Best Post-Master's Certificate in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT)
A Post-Master’s Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) offers a valuable pathway for professionals with a master’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related fields who wish to specialize in family systems therapy. This credential enhances career opportunities by meeting licensure requirements for MFT practice or providing additional expertise for licensed professionals. This guide explores top post-master’s certificate programs for 2025, including admissions, coursework, clinical training, and online options.
In this guide
2026 Best Post-Master’s Certificate MFT Programs
National University
San Diego, CA - Private 4-year - nu.edu
Graduate Certificate - Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
National University's Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy delivers a comprehensive 12-credit curriculum completed entirely online within 10 months. This COAMFTE-accredited program features weekly course starts and requires no physical residency, offering exceptional flexibility for working professionals. Students can select from multiple specialization areas including Child and Adolescent, Couple, and LGBTQ Family Therapy to align with specific clinical interests. The program emphasizes systemic therapy techniques and cultural competence development while meeting state licensure requirements. No entrance exam is required for this post-master's level certificate program.
- 100% Online Certificate
- 12 Total Credit Hours
- 4-6 Courses to Complete
- 10 Month Program Length
- New Course Starts Weekly
- Multiple Specialization Options
- No Physical Residency Required
- COAMFTE Accredited Master's Program
- Aligns with Licensure Requirements
- Multiple Areas of Emphasis Available
Graduate Certificate - Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Child and Adolescent Family Therapy - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing specifically on Child and Adolescent Family Therapy, National University's Post-Baccalaureate Certificate provides targeted training in developmental family systems and youth mental health interventions. This 12-credit online program spans 10 months with weekly course starts and no residency obligations. The concentration prepares clinicians for specialized practice with children, adolescents, and their families while maintaining COAMFTE accreditation. Students benefit from transferable credits and potential dual licensure pathways. This post-master's certificate requires no entrance examination, making it accessible for licensed professionals seeking advanced specialization.
- 100% Online Certificate
- 12 Total Credit Hours
- 4-6 Courses to Complete
- 10 Months Program Length
- Multiple Specialization Options
- New Course Starts Weekly
- Potential Dual Licensure Path
- COAMFTE Accredited Master's Program
- Transferable Course Credits
Graduate Certificate - Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Couple Therapy - Online Learning - Visit Website
Specializing in Couple Therapy, National University's certificate program offers intensive training in relationship dynamics and couples counseling methodologies. Delivered entirely online, this 10-month program comprises 12 credits across 4-6 courses with weekly start dates. The curriculum develops advanced skills in couples assessment, intervention strategies, and systemic approaches to relationship issues. COAMFTE accreditation ensures quality standards while flexible scheduling accommodates working professionals. No entrance exam is mandated for this post-master's level certificate, which aligns with MFT licensure requirements and offers potential dual credentialing pathways.
- 100% Online Certificate
- 12 total credit hours
- 10 months to complete
- 4-6 courses total
- Multiple specialization options
- New course starts weekly
- Potential dual licensure track
- No physical residency required
- Courses align with MFT licensure
- Semester credits per course: 3
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL - Private 4-year - northwestern.edu
Graduate Certificate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern University's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy delivers a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum tailored for aspiring therapists. The program emphasizes cultural sensitivity and ethical practice through an integrative systemic therapeutic framework. Students complete 400 hours of clinical fieldwork and 25 graduate-level courses in 24-36 months, with live online classes capped at 15 students for personalized attention. COAMFTE accreditation ensures high standards, and no GRE is required for admission. Placement specialists support career readiness, preparing graduates for diverse mental health settings.
- 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
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - Public 4-Year - usf.edu
Graduate Certificate - Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of South Florida's Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy provides a 15-credit hybrid program for mental health professionals. It emphasizes systemic therapy approaches to address relationship and family disorders through advanced therapeutic techniques and family systems theory. The curriculum includes 6 required and 9 elective credits, enhancing skills for counselors, social workers, and psychologists without meeting licensure requirements. No entrance exam is required for this post-master's program. Highlights include experienced faculty, multiple course options, and a focus on clinical psychology and mental health counseling.
