Best Master's Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT)

Drexel University's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Family Therapy offers a 90-credit hybrid program with a specialized concentration in Trauma and Addiction. This program provides advanced training in evidence-based therapy approaches, requiring a minimum of 500 direct client hours through clinical practicum. Students receive telehealth practice training and develop systemic perspectives to work effectively with specialized populations. The program prepares graduates for Pennsylvania MFT licensure and diverse career opportunities in healthcare, education, and private practice. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program.

• 90-credit master's degree
• COAMFTE accredited program
• Full-time campus program
• Some online course options
• Trauma and addiction focus
• Clinical practicum required
• Minimum 500 direct client hours
• Telehealth practice training
• Pennsylvania MFT licensure eligible
• Diverse therapy approach training

Drexel University's Master of Family Therapy features a 90-credit COAMFTE-accredited hybrid program concentrating on LGBT and Specific Populations. Students gain advanced skills in addressing complex health issues, trauma, and addiction while working with diverse communities. The program includes intensive clinical training with at least 500 clinical hours and utilizes an on-campus clinical simulation center. Graduates are prepared for Pennsylvania MFT licensure and careers in healthcare, addiction treatment, schools, and private practice. This master's program does not require an entrance exam for admission.

• 90-credit Master's degree
• COAMFTE-accredited program
• Full-time campus and online courses
• Trauma and addiction focus
• Minimum 500 clinical hours required
• Pennsylvania MFT licensure eligible
• Specialized training with LGBT populations
• Interprofessional healthcare training
• Multiple therapy approach models
• On-campus clinical simulation center

The University of Oregon's hybrid Master of Science in Couples and Family Therapy is a 90-credit, COAMFTE-accredited program that prepares students for licensure through intensive clinical training. With a small cohort of 22-24 students, it emphasizes hands-on practice at the Center for Healthy Relationships, offering 350 direct client contact hours and supervision. The curriculum focuses on diversity, social justice, and inclusive learning, supporting multiple career pathways in therapeutic settings. This program does not require an entrance exam.

• 90-credit Master of Science
• Nationally accredited program
• Small cohort model (22-24 students)
• COAMFTE accredited curriculum
• Two clinical training sites
• 350 direct client contact hours
• Supports state licensure requirements
• Inclusive learning environment
• Intensive clinical supervision
• Multiple career opportunity settings

The University of Oregon's hybrid Master of Science in Couples and Family Therapy with a Spanish Language Specialization is a 90-credit, COAMFTE-accredited program designed for bilingual therapy practice. It admits 22-24 students annually, providing intensive clinical training at multiple sites, including the Center for Healthy Relationships, with 350 direct client contact hours. Emphasizing diversity and social justice, it prepares graduates for licensure and careers serving Spanish-speaking populations. This program does not require an entrance exam.

• 90-credit Master of Science program
• COAMFTE nationally accredited
• 22-24 students admitted annually
• Multiple clinical training sites
• Licensure preparation focus
• Small cohort learning model
• Center for Healthy Relationships
• 350 direct client contact hours
• Multiple career placement options
• Faculty with teaching awards

Northwestern University's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy offers a licensure-focused curriculum based on Integrative Systemic Therapy, preparing students for complex relational work. The COAMFTE-accredited program includes in-person clinical training near students' communities and features rolling admissions with four annual cohort starts. Notably, no GRE is required for entrance, making it accessible for dedicated professionals. This flexible program combines online coursework with hands-on experience, emphasizing self-reflective practice to address systemic client concerns effectively.

• 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

Syracuse University's campus-based M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy provides comprehensive training through residential and online options, focusing on family systems theory and clinical techniques. Students gain hands-on experience at the Couple and Family Therapy Center and community sites, developing practical skills under expert faculty supervision. The program includes optional Certificates of Advanced Study in Trauma-Informed Practice and Child Therapy, preparing graduates for mental health counseling careers. No entrance exam is required for this master's program.

