Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Guide
Marriage and family therapy, also called marriage and family counseling, is a form of advanced practice counseling that helps individuals, couples, and families build healthy relationships. In all US states, marriage and family therapists (MFTs) must hold a master’s degree to become licensed. On this page, you will find detailed information about master’s degrees in marriage and family therapy as well as potential careers with this degree, professional certifications, and more.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Top-Ranked MFT Programs
- Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy?
- Common Admission Requirements
- Coursework
- Certifications for Degree Holders
- Jobs With a Master’s Degree in MFT
- MFT Licensure by State
- Frequently Asked Questions
Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Overview
A master’s in marriage and family therapy develops skills in relationship counseling to prepare you to support clients as they build and sustain healthy relationships of all kinds. Programs may offer opportunities to focus on specific types of relationships, such as romantic relationships, working relationships, or family relationships.
Master’s degrees in marriage and family therapy that are designed to lead to licensure typically comprise 48 to 60 credit hours, depending on the program and the requirements of the state in which it is located. This equates to two to three years of study for most students. The program ensures that graduates have the skills and knowledge required to successfully lead relationship counseling sessions. If you complete a 48-credit hour marriage and family counseling degree but need 60 credit hours to qualify for licensure, a graduate marriage counseling certificate may help you meet the requirements.
Quick Facts
- There are 140 not-for-profit colleges and universities with marriage and family therapy/counseling programs.1
- 1 school offers a certificate in marriage and family therapy/counseling.1
- 2 schools offer an associate’s degree in marriage and family therapy/counseling.1
- 4 schools offer a bachelor’s degree in marriage and family therapy/counseling.1
- 137 schools offer a master’s or advanced degree in marriage and family therapy/counseling.1
Top-Ranked Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Programs
Our best value methodology surfaces top schools that have programming in this field. We designed the following tables to help you find the not-for-profit colleges and universities with the top marriage and family therapy graduate programs, based on best value weighing graduation rate and net tuition cost. High graduation rates are a commonly accepted indicator of student success, while a low net price is important for many prospective students.
Top Schools With On-Campus Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Programs
For our on-campus list, we included schools according to whether they have a master’s in marriage and family therapy program with an average undergraduate graduation rate of 65% or better with an undergraduate tuition cost under $20,000 per academic year.
| School | MFT Graduate Degree(s) | US News National Rank2 | Grad Rate*1 | % Tenured Faculty3 | Net Price**1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appalachian State University | MA in Marriage and Family Therapy | NR | 72% | 39% | $10,491 |
| University of Florida | M.Ed./EdS, MAE/EdS in Marriage and Family Counseling | #34 tie | 90% | 50% | $11,313 |
| University of Central Florida | MA in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy | #166 tie | 73% | 44% | $13,016 |
| Brigham Young University-Provo | MS in Marriage and Family Therapy | #77 tie | 86% | 45% | $13,120 |
| Arizona State University-Tempe | MAS in Marriage and Family Therapy | #117 tie | 69% | 39% | $13,731 |
| East Carolina University | MS in Marriage and Family Therapy | #228 tie | 65% | 42% | $13,746 |
| University of Oregon | MS in Couples and Family Therapy | #104 tie | 73% | 39% | $15,939 |
| University of Maryland-College Park | MS in Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) | #64 tie | 86% | 44% | $16,790 |
| Lincoln Christian University | MA in Marriage and Family Therapy | NR | 71% | N.Av. | $18,653 |
| Harding University | MS in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy | #240 tie | 67% | N.Av. | $19,580 |
| Fresno Pacific University | MA in Marriage and Family Therapy | NR | 66% | 42% | $19,965 |
Top Schools with Online Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Programs
Due to increased demand, more schools are offering online marriage and family therapy programs as well as hybrid online programs that combine on-campus coursework with distance education. The schools in the below table offer online or hybrid master’s in marriage and family therapy programs with an undergraduate graduation rate of at least 30% paired with a net average undergraduate tuition cost of $22,000 or lower. When considered with other factors, graduation rate and net tuition cost can be indicators of quality online marriage and family therapy programs.
| School | Online MFT Graduate Degree(s) | US News National Rank2 | Grad Rate*1 | % Tenured Faculty3 | Net Price**1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medaille College | MA in Marriage and Family Therapy | NR | 37% | 8% | $11,929 |
| Mid-America Christian University | MS in Counseling, Marital, Couples, and Family Counseling/Therapy | NR | 39% | N.Av. | $12,944 |
| University of West Alabama | MS in Family Counseling | NR | 31% | 28% | $13,357 |
| Regent University | MA in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling | #281 tie | 59% | 37% | $16,779 |
| Campbellsville University | Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy | NR | 40% | 17% | $17,843 |
| Lincoln Christian University | MA in Marriage and Family Therapy | NR | 71% | N.Av. | $18,653 |
| Touro University | MA in Marriage and Family Therapy | NR | 50% | N.Av. | $19,045 |
| Fresno Pacific University | MA in Marriage and Family Therapy | NR | 66% | 42% | $19,965 |
| Houston Baptist University | MA in Marriage and Family Therapy | NR | 40% | N.Av. | $21,479 |
Other Notable Marriage and Family Therapy Programs
- Barry University: PhD in Counseling: Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling Specialization
- Florida State University: PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)
- Palo Alto University: MA in Counseling: Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling Emphasis (online)
- University of Georgia: Pre-Professional Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy (CMFT)
Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy?