- 15-credit hour program
- 6 required, 9 elective credits
- For mental health professionals
- Systemic therapy approach
- Not for licensure qualification
- Targets social work graduates
- Mental health counseling focus
- Clinical psychology compatible
- Multiple course offerings
- Experienced faculty experts
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA - Private 4-year - usc.edu
Graduate Certificate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
USC's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a comprehensive 24-month program preparing therapists with advanced clinical skills through evidence-based practices and supervised fieldwork. The curriculum emphasizes cultural humility, equity, and social justice, equipping graduates for diverse settings from public clinics to private practice. With a 98% alumni career effectiveness rate and 92% clinical exam pass rate, this cohort-based program offers competitive scholarships up to $30,000. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program, which includes 60 units at $2,354 per unit and prepares students for California MFT licensure.
- 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
Mercy University
Dobbs Ferry, NY - Private 4-year - mercy.edu
Graduate Certificate - MS Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mercy University's hybrid MS in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit program that prepares students for licensure through 300 direct client contact hours and diverse clinical training in areas like substance abuse and intimate partner dynamics. The program offers flexible full-time or part-time enrollment at the Dobbs Ferry campus, with no entrance exam required for admission. Graduates benefit from experienced faculty and strong job prospects in a field with 15% projected growth.
- 60-credit Master's program
- 300 clinical contact hours
- Dobbs Ferry campus location
- Full/part-time enrollment
- 15% job market growth
- Licensure exam preparation
- Experienced faculty members
- Internship opportunities
- Diverse therapy focus areas
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA - Private 4-year - usfca.edu
Graduate Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of San Francisco's hybrid Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program is a 60-credit MA in Counseling Psychology designed for licensure eligibility as both an LMFT and LPCC. Its cohort-based model features small classes with evening and Saturday schedules, providing clinical experience without requiring an entrance exam. This Roman Catholic-affiliated, military-friendly program offers year-round semesters for flexible completion.
- 60-credit MA Counseling Psychology
- LMFT license-eligible program
- Cohort-based learning model
- Evening and Saturday classes
- Year-round semester schedule
- Optional LPCC licensure pathway
- Small class sizes
California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CA - Public 4-Year - csustan.edu
Graduate Certificate - Master of Science in Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy Concentration
Concentration: Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Stanislaus offers a Master of Science in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration focused on Counseling. This 60-unit campus-based program prepares students for licensure in California through rigorous coursework, clinical practicum experiences, and research. The curriculum emphasizes multicultural counseling, ethical foundations, and specialized skills in trauma and substance abuse. Admission is competitive and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and psychology prerequisites; no entrance exam is needed. Graduates gain advanced clinical training for diverse counseling careers.
- 60-unit graduate program
- Licensure track preparation
- Competitive admission process
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Multiple counseling specializations
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Prerequisites in psychology courses
- Practicum and thesis components
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Research methodology training
Graduate Certificate - Master of Science in Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy Concentration
Concentration: Behavior Analysis - Campus Based - Visit Website
At California State University-Stanislaus, the Master of Science in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration centers on Behavior Analysis. This 60-unit campus program meets California licensure requirements, offering training in psychotherapy, multicultural perspectives, and clinical interventions. Students complete a thesis and practicum, with no GRE exam required for admission. The competitive process mandates a 3.0 GPA and psychology prerequisites. Focused on ethical practices and diverse tracks, it equips therapists for specialized roles in family and behavioral counseling.
- 60-unit graduate program
- Meets California MFT licensure requirements
- Competitive admission process
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Four prerequisite psychology courses
- No GRE exam required
- Clinical practicum included
- Diverse counseling track courses
- Thesis research component
- Multicultural counseling focus
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE - Public 4-Year - unl.edu
Graduate Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy (M.S.)
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Marriage and Family Therapy M.S. program delivers comprehensive clinical training through a 24-month COAMFTE-accredited curriculum requiring 53 credit hours. Students gain over 400 direct client contact hours in the on-campus Couple and Family Clinic, with specialized training in trauma-informed care and distance therapy technologies. The cohort model admits 8-12 students per cycle, fostering collaborative learning while preparing graduates for state licensure. This program does not require entrance exams for admission, focusing instead on developing culturally sensitive practitioners through urban and rural internship experiences.
