Best PhD & DMFT Degrees in Marriage & Family Therapy
Pursuing a doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is a significant step for professionals seeking advanced clinical expertise, leadership roles, or academic careers. Two primary doctorate paths are available: the Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) and the Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy (PhD). Each offers unique benefits depending on your career goals. This guide explores top DMFT and PhD programs in 2025, detailing admissions, curriculum, career paths, and online options to help you choose the right program for your future.
In this guide
2026 Best Doctorate Marriage & Family Therapy (PhD & DMFT) Programs
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX - Public 4-Year - ttu.edu
Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Tech University's PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy delivers advanced clinical and research training for aspiring professionals. The program excels in preparing students for academic and clinical roles through comprehensive therapy skills, research methodology, and professional practice. With a 100% professional licensure success rate and strong faculty support, graduates secure faculty positions nationwide. The campus-based Family Therapy Clinic provides supervised experience, and the program requires an entrance exam, such as the GRE, for admission.
- Ph.D. program fully accredited
- Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
- 100% professional licensure success
- Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
- Research spans diverse topics
- Strong clinical practice focus
- Supervised therapy experience
- Prominent national researchers
- Licensure hours count in Texas
Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.
Concentration: Military marriages - Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Tech University's PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy with a concentration in Military marriages focuses on advanced clinical and research expertise tailored to military families. Students gain extensive training through the campus-based Family Therapy Clinic, achieving a 100% licensure success rate. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research and clinical practice, supported by nationally prominent faculty. Admission requires an entrance exam, such as the GRE, preparing graduates for leadership in academic and clinical settings.
- Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
- 100% professional licensure success
- Nationally largest graduate faculty
- Accredited since 1981
- Interdisciplinary research opportunities
- Extensive clinical training
- Research covering diverse topics
- Licensure hours in Texas
- Strong academic job market placement
Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.
Concentration: Substance abuse in adults and adolescents - Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Tech University's PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy, concentrating on Substance abuse in adults and adolescents, offers rigorous training in advanced clinical and research methods. Students benefit from hands-on experience at the campus-based Family Therapy Clinic and a 100% licensure exam success rate. The program fosters interdisciplinary research and strong clinical preparation, with faculty renowned in the field. An entrance exam, such as the GRE, is required for admission, equipping graduates for successful careers in therapy and academia.
- Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy
- Accredited since 1981
- Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
- 100% licensure exam success
- Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
- Interdisciplinary research approach
- Licensure hours count in Texas
- Research spans diverse topics
- Strong clinical preparation
- Nationally prominent researchers
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL - Private 4-year - northwestern.edu
Doctorate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern University's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited program emphasizing research-driven training and multicultural competence. Students complete 400 hours of clinical fieldwork, including 125 relational clinical hours, in as few as 21 months full-time. The program uses an integrative systemic therapeutic model with small classes of 15 students and offers placement assistance. No GRE is required, making it accessible for professionals seeking licensure. Graduates are equipped to help diverse individuals, couples, and families thrive through flexible online learning.
- 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
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL - Public 4-Year - fsu.edu
Doctorate - Marriage and Family Therapy (Ph.D.)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Florida State University's Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited, 4-year program requiring a minimum of 83 credit hours, including 21 clinical supervision and 24 dissertation credits. It emphasizes advanced clinical training at the Center for Couple and Family Therapy, focusing on diverse family processes and evidence-based interventions. Applicants need a clinical master's degree, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and GRE scores are recommended. The program prepares graduates for academic and clinical leadership roles, with a December 1 application deadline for this competitive doctoral pathway.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- 4-year program length
- Minimum 83 credit hours
- Clinical Master's prerequisite
- 21 clinical supervision credits
- 24 dissertation credits
- December 1 application deadline
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
- GRE score recommended
- Competitive doctoral program
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN - Public 4-Year - twin-cities.umn.edu
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple & Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities' PhD in Couple and Family Therapy prepares licensed master's-level clinicians for leadership roles through advanced systemic training with diverse families. This COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited campus program emphasizes cultural competence, research, and teaching while maintaining clinical activity. Students develop expertise in relationally-oriented mental health, contributing to a multicultural-informed profession. Graduates pursue careers in academia, clinical administration, and research, impacting individual, couple, and family wellness. The program requires an entrance exam.
- COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited
- Requires clinical master's degree
- Doctoral students clinically active
- Focus on diverse family systems
- Leadership and research emphasis
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA - Public 4-Year - vt.edu
Doctorate - PhD in Human Development with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website
Virginia Tech's PhD in Human Development with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration equips students for advanced clinical and academic roles through rigorous research and systemic analysis. The program emphasizes individualized mentorship and multidisciplinary research, with fully funded assistantships covering tuition and providing stipends. It requires a clinical master's degree, a 3.0 GPA, and three recommendation letters, but does not mandate an entrance exam. Graduates pursue careers in academia, healthcare, and social services, leveraging the program's strong theoretical and methodological training at the Blacksburg campus.
