Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Pennsylvania 2026

Thomas Jefferson University's Master of Family Therapy features a Sex Therapy concentration, a 66-credit, two-year campus program. Following COAMFTE standards, it includes advanced coursework and clinical training, meeting AASECT requirements for continuing education. The program emphasizes cultural competence and a bio-psychosocial approach, preparing graduates for licensure without requiring an entrance exam.

• Master of Family Therapy degree
• 66 credit program
• Two year duration
• Full time enrollment
• On campus format
• Center City campus location
• Three specialty tracks available
• Sex Therapy track option
• COAMFTE curriculum standards
• Clinical experience included

Thomas Jefferson University's Master of Family Therapy includes a Family Therapy concentration, a 66-credit, two-year campus program. The COAMFTE-standard curriculum covers couple and family therapy, culturally competent practice, and topics like grief and trauma. Students choose a specialty track after the first year, with no entrance exam required, and the program is AASECT-approved for continuing education.

• Master of Family Therapy degree
• Full-time enrollment option
• Two-year program duration
• 66 credit hours required
• On-campus format
• Center City campus location
• COAMFTE-modeled curriculum
• Three specialty tracks available
• Family Therapy track option
• Medical Family Therapy track

Thomas Jefferson University's Master of Family Therapy offers a Couple and Family Therapy Track, a 66-credit, two-year campus program. This COAMFTE-accredited curriculum emphasizes culturally competent practice through a bio-psychosocial lens, preparing graduates to address complex family dynamics. The program includes clinical experience and does not require an entrance exam, focusing on innovative therapeutic approaches for diverse populations.

• Master of Family Therapy degree
• 66 total credit hours
• Two-year full-time program
• Center City campus location
• COAMFTE core curriculum model
• Two specialty track options
• Culturally competent practice focus
• Diverse clinical practice areas

Thomas Jefferson University's Master of Family Therapy with a Sex Therapy Track is a 66-credit, two-year campus program. It focuses on culturally competent practice and a holistic bio-psychosocial approach, covering areas like trauma and family violence. The COAMFTE-modeled curriculum includes specialized tracks and does not require an entrance exam, offering advanced clinical training.

• 66-credit Master's program
• Two-year full-time format
• Center City campus location
• COAMFTE core curriculum model
• Two specialty tracks available
• Culturally competent practice focus
• Sex Therapy and Family Therapy tracks
• AASECT continuing education approved
• Bio-psychosocial learning approach
• Advanced clinical training

Eastern University's online MA in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit program costing $28,800 total, with $450 per credit tuition plus $30 fees. This master's program can be completed in two years full-time and offers part-time options. It uses a LifeFlex model for flexible coursework and requires an in-person internship near the student's location. The curriculum integrates faith, reason, and justice while emphasizing cultural humility and diversity. Admissions require a bachelor's degree; no entrance exam is mentioned as required.

• 60 credits standard track
• $450 per credit tuition
• $30 per credit fees
• Total cost $28,800
• Two years full-time
• Part-time options available
• 100% online delivery
• In-person internship placements
• LifeFlex model for flexibility
• Integrates faith and justice

Eastern University's online Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit doctoral program designed for church leaders and mental health practitioners. It combines marriage and family systems theory with theological studies and psychology to advance leadership skills and clinical practice. The curriculum includes coursework in family therapy theory, trauma, diversity issues, and professional ethics, plus a doctoral project and practicum. This interdisciplinary program prepares graduates for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles; no entrance exam is mentioned as required.

• 60 credit hours required
• Doctoral level program
• Focus on marriage and family systems
• Includes theological studies
• Advanced clinical practice focus
• Leadership skill development
• Doctoral project required
• Practicum component included
• Courses in family therapy theory
• Trauma and family systems

Eastern University offers a 100% online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, a 60-credit program typically taking 4-6 years to complete. Tuition is $450 per credit plus $30 in fees, totaling $28,800. The program integrates psychology and Christian perspectives, focusing on counseling theories, research, and self-reflection, and requires a dissertation. It prepares students for licensure and leadership roles, with state-specific requirements possible. Admissions require meeting graduate standards; no entrance exam is mentioned as required.