- 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
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT - Public 4-Year - ccsu.edu
Graduate Certificate - Advanced Official Certificate Program in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: School-Based - Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Connecticut State University's Advanced Official Certificate Program in School-Based Marriage and Family Therapy delivers specialized training for educational settings, requiring 12 credit hours focused on family dynamics and therapeutic interventions. This post-graduate certificate prepares professionals for Connecticut state certification through four specialized courses and two practicum seminars that emphasize counseling ethics and professional development. The program requires the Praxis I exam for certification and offers a provisional educator certificate pathway, making it ideal for those seeking school-based MFT practice without needing additional entrance exams like the GRE.
- 12 Total Credit Hours
- Post-graduate Professional Certificate
- School-Based MFT Focus
- CT State Education Certification
- Four Specialized Courses
- Professional Ethics Included
- Two Practicum Seminars
- Praxis I Exam Required
- Provisional Educator Certificate
- Professional Development Program
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - tulane.edu
Graduate Certificate - MSW with a Mental Health, Addictions, and the Family focus
Concentration: Cognitive-behavioral and Multisystemic Family Therapy - Online Learning - Visit Website
Tulane University offers an online MSW with a Mental Health, Addictions, and the Family focus, specializing in Cognitive-behavioral and Multisystemic Family Therapy. This program prepares students to address complex family challenges using evidence-based techniques, with a curriculum emphasizing cultural sensitivity. Students complete 948 field education hours locally, gaining practical experience. The program has an 87% pass rate on the National Clinical Licensing Exam and offers flexible scheduling for working professionals. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
- Online MSW with Family Practice Focus
- 948 hours field education
- 87% LCSW exam pass rate
- Flexible part-time schedules
- Cultural sensitivity training
- Multiple intervention techniques
- Community-centered approach
- Local field placement opportunities
What Is a Post-Master’s Certificate in MFT?
A Post-Master’s Certificate in MFT is an advanced academic credential designed for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in a related field and wish to specialize in marriage and family therapy. Unlike a full master’s degree, this program focuses specifically on MFT coursework and clinical training required for licensure.
Types of Post-Master’s Certificates in Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT):
- Post-Master’s Certificate in MFT for LMFT Licensure: Designed for professionals with a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related fields who need MFT-specific coursework and clinical training to qualify for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure. This program meets state-specific requirements for LMFT, including family systems theory, couples counseling, and supervised clinical hours.
- Advanced Clinical Practice Post-Master’s Certificate in MFT: For already licensed therapists (such as LMFT, LPC, or LCSW) seeking advanced training in specific areas like trauma, addiction, or culturally responsive family therapy.
- Specialized Post-Master’s Certificate in MFT: Focused on specialized fields within MFT, such as child and adolescent therapy, LGBTQ+ family therapy, or substance abuse counseling, enhancing an LMFT’s scope of practice.
- Post-Master’s Certificate in MFT Supervision: For experienced LMFTs aiming to become clinical supervisors, allowing them to mentor MFT interns and associates.
- Post-Master’s Certificate in Teletherapy for MFT: Offers LMFTs training in delivering therapy services via telehealth platforms, addressing the growing demand for remote counseling services.
Most Post-Master’s Certificate in MFT programs are geared toward helping professionals achieve or enhance their LMFT licensure, ensuring they meet state regulatory requirements and gain expertise in specialized areas of marriage and family therapy.
A Post-Master’s Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is designed for professionals holding a master’s degree in a related mental health field who seek specialized training in MFT without committing to a doctoral program. This certificate enhances clinical skills, broadens therapeutic approaches, and may fulfill additional educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Duration and Structure:
- Program Length: Typically ranges from 1 to 2 years, depending on the institution and whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time.
- Credit Requirements: Programs usually require completion of 18 to 30 credit hours.
Cost Considerations:
- Tuition Rates: Vary by institution; for example, some programs charge $754 per credit, leading to a total tuition cost between $13,572 and $22,620 for a 18 to 30-credit program.
- Additional Fees: Students should anticipate extra costs such as application fees, textbooks, and other materials.