- PhD with MFT Concentration
- Requires clinical master's degree
- Full assistantship funding available
- On-campus, in-person program
- December 1st application deadline
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Research and teaching opportunities
- Multidisciplinary research centers
- Individual faculty mentorship
- Comprehensive theoretical training
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI - Public 4-Year - msu.edu
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Michigan State University's COAMFTE-accredited Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy prepares scholars for advanced clinical research and practice through rigorous training in relational processes and empirically-supported interventions. Students collaborate with expert faculty on interdisciplinary scholarship with a social justice orientation, developing expertise in research methodologies and clinical applications. This doctoral program requires an entrance exam and positions graduates for impactful careers in academia, research organizations, and clinical settings.
- COAMFTE-accredited doctoral program
- Focus on relational processes
- Empirically-supported interventions
- Clinical research methodology training
- Interdisciplinary scholarship approach
- Mentorship with expert faculty
- Social justice research orientation
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Duluth, MN - Public 4-Year - d.umn.edu
Doctorate - PhD in Couple and Family Therapy Specialization
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Minnesota-Duluth's PhD in Couple and Family Therapy prepares transformative leaders in mental health through advanced research, clinical, and teaching skills. This program emphasizes systemic work with diverse families and communities, focusing on multicultural competence and ethical practice. Students must hold a clinical master's degree and maintain clinical activity throughout their studies. The program requires an entrance exam. Graduates are equipped for careers in academia, clinical administration, and research, supported by national accreditation and a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion.
- Nationally accredited program
- Clinical master's degree required
- Emphasizes diversity and inclusion
- Prepares leaders in family therapy
- Research and clinical focus
Lee University
Cleveland, TN - Private 4-year - leeuniversity.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Lee University's PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students as innovative clinicians, educators, supervisors, and researchers with a Christian organizational focus. Launched in fall 2020, this campus-based program emphasizes compassionate care, advanced clinical training, and serving underserved communities. It develops professionals dedicated to addressing complex psychological and social challenges through a holistic therapeutic approach. The program does not require an entrance exam.
- First MFT doctoral graduates
- Christian organizational focus
- Launched fall 2020
- Serves underserved communities
- Develops innovative clinicians
Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Racial trauma and cultural competence - Campus Based - Visit Website
Lee University's PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in racial trauma and cultural competence trains students to address systemic issues through innovative clinical practice and research. This campus program, launched in fall 2020, focuses on developing compassionate professionals who serve underserved communities via Christian organizations. It emphasizes clinical leadership and a trauma-informed systemic approach, preparing graduates for meaningful impacts in mental health. No entrance exam is required.
- First MFT doctoral graduates
- Christian organizational focus
- Launched fall 2020
- Clinical leadership training
- Trauma and systemic approach
Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Trauma and PTSD - Campus Based - Visit Website
Lee University's PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in trauma and PTSD equips students to become advanced clinicians, educators, supervisors, and researchers. This campus-based program, initiated in fall 2020, centers on Christian values and practical expertise to serve underserved communities. It fosters innovative, community-focused professionals capable of addressing trauma through rigorous academic and clinical training. An entrance exam is not required for admission.
- First MFT doctoral graduates
- Christian-centered approach
- Launched fall 2020
- Focus on serving underserved communities
- Develops innovative clinicians
- Prepares systemic supervisors
- Trains pragmatic researchers
- Community-focused program
University of Holy Cross
New Orleans, LA - Private 4-year - uhcno.edu
Doctorate - PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Holy Cross offers a CACREP-accredited online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration. This 117-credit program prepares students for leadership roles as counselor educators, supervisors, and researchers through advanced training in counseling theory, multicultural perspectives, and ethical practice. It includes clinical practicum and internship components requiring at least 600 hours, plus a dissertation. No entrance exam is required for admission. The program emphasizes research methodologies and professional development, making it ideal for those seeking academic or clinical leadership positions.
- 117 semester credits required
- CACREP-accredited program
- Online and traditional options
- Doctoral practicum and internship
- Prepares counselor educators and leaders
- Multiple specialization options
- International study opportunities
- Minimum 600 internship hours
- Dissertation research component
- Professional association memberships required
Doctorate - PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Concentration: School Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focused on School Counseling, the University of Holy Cross's online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision is CACREP-accredited and requires 117 credits. Students develop expertise in advanced counseling theories, research methods, and multicultural competencies to become leaders in educational settings. The program includes clinical practicum, internship experiences, and a dissertation, with opportunities for international study and faculty mentorship. No entrance exam is required. Designed for professionals aiming for university faculty or advanced school counseling leadership roles, it emphasizes practical training and research skills.
