Best Online MFT Programs for Ohio Students (2027)

Best Online Marriage & Family Therapy Programs for Ohio Students

Compare top-ranked online MFT degrees by cost, accreditation, and completion time to earn your Ohio LMFT license.

By Emily CarterReviewed by Editorial & Advisory TeamUpdated August 31, 202625+ min read
Best Online MFT Programs for Ohio Students (2027)

What you’ll learn in this article…

  • Ohio has no in-state MFT graduate programs, so online degrees from COAMFTE or CACREP accredited schools fulfill all state licensing requirements.
  • Experienced Ohio MFTs earn significantly above the median, with roughly 710 therapists employed statewide and demand rising.
  • Part-time online students can finish most MFT master's programs in about three years, including 500 hours of supervised clinical practicum.
  • Both COAMFTE and CACREP accreditation satisfy Ohio licensure, but each credential carries distinct advantages worth comparing before you enroll.

Ohio's Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows roughly 710 licensed marriage and family therapists working in the state, with projected demand climbing as telehealth adoption and mental health parity laws widen access to family-based care. Yet Ohio currently has no in-state graduate MFT programs. That gap sends nearly every aspiring Ohio LMFT to out-of-state online or hybrid programs, a path that works well when you choose a COAMFTE or CACREP accredited degree built to satisfy Ohio's Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board requirements. For a broader look at what is available nationwide, explore the Best Online Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degrees.

The practical challenge is sorting programs by cost, accreditation, and part-time flexibility without reliable comparison data in one place. Median annual wages for Ohio MFTs range from roughly $42,000 at the entry level to over $65,000 for experienced clinicians, so tuition decisions carry real weight against expected returns.

Top Online MFT Programs for Ohio Students

Ohio currently has no in-state MFT degree program in this online category, but online options make the path to licensure far more accessible. The programs below are online-eligible degrees and certificates that enroll Ohio residents, deliver coursework remotely, and in several cases help arrange clinical placements in the student's home state. Each profile includes tuition, typical net price, and the institution-wide graduation rate as context. Before enrolling, confirm coursework and clinical hours with the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.

Our ranking methodology
What went into the score
  • Online delivery and flexible scheduling
  • Institution-wide graduation rates
  • Typical net price after aid
  • Earnings and student debt outcomes
  • Clinical training and licensure preparation
Where the data comes from
  • IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
  • U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (earnings and debt) — collegescorecard.ed.gov
  • Our program database of school-reported details
  • Independent editorial research

Northwestern University

#1

Evanston, IL · $55,000/yr

Best for: Future MFTs wanting home-state clinical placements

Northwestern delivers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy fully online, with live classes, small cohorts, and 400 hours of fieldwork. Placement specialists help students find clinical sites in their home states, which is important for Ohio residents. Tuition is $68,322, typical net price $29,167, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 95 percent.

  • Fully online with live weekly classroom sessions
  • Typical completion in 21 to 36 months
  • COAMFTE accredited
  • No GRE required
  • 400 hours of clinical fieldwork
  • 25 graduate-level courses
  • Classes capped at 15 students
  • Placement specialists help locate local clinical sites

University of Southern California

#2

Los Angeles, CA · $72,000/yr

Best for: Career changers seeking structured online cohort

USC's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60 unit cohort program built around California MFT licensure, with clinical placements arranged in the student's home state. Scholarships from $15,000 to $30,000 are available. Tuition is $72,097, typical net price $32,740, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 92 percent.

  • 60 unit curriculum
  • Full-time track designed to finish in about two years
  • Cohort-based online learning model
  • Online and on-campus options
  • Scholarships available between $15,000 and $30,000
  • 92% clinical exam pass rate
  • Fieldwork placements arranged in student's home state

University of South Florida

#3

Tampa, FL · $10,000/yr

Best for: Licensed clinicians adding family systems skills

USF's 15 credit graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy is designed for already licensed mental health professionals and is not a standalone MFT licensure path. The hybrid program focuses on systemic approaches to family and relationship issues. Out-of-state tuition is $17,324, typical net price $9,812, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 77 percent.

