11 Best MFT Degree Programs

Ready to start your therapy career with the best MFT degree program? The choice matters because only 72 colleges across the United States offer these specialized degrees.

Marriage and family therapy programs have carved out their own space in mental health education. These programs award 3,683 degrees each year and rank as the #211 most popular degree program in the country. Your educational path can lead to amazing opportunities. Some MFT masters programs boast 90% placement rates in therapy-related fields, while others offer on-site clinical training facilities. ULM is one of the few schools nationwide that provides both M.A. and Ph.D. options with COAMFTE accreditation.

Students get real hands-on experience in many programs. They complete 500 hours of direct client contact that counts toward state licensure requirements. The quality of education speaks for itself – some programs even report a 100% pass rate on the national MFT exam. Program costs vary substantially. You’ll find options from $450 per credit plus fees (about $28,800 for a 60-credit program) to more budget-friendly alternatives.

This guide will get into the 11 best MFT degree programs to help you chart your path in therapeutic practice.

1. Northwestern University

Northwestern University ranks #10 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 list of top national universities. The university offers an excellent Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSMFT) program. Students get a complete education that prepares them for successful careers in this growing field.

Program Overview

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) has fully accredited Northwestern’s MFT program. Graduates can pursue licensure in most states after completing their post-graduate supervised practice. Students can choose between two flexible program options:

• On-campus: Full-time program with fall enrollment only, completed in two years (including summer quarter)
• Online: Full-time (21 months minimum) and part-time (36 months minimum) options with quarterly enrollment

MFT@Northwestern, the online program, matches the high standards of campus learning while giving students the freedom to balance their personal and work life. California students must complete a 24-month program minimum due to state requirements.

Program Highlights

Northwestern faculty developed the Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) approach over 25 years. This framework helps therapists deliver effective family, couple, and individual therapy from broader systemic viewpoints.

Students complete 25 graduate-level courses that blend live online sessions with self-paced learning. The program requirements include:

• 400 hours of clinical fieldwork (125 relational hours)
• 250 hours of group and individual supervision
• One in-person immersion experience at the Chicagoland campus

Classes stay small with no more than 15 students, which allows for customized attention. Dedicated placement specialists help students find clinical sites that match their career goals.

Tuition and Fees

Full-time students (3-4 units/term) pay $22,973 per quarter for the 2026 academic year. Part-time students (less than 3 units) pay $8,173 per unit. Additional costs include:

• Student Health Fee: $287 per quarter (Fall, Winter, Spring)
• NU-SHIP Annual Premium: $5,919 (waivable with proof of alternative coverage)
• Family Institute Tech Fee: $215 one-time fee

Students can access federal loans, grants, and program scholarships. The university suggests applying for financial aid along with the program application. MFT@Northwestern gives out a limited number of scholarships and partner organization benefits to qualified applicants.

The job market looks promising for graduates. The field should grow 16% from 2020 to 2030, which outpaces most occupations. About 8,500 job openings are expected each year.

2. University of Southern California

USC’s Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students to work in public mental health clinics, schools, or private practice. The USC Rossier School of Education’s MFT program is known because of its multicultural approach and focus on social justice.

Program Overview

The Marriage and Family Therapy program meets California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Students move through their courses together as a cohort in a fixed sequence. The 60-unit program takes about 24 months to finish and students can choose between in-person or online (synchronous) classes.

The program draws inspiration from the African proverb “I am because we are,” which shows that people can’t thrive alone. Students learn that clients feel more comfortable with therapists who understand their background and life experiences. This knowledge helps them build culturally sensitive approaches in their practice.

Program Highlights

The program builds expertise around three key themes:

• Therapy skills – Students build clinical abilities through self-reflection, classroom roleplay, and supervised practice in real-life settings
• Cultural sensitivity with social justice lens – Students learn how identity shapes behavior, thought patterns, emotional responses, and relationships
• Research-supported interventions – The program teaches students to use professional literature and evidence-based methods

Small class sizes create a shared learning space rather than a competitive one. Students spend their final year in a practicum internship and complete 400-500 clinical hours under licensed supervision. These hours count toward the 3,000 needed to get licensed in California.

