therapy, General, and Child and Adolescent Therapy. A 500-hour internship is also required. You'll need to write a purpose statement, provide letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, as well as a video interview for admission.
Program Length Average: 60 Credit HoursAccreditation: COAMFTEEstimated Program Cost: $49,500Overall School Graduation Rate: 67%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website:Abilene Christian University
5. Fresno Pacific University
Fresno Pacific University offers a blended Master of Arts Marriage and Family Therapy degree that may be a good choice if you live in the Fresno, CA, area. This program reports a 71% Licensed Clinical Exam pass rate. You'll take core courses in theology and the Bible before taking major courses in Professional Ethics in Counseling, Family Violence, Counseling Families, a capstone and practicum experience. You'll need a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA minimum, academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, etc. Fresno Pacific University rates as a Best Value School by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length Average: 65 Credit HoursAccreditation: Accreditation Association of Theological Schools (ATS)Estimated Program Cost: $34,125Overall School Graduation Rate: 66%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website: Fresno Pacific University
6. Regent University
Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University has a hybrid Marriage and Family Therapy degree that includes two, on-campus, week-long residencies. Online classes are available in Theories of Counseling, Assessment Techniques in Counseling, Models of Family Therapy, Marital and Couples Therapy, etc. A bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, unofficial transcripts, and a pre-admission interview are part of the admission process. Students are encouraged to contact Admissions directly for help. Military Friendly names Regent as one of its top 10 schools.
Program Length Average: 60 Semester Credit HoursAccreditation: APA & CACREPEstimated Program Cost: $42,600Overall School Graduation Rate: 59%Admission Test Required: GRE or MATSchool Website: Regent University
7. California Baptist University
This MS in Counseling Psychology at California Baptist University might be a good choice if you live in California. The program leads to MFT licensure in California. A blended program, studies cover MFT Counseling Techniques, Family Therapy, Domestic Violence, etc. and includes practicum experiences. Admission is uncomplicated, but you will need to submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) along with standard admission material. This school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report in its Best Value Schools and Most Innovative Schools rankings.
Program Length Average: 62 Credit HoursAccreditation: WSCUCEstimated Program Cost: $44,950Overall School Graduation Rate: 55%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website: California Baptist University
8. Dallas Baptist University
If you're a minister, the Dallas Baptist University online MA in Family Ministry may be a perfect fit. Courses include studies in Conflict Resolution in Ministry, Victim Assistance Ministry Training, Family-Based Student Training, Marriage and Family Counseling, and others. You'll need to complete an application, official academic transcripts, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a current resume as part of the admission process.
Program Length Average: 36 Credit HoursAccreditation: SACSCCEstimated Program Cost: $36,144Overall School Graduation Rate: 53%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website: Dallas Baptist University
9. Liberty University
Liberty University's online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy degree can be completed in two years. The program has two intensives required on the Lynchburg, VA campus. This is a licensure program. You'll complete a practicum and internship before graduation. Coursework examples are Human Sexuality, Children, Adolescents, and Their Families, Premarital and Marital Counseling, etc. Admission requirements include an application fee, official academic transcripts, personal statement, and recommendations. Liberty University is named one of Forbes Magazine's America's Top Colleges.
Program Length Average: 60 Semester Credit HoursAccreditation: SACSCOCEstimated Program Cost: $37,573Overall School Graduation Rate: 50%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website:Liberty University
10. Touro University Worldwide
Touro University Worldwide (TUW) has an online Marriage and Family Therapy degree offering clinical, non-clinical, or licensed professional tracks. Depending on the track chosen, you could expect to take courses in Contemporary Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy, Development Within The Family Life Cycle, Human Sexuality, Adolescent-Focused Family Therapy, etc. Practicum experiences are required except for the non-clinical track. You need a bachelor's degree with at least a 2.5 GPA, or be a graduate transfer student from an accredited school and have a 2.75 GPA for admission. Touro College and University System is the parent institution for TUW and is recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America's Best Value Colleges.
Program Length Average: 54-82 Semester Credit HoursAccreditation: WASC (COAMFTE accreditation pending)Estimated Program Cost: $27,000-$41,000Overall School Graduation Rate: 50%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website: Touro University Worldwide
11. University of Massachusetts-Boston
UMASS-Boston has an online MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, hybrid degree. This program, while offered primarily online, will require a two-week, on-campus, summer intensive and requires there years to complete. Some of the courses you'll cover include in Family Therapy and Assessment and Intervention, Substance Abuse and The Family, Child and Adolescent Counseling, Couples Therapy, a capstone project, and field experience. You will need to provide academic transcripts showing a 3.0 GPA, statement of intent, letters of recommendation, and have completed a minimum of five social science courses. UMASS-Boston has made Forbes' America's Best College Values and America's Top Colleges.