• 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 emphasizing cultural humility and social justice. Students complete 500 clinical practicum hours, addressing relationship dynamics, trauma, and LGBTQ concerns. With over 50 years of department history, this program prepares graduates for state licensure and diverse career paths in mental health. No entrance exam is required for this fully online master's program.

• 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

The University of Southern California's fully online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students for diverse mental health careers through a comprehensive two-year program. This curriculum integrates academic theory with practical clinical skills, emphasizing cultural humility and telehealth capabilities. Students complete supervised fieldwork in their home states while developing expertise in both in-person and remote therapy delivery. The program provides a clear pathway to California licensure and focuses on holistic approaches to family systems. No entrance exam is required for admission, making it accessible to qualified candidates seeking flexible online education with strong career outcomes in agencies, schools, and private practice.

• 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

The University of San Francisco's M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration provides comprehensive training aligned with California's strict licensure standards. This campus-based program blends clinical theory with practical skills through a BBS-accredited curriculum, preparing students for roles as licensed marriage and family therapists. It emphasizes ethical practice and advanced therapeutic techniques to address diverse mental health issues. No entrance exam is required for admission. The program is military-friendly and includes a Professional Clinical Counselor License track, offering specialized mental health training within the School of Education.

• BBS accredited program
• Meets California licensure requirements
• Part of School of Education
• Professional Clinical Counselor License track
• Specialized mental health training

University of San Francisco's hybrid M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration focuses on social justice and community mental health in Silicon Valley. Designed for working professionals, the 60-credit program features evening and Saturday classes in a cohort-based model with fall entry. It emphasizes cultural competence and advocacy to support vulnerable populations, providing a flexible schedule for adult learners. No entrance exam is required. This military-friendly program integrates transformative learning experiences to develop compassionate clinicians dedicated to making meaningful differences in mental health care.

• 60-credit graduate program
• Silicon Valley location
• Evening and Saturday classes
• Cohort-based learning model
• Fall semester entry
• Social justice focused curriculum
• Community mental health emphasis
• Working adult-friendly schedule

California Baptist University's online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology prepares students for Marriage and Family Therapy licensure through a 62-unit curriculum integrating a Christian worldview. The program offers flexible online and on-campus options, focusing on relationship restoration and advanced therapeutic skills. Clinical training includes mandatory practicum experience and psychotherapy requirements, with no entrance exam needed for admission. Graduates are equipped to counsel diverse populations while emphasizing professional ethics and multiple licensure pathways.

• Online and on-campus delivery
• 62-68 total program units
• MFT licensure preparation
• Christian worldview integrated
• Comprehensive clinical training
• Professional ethics emphasis
• Psychotherapy requirement included
• Forensic psychology concentration
• Multiple licensure pathways
• Practicum experience mandatory

California Baptist University's campus-based Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a Forensic Psychology concentration provides specialized training for MFT licensure. This 62-unit program blends Christian perspectives with forensic applications, preparing students to address legal and relational issues in therapy. It includes comprehensive clinical skills development, individual psychotherapy requirements, and a final examination, with no entrance exam required. The curriculum emphasizes ethical practice and practical experience for counseling individuals, couples, and families in forensic contexts.

• Online and on-campus delivery
• 62-unit comprehensive program
• Christian worldview integration
• MFT licensure preparation
• 24 hours individual psychotherapy required
• Comprehensive final examination
• Bachelor's in Psychology preferred
• Professional ethics coursework
• Multiple counseling theory courses
• Practical skills development

California Baptist University's dual Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry offers a 92-unit campus program combining clinical and spiritual training for MFT licensure. Students gain expertise in psychological and faith-based counseling, ideal for serving in both clinical and congregational settings. The program includes practicum experience, a comprehensive examination, and diverse coursework without an entrance exam. It accepts backgrounds in psychology or ministry, focusing on holistic mental health support and professional ethics.