  • 15 credit hours with 6 required and 9 elective credits
  • Hybrid format for working mental health professionals
  • Designed for licensed counselors, social workers, and psychologists
  • Systemic therapy approach focused on families and relationships
  • Does not qualify as a licensure pathway for MFT

California State University-Northridge

#4

Northridge, CA · ~$9,000/yr (est.)

Hispanic-Serving Institution

CSUN's COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited marriage and family therapy master's uses an eight-week, one course at a time format that can be completed in under two years. It centers on California LMFT and LPCC preparation. Out-of-state tuition is $20,058, typical net price $7,021, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 57 percent.

  • COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited
  • One course at a time in eight-week blocks
  • Designed for LMFT and LPCC licensure preparation
  • Year-round schedule allows completion in under two years
  • Curriculum covers family therapy theories, ethics, and assessment

Moody Bible Institute

#5

Chicago, IL · $10,000/yr

Moody Bible Institute offers a graduate certificate in marriage, family, and couples counseling for professionals who already hold a master's degree in a mental health field. The hybrid format blends campus and online courses from a biblical counseling perspective. Tuition is $15,786, typical net price $22,221, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 62 percent.

  • Graduate certificate for already licensed professionals
  • Campus and online course options
  • $539 per credit hour
  • Integrates biblical counseling with clinical training
  • Interview required for admission

John Brown University

#6

Siloam Springs, AR · $10,000 – $15,000/yr

John Brown University's CACREP-accredited counseling master's lets students choose a marriage and family therapy, play therapy, or adventure therapy emphasis. More than 70 percent of coursework is online or on weekends, with clinical work at the university's community counseling clinics. Tuition is $31,756, typical net price $20,397, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 72 percent.

  • 60 total credit hours
  • 41 credits of core counseling coursework
  • Marriage and family therapy emphasis
  • 100 clinical practicum hours plus 600 internship hours
  • No GRE and no application fee
  • Play therapy emphasis
  • Over 70% of coursework online or weekend
  • 82% NCE pass rate in 2024-2025
  • 16-week course structure
  • Designed for working professionals
  • Adventure therapy emphasis
  • CACREP accredited through 2032
  • Three credit hour emphasis option
  • Two community counseling clinics support clinical training
  • Christ-centered academic training

University of Oregon

#7

Eugene, OR · ~$19,000/yr (est.)

University of Oregon offers a 90 credit COAMFTE-accredited couples and family therapy master's with clinical training at its Center for Healthy Relationships and 350 direct client contact hours. A Spanish language specialization is available. Out-of-state tuition is $44,598, typical net price $22,182, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 72 percent.

  • 90 credit Master of Science
  • COAMFTE accredited
  • Cohort model with 22 to 24 students
  • 350 direct client contact hours
  • Bachelor's degree in any field accepted
  • Spanish language specialization track
  • 150 relational system hours
  • Clinical training at Center for Healthy Relationships
  • Community externship placements

Western Kentucky University

#8

Bowling Green, KY · $12,000 – $18,000/yr

Western Kentucky University's CACREP-accredited marriage, couple, and family counseling master's uses a hybrid format with hands-on training at the on-campus Talley Family Counseling Center. It is a counseling degree rather than a COAMFTE MFT degree, so state licensure review will vary. Out-of-state tuition is $27,000, typical net price $10,990, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 56 percent.

CACREP accredited
  • CACREP accredited
  • Hybrid format combining online and campus work
  • Clinical training at Talley Family Counseling Center
  • Path to counseling licensure
  • Department financial support may be available

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

#9

Winona, MN · $12,000/yr

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers a 48 credit COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy in a blended format. The program includes 300 supervised clinical hours and does not require GRE or MAT scores. Tuition is $45,080, typical net price $11,704, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 66 percent.