The program’s graduates have achieved a remarkable 95-100% pass rate on licensure exams each year for 26 years straight. On top of that, 98% of former students say their USC Rossier education helped them become better at their jobs.

Tuition and Fees

The academic year costs $2,467 per unit. Students need 60 units to graduate, bringing the total tuition to about $148,020.

Each semester’s required fees depend on how you study:

• Campus students pay $952 (covers new student fee, health center fee, programming fee, student aid fund, and transportation fee)
• Online students pay $31 (covers programming fee and student aid fund)

Students don’t need to submit extra applications to be considered for merit scholarships worth $15,000 to $30,000. The program’s success shows in its numbers – 84% of MFT graduates find jobs within six months.

3. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University blends faith-based education with marriage and family therapy through its Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program stands out from other MFT degrees with its flexible learning options and detailed training in family systems.

Program Overview

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers the MFT masters program with online and evening classes that work well for professionals. Students learn to provide counseling services to individuals, couples, and families in secure, structured environments.

The program uniquely combines Christian values with professional counseling standards. Students learn about family dynamics, parent-child relationships, and modern couples’ challenges. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits this program, which ensures excellent educational standards.

Program Highlights

The program’s foundation lies in a family-oriented approach to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal issues. Students develop deep knowledge of psychotherapy and family systems that helps them become compassionate counselors.

Key areas of study include:

• The structure and dynamics of family systems
• Assessments and methods for marital and family intervention
• Biopsychosocial perspectives of family functioning
• Methods for working with multicultural, blended, adoptive, and single-parent families

Supervised field experiences prepare students for ground counseling scenarios. This hands-on training builds essential skills for professional practice.

Marriage and family therapists can expect strong job prospects. The field projects 14% growth from 2021 to 2031, creating about 9,100 new positions.

Tuition and Fees

Online and evening MFT program tuition costs $600 per credit. Traditional campus tuition remains $16,500 yearly—unchanged since 2009, showing GCU’s steadfast dedication to economical education.

Traditional campus students received about $7,300 in GCU-funded scholarships during 2024-25, which brought actual tuition down to roughly $9,100. Students should also plan for these expenses:

• Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment: about $1,100 yearly
• Student activity, facility, health, and technology fees: $1,400 yearly
• Housing and food costs (varies by living arrangement)

GCU helps prospective students understand their funding options during admission. The university gave more than $358 million in institutional scholarships to students in 2024.

The program meets Arizona’s academic requirements for Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials, though it doesn’t automatically grant marriage and family licensure.

4. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a unique dual-degree path in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy. This program gives graduates reliable credentials that open up career opportunities in mental health settings throughout the state.

Program Overview

UF’s Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy program is notable with its ecosystemic point of view on human problems. Students and faculty work together to find solutions for shared concerns. The program awards dual degrees—students can earn either a Master of Education plus Education Specialist credential or a Master of Arts in Education plus Education Specialist credential.

The 72-credit program prepares students to become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in Florida. Graduates can also become licensed mental health counselors, which creates flexibility in their career choices. Students typically complete the program in three years. The first two years focus on coursework, and the final year consists of supervised field experience.

Program Highlights

Students build their expertise in three essential areas:

• They learn to apply knowledge to relationship and family problems
• They practice ethical counseling techniques that match couples’ needs
• They build connections with professional organizations and credentialing bodies

The coursework ranges from Professional Identity and Ethics in Counseling to Substance Abuse Counseling. Students also study Trauma and Crisis Intervention and learn about Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders. The program’s hands-on learning starts with observing practitioners and builds up to working directly with clients under supervision.

UF accepts students for Fall entry until November 1. Students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and must maintain a 3.0 GPA in their upper-division undergraduate work. Previous graduate coursework must meet program standards. The program has made itself more available to different applicants by removing GRE requirements.

Tuition and Fees

Florida residents and out-of-state students pay different tuition rates. State residents pay $530.69 per credit hour. Out-of-state students pay $1,327.88 per credit hour. The total yearly cost for in-state graduate students living off-campus reaches $36,080. Out-of-state students pay $55,212.

