Fastest Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degrees

Northwestern University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy blends online flexibility with in-person clinical training near students' locations. This COAMFTE-accredited program requires no GRE and features rolling admissions with four annual starts for timely enrollment. Grounded in Integrative Systemic Therapy, the curriculum prepares graduates for licensure through hands-on practice and self-reflective techniques. The combination of online coursework and local clinical requirements accelerates completion by reducing travel needs. Flexible scheduling and a focus on relational issues enable students to advance quickly in their therapy careers.

• Online and on-campus options
• COAMFTE accredited program
• No GRE required
• Four annual cohort starts
• Integrative Systemic Therapy approach
• In-person clinical training
• Rolling admissions process
• Licensure-focused curriculum

Northwestern University's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy offers a comprehensive path to licensure through its COAMFTE-accredited curriculum. This program emphasizes evidence-based training with 400 hours of clinical fieldwork and an integrative systemic therapeutic framework. No GRE is required for admission, and the flexible online format allows completion in 21-36 months. Small class sizes of up to 15 students ensure personalized attention, while placement specialists assist with clinical opportunities. The program's accelerated timeline is supported by intensive clinical training and live online sessions that maintain engagement without campus visits.

• Fully online MFT master's degree
• 24-36 months completion time
• COAMFTE accredited program
• No GRE required
• 400 hours clinical fieldwork
• 25 graduate-level courses
• Live online classroom sessions
• Maximum 15 students per class
• Placement specialists support
• Application deadline: April 14, 2025

At Northwestern University, the online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy provides a research-driven education focused on clinical excellence. Students can finish in as few as 24 months full-time, with no GRE needed for entry. The COAMFTE-accredited program includes 400 clinical hours and 125 relational hours, using an integrative systemic model to develop multicultural competence. Small classes capped at 15 foster interactive learning, and placement support eases fieldwork logistics. This program's efficiency stems from its structured full-time option and immersive experiences that streamline skill development for diverse mental health settings.

• Online MFT Master's degree
• 24 months full-time completion
• COAMFTE accredited program
• No GRE required
• 400 hours clinical fieldwork
• 125 relational clinical hours
• 15 students per classroom
• Placement specialists assist
• Integrative systemic therapeutic model
• Immersive experience included

This online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at USC offers a fast-track 2-year completion without entrance exams, enhanced by its fully online format and integration of telehealth skills. The program focuses on cultural competence and research-practice balance, preparing graduates for diverse mental health settings. Fieldwork in the student's residence state and a holistic approach to therapy contribute to quicker career readiness. USC's emphasis on versatile therapeutic techniques ensures graduates are well-equipped for licensure and professional advancement.

• Fully online MFT program
• 2-year full-time enrollment
• California licensure pathway
• Field work in residence state
• Holistic mental health approach
• Telehealth and in-person skills
• Cultural humility focus
• Supervised clinical work
• Multiple career opportunities
• Research-practice integration

USC's 24-month online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy accelerates completion through its full-time cohort model, eliminating entrance exams. This program emphasizes cultural humility and evidence-based practices, preparing graduates for California MFT licensure with a 92% clinical exam pass rate. Students gain advanced clinical skills through supervised fieldwork and a 60-unit curriculum focused on equity and social justice. The program's structured timeline and scholarship opportunities make it both efficient and accessible for aspiring therapists.

• Full-time: 24 months program
• Online and on-campus options
• 60 total program units
• $2,354 per unit cost
• California MFT licensure preparation
• Cohort-based learning model
• Scholarship opportunities available
• 98% alumni career effectiveness
• 92% clinical exam pass rate
• Fieldwork and clinical practice

Syracuse University's on-campus M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy offers comprehensive training through residential and online options, enabling faster completion with flexible formats. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical experience at the Couple and Family Therapy Center and community sites, supported by expert faculty supervision. Students engage in scholarly research and practical skills development, preparing for careers in mental health counseling. No entrance exam is required for this master's program, and optional Certificates of Advanced Study in areas like trauma-informed practice and child therapy enhance specialization opportunities.