  • 48 credit hour curriculum
  • COAMFTE accredited
  • 300 clinical client contact hours including 150 relational hours
  • Blended learning format
  • No GRE or MAT required
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA for admission

Texas Woman's University

#10

Denton, TX · $9,000/yr

Hispanic-Serving Institution

Texas Woman's University offers a COAMFTE-accredited marriage and family therapy master's in a hybrid format, with most students finishing in about three years. A thesis option is available, and admission requires a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credit hours. Out-of-state tuition is $18,480, typical net price $11,963, and the institution-wide graduation rate is 49 percent.

  • COAMFTE accredited
  • Hybrid format with online and on-campus coursework
  • Most students complete in about three years
  • Thesis option available
  • No GRE and no letters of recommendation
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA on last 60 credit hours

Most Affordable Online MFT Programs for Ohio Students

When comparing costs, Ohio students should look beyond published tuition rates. Because every program on this list is out of state, the sticker price you see is the out-of-state tuition figure. However, net price, which factors in grants, scholarships, and institutional aid, often tells a very different story. For example, a school with a higher published tuition rate may actually cost less once financial aid is applied. The five programs below are sorted by net price, giving Ohio students the clearest picture of what they are likely to pay out of pocket. Note that net price figures reflect institution-wide averages and your individual cost may vary based on the aid you receive.

SchoolStateOut-of-State TuitionNet PriceMedian Graduate DebtFormat
Purdue University NorthwestIN$11,960$6,079$21,229Hybrid
California State University, NorthridgeCA$19,062$7,021$13,872Hybrid
University of South FloridaFL$21,126$9,812$17,988Hybrid
Western Kentucky UniversityKY$18,340$10,990$22,095Hybrid
Saint Mary's University of MinnesotaMN$12,474$11,704$21,500Hybrid

Questions to Ask Yourself

Can you realistically dedicate 15 to 20 hours per week to coursework while holding a job?
Most online MFT programs expect this weekly commitment on top of any employment. If your schedule cannot flex to accommodate evening lectures, discussion posts, and assignments, a part-time track or a later start date may be a smarter move.
Do you have access to approved clinical supervision sites in your part of Ohio?
Online programs handle theory courses remotely, but practicum and internship hours must be completed in person at a site near you. Students in rural areas of Ohio should confirm site availability before enrolling, because a long commute can derail your timeline.
Are you comfortable learning foundational therapy concepts through virtual coursework, knowing hands-on clinical training will happen separately in person?
Online MFT programs split the experience: you will study theory, ethics, and research online, then apply skills face to face during supervised practicum. If you learn best through constant in-person interaction, a hybrid or campus program may suit you better.

Fastest Online MFT Programs You Can Complete Part-Time

Most online MFT master's programs require between 60 and 72 credit hours of coursework, plus a supervised clinical practicum of roughly 500 hours (with at least 100 of those as direct supervision).1 Those requirements, not your motivation level, are what set the floor for how quickly you can finish. Full-time students typically complete their degree in two to two-and-a-half years. Part-time students should plan on three to four years, depending on how many courses they take per term and when their practicum begins. For a broader look at accelerated options, see our guide to Fastest Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degrees.

How Part-Time Tracks Are Structured

Programs designed for working adults build flexibility into every layer of the schedule. Common features include:

  • Asynchronous coursework: Most lecture content, readings, and discussion boards can be completed on your own time each week, so you are not locked into a daytime class schedule.
  • Evening synchronous sessions: Live class meetings, role-plays, and case consultations are typically scheduled in the evening to accommodate standard work hours.
  • Year-round enrollment: Many programs offer fall, spring, and summer terms rather than following a traditional academic calendar, which lets part-time students pick up an extra course during summer and shorten total time to degree.
  • Accelerated summer terms: Condensed summer sessions allow you to stack credits without increasing your weekly load during the regular academic year.

Syracuse University's online MFT program, for example, is offered exclusively as a part-time track. It requires 60 credits and is designed to be completed in about 36 months. Northwestern University's program covers the same 60-credit requirement but is structured to finish in roughly 24 months at a faster pace. Capella University's MS in Marriage and Family Therapy sits at 72 credits and includes a short residency component.3 You can compare these and other options on our Best Master's Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy page.