Program Length Average: 42 Credit HoursAccreditation: COAMFTEEstimated Program Cost: $4,536-$17,094Overall School Graduation Rate: 48%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website:University of Massachusetts Boston
12. Texas Woman's University
This is an MS in Family Therapy degree from Texas Woman's University. TWU is one of Forbes' America's Best Value Colleges. The MSFT degree qualifies you to sit for the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). Coursework involves studies in Principles of Couples Therapy, Family Systems, Foundations of Family Therapy Theory, etc. An internship and practicum will be required. You can choose between a thesis or non-thesis option. Other than the standard requirements (university application, having bachelor's (or higher) degree and submission of transcripts, etc.) there is no special requirement for admission.
Program Length Average: 60 Credit HoursAccreditation: COAMFTEEstimated Program Cost: $16,500-$41,880 (depending on residency)Overall School Graduation Rate: 43%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website: Texas Woman's University
13. Amridge University
Located in Montgomery, AL, Amridge University has an online MA Marriage and Family Therapy. Courses include Human Sexual Development, Marriage and Family Development Counseling for Abusive Relationships, etc. and complete a practicum and internship. This degree can lead to licensure, but you should check to see if it meets the requirements for your state. The program may be completed in seven semesters. To apply for admission, you'll need to create a profile.
Program Length Average: 60 Credit HoursAccreditation: SACSCOCEstimated Program Cost: $40,500Overall School Graduation Rate: 40%Admission Test Required: Not KnownSchool Website:Amridge University
14. Mid-America Christian University
Mid-America Christian University has an online MS in Counseling, Marital, Couples, and Family Counseling with a therapy emphasis. Courses include Theories of Counseling Psychology, Marital and Family Systems Techniques, Ethics and Professional Studies, a practicum/internship experience, and more. The school does require you register for an online campus visit along with other standard admission requirements. This program is provided 100% online.
Program Length Average: 60-63 Credit HoursAccreditation: HLCEstimated Program Cost: $39,120Overall School Graduation Rate: 39%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website: Mid-America Christian University
15. Grand Canyon University
This is an online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration. The degree prepares you to become a professional counselor but doesn't lead to MFT licensure. Courses you'll study include Group Counseling, Diversity in Family Systems, Counseling Couples and Families, Abuse, Crisis, and Trauma Counseling. This degree also requires a practicum and internship. To gain admission to this program, an undergraduate degree from an accredited school and provide transcripts showing a 2.8 GPA or higher, and other documents are required.
Program Length Average: 74 Credit HoursAccreditation: HLCEstimated Program Cost: $39,220Overall School Graduation Rate: 37%Admission Test Required: GRE or GMATSchool Website: Grand Canyon University
16. Indiana Wesleyan University
Forbes names Indiana Wesleyan University in its Top 10 Four-Year Schools for Adult Learners as well as one of America's Top Colleges. This MA in Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University has an MFT specialization which takes a holistic and interpersonal approach. You can expect to take classes in general counseling topics and specialization courses such as Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy, Sexuality, Intimacy, and Gender, Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues, etc. You'll also complete an internship and practicum before graduation. When applying for this program, you'll need to pass a background check in addition to other admission documents.
Program Length Average: 60 Credit HoursAccreditation: CACREPEstimated Program Cost: $33,600Overall School Graduation Rate: 37%Admission Test Required: YesSchool Website: Indiana Wesleyan University
17. University of West Alabama
This is an MS in Family Counseling is offered through the University of West Alabama's online division. Required courses include Marriage and Family Therapy, Techniques and Educational Research with concentration courses in Advanced Techniques in Family Counseling, The Therapeutic Relationship, and an internship. This is not a licensure program. Admission is accepted for Fall and Spring semesters, and you'll need to provide typical admission requirements of academic transcripts, school application, etc.
Program Length Average: Credit HoursAccreditation: SACSCCEstimated Program Cost: $14,157Overall School Graduation Rate: 31%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website: University of West Alabama
18. Bellevue University
This Master of Science in Clinical Counseling is a licensure track program and provides a solid foundation for becoming a professional counselor. You'll study core topics such as Group Processes and Facilitation, Advanced Counseling Skills, Techniques, and Practices. Elective courses include classes in Human Sexuality, Treatment of Child and Adolescents Disorders, and has residency and internships requirements. You'll need a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA and provide official transcripts, resume, letters of recommendation, etc. Forbes has named Bellevue University as a Best Colleges for Adults.