• Master of Arts (M.A.) degree offered
• Residential and online program options
• Hands-on clinical training provided
• Couple and Family Therapy Center
• Faculty-supervised clinical practice
• Optional Certificates of Advanced Study
• Trauma-Informed Practice CAS available
• Child Therapy CAS available
• Located in Peck Hall, Syracuse
• Live and digital supervision methods

Syracuse University's online M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit, COAMFTE-accredited program that accelerates learning with a fully remote format, ideal for working professionals. It focuses on cultural humility and social justice, requiring 500 clinical practicum hours to build skills in addressing relationship dynamics, trauma, and LGBTQ concerns. No entrance exam is needed, and the program's over 50 years of department history ensures robust training for state licensure and diverse career paths in mental health settings.

• Fully online master's degree
• 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
• 500-hour clinical practicum
• COAMFTE accredited program
• Over 50 years department history
• Social justice framework
• Prepares for state licensure
• Diverse career path options
• Cultural humility focus
• Supervised clinical training

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Master of Science in Psychology with an MFT track stands out as a streamlined 90-quarter unit program that can be completed in just two years. This accelerated timeline is achieved through efficient quarter scheduling and day/evening course options that allow for flexible pacing. The program fulfills all California MFT licensure requirements and emphasizes hands-on clinical training at its on-campus practicum clinic. With small class sizes ensuring personalized attention and diverse faculty guidance, students gain comprehensive preparation for mental health careers. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program, further simplifying the path to completion.

• 90-quarter unit professional degree
• Fulfills California MFT license requirements
• Approximately 40 students enrolled
• Two-year program completion timeline
• On-campus practicum training clinic
• Day and evening course scheduling
• Diverse faculty backgrounds
• Community traineeship opportunities
• Mental health career preparation
• Small graduate class sizes

Southern Methodist University's M.S. in Counseling with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist concentration offers a focused 60-credit curriculum that can be completed in just 3 years full-time, making it one of the shortest MFT programs available. The program emphasizes family systems theory, couples therapy techniques, and hands-on clinical practice through supervised practicums. While a personal interview is required for admission, the GRE may be required for some applicants. This accelerated timeline is supported by structured course sequencing and comprehensive internship opportunities that build clinical competency efficiently.

• 60 total credit hours
• 3-year full-time completion
• Personal interview required
• Multiple specialization areas
• Supervised clinical practicum
• Licensure preparation track
• Diverse course offerings
• Flexible six-year maximum completion
• Internship opportunities included
• GRE may be required

The Licensed Professional Counselor concentration within Southern Methodist University's M.S. in Counseling program provides a streamlined path to licensure with a 60-credit curriculum completable in three years. This program stands out for its GRE-optional policy for high GPA applicants, eliminating a common admissions barrier. Students gain specialized training in diverse counseling approaches including play therapy and LGBTQ counseling through supervised clinical practice. The focused coursework and flexible completion options allow students to finish faster than many comparable programs while preparing thoroughly for professional certification.

• 60 total credit hours
• Three-year completion option
• State licensure preparation
• Diverse counseling specializations
• Supervised clinical practicum
• Multiple concentration tracks
• Comprehensive admission process
• Interview required for admission
• GRE optional with high GPA
• Internship opportunities included

Southern Methodist University's School Counselor concentration in the M.S. in Counseling program delivers intensive 60-credit training that can be finished in three years of full-time study. The program requires a personal interview and may require the GRE, but offers accelerated completion through on-campus and summer study options. Students develop expertise in family systems and therapeutic assessment through hands-on clinical practicums. The structured curriculum with multiple specialization tracks enables efficient progression toward state licensure, making this one of the faster pathways to school counseling certification.

• 60 total credit hours
• Three-year full-time completion
• Personal interview required
• State licensure preparation
• Specialized counseling tracks
• Clinical practicum included
• Multiple specialization options
• Diverse course offerings
• Three recommendation letters needed
• GRE may be required

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's hybrid Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization (M.S.) delivers a 24-month master's program with no entrance exam requirement. This COAMFTE-accredited curriculum focuses on trauma-informed and attachment-based therapies, requiring 500+ clinical contact hours. The hybrid format combines online learning with practical internships, allowing flexible scheduling that can accelerate degree completion. Students join small cohorts (8-12) for personalized supervision and gain extensive experience through 12-month placements in various clinical settings. The program's efficient structure and comprehensive licensure preparation enable graduates to enter the workforce rapidly as culturally competent therapists.