What a Realistic Weekly Commitment Looks Like

If you are pursuing an MFT degree while working, expect to dedicate roughly 15 to 20 hours per week to your program when taking two courses per term. That includes watching lectures, completing assignments, participating in live sessions, and studying. Once your clinical practicum begins (typically in the second or third year) you will need to carve out additional hours for client contact and supervision, often 10 to 15 hours per week on top of coursework.

The bottom line: a part-time online MFT program is genuinely designed around the schedules of working professionals. You do not need to quit your job to earn this degree. But you do need to treat it like a serious, multi-year commitment. Plan your practicum timing carefully, talk to your employer about schedule flexibility in advance, and choose a program whose synchronous session times align with your work life. Those practical details matter more than shaving a semester off your timeline.

Coamfte-Accredited Vs. CACREP-Accredited Programs: What Ohio Students Should Know

If you have spent any time researching MFT programs, you have probably noticed two accreditation acronyms showing up repeatedly: COAMFTE and CACREP. Both are respected, nationally recognized accreditors for graduate-level therapy and counseling programs, but they are not interchangeable. The distinction matters for Ohio students because it directly affects how smoothly you can pursue LMFT licensure in the state.

What Each Accreditor Actually Covers

COAMFTE, the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, accredits programs exclusively in marriage and family therapy. Its curriculum centers on family systems theory, couples and family therapy techniques, and relational ethics.2 Think of it as purpose-built for the MFT profession.

CACREP, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, accredits a broader range of counseling specialties, including clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, and addiction counseling. Its coursework emphasizes individual counseling methods, assessment, multicultural competence, and career counseling. A CACREP program can touch on couples and family work, but the overall orientation is wider.

Clinical Hour Requirements at a Glance

  • COAMFTE: A minimum of 300 direct client contact hours, with at least 200 of those involving relational (couples or family) therapy. Supervision must come from a licensed MFT supervisor.
  • CACREP: A minimum of 100 practicum hours (40 of which must be direct client contact) plus 600 internship hours. There is no specific requirement for relational therapy hours, and supervision can come from any licensed mental health professional.

The relational hours requirement is one of the clearest dividing lines. COAMFTE programs guarantee that graduates have substantial, documented experience working with couples and families, which is exactly what the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT Board) wants to see in LMFT applicants.

Can a CACREP Graduate Become an LMFT in Ohio?

This is the question Ohio students ask most often, and the answer is nuanced. A degree from a COAMFTE-accredited program receives outright recognition from the Ohio CSWMFT Board.2 The board treats it as meeting the educational requirements for LMFT licensure without additional scrutiny.

A degree from a CACREP-accredited clinical mental health counseling program does not receive that same automatic recognition. Instead, the board conducts a course-by-course audit to determine whether your transcript contains the specific MFT-related content and relational clinical hours the state requires. Some applicants pass this review; others discover gaps that need to be filled through additional coursework or supervised experience. The process is slower, less predictable, and can add both time and cost to your path.

The natural license pathway for CACREP graduates is LPC or LPCC (Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor), not LMFT. If you want to understand the broader differences between these credentials, see our comparison of LMFT vs. LMHC. If your goal from the start is to practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist in Ohio, a COAMFTE-accredited program provides the most direct and reliable route.

Typical Career Paths

  • COAMFTE graduates: Private practice as a couples or family therapist, community mental health agencies specializing in family services, employee assistance programs, faith-based counseling centers.
  • CACREP graduates: Broader mental health counseling roles in clinics, hospitals, schools, and substance abuse treatment facilities. Some graduates specialize in couples and family work, but the credential is designed for a wider scope of practice.

Bottom Line for Ohio Students

If you know you want the LMFT credential in Ohio, prioritize COAMFTE-accredited programs. They align directly with what the state board expects, spare you from a potentially lengthy transcript review, and ensure your clinical training is grounded in the relational, systems-based approach that defines the MFT profession. For a complete overview of the steps involved, review our guide on how to become a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. CACREP programs are excellent for students whose goals lean toward general counseling or who want to keep multiple licensure options open, but they are not the most efficient path to an Ohio LMFT license.