Program Length Average: 60 Credit HoursAccreditation: CACREPEstimated Program Cost: $35,100Overall School Graduation Rate: 25%Admission Test Required: NoSchool Website:Bellevue University
19. Antioch University New England
The MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at Antioch University New England is described as "low-residency" with classwork provided online and six, residencies at the Keene, New Hampshire campus over the three-year course of study. You'll study courses in Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy, Couples Therapy From A Systemic Perspective; Family Counseling Approaches to Addictions, Family Studies, etc., as well as practicum experiences. You're encouraged to contact the Admissions Office to learn more about how to apply.
Program Length Average: 61 Credit HoursAccreditation: COAMFTEEstimated Program Cost: $68,016Overall School Graduation Rate: Not AvailableAdmission Test Required: UnknownSchool Website:Antioch University
20. Palo Alto University
This Master of Arts Counseling degree has an emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling. This MA requires a practicum experience in your home community and meets licensure requirements in several states. Coursework includes Counseling Skills, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, Family Systems Theory, Couples Counseling, etc. The school has rolling admission with start dates in September and April. A bachelor's degree, transcripts, resume, application fee, and letters of recommendation are part of the admission requirements.
Program Length Average: 93 Quarter Credit HoursAccreditation: CACREPEstimated Program Cost: $51,894Overall School Graduation Rate: Not AvailableAdmission Test Required: NoSchool Website: Palo Alto University
21. Pepperdine University
U.S. News and World Report list Pepperdine University in its Best Value Schools and Best College for Veterans rankings and Forbes Magazine named it one of America's Top Colleges. Through the Pepperdine Graduate School of Education & Psychology, this MA in Marriage and Family Therapy degree prepares you for licensure in many states. You can take classes in Multicultural Counseling, Trauma and Diverse Populations, Assessment of Individuals, Couples, and Families, and more. You'll need to complete four field placements before graduation. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, submit official transcripts, application fee, as well as letters of recommendations.
Program Length Average: 62-82 Semester Credit HoursAccreditation: WSCUCEstimated Program Cost: $98,270-$129,970Overall School Graduation Rate: Not AvailableAdmission Test Required: NoSchool Website: Pepperdine University
22. LeTourneau University
This private, Christian, Texas university has an online MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling leading to MFT licensure. Among the core courses are Counseling Theories and Family Therapies for Professional Counselors, Group Counseling Methods, and specialty courses in Family Assessment, Couples Therapy, and Assessment, etc. This degree also has a practicum requirement. U.S. News and World Report rate LeTourneau University as a Best Value School and a Best College for Veterans.
Program Length Average: 66 Semester Credit HoursAccreditation: SACSCOCEstimated Program Cost: $25,650Overall School Graduation Rate: Not AvailableAdmission Test Required: NoSchool Website: LeTourneauUnivesity
23. Northcentral University
Northcentral University is the first university to offer an online MA Marriage and Family Therapy program. This degree can be completed in 33 months. This program develops clinical counseling skills and includes a practicum arranged in your home community. There are three specializations: General Family Therapy, Couple Therapy, and LGBTQ Couple and Family Therapy. Forbes ranks Northcentral University as one of its America's Top Colleges. Admission requires proof of a bachelor's degree, academic transcripts, resume/CV, etc.
Program Length Average: 45-60 Credit HoursAccreditation: COAMFTE and IIACSTEEstimated Program Cost: $42,490Overall School Graduation Rate: Not AvailableAdmission Test Required: NoSchool Website: Northcentral Univesity
24. Brandman University
Brandman University ranks as one of U.S. News and World Report's Most Innovative Schools. Brandman offers an online MA in Psychology, Marriage & Family Counseling degree. Students study Marital Systems and Studies and Domestic Violence, Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and Child Abuse Reporting, Clinical Issues in Human Diversity, Family Therapy Theories and Techniques, among others. A capstone project and practicum will be expected before graduation. For admission, you'll need a bachelor's degree and submit three recommendations, official academic transcripts, and an autobiographical essay. Note: Currently, this program is not available for students living in specific states, including Kansas, Arkansas, Montana, and more. Inclusions involving state residency are provided on Brandman's degree program homepage.
Program Length Average: 60 Credit HoursAccreditation: WSCUCEstimated Program Cost: $39,600Overall School Graduation Rate: Not AvailableAdmission Test Required: NoSchool Website: Brandman University
25. Capella University
Capella University has a long history of providing online education. This blended MS Marriage and Family Therapy degree prepare students for licensure as an MFT. Among the courses in this degree are Marriage and Family Systems, Couple and Marital Therapy, Family Therapy Theory and Methods, etc. There is a residency requirement which may be satisfied by completion of two online classes as well as an internship and practicum. Capella University has a simple admission process.
Program Length Average: 92 Credit HoursAccreditation: COAMFTEEstimated Program Cost: $38,960-$44,804Overall School Graduation Rate: Not AvailableAdmission Test Required: NoSchool Website: Capella University