Fastest Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degrees

The online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northwestern University is tailored for professionals seeking licensure, featuring a curriculum grounded in Integrative Systemic Therapy. This COAMFTE-accredited program offers the flexibility of online learning combined with in-person clinical training near students' locations. Notable for its rolling admissions and four annual start dates, the program does not require the GRE, making it accessible to a broader range of applicants. Students are prepared to address complex relational issues through a comprehensive, licensure-focused curriculum, emerging as reflective and skilled therapists ready to make a difference in diverse communities.

• 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 offers an online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy designed for those aiming to become licensed therapists. This COAMFTE-accredited program stands out for its no GRE requirement and can be completed in as few as 21 months full-time. Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes research, multicultural competence, and hands-on clinical training, including 400 hours of fieldwork and 125 relational clinical hours. With small class sizes of about 15 students, the program ensures personalized attention. Graduates are equipped with advanced therapeutic skills to support individuals, couples, and families, aided by placement specialists for career advancement.

• 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

Abilene Christian University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy offers a comprehensive, COAMFTE-accredited pathway for aspiring therapists. Spanning 60 credit hours and approximately 33 months, the program provides rigorous training in systemic assessment, mental health intervention, and therapeutic techniques. Students explore diverse concentrations including Child and Adolescent Therapy, Medical Family Therapy, and Trauma Treatment. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience through 100+ internship supervision hours, preparing graduates for national licensure. With a flexible online format and competitive $799 per credit tuition, the program blends Christ-centered learning with professional development in couple, family, and child therapy contexts.

• COAMFTE-accredited online program
• 60 credit hours, 33 months
• $799 per credit hour
• 5 unique concentrations
• Prepares for national licensure
• 100+ internship supervision hours
• Christ-centered learning environment
• Flexible online format
• Multiple start dates annually

Specialized in Medical Family Therapy and Trauma Treatment, Abilene Christian University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program provides advanced training for healthcare-focused clinicians. This COAMFTE-accredited degree integrates complex medical systems understanding with therapeutic intervention strategies. Students develop expertise in addressing trauma-related family dynamics, medical challenges, and systemic healing approaches. The 60-credit curriculum supports working professionals through flexible online learning, featuring 100+ hours of supervised internship experience. Graduates gain comprehensive skills to navigate intricate medical-psychological intersections, preparing for diverse practice settings including clinics, hospitals, and specialized agencies.

• COAMFTE-accredited online program
• 60 credit hours, 33 months minimum
• 5 unique concentration tracks
• $799 per credit hour
• 100+ hours supervised internship
• Prepare for national licensure exam
• Christ-centered learning approach
• Flexible online format
• Multiple start dates available
• Practice settings: clinics, hospitals, agencies

Abilene Christian University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program offers specialized concentration in Child and Adolescent Therapy, designed for professionals seeking targeted intervention skills. This COAMFTE-accredited degree equips students with advanced developmental understanding, therapeutic techniques, and systemic approaches specific to youth mental health. The comprehensive 60-credit curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical training, emphasizing complex family dynamics and adolescent psychological development. Through 100+ internship supervision hours, students cultivate nuanced clinical competencies, preparing to address intricate emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges faced by children and teenagers.

• COAMFTE-accredited online program
• 60 credit hours, 33 months
• Multiple therapy concentrations
• Cost: $799/credit hour
• 100+ internship supervision hours
• Prepares for national licensing exam
• Christ-centered learning environment
• Flexible online format
• Start dates: March, May 2025
• College of Health/Human Services

Focusing on Therapy with Military Families, Abilene Christian University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program provides specialized training for professionals supporting military-connected populations. This COAMFTE-accredited degree addresses unique psychological challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families. The 60-credit curriculum integrates evidence-based therapeutic approaches, deployment stress management, and systemic resilience strategies. Students develop comprehensive skills to navigate complex military family dynamics, trauma recovery, and cross-generational healing. With flexible online learning and 100+ internship supervision hours, the program prepares clinicians to provide culturally competent, compassionate mental health support in military community contexts.

• 60-credit COAMFTE-accredited program
• Online flexible learning format
• Five specialized concentrations
• $799 per credit hour
• 33-month minimum completion time
• 100+ hours supervised internship
• Prepares for national licensure exam
• Christ-centered educational approach
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement

Arizona State University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAS) stands out for its accelerated completion time of 16-18 months, making it one of the shortest paths to licensure in California. The program emphasizes system-based therapeutic techniques and clinical practice, tailored to meet the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners' requirements. With a curriculum that includes 39 credit hours and a 300 client-contact hour internship, students are well-prepared for diverse careers in counseling. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the program requires a 3.00 minimum GPA, three recommendation letters, and a valid Arizona driver's license for admission. The fall application deadline is February 1.

• 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

Whitworth University's Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy stands out for its accelerated 23-month format, making it one of the shortest MFT programs in California. This campus-based program requires a full-time commitment, offering in-person daytime classes that start each summer. With a curriculum spanning 64 credits and tuition set at $690 per credit, it's designed for swift entry into the field. The program boasts a 95% completion rate and a 100% pass rate on national exams, supported by on-site and community clinical training. No specific undergraduate major is required, but applications are due by February 1st. Highlights include a cohort learning model and extensive faculty mentorship.

• 64-credit MA program
• 23 months full-time completion
• In-person daytime classes
• $690 per credit tuition
• Summer term start annually
• Application deadline Feb. 1
• No specific undergrad major required
• 95% program completion rate
• 100% national exam pass rate
• On-site clinical training center
• Community clinical partnerships
• Cohort learning model

Concordia University-Nebraska's MA in Marriage and Family Therapy stands out for its faith-integrated curriculum, blending psychological training with Christian values. This hybrid program requires 62-64 credits, emphasizing practical experience through a 300-hour practicum, preparing graduates for licensure and diverse counseling settings. Courses are offered in an 8-week format, with synchronous online classes and on-campus residencies, ensuring a flexible yet immersive learning experience. Priced at $500 per credit, the program can be completed in 24 months, starting with a fall cohort. It aligns with COAMFTE standards, offering a Christ-centered perspective on therapy, ideal for those seeking to incorporate faith into their professional practice.

• 62-64 credit hour program
• $500 per credit hour
• 8-week course format
• 24 months to complete degree
• Online synchronous classes
• Fall cohort start
• 300-hour practicum required
• COAMFTE standards aligned
• Christ-centered perspective
• Preparation for state licensure
• On-campus residencies included
• Career paths in therapy/counseling