- Get licensed to practice. Earning a master’s in marriage and family therapy is a critical step towards becoming a marriage and family counselor or therapist as it is required for licensure in all US states.
- Get a job in a fast-growing occupation. Marriage and Family Therapists are growing nearly four times the national job growth average so prospects are very strong. Through 2030, job growth of 16% is expected for marriage and family therapists, equating to 11,900 new jobs added to the workforce in the US over this 10-year period.
- Professional and personal satisfaction. Marriage and family counselors play a crucial role in supporting the mental and emotional well-being of individuals, couples, and families, and may derive a feeling of accomplishment with success.
Common Admission Requirements
Prerequisites for admission to a master’s in marriage counseling include:
- A bachelor’s degree with a strong record of academic performance. Most programs will consider graduates from any major, although those who studied a closely-related field such as psychology, social work, human services, or pre-counseling may have an edge.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 or above.
- A minimum score on graduate admissions exams such as the GRE (unless waived by your school).
Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Degree Coursework
To meet state licensing requirements, a master’s in marriage and family therapy counseling typically takes 48 to 60 credit hours (two to three years) to complete. The coursework will include at least one formal field experience in a mental health setting. Common courses for aspiring marriage and family therapists include:
- Advanced Crisis Counseling
- Counseling Across Cultures
- Couples and Marital Therapy
- Ethics in Clinical Practice
- Family Life Cycle
- Group Counseling
- Marriage and Family Systems
- Non-traditional Families
- Research Methods in Counseling
- Theories in Counseling
Certifications for Degree Holders
In addition to licensure, there are professional certifications that you can qualify for with a master’s in marriage and family counseling.
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Clinical Fellow: Certification for fully licensed marriage counselors at the highest level of licensure offered in their state.
- Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC): Professional certification offered to certified NCCs by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).
- Certified Domestic Violence Counselor (CDVC): Credential offered by the National Association of Forensic Counselors (NAFC).
- National Certified Counselor (NCC): Professional counseling certification offered by the NBCC.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy?
Since the title and practice of “marriage and family therapist” requires a master’s degree, most opportunities in this field are found by those who have a master’s degree and their MFT license. In addition to licensed marriage and family therapist, job opportunities include roles in supervising and management. Master’s degree holders can also find work in research and academia.
Titles for marriage and family therapists vary somewhat by state, and you should be sure to check your state licensing board for detailed requirements. Typical license titles for marriage and family therapists, all of which require a master’s degree, include:
- Certified Marriage and Family Therapist (CMFT)
- Independent Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ILMFT)
- Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT)
- Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
Visit our guide to careers in marriage and family therapy for detailed information on career paths by degree level.
Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure by State
The path to marriage and family therapist licensure varies by state, though a master’s degree is always required for independent practice. Check with your state for information on how to become an MFT.
- Select a State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Other Degrees in Counseling
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you earn a master’s in marriage and family therapy online?
Absolutely! There are many online marriage and family therapy programs that can help you qualify for licensure and launch a career in this field. You should be aware, however, that while many programs are low-residency or even non-residency, you will be expected to complete an in-person practicum or field experience. Most programs will allow you to complete this in your local area.
What can I do with a marriage counseling certificate?
If you already have your master’s degree in marriage counseling or mental health counseling, a marriage counseling certificate can help you meet a state’s 60-credit hour requirement for licensure. Even if you are already licensed, earning a graduate certificate can be a good career move as it can provide additional, high-level specialization that can benefit your practice.
What are the different marriage and family therapy degrees?
Marriage and family therapy degrees are most often found at the master’s and doctoral levels and in the form of graduate certificates. There are a limited number of bachelor’s programs in marriage and family counseling as well, although these will not qualify graduates for licensure. Common titles for a major in marriage and family therapy include marriage and family counseling, marriage counseling, marital and family therapy or counseling, and family counseling.
How long does it take to earn a master’s in marriage and family therapy?
Marriage and family therapy master’s programs typically require 48 to 60 credit hours, which comprises two to three years of study for most students. Studying part-time or on an accelerated schedule may extend or reduce this timeline. A doctorate in marriage and family therapy, which is commonly at least 45 credit hours beyond the master’s level, typically takes three to five years to earn. A bachelor’s degree commonly takes four to six years to earn with no transfer credit, depending on whether the student is full-time or part-time.
Do MFT degrees prepare graduates for individual therapy?
Yes, a common misconception is that MFTs only work with couples, but many provide one-on-one therapy and psychological treatment to individuals. Most marriage and family therapy degree programs prepare students to work with individuals in addition to couples and families, and many MFT students complete therapy with individuals during their practicums.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. US News & World Report National University Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities
3. College Factual: https://www.collegefactual.com/