How to Become a Licensed MFT in Ohio

Earning your LMFT in Ohio is a structured, multi-step process that typically takes two to three years of graduate study plus at least two years of supervised post-degree experience. The good news: you can complete a qualifying master's degree online and still meet every Ohio licensing requirement, as long as the program covers the clinical and supervision hours the state demands. Below is the key milestone that defines the post-degree phase, followed by a breakdown of each step.

Post-degree direct client contact hour requirement for Ohio LMFT licensure as of 2026

Licensure Steps for Ohio MFTs: The Details

Earning your degree is a major milestone, but the path to full LMFT licensing requirements in Ohio involves several additional steps that require careful planning. Here is a closer look at each phase, with practical details that online students should pay special attention to.

Supervised Clinical Hours

Ohio requires applicants for the Marriage and Family Therapist license to complete a substantial period of post-degree supervised clinical experience. Expect to accumulate at least two years of supervised work, during which you must log a minimum of 1,000 hours of direct client contact under a qualified supervisor. Your supervisor generally must hold an active IMFT or LMFT credential (or equivalent) and meet the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board's approval standards. Before you begin accruing hours, confirm your supervisor's eligibility with the board to avoid delays.

Ohio does offer a pathway for working under supervision before you earn your full license. Graduates can apply for a supervised practice designation that allows them to provide therapy while completing the required hours. This interim step keeps your career moving forward and lets you gain income-producing clinical experience right after graduation.

Clinical Placements for Online Students in Ohio

Practicum and internship hours are completed in person, even for students enrolled in online programs. Accredited programs typically require university approval of both the clinical site and the on-site supervisor before you can begin logging hours. Most online programs maintain a field placement coordination office that helps students identify appropriate sites in or near their home communities. For a deeper look at what this experience involves, read about what to expect in your MFT clinical internship.

Ohio-based programs like the University of Akron, which operates the Clinic for Individual and Family Counseling and has long-standing relationships with community agencies in the Akron area and beyond3, and Ohio State University, which runs the Couple and Family Therapy Clinic alongside multiple field placements4, illustrate the kind of infrastructure that supports in-state practicum experiences. If you are enrolled in an out-of-state online program, your university's placement team will typically work with you to secure a site in Ohio, though the process may take longer and require more initiative on your part.

Timeline from Degree to Full Licensure

The timeline varies, but most graduates should plan on roughly two to three years between completing their degree and earning a full LMFT license. The biggest variable is how quickly you can accumulate the required supervised hours, which depends on your caseload and whether you work full time or part time. Students who secure a clinical position immediately after graduation and carry a full caseload tend to finish on the shorter end of that range. Gaps in employment, part-time schedules, or difficulty finding an approved supervisor can extend the process.

Reciprocity and Endorsement Options

If you began your licensure journey in another state, Ohio does provide an endorsement pathway that may allow you to transfer your credentials. You will need to demonstrate that your education and supervised experience meet Ohio's standards, and the board evaluates each application individually. Requirements can differ depending on the originating state's standards, so contact the Ohio board early in the process to understand exactly what documentation you will need. This option can save considerable time for professionals relocating to Ohio who have already completed some or all of their supervised hours elsewhere.

MFT Career Outlook and Earnings in Ohio

Ohio's marriage and family therapy workforce is modest in size but offers strong earning potential, especially for experienced clinicians. With roughly 710 MFTs employed across the state, demand continues to grow as mental health parity laws expand insurance coverage, telehealth removes geographic barriers to care, and an aging population increases the need for family systems support. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects job growth for MFTs at a rate much faster than average through 2034, with an estimated 9,800 annual openings. Ohio students who earn their degrees through online programs can position themselves to enter this high demand field without relocating. The table below breaks down Ohio specific wage data alongside the national median for context.