• 24-month program completion
• 53 total credit hours
• COAMFTE accredited since 1993
• 500+ clinical contact hours
• 12-month internship placements
• Cohort size 8-12 students
• Application deadline Dec. 1, 2024
• State licensure preparation
• Advanced trauma-informed training
• Distance therapy technology focus

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Marriage and Family Therapy (M.S.) program offers a 24-month accelerated pathway to becoming a licensed therapist. This COAMFTE-accredited program requires no entrance exam and emphasizes trauma-informed care with 400+ direct client contact hours. Students benefit from a small cohort model (8-12 students) and complete a 12-month internship across diverse settings. The program's structured curriculum and on-campus Couple and Family Clinic enable faster completion through intensive clinical training and comprehensive supervision. Graduates are well-prepared for state licensure with specialized skills in innovative therapy techniques and distance therapy technology.

• 24-month program completion
• 53 total credit hours
• COAMFTE fully accredited
• 400+ direct contact hours
• Cohort model: 8-12 students
• Next application due Dec. 1, 2024
• State licensure preparation
• On-campus Couple and Family Clinic
• Advanced trauma-informed training
• Distance therapy technology training

Arizona State University's accelerated Marriage and Family Therapy MAS program can be completed in 16-18 months, making it one of the fastest pathways to MFT licensure. This master's level program emphasizes system-based theories and clinical practice, requiring 39 credit hours and 300 client-contact hours through supervised internships. No entrance exam is needed for admission, though applicants must meet a 3.00 minimum GPA and submit three recommendation letters. The program's condensed timeline is facilitated by its focused curriculum designed to meet Arizona licensure requirements, with fall application deadlines on February 1st. This structured, full-time approach allows students to enter the workforce more quickly than in longer programs.

• 16-18 month accelerated program
• 39 credit hours required
• 300 client-contact hours internship
• Fall application deadline 02/01
• 3.00 minimum GPA required
• Located in Tempe, Arizona
• Requires valid Arizona driver's license
• Three recommendation letters needed
• Professional licensure preparation

Arizona State University's Marriage and Family Therapy MAS program stands out as one of the shortest MFT programs available, with completion possible in just 16-18 months. This accelerated timeline is achieved through its intensive, full-time structure that requires 39 credit hours and includes 300 client contact hours through supervised internships in the Phoenix area. The program focuses on systemic therapeutic approaches and evidence-based clinical skills, preparing students for Arizona licensure. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program, but admission is selective and includes interviews. The fast-paced curriculum, combined with mandatory full-time attendance and no part-time options, enables quicker completion compared to traditional programs.

• 16-18 month accelerated program
• 39 total credit hours
• 300 client contact hours
• Tempe campus location
• No transfer credits allowed
• Full-time attendance required
• Must have valid driver's license
• Internship in Phoenix area
• Application deadline February 1st
• Preparation for Arizona licensure

The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Oklahoma State University offers a streamlined path to clinical practice through its COAMFTE-accredited program. With applications accepted from September 1 to December 1 and small cohorts of 8-12 students, this program emphasizes hands-on training at the state-of-the-art campus clinic. The research-informed curriculum prepares graduates for national licensing exams without requiring entrance exams like the GRE. The focused admission process and dedicated faculty mentorship enable efficient program completion, positioning students for rapid entry into professional practice or doctoral studies.

• COAMFTE-accredited MS program
• Applications open September 1
• Application deadline December 1
• 8-12 students admitted annually
• On-campus clinical training
• Prepare for national licensing exam
• Faculty with doctoral degrees
• Funding opportunities available
• State-of-art therapy clinic
• Research-informed therapeutic approach

Oklahoma State University's COAMFTE-accredited MS in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-hour program completed in just 2 years through full-time study, making it one of the shortest MFT programs available. The program requires no GRE for admission and features a remarkable 100% national exam pass rate. Students gain extensive clinical experience with 400 contact hours at the on-campus MFT Clinic under expert mentorship. With only 12 students admitted annually, this intensive format allows for focused training and faster completion compared to part-time options. Applications are due December 1 for this accelerated pathway to licensure.

• COAMFTE-accredited program
• 60-hour comprehensive degree
• Full-time study only
• 2 years (24 months) completion
• 400 clinical contact hours
• Thesis and non-thesis options
• Applications due December 1
• 12 students admitted annually
• On-campus MFT Clinic
• 100% national exam pass rate

San Francisco State University's Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling is a 60-unit graduate program designed to meet California LMFT licensure requirements. This campus-based program emphasizes culturally-informed, systemic approaches to mental health assessment and intervention for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Completion may occur faster than at other schools due to its structured daytime and evening class schedule, fall-only admission that streamlines cohort progression, and extensive field placements at over 150 community agencies that fulfill clinical requirements efficiently. The program does not require an entrance exam, focusing instead on a holistic admissions process with a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA.