Students should plan for these yearly costs:

• Books and supplies: $1,235
• Transportation: $1,660
• Off-campus housing: $17,755
• Personal expenses: $2,603

Classes stay small with about 15 students, which allows for individual-specific attention and better learning. Students get ready for real-world therapeutic work through intensive supervised clinical practice.

5. Fairfield University

Fairfield University’s Master of Arts degree Ranked as Connecticut’s #1 Marriage and Family Therapy program combines clinical training with personal development. The program prepares therapists to work in a variety of professional settings and is reputable for its dedication to social justice and systemic thinking.

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Fairfield University is a 60-credit program that gives you the skills needed for a successful therapeutic practice. Students who graduate can apply for pre-clinical fellow membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) has accredited the program through 2027.

Students can complete the program in 3-6 years based on their choice of full-time or part-time study. The program’s rigorous nature requires students to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and earn at least a B in all required courses.

Program Highlights

The Kathryn P. Koslow Center for Marriage and Family Therapy sits at the core of Fairfield’s program. This on-campus clinic is a great way to get hands-on experience while serving the community. Students provide therapeutic services both in-person and through telehealth on a sliding scale basis.

The curriculum includes these key components:

• Five or more semesters of continuous clinical training
• 500 direct contact hours (200 must be relational)
• 100 hours of supervision (50 individual with direct observation)
• Faculty-mentored research opportunities

The program offers specialized training options, including a certificate in Queer and Trans Mental Health. Diversity shapes the program’s core values, with social justice frameworks woven into every aspect of training.

Tuition and Fees

Graduate Human Development Master’s programs at Fairfield University will cost $940 per credit hour. The total tuition reaches about $56,400 for the required 60 credits.

MFT students should expect these additional fees:

• SEHD Technology Fee for MFT: $220
• Registration Fee: $60 per semester
• Graduate Student Activity Fee: $65 per semester (Fall and Spring)
• Commencement Fee: $200

The job market looks bright, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% growth for marriage and family therapists from 2023 to 2033—this is a big deal as it means that it’s growing faster than average for all occupations. Graduates can take Connecticut’s licensing examination after completing the program and gaining additional post-degree clinical experience and supervision.

6. University of Louisiana Monroe

The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) ranks among the nation’s top schools. It’s one of the few universities that offers both master’s and doctoral MFT programs fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

Program Overview

The Marriage and Family Therapy department at ULM provides several degree paths with a systemic orientation. Students can complete the Master of Arts program in two years of full-time study, requiring 60 credit hours. The doctoral program offers two paths: a clinical Ph.D. track with 69 credit hours that blends systemic philosophy, clinical practice, and research methods, and a fully online non-clinical Ph.D. focused on Systemic Studies.

The program aims to prepare clinicians who excel in systemic practice, clinical scholarship, and ethics to serve a diverse society. The program’s structure allows graduates to qualify for dual licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT).

Program Explains

The program combines challenging academic work with hands-on clinical experience. Master’s students must complete:

• 300 client contact hours
• 100 hours of supervision including individual, group, and observation-based supervision

Students work at ULM’s on-campus Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic under faculty supervision. They serve the community by providing individual, group, and family services on a sliding scale basis. Clinical track doctoral students must complete an additional 500 direct client hours.

The program’s results speak for themselves with 100% job placement rates and a 100% pass rate on state and national licensing exams. Graduates work in settings of all types including private practice, hospitals, homes for children, and mental health centers.

Tuition and Fees

Graduate tuition depends on enrollment status. Full-time graduate students (12+ hours) pay about $4,140.14 per semester if they’re residents. Non-resident costs increase by a lot to $10,190.14 due to a $6,050 non-resident fee.

Part-time students pay by credit hour. Resident rates range from $719.40 for one credit hour to $4,002.40 for nine credit hours. Students should also plan for extra costs like technology fees, ID validation fees, and course-specific charges.

