No-GRE Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degrees
The path to becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is now more accessible than ever with No-GRE MFT degree programs. These programs eliminate the requirement for standardized testing, focusing instead on academic achievements, professional experience, and personal statements. Whether you’re pursuing a master’s, post-master’s certificate, or doctorate, No-GRE programs offer flexible admission routes while maintaining high educational and clinical standards.
In this guide
2026 No-GRE Marriage & Family Therapy (DMFT) Programs
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL - Private 4-year - northwestern.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy combines online learning with in-person clinical training near students' communities, using the Integrative Systemic Therapy approach. This COAMFTE-accredited, licensure-focused program has no GRE requirement and offers rolling admissions with four annual start dates. Emphasizing self-reflective practice, it prepares students to address complex relational issues through rigorous coursework and hands-on experience, fostering skilled therapists ready for diverse client concerns in mental health 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
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 offers a comprehensive, COAMFTE-accredited curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based practices and cultural sensitivity. This flexible program, which requires no GRE for admission, can be completed in 21-36 months and includes 400 hours of clinical fieldwork. Students benefit from small class sizes capped at 15, live online sessions, and dedicated placement support, preparing them for licensure and careers in diverse mental health settings through an integrative systemic therapeutic framework.
- 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
Doctorate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Designed for professionals seeking licensure, Northwestern University's online MFT master's program delivers a research-driven curriculum with full-time completion in as few as 21 months. The COAMFTE-accredited program requires no GRE and features intensive clinical training, including 400 fieldwork hours and 125 relational clinical hours. With small classes of 15 students and an integrative systemic model, graduates develop multicultural competence and advanced therapeutic skills to effectively support individuals, couples, and families in various practice environments.
- 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
University of Massachusetts Global
Irvine, CA - Public 4-Year - umassglobal.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
This online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at University of Massachusetts Global emphasizes systemic and relationship-focused training across diverse populations. Students complete 60 credits with 400 practicum hours, developing advanced clinical skills in psychopathology, ethical practice, and cultural competence. The program prepares graduates for state-specific licensure with a holistic, empowering care approach. No entrance exam is required, and it maintains a 3.0 GPA minimum with a seven-year completion timeline.
- Total program 60 credits
- 400 practicum hours required
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- Seven-year completion timeline
- Systemic therapeutic approach
- Multiple practicum courses
- Advanced clinical assessment training
- Diverse therapeutic theories
- State-specific licensure preparation
- Individual and family development focus
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Combined Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Massachusetts Global offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Combined Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling concentration. This 60-credit program requires 400 practicum hours and focuses on systemic therapy techniques, ethical practice, and evidence-based interventions. Students develop advanced clinical competency for diverse client populations without GRE requirements. The program emphasizes professional standards with a 3.0 GPA minimum and seven-year completion option.
- 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
- 400 practicum hours required
- Systemic therapy training focus
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Seven-year program completion timeline
- Advanced clinical competency development
- Dual emphasis option available
- Online and flexible learning
- Ethical and professional standards emphasis
- Multiple therapeutic intervention techniques
Graduate Certificate - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
University of Massachusetts Global's online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy requires 60 credits over 2.5 years, including 400 clinical practicum hours. This program focuses on licensure preparation across multiple states, developing advanced counseling skills for individual, couples, and family therapy. With flexible online learning and expert faculty, students gain practical experience through supervised placements. No GRE is required for admission, and the program offers practicum support with a 2.75 minimum GPA requirement.
- 60 total credit hours
- 400 clinical practicum hours
- Online program format
- 2.5 years average completion
- No GRE required
- 23 total courses
- 2.75 minimum GPA
- Licensure preparation focus
- Practicum support provided
- $730 per credit
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT - Public 4-Year - ccsu.edu
Master's - Marriage & Family Therapy, MS
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Central Connecticut State University's Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited 63-credit hybrid program that requires no GMAT/GRE for admission. This flexible program features evening classes and full-time study options, preparing students for Connecticut licensure with 400 clinical training hours and two years of supervised practice. The curriculum focuses on systemic approaches for working with individuals, couples, and families, combining robust clinical training with state-of-the-art facilities to support career-focused education for aspiring therapists.
- 63-credit MS program
- Flexible evening track
- No GMAT/GRE required
- COAMFTE accredited
- Two-year supervised training
- Starts every August
- Full-time study option
- Clinical counseling lab
- Financial aid available
- 400 clinical training hours
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 provides focused post-graduate training for professionals pursuing Connecticut state certification. This 12-credit program emphasizes school-based therapeutic interventions, family dynamics, and counseling ethics through specialized coursework and two practicum seminars. Designed for educational settings, it requires the Praxis I exam and leads to a provisional educator certificate, offering a targeted pathway for career advancement in school-based MFT practice.