Wage PercentileOhio Annual Salary (2023)
10th Percentile$40,230
25th Percentile$41,600
Median (50th Percentile)$63,880
75th Percentile$96,220
90th Percentile$154,770

How to Choose the Right Online MFT Program as an Ohio Student

Choosing the right online MFT program takes more than browsing tuition pages. Because Ohio does not currently host an in-state MFT degree program, you will almost certainly enroll in an out-of-state online or hybrid program, and that makes your decision framework even more important. Use the five factors below to narrow your options with confidence.

1. Accreditation Type and Ohio Licensure Alignment

Not every MFT degree satisfies Ohio's licensing requirements. The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT Board) requires a graduate degree that includes specific coursework in marriage and family therapy, supervised clinical hours, and content areas defined in Ohio Administrative Code. COAMFTE-accredited programs are widely recognized and tend to map cleanly onto those requirements, but some CACREP-accredited programs with an MFT emphasis may also qualify. Before you commit tuition dollars, contact the Ohio CSWMFT Board directly and confirm that the program you are considering produces a degree the board will accept. This single step can save you years of frustration.

2. Total Cost and Return on Investment

Tuition for the online MFT programs available to Ohio students ranges widely, from under $10,000 per year at public universities charging in-state rates to more than $50,000 per year at selective private institutions. Program-level earnings data is not yet published for most MFT master's programs, so lean on institution-wide graduate outcomes as a proxy when comparing cost to earning potential. For a deeper look at the numbers, review our analysis of the ROI of an MFT degree. A program with higher tuition may still deliver strong long-term value if its graduates consistently land well-paying clinical positions, while a cheaper program that takes longer to complete can erode those savings. Weigh total program cost (tuition, fees, and any required on-campus residencies) against realistic salary projections for licensed MFTs in Ohio.

3. Clinical Placement Support in Ohio

Every MFT program requires hundreds of supervised clinical hours, and completing those hours from Ohio means you need a program that actively helps students secure placements outside the school's home state. Ask admissions offices pointed questions: Does the program have existing site agreements in Ohio? Will a dedicated placement coordinator assist you, or are you on your own? Programs like Northwestern University, for example, employ placement specialists who help remote students arrange fieldwork locally. This kind of support can make or break your experience.

4. Part-Time and Flexible Scheduling

Many Ohio students pursuing an MFT degree are working adults, so scheduling flexibility matters. Look for programs that offer asynchronous coursework, evening live sessions, or an explicit part-time track. Completion timelines for part-time students typically run 30 to 36 months, but some programs allow even longer windows. Make sure the part-time option does not limit your access to clinical placement support or financial aid.

5. Program Reputation and Completion Rates

A program's graduation and completion rates tell you how well it supports students through to the finish line. High attrition can signal inadequate advising, rigid scheduling, or poor student services. Check completion data through the program's accrediting body and ask for the licensure exam pass rate among recent graduates. A program that consistently produces candidates who pass the national MFT exam on the first attempt is a program that prepared them well.

A Quick Note on Financial Aid

Online MFT programs housed at regionally accredited institutions are eligible for federal financial aid through FAFSA, regardless of whether you live in the school's home state. Beyond federal loans and grants, explore employer tuition assistance if you are already working in a clinical or human-services role. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy also offers minority fellowships that can offset costs for qualifying applicants. Every dollar of aid you secure reduces the pressure on your post-graduation earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions About MFT Programs for Ohio Students

Below are the questions Ohio students ask most often when researching marriage and family therapy programs. For deeper detail on any topic, refer to the relevant sections earlier in this article.