- CACREP Accredited Program
- 117 semester credits required
- Online and traditional options
- Clinical practicum and internship
- Dissertation required
- Leadership in counseling focus
- Faculty mentorship opportunities
- International study institutes available
- 10-year maximum program completion
Eastern University
Saint Davids, PA - Private 4-year - eastern.edu
Doctorate - Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Eastern University's Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) is a 60-credit online doctoral program integrating advanced family systems theory with theological insights for church leaders and mental health professionals. This interdisciplinary approach combines practical theology with clinical practice to develop leadership and therapeutic expertise, preparing graduates for licensure through practicum and doctoral project components. As a doctorate-level program, it requires an entrance exam unless explicitly waived. The program is military-friendly and focuses on holistic family, individual, and church community wellness.
- 60-credit doctoral program
- Integrates theology and clinical practice
- Advances leadership and therapy skills
- Focuses on family systems theory
- Practicum and doctoral project included
- Courses explore diverse therapy topics
- Prepares for professional licensure
Doctorate - PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Eastern University's PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 100% online, 60-credit doctoral program blending psychological and theological perspectives for advanced professionals in counseling, research, and leadership. With a total cost of $28,800 and flexible 4-6 year completion, it emphasizes research through a dissertation and prepares graduates for academia, clinical, and pastoral roles. This doctorate-level program requires an entrance exam unless stated otherwise. It is military-friendly and focuses on holistic individual, couple, and family wellness, with annual starts in August.
- 100% Online Program
- 60 Credit Doctoral Degree
- 4-6 Years Completion Time
- $450 per Credit Tuition
- Christian Psychology Integration
- Research-Focused Dissertation
- Leadership Career Preparation
- Starts in August Annually
- Pastoral and Clinical Focus
- Advanced Counseling Skills Training
DMFT and PhD Doctorate Programs in MFT 2025
MFT doctorate programs balance academic rigor, advanced clinical training, and flexibility for working professionals. Our 2025 rankings will highlight top programs based on accreditation, faculty expertise, research opportunities, and student outcomes.
Many top programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), ensuring high academic and clinical standards. Accreditation is essential for licensure, eligibility for clinical supervision roles, and credibility in the field. The programs listed in our rankings provide pathways to licensure for those entering the profession and offer advanced credentials for experienced therapists aiming for leadership, research, or teaching positions.
What is a Doctorate in Marriage & Family Therapy?
A doctorate in MFT (DMFT) is the highest level of academic and clinical training available in the field. It equips students with advanced therapeutic skills, research capabilities, and leadership competencies. This degree is ideal for those aiming to:
- Provide Advanced Clinical Services: Handle complex cases and offer specialized therapy.
- Conduct Research: Contribute to the body of knowledge in family systems therapy.
- Teach at the University Level: Train future MFT professionals.
- Take on Leadership Roles: Serve as clinical directors, program supervisors, or policy advisors.
DMFT Program Details:
- Program Length: 3 to 5 years (full-time); 4 to 7 years (part-time)
- Credits Required: 60 to 90 credits
- Tuition Range: $30,000 to $100,000 for the entire program
- Clinical Training Hours: 1,000+ supervised hours (varies by state)
- Licensure Eligibility: Often required for LMFT licensure or clinical supervision
A doctorate in MFT can lead to licensure if the program is accredited and meets state-specific requirements. It also opens doors to high-level roles in clinical practice, academia, research, and organizational leadership.
DMFT vs. PhD: Which MFT Doctorate is Right for You?
Choosing between a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy (PhD) depends on your career goals and academic interests.
The DMFT is designed for professionals focused on advanced clinical practice, leadership, and program development. This degree emphasizes hands-on therapeutic techniques, clinical supervision, and the application of systemic therapy models in diverse settings. Students pursuing a DMFT often aim for careers as clinical directors, supervisors, or senior therapists in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The DMFT typically takes 3 to 4 years of full-time study, including substantial clinical hours, and tuition ranges from $40,000 to $85,000. This degree is ideal for experienced therapists who want to enhance their practical skills and take on leadership roles within the field.
In contrast, the PhD in MFT is more academically oriented, focusing on research, theory, and education. PhD programs prepare students for careers in academia, such as university professors, researchers, and policy advisors, as well as advanced clinical practice. The curriculum includes extensive coursework in research methodologies, statistics, and theoretical frameworks, culminating in a dissertation that contributes original research to the field. A PhD program generally requires 4 to 5 years of full-time study, with tuition ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. This path is suited for those who wish to shape the future of MFT through research, teaching, and scholarly work.