- 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
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY - Private 4-year - hofstra.edu
Master's - Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Hofstra University's Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 54-credit campus-based program that prepares students for New York state licensure without requiring the GRE. The curriculum emphasizes practice-based learning through an integrated internship at the on-campus Counseling and Mental Health Professions Clinic, supported by dedicated faculty. With fall, spring, and summer start sessions, this program addresses the projected 22% job growth in the field by focusing on advanced skills for helping couples and families navigate relationship dynamics.
- 54-credit in-person degree
- No GRE required
- On-campus clinic internship
- NY state licensure preparation
- Fall, spring, summer sessions
- 22% job growth projected
- Practice-based courses offered
- Dedicated faculty guidance
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA - Public 4-Year - csulb.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling Psychology
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
California State University-Long Beach's Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a Marriage & Family Therapy track provides comprehensive 65-unit preparation for LMFT and LPCC licensure without requiring the GRE. This hybrid program spans 2-2.5 years, emphasizing trauma work, family systems, and cross-cultural interventions through on-site clinical training and live supervision. Students benefit from multicultural faculty and diverse community practice sites, gaining skills for careers in private practice, community agencies, hospitals, and government settings. The program is WASC accredited and approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, ensuring rigorous education for professional counseling roles.
- 65-unit comprehensive program
- LMFT and LPCC licensure preparation
- No GRE required
- 2-2.5 year track options
- WASC fully accredited
- On-site clinical training
- Multicultural clinical faculty
- Live supervision experience
- Diverse community practice sites
- Board of Behavioral Sciences approved
Texas Woman's University
Denton, TX - Public 4-Year - twu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Texas Woman's University offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy as a hybrid program that does not require the GRE. Students typically complete this three-year program, which boasts a 100% national exam pass rate. The curriculum emphasizes a systems approach, preparing graduates for Texas state licensure with hands-on clinical experience and a thesis research option. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and an on-campus interview, with fall and spring application deadlines in January and September, respectively.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- 3-Year Typical Completion
- 100% National Exam Pass Rate
- No GRE Required
- Thesis Research Option
- Texas State Licensure Prep
- 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
- Fall Application Deadline: Jan 15
- Spring Application Deadline: Sept 1
- On-Campus Interview Required
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK - Public 4-Year - okstate.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Oklahoma State University is COAMFTE-accredited and emphasizes a research-informed therapeutic approach without a GRE requirement. Students gain hands-on clinical training at the on-campus clinic, preparing for national licensing exams and state licensure. Applications open September 1 and close December 1, with 8-12 students admitted yearly, supported by faculty with doctoral degrees and various funding opportunities.
- 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
Graduate Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy, MS
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma State University's COAMFTE-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy MS program requires no GRE and spans 60 credit hours over two years of full-time study. It boasts a 100% national exam pass rate and provides 400 clinical contact hours through its on-campus clinic, with options for thesis or non-thesis tracks. Applications are due December 1, and only 12 students are admitted annually, benefiting from graduate assistantships and intensive mentorship.
- 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
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 graduate program prepares students for California licensure through rigorous clinical training, research methodologies, and multicultural counseling perspectives. The curriculum includes practicum experiences and a thesis component, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA and psychology prerequisites. No GRE exam is required for admission, making it accessible for aspiring therapists seeking direct pathways to professional practice in diverse counseling settings.
- 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
California State University-Stanislaus provides a Master of Science in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration in Behavior Analysis. This 60-unit program emphasizes specialized interventions in areas like trauma and substance abuse while meeting California MFT licensure requirements. Students develop advanced clinical skills through coursework, practicum, and research, with no GRE exam required for admission. The program requires a 3.0 minimum GPA and psychology prerequisites, offering a focused path for those pursuing behavior-analytic approaches within family therapy contexts.
- 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
Mount Mercy University
Cedar Rapids, IA - Private 4-year - mtmercy.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mount Mercy University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students for licensure as mental health professionals through a comprehensive curriculum focused on therapeutic interventions and diagnostic techniques. This hybrid program emphasizes compassionate counseling for individuals, couples, and families, with rigorous training designed to meet professional standards. As a master's level program, it does not require an entrance exam unless otherwise stated, though specific exam requirements should be verified with the university.