Preparation and Resources:
- Study Requirements: Engaging in comprehensive study is crucial for success. Resources like the Therapist Development Center offer specialized exam preparation courses, boasting a 94% pass rate for the National MFT Exam.
- Exam Content: The MFT licensure exam assesses knowledge in areas such as diagnosis, treatment planning, and ethical practices.
Pass/Fail Rates:
- National Averages: Pass rates for the MFT licensure exam typically range from 60% to 70%, though these figures can vary by state and testing period.
- California Specifics: In California, recent data indicates a first-time pass rate of 65% for the LMFT Clinical Exam.
Additional Considerations:
- Accreditation: Ensure the chosen certificate program is accredited by relevant bodies, such as the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), to meet licensure requirements.
- Clinical Experience: Some programs may necessitate supervised clinical hours; it’s essential to verify if previous clinical experience can be applied.
- State Requirements: Licensure prerequisites differ by state. Prospective candidates should consult their state’s licensing board to confirm that the certificate program aligns with regional requirements.
Pursuing a Post-Master’s Certificate in MFT equips professionals with advanced skills to address complex relational dynamics, thereby enhancing their therapeutic practice and expanding career opportunities.
What Are the Admissions Requirements?
Most Post-Master’s Certificate programs in MFT have similar admissions requirements, which include:
- Master’s Degree: In counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA: Often 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Official Transcripts: From all previously attended institutions. - Professional Experience: Some programs prefer applicants with counseling-related work experience.
- Personal Statement: Outlining your interest in MFT, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a post-master’s certificate.
- Letters of Recommendation: Usually two to three letters from academic or professional references.
- Resume/CV: Highlighting relevant work experience, certifications, and skills.
- Interview: Some programs may require an interview as part of the admissions process.
Meeting these requirements ensures that applicants are well-prepared for the academic and clinical rigors of the program.
What Classes Will I Take in an MFT Post-Master’s Certificate Program?
Post-master’s certificate programs in MFT focus on specialized coursework and clinical training essential for effective therapy practice. The curriculum often includes:
- Advanced Family Systems Theory: In-depth study of family dynamics and systemic therapeutic models.
- Couples and Marriage Therapy Techniques: Practical approaches to addressing relationship conflicts, communication issues, and marital challenges.
- Ethics in Marriage and Family Therapy: Exploration of ethical standards, legal considerations, and professional responsibilities in MFT practice.
- Human Sexuality and Therapy: Addressing sexual health, intimacy issues, and their impact on relationships.
- Trauma-Informed Care in Family Therapy: Techniques for supporting clients dealing with trauma within family systems.
- Cultural Competence in Therapy: Training to provide culturally responsive therapy to diverse populations.
- Substance Abuse Counseling in Family Systems: Strategies for addressing addiction and its effects on family relationships.
- Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practices: Developing skills to apply research findings to clinical practice.
Clinical Training Requirements: Students must complete 300-500 hours of supervised clinical practice, where they provide therapy under the supervision of licensed professionals. This hands-on experience is vital for developing practical skills and meeting licensure requirements.
Can I Get a Post-Master’s Certificate in MFT Online?
Yes, many universities offer online Post-Master’s Certificate programs in MFT, providing flexibility for working professionals and those with personal commitments.
Benefits of Online Post-Master’s Certificate Programs:
- Flexible Scheduling: Asynchronous courses allow students to complete assignments on their own time.
- Local Clinical Placements: Many online programs assist students in securing clinical training sites near their location.
- Accelerated Options: Some online programs offer accelerated tracks, enabling students to complete the certificate in as little as 12 months.
- Cost-Effective: Online learning reduces expenses related to commuting, housing, and campus fees.
Hybrid Programs: Hybrid programs combine online coursework with in-person residencies, providing a balanced approach that blends flexibility with hands-on training. These programs often include weekend or week-long intensives that allow students to practice skills in a supportive learning environment.
Note: Ensure that any online Post-Master’s Certificate program you choose is accredited by COAMFTE or a recognized accrediting body to guarantee licensure eligibility after graduation.
MFT Degree Programs
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