Both degrees offer opportunities for licensure and advanced practice, but the DMFT leans toward clinical application and leadership, while the PhD emphasizes research, theory, and academia. Understanding these distinctions helps prospective students align their educational choices with their professional aspirations in the field of marriage and family therapy.
|
Compare
|
DMFT
|
PhD in MFT
|
|---|---|---|
|
Focus of Study
|
Advanced clinical practice, leadership, and program development
|
Research, theory, and academia, with some clinical components
|
|
Ideal For
|
Experienced clinicians seeking leadership roles, clinical supervision, and program administration
|
Those pursuing teaching, research, policy-making, or academic leadership
|
|
Curriculum
|
Emphasizes applied therapy techniques, clinical supervision, and systemic therapy models
|
Focuses on research methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and statistical analysis
|
|
Career Paths
|
Clinical directors, senior therapists, supervisors, private practice owners
|
University professors, researchers, policy advisors, clinical educators
|
|
Program Length
|
3-4 years (full-time)
|
4-5 years (full-time)
|
|
Clinical Hours
|
Extensive clinical training and applied therapy experience
|
May include clinical work, but with greater focus on research and dissertation
|
|
Dissertation Requirement
|
Typically applied projects or clinical case studies
|
Requires an original dissertation contributing to MFT research
|
|
Tuition Range
|
$40,000 - $85,000
|
$50,000 - $100,000
|
|
Accreditation
|
Often COAMFTE-accredited, ensuring licensure eligibility
|
Often COAMFTE-accredited, preparing graduates for academic or clinical careers
|
|
Licensure Prep
|
Prepares students for advanced clinical roles and supervision
|
Can lead to licensure but is often geared toward academic and research careers
|
What Are the Admissions Requirements?
Admissions requirements for DMFT and PhD programs in MFT typically include:
- Master’s Degree: Typically a Master’s in MFT, counseling, psychology, or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA: Usually 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Official Transcripts: From all previously attended institutions.
- Clinical Experience: Many programs require 1-3 years of post-master’s clinical experience.
- Personal Statement: Detailing your interest in MFT, career goals, and reasons for pursuing a doctorate.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two to three letters from academic or professional references.
- Writing Sample or Research Proposal: Particularly for PhD applicants, demonstrating research skills and interests.
- Interview: Some programs require an in-person or virtual interview.
- GRE Scores: Increasingly optional, with many programs adopting No-GRE admissions policies.
These criteria ensure that candidates are prepared for the rigorous academic and clinical demands of a doctorate in MFT.
What Classes Will I Take in an MFT Doctorate Program?
The curriculum for MFT doctorate programs varies between DMFT and PhD tracks but generally includes:
- Advanced Family Systems Theory: Deep dive into systemic therapy models and interventions.
- Clinical Supervision in MFT: Training to supervise MFT interns and associates.
- Leadership and Program Development: Preparing students for clinical leadership and organizational management.
- Ethics and Legal Issues in MFT Practice: Advanced study of ethical standards and legal frameworks.
- Trauma and Crisis Intervention: Techniques for handling trauma, crisis, and complex psychological conditions.
- Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods: Essential for PhD students conducting dissertation research.
- Dissertation or Doctoral Project: PhD students complete a research dissertation, while DMFT students often undertake a clinical project.
Clinical Training Hours: DMFT programs emphasize extensive clinical practice, often requiring 1,000+ supervised hours. PhD programs focus more on research but include clinical training components for licensure purposes.
Can I Get a PhD in MFT or DMFT Online?
Yes, many universities offer online and hybrid MFT doctorate programs, providing flexibility for working professionals.
Benefits of Online Doctorate Programs in MFT:
- Flexibility: Asynchronous courses and part-time options accommodate busy schedules.
- Local Clinical Placements: Online programs assist students in securing clinical sites near their location.
- Cost Savings: Reduces expenses related to commuting, housing, and campus fees.
- Access to Top Programs: Online learning allows students to attend top programs without relocating.
Hybrid Programs: Hybrid formats combine online coursework with in-person residencies or intensive workshops, allowing students to engage in hands-on training while maintaining flexible schedules.
Note: Ensure any online or hybrid doctorate program is accredited by COAMFTE to guarantee licensure eligibility and academic credibility.
MFT Degree Programs
Related Articles
- From Student to Therapist: What to Expect in Your MFT Clinical Internship
- MFT Doctorate Degrees: DMFT vs PhD – Who Should Pursue Each Path?
- The ROI of an MFT Degree: Analyzing the Financial Investment in Your Therapy Career
- Who Will You Treat as a Marriage & Family Therapist? A Career Guide for Aspiring MFTs
- LMFT vs MFT: Is Licensure Necessary for Your Therapy Career?
- Support That Affirms: Navigating Mental Health as LGBTQ+