7. Syracuse University

Syracuse University’s longest-standing marriage and family therapy program is over five decades old. The program holds full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Students get exceptional preparation to build careers in relationship-focused mental health services.

Program Overview

The MFT program uses a unique “Self and Systems” training approach. This method blends students’ self-awareness with clinical frameworks they use in client work. The program has 60 credits – 51 required and 9 elective. Students can choose their preferred format:

• On-campus format: Available as either full-time (2 years) or part-time (3 years)
• Online format: Part-time only, typically completed in three years

Both formats follow regular academic calendars with fall, spring, and summer semesters. The program takes a social justice approach that builds cultural humility and deeper understanding of clinical issues. Graduates can become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in New York State, and their credentials transfer to many other states.

Program Highlights

The clinical training sets this program apart from other MFT masters programs nationwide. Students complete 500 hours of direct client contact that counts toward their licensure requirements. Students on campus start their experience at the university’s Couple and Family Therapy Center and then move to community agency settings. Online students complete their practicum at approved sites in their local communities.

Students can specialize in these areas beyond standard training:

• Child therapy
• Trauma-informed practice
• Gender-affirming care through the Transgender Affirmative Support Team

Small class sizes let students work closely with faculty mentors throughout the program.

Tuition and Fees

Syracuse University shows its dedication to keeping education affordable. The marriage and family masters programs give students an automatic tuition reduction scholarship of about 40% off regular rates. MFT students now pay $1,196 per credit. The total program costs around $71,760 before applying the scholarship reduction.

The substantial discount means no departmental scholarships are available. Students can still apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA. Syracuse University staff members can use their tuition benefits for either the residential or online program.

8. Eastern University

Eastern University has one of the most affordable MFT degree programs. Students get quality education that’s available without compromising on complete training.

Program Overview

The MA in Marriage and Family Therapy started as a flexible and affordable program. Students can now access it through a 100% online platform using their innovative LifeFlex model. The structure lets students learn at their own pace and balance their personal and professional lives. Full-time students complete the 60-credit program in two years. Part-time options give students more flexibility with their schedule. Students complete their coursework online and do their internships at locations close to home.

Program Highlights

The marriage and family masters program merges systemic theory with faith, reason, and justice to create an integrated approach to therapy. Students learn cultural humility and ways to promote diversity, equity, and belonging as they work with different populations. The program uses a unique self-reflective approach to show how personal beliefs and values shape therapeutic practice.

Clinical professionals teach all courses by combining theory with hands-on application. The program has core courses like Marriage and Family Theory, Treatment and Assessment, Human Development, Professional Ethics, and Trauma-Informed Care.

Tuition and Fees

Eastern University shows its steadfast dedication to making education available. They charge $450 per credit for tuition and $30 per credit in fees. The total cost comes to $28,800 for the 60-credit program. This makes Eastern’s program much more affordable than similar MFT masters programs. Qualified students can apply for federal financial aid.

9. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University is the only institution providing COAMFTE-accredited marriage and family therapy education in Oklahoma. The university’s rigorous clinical training program prepares students effectively for licensure.

Program Overview

OSU’s master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy requires 60 credit hours that focus on clinical skills, self-awareness, and tailored therapy models. The program’s intensive training nature accepts only full-time students who can complete it in two years. Students who graduate become eligible for the national licensing exam in Oklahoma and most other states. The program requires candidates to submit their materials by December 1 for fall admission. Top candidates receive invitations to campus interviews scheduled in February.

Program Highlights

OSU’s state-of-the-art Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic serves as the program’s cornerstone where students learn through supervised experience. The clinical requirements include:

• 400 client contact hours (200 with couples/families)
• 100 supervision hours (50 including observable data)
• Advanced placement in community agencies

The program maintains small cohort sizes with 8-12 students admitted each year, which ensures tailored faculty attention throughout students’ clinical development.

Tuition and Fees

Graduate tuition rates are set at $233.80 per credit hour for residents and $879.75 for non-residents. International students should expect annual costs of approximately $45,909. This amount includes $36,471 for direct expenses like tuition, housing, and supplies, plus $9,438 for health insurance and personal expenses. The department offers financial assistance through assistantships, stipends, and tuition waivers.