What are the requirements to become a licensed MFT in Ohio?
Ohio requires a master's degree (at least 60 semester hours in a qualifying program), 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience under an approved supervisor, and a passing score on the national MFT licensing examination. The Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board oversees the full process. See the licensure section above for a step by step breakdown.
Are there COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs in Ohio?
As of 2026, no COAMFTE accredited MFT programs are based in Ohio. However, several COAMFTE accredited online programs from other states accept Ohio residents and meet Ohio licensing requirements. CACREP accredited programs with a marriage, couple, and family counseling track are also a strong option. The accreditation comparison section above explains the differences in detail.
Can you get an MFT degree online and still get licensed in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio does not require that your degree come from an in state institution. Graduates of accredited online MFT or marriage and family counseling programs can apply for licensure as long as the degree meets the state's coursework, credit hour, and clinical training standards. Many students complete didactic work online and arrange practicum or internship hours locally.
How long does it take to complete an online MFT program?
Most online MFT master's programs take two to three years of full time study. Part time tracks, which are popular with working adults, typically run three to four years. Accelerated formats at some schools can bring the timeline closer to two years. Check the fastest programs section earlier in this article for specific options.
What is the difference between marriage and family therapy and marriage and family counseling?
The two titles describe closely related disciplines. Marriage and family therapy (MFT) programs are typically accredited by COAMFTE, while marriage and family counseling tracks usually fall under CACREP accredited counseling programs. Both prepare graduates to work with couples and families, and both can lead to Ohio licensure. The key differences lie in accrediting body, theoretical emphasis, and program structure.
How much does an online MFT degree cost?
Online MFT program costs vary widely. Among programs available to Ohio students, total tuition ranges from roughly $25,000 at the most affordable institutions to $70,000 or more at private universities. The affordability table earlier in this article highlights the least expensive options. Financial aid, employer tuition assistance, and in state tuition agreements can reduce out of pocket costs significantly.

More Online MFT Programs Available to Ohio Students

These additional online programs accept Ohio students and offer unique specializations or competitive tuition. Browse the full directory below for more options beyond our top 10 ranking.

Oregon Institute of Technology
Offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy with concentrations in Medical Family Therapy, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and Integrated Behavioral Healthcare. Hybrid format with a focus on rural mental health and trauma-informed care.
Prescott College
CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling with a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling concentration. Hybrid format includes three-day campus residency. Emphasizes social justice and offers post-graduate certificate options.
Mercy University
60-credit Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy with 300 clinical contact hours. Courses offered at Dobbs Ferry campus with full-time and part-time options. Focuses on diverse therapy areas including substance abuse and intimate partner dynamics.
Western Michigan University
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. 60-credit program with 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours at on-campus clinics. Emphasizes family systems theory and evidence-based counseling skills.
Carson-Newman University
CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling with a Marriage & Family Therapy concentration. 60-credit hybrid program with clinical internship opportunities. Nearly 100% post-graduation placement rate.
Purdue University Northwest
COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy. 67-credit program with 500 client contact hours and 100 supervision hours. Includes thesis and oral defense. Small cohort sizes and hybrid format.
Central Connecticut State University
COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. 63-credit program with flexible evening schedule. No GRE or GMAT required. Includes practicum and internship components.
Syracuse University
Online COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. 60-credit part-time program over three years with live evening classes. Includes 500-hour clinical practicum and 40% tuition scholarship.
California Lutheran University
Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis. Hybrid format with cohort-based model and on-site Community Counseling Center. Offers specializations including Psychological Trauma and Attachment Theory.
Drexel University
COAMFTE-accredited Master of Family Therapy. 90-credit program focusing on trauma and addiction. Includes 500 direct client contact hours and 100 supervision hours. Most courses on campus with some online.
Regis University
COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. 60-credit program with small classes, evening and weekend sessions. Includes practicum and internship at the Regis Center for Counseling, Family and Play Therapy.
Lancaster Bible College
60-credit hybrid Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling. Prepares for Pennsylvania LPC licensure with biblical integration. Includes 800 clinical hours and practicum/internship requirements.
Manhattan College
60-credit Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. State-registered program preparing for New York licensure. Blended learning format with online synchronous and in-person courses. Focus on contextual and systemic therapy.
Our Lady of the Lake University
COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Psychology with Marriage and Family Therapy concentration. 60-credit, two-year program with evening classes. Includes university-based clinic training and 500 hours supervised practice.
Regent University
12-credit Graduate Certificate in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling. Online and on-campus options. Focuses on couples therapy, sexual dysfunction treatment, and addiction counseling. $730 per credit hour.

Recent Articles