• Dual master's degree option
• 92 total program units
• Prepares for MFT licensure
• Clinical and spiritual training
• Comprehensive practicum experience
• Psychology or ministry background accepted
• Includes comprehensive examination
• Diverse counseling course offerings
• Professional ethics training
• Multiple counseling application courses

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's hybrid Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy develops culturally sensitive clinicians through a 24-month, 53-credit curriculum. This COAMFTE-accredited program emphasizes trauma-informed care, attachment-based therapy, and ethical practices, requiring no entrance exam. Students complete 500+ clinical hours and a 12-month internship in diverse settings like hospitals and private clinics. The small cohort model (8-12 students) ensures personalized supervision, while training in distance therapy technology prepares graduates for modern practice. Applications are due December 1, 2024, with full licensure preparation for Nebraska.

• 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

Southern Methodist University's M.S. in Counseling with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist concentration delivers comprehensive 60-credit training focused on family systems and couples therapy. This rigorous program prepares graduates for state licensure through supervised clinical practicum and diverse coursework. Students complete the program in three years full-time, developing evidence-based therapeutic skills for various settings. The admission process requires a personal interview, and the GRE may be required for entry.

• 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

Southern Methodist University's M.S. in Counseling with a Licensed Professional Counselor concentration offers a 60-credit curriculum emphasizing therapeutic techniques and clinical assessment. Students can specialize in areas like play therapy or LGBTQ counseling while preparing for state licensure. The three-year completion option includes supervised clinical practice and internship opportunities. Admission involves an interview, and the GRE is optional for applicants with high GPAs.

• 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 M.S. in Counseling with a School Counselor concentration provides 60 credits of training in therapy and assessment through a family systems lens. This program prepares graduates for licensure with specialized tracks and hands-on clinical experience. Completion typically takes three years full-time, requiring an interview and possibly the GRE for admission. Additional requirements include recommendation letters and a personal essay.

• 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

Texas Tech University's campus-based Master's in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy provides rigorous clinical training through its on-site Family Therapy Clinic, preparing students for LMFT licensure in Texas. The program emphasizes hands-on experience with diverse specializations including addiction treatment and military marriages, supported by a large faculty group. Students engage in social science research with publication opportunities and receive strong preparation for doctoral studies. No entrance exam is required for this master's program.

• Campus-based Master's degree program
• Licensure preparation for LMFT
• Specialized addiction treatment focus
• Research and publication opportunities
• Large, experienced faculty group
• Clinical training in Family Therapy Clinic
• Prepares for doctoral studies
• Meets Texas state certification requirements
• Diverse research specialization options
• Collaborative graduate environment

Focusing on addiction treatment, Texas Tech University's Master's in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy delivers specialized clinical training for aspiring mental health professionals. This campus program prepares graduates for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists through exceptional hands-on experiences and research opportunities in addiction-focused contexts. Students benefit from collaborative learning environments and faculty expertise, positioning them for careers in therapeutic practice or doctoral studies. No entrance exam is required for admission.

• Campus-based Master's degree program
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist preparation
• Unique addiction treatment focus
• Strong clinical training opportunities
• Research publication possibilities
• Large marriage and family therapy faculty
• State certification eligible program
• Specialized research areas available
• Doctoral program pathway
• Practicum and clinical experience included

Specializing in family resiliency during health care crises, Texas Tech University's Master's in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy offers comprehensive clinical training through its campus-based Family Therapy Clinic. The program prepares students for dual licensure as LMFTs or Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors, with hands-on experience in military marriages, substance abuse, and resilience-building. Distinguished faculty guide research and practical career development aligned with state certification. No entrance exam is required for this master's program.

• Campus-based Master's program
• Strong clinical focus
• Large marriage therapy faculty
• Addictions treatment specialization
• Licensure exam preparation
• Research publication opportunities
• State certification compliant
• Practical career development
• Multiple research focus areas