10. Seattle University

Seattle’s vibrant heart houses this Jesuit-founded institution. The university’s Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy (MACFT) program emphasizes resilience and social justice in clinical training.

Program Overview

The MACFT program at Seattle University is notable with its COAMFTE accreditation. Graduates meet Washington State’s education requirements for marriage and family therapy associate licensure. The program accepts new students each fall through a cohort model. The admission process carefully selects candidates who show promise in providing anti-racist and culturally attuned therapy. Students build a strong foundation in systemic theory before they start their clinical practice.

Program Highlights

Students gain clinical experience through a 12-month internship in their second year. They must complete 400 clinical hours, and half of these hours need to be relational. Each week, students dedicate 15-20 hours at their clinical sites. This time includes direct client contact, supervision, and related clinical work. The program boasts impressive success rates. More than 99% of graduates become licensed LMFTAs or equivalent, and every student who takes the national MFT exam passes. The program uses Lumivero, a cloud-based platform that makes clinical training documentation easier. Graduates keep lifelong access to their training records.

Tuition and Fees

The 2025-26 academic year brings several mandatory quarterly fees. Students pay a Technology Fee ($208), Wellness Fee ($172), and Graduate Activity Fee ($10). A nine-month academic year costs about $50,499 for students living on or off-campus. Students living with family can expect to pay $35,217. New students must pay a non-refundable deposit that counts toward their first-quarter tuition. The program reviews all admitted students’ applications to award Equity Scholarships.

11. Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University’s Marriage and Family Counseling program helps students grow personally and professionally. Students become ethical leaders in the counseling profession. The CACREP-accredited program provides a detailed approach that blends academic excellence with hands-on clinical experience.

Program Overview

Students who earn their Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling at Gonzaga can work in a variety of settings. These include community agencies, hospitals, college counseling centers, and private practice. Students typically complete the 60-credit curriculum in two years. The program uses a cohort model with 10-12 students. Students learn to apply theory in real-world situations. Classes run Tuesday through Thursday in the first year. The schedule changes to Wednesdays during the second year when students start their internships.

Program Highlights

Students develop their unique counseling style while completing these requirements:

• 100 hours of practicum (40 direct service)
• 600 hours of internship (240 direct service)
• Approximately 200 hours of supervision

Faculty believe student’s mental health and self-awareness are the foundations of effective counseling practice. The program looks for candidates who show emotional intelligence, conflict resolution skills, and cultural competence.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition costs $1,190 per credit. The complete program totals about $71,400. Full-time students pay a technology fee of $145 each semester. Additional required fees include a $100 accident insurance and wellness fee. The program offers great value because of its thorough training and professional preparation.

Choose Your MFT Program

Your path to a successful career in marriage and family therapy starts with picking the right MFT program. This guide shows you several strong options. Northwestern offers a prestigious name and integrative approach, while Eastern University comes in at just $450 per credit. Each school brings its own strengths to match your goals and situation.

Quality MFT education lives and breathes clinical experience. Most programs want you to complete 500 hours of direct client contact. You’ll get hands-on training and complete supervision to prepare for your professional practice. The numbers speak for themselves – programs show 95-100% pass rates on licensure exams and place most graduates into jobs quickly.

Program costs vary widely. You might pay $28,800 for Eastern’s full program or up to $148,000 at USC. Many schools offer strong financial aid packages that make these programs more available than you might think.

Your life situation might help you choose between on-campus, online, or hybrid programs. Whatever format you pick, look for proper accreditation. Programs with COAMFTE or CACREP recognition meet the industry’s gold standards.

The job market looks bright for MFT graduates. Growth projections show a 14-16% increase through 2030-2033, much faster than most fields. This growth, plus your specialized training, sets you up for a rewarding career helping families and couples direct their way through life’s challenges.

Now you have a full picture of the best MFT programs nationwide. Take time to review which option lines up with your career dreams, budget, and priorities. Your choice of school will shape your therapy style and career path, so give it the attention it deserves.