• Full 60-unit graduate program
• In-person program only
• Fall semester admission only
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Two academic year field placements
• Meets California LMFT licensure requirements
• Four semesters supervised practicum
• Culturally-inclusive curriculum
• Holistic admissions process
• Daytime and evening classes

Fairfield University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit program with a flexible 3-6 year completion timeline, accommodating part-time and full-time students. It requires no entrance exam and includes 500 clinical contact hours and 100 supervision hours. Completion may occur faster due to personalized study paths that adapt to individual schedules, avoiding rigid timelines. The program focuses on diverse therapeutic interventions and professional identity, with concentrations like Queer and Trans Mental Health, and is COAMFTE-accredited, preparing graduates for licensure with a social justice emphasis.

• 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
• 500 clinical contact hours required
• 3-6 year completion timeframe
• Personalized study progression
• 100 hours professional supervision
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• Queer and Trans Mental Health concentration
• Professional identity focus
• Diverse therapeutic intervention training
• $215 one-time TEVERA fee

Fairfield University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a School-Based concentration prepares graduates for school settings with training in child development and educational law. This 21-credit program requires the Praxis Core exam and includes 300 school-based practicum hours. Completion may be faster due to its focused credit load and pathways to Connecticut State Board of Education certification, enabling swift entry into public schools. COAMFTE-accredited, it emphasizes bilingual options and interpersonal skills, providing hands-on experience for efficient career advancement in school-based therapy.

• COAMFTE-accredited MFT program
• First state school MFT certification
• 21 total credit hours
• 300 school-based practicum hours
• Multiple certification pathways
• Specialized education law training
• Bilingual education options
• Interpersonal skills assessment
• Praxis Core exam requirement
• Fingerprinting background check

Fairfield University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Queer and Trans Mental Health concentration offers a 60-credit program completable in 3-6 years, with no entrance exam required. It focuses on systemic approaches and clinical competence for diverse populations, including 500 clinical hours and 100 supervision hours. Completion may be expedited through flexible scheduling and personalized study options, allowing students to balance commitments. Emphasizing social justice and ethical practice, this COAMFTE-accredited program supports rapid skill development in specialized interventions for LGBTQ+ communities.

• 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
• 3-6 year completion timeline
• Minimum 500 clinical hours required
• 100 hours of clinical supervision
• Personalized study program
• Multiple therapy intervention techniques
• Social justice and diversity focus
• Queer and Trans Mental Health concentration
• $215 TEVERA placement fee
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement

Fairfield University's Certificate in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy specializes in school-based interventions, focusing on child and adolescent development and educational systems. This COAMFTE-accredited program requires an in-person group interview but no entrance exam. Completion may be faster due to its focused certificate structure, allowing professionals to gain specialized skills efficiently. The program includes 300 school-based practicum hours and prepares for Connecticut State Board of Education certification, enabling quick entry into school settings. Emphasizing social justice and diverse therapeutic approaches, it offers hands-on training at the Koslow Center for real-world readiness.

• COAMFTE accredited through 2027
• Social justice-focused curriculum
• Master of Arts degree offered
• Clinical training in Koslow Center
• Eligible for professional licensure
• Diverse therapeutic approaches taught
• In-person group interview required
• Technology fee $215 one-time
• Multiple clinical placement opportunities
• Mentorship from diverse faculty

Fairfield University's Certificate in Queer and Trans Mental Health provides specialized training for mental health professionals, concentrating on supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, couples, and families. This COAMFTE-accredited program requires an in-person group interview but no entrance exam. Completion may be accelerated through its certificate format, designed for working professionals seeking quick skill enhancement in socially conscious and ethical practices. It includes clinical training and diverse faculty mentorship, offering flexible pathways for rapid professional development in systemic approaches without the length of a full degree.

• COAMFTE accredited through 2027
• In-person group interview required
• Technology fee of $215
• Multiple certificate options
• Social justice framework
• Professional ethics emphasized
• Clinical training included
• State licensure preparation
• Diverse faculty mentorship
• Advanced clinical facility