- Master of Arts degree
- Marriage and Family Therapy focus
- Professional counseling preparation
- Licensure-oriented curriculum
- Mental health professional training
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Neuroscience and Psychophysiology - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mount Mercy University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Neuroscience and Psychophysiology concentration integrates systems approaches with neuroscience foundations. The COAMFTE-accredited hybrid program offers flexible evening and online classes with 5- and 10-week blocks, featuring hands-on clinical training at the on-site Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic. Notably, no GRE is required for admission, making it accessible for working professionals seeking advanced clinical skills in this specialized focus.
- COAMFTE-accredited MFT program
- Neuroscience-based curriculum
- Flexible evening/online classes
- No GRE required
- 5- and 10-week course blocks
- August start date
- On-site therapy clinic experience
- Tailored for working professionals
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Leadership and Social Justice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mount Mercy University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Leadership and Social Justice concentration provides COAMFTE-accredited training that blends neuroscience-based curriculum with flexible evening and online formats. Designed for working professionals, the program includes 5- and 10-week course blocks and practical experience at the on-site therapy clinic. Admission does not require the GRE, facilitating entry for those aiming to develop research-informed therapeutic approaches with a social justice emphasis.
- COAMFTE-accredited program
- No GRE required
- Evening and online classes
- Neuroscience-based curriculum
- August start date
- 5- and 10-week course blocks
- On-site therapy clinic
- Working professional friendly
- Flexible learning options
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Advanced Couples Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Mount Mercy University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with an Advanced Couples Therapy concentration combines systemic and neuroscience-informed approaches in a COAMFTE-accredited hybrid program. Featuring flexible evening and online classes with intensive sessions, it prepares students through hands-on practicum at the Olson Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic. No GRE is required for admission, offering an accessible path for working professionals to gain expertise in advanced couples therapy techniques.
- COAMFTE-accredited MFT program
- Neuroscience-informed curriculum
- Flexible evening/online classes
- No GRE required
- August start date
- 5-10 week course blocks
- On-site therapy clinic
- Working professional friendly
- Systemic therapy approach
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN - Private 4-year - smumn.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers a COAMFTE-accredited, 48-credit hybrid pathway to licensure, with no GRE needed for entry. Focused on systemic and relational skills, the program includes 300 clinical practicum hours—150 dedicated to direct couple and family therapy—within a blended learning format. It prepares graduates for ethical, culturally diverse practice in mental health, requiring a 3.0 GPA minimum. This military-friendly program, affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, emphasizes holistic care and meets Minnesota board standards.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- 48-credit Master's Degree
- 300 clinical practicum hours
- Blended learning format
- Minnesota licensure preparation
- No GRE required for admission
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Multiple contemporary issue courses
- Diverse clinical intervention training
- Face-to-face and online coursework
Graduate Certificate - M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited, 48-credit hybrid program that prepares students for Minnesota licensure without requiring the GRE. The curriculum emphasizes systemic interventions for individuals, couples, and families, integrating online and in-person coursework. Students complete a 300-hour supervised practicum, gaining hands-on clinical experience while exploring diverse therapeutic approaches and contemporary issues. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required for admission, and the program is military-friendly with a Roman Catholic affiliation.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- 48-credit Master's Degree
- Blended Learning Format
- 300 Clinical Contact Hours
- Minimum 3.0 GPA Required
- No GRE/MAT Required
- Diverse Contemporary Issues Courses
- Professional Licensure Preparation
What is the GRE Exam?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Many graduate programs have traditionally required the GRE as part of their admissions process. However, for many prospective MFT students, GRE preparation can be time-consuming and costly, which is why more universities are removing this requirement in favor of a holistic admissions process.
Why Should I Choose a No-GRE MFT Program
Choosing a No-GRE MFT program offers several benefits, including:
- Simplified Admissions Process: You can focus on showcasing your academic and professional experience rather than test scores.
- Faster Application Timeline: No need to spend months preparing for the GRE, allowing you to apply sooner.
- More Inclusive Admissions: Programs evaluate candidates based on relevant experience, GPA, personal statements, and recommendations.
- No Compromise on Quality: Many No-GRE MFT programs are accredited by COAMFTE or CACREP, ensuring you meet licensure requirements after graduation.
Can I Get a No-GRE MFT Degree Online?
Yes, many universities offer fully online No-GRE MFT programs that provide flexibility for working professionals. Online programs often include:
- Asynchronous Classes: Learn at your own pace with recorded lectures and flexible deadlines.
- Virtual Clinical Training: Many programs help students secure local practicum placements, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in their own community.
- Accelerated Formats: Some online MFT programs offer accelerated courses, allowing you to complete your degree faster than traditional programs.
MFT Degree Programs
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