• 100% online delivery.
• 60 credit program.
• 4-6 year completion time.
• $450 per credit tuition.
• $30 per credit fees.
• $28,800 total cost.
• Dissertation required.
• Integration of psychology and Christianity.
• Advanced counseling skills focus.
• Self-reflection component.

Messiah University's Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling is a 60-credit hybrid program that prepares students for LPC or LMFT licensure. This CACREP-accredited program features predominantly online coursework with eight-week terms and optional on-campus intensives. At $800 per credit hour with no hidden fees, the program offers flexible start dates and multiple completion timelines. Admissions require no application fee, and the curriculum includes tele-mental health training and spiritually integrated psychotherapy. With field placement support and faculty mentoring, graduates are prepared for careers in private practice, community agencies, and faith-based settings.

• 60 credits
• CACREP accredited
• Predominantly online coursework
• Eight-week courses
• One-week intensive courses
• Two-, three-, four-year timelines
• Flexible start dates
• Prepares for LPC or LMFT licensure
• No-fee tuition
• No application fee

Drexel University's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Family Therapy program focuses specifically on trauma and addiction treatment. This 90-credit hybrid program prepares students for Pennsylvania MFT licensure through a comprehensive curriculum that includes 500 direct client hours and 100 supervision hours. The program emphasizes systemic/relational approaches with training in evidence-based therapies like Attachment-based Family Therapy and Emotionally-focused Therapy. Students complete extensive clinical practicums over two years, qualifying for pre-clinical AAMFT membership. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program.

• 90-credit master's degree
• COAMFTE-accredited program
• Full-time program structure
• Majority courses on campus
• Some courses online
• Focus on trauma and addiction
• Meets Pennsylvania MFT licensure requirements
• 500 direct client contact hours required
• 250 hours with couples/families
• 100 supervision hours required

Drexel University offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Family Therapy program with a concentration on LGBT and specific populations. This 90-credit hybrid program meets Pennsylvania's MFT licensure requirements through a full-time structure combining on-campus and online courses. Students gain systemic therapy training for diverse populations while completing clinical practicums with 500 direct client contact hours. The program emphasizes inclusive representation and addresses complex public health issues, preparing graduates for work in healthcare, private practice, and other settings. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program.

• 90-credit master's degree.
• COAMFTE-accredited program.
• Meets Pennsylvania MFT licensure.
• Full-time program.
• Most courses on campus.
• Some courses online.
• Focus on trauma and addiction.
• Systemic therapy training.
• Clinical practicum required.
• 500 direct client hours.

Lancaster Bible College's Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling is a 60-credit hybrid program in Lancaster, PA, preparing Christian students for Pennsylvania licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors. This program uniquely integrates biblical principles with evidence-based counseling techniques, focusing on family systems theory. The curriculum includes comprehensive coursework in marriage and family therapy, professional ethics, and clinical practice, culminating in 800 hours of supervised practicum and internship experience. Admissions require a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, personal statements, references, an interview, and background checks. The program does not require an entrance exam, but non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL scores. Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination.

• 60 credits total.
• Hybrid delivery in Lancaster.
• Master of Arts degree.
• Prepares for PA licensure.
• Eligible for NCE exam.
• Biblical integration focus.
• Includes practicum and internships.
• 800 hours clinical experience.
• Admissions interview required.
• Bachelor's degree prerequisite.

Geneva College's M.A. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling is a 60-credit hybrid program combining online coursework with on-campus residencies. The curriculum covers psychopathology, counseling theory, ethics, and family therapy techniques, requiring a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship with direct client contact. Admissions require background clearances and malpractice insurance. This program integrates Christian perspectives with professional counseling standards, preparing students for licensure in Pennsylvania. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's-level program.

• 60 credit program
• Master of Arts degree
• Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
• Hybrid delivery format
• Online and on-campus components
• Required residency experience
• 100-hour practicum
• 600-hour internship
• 40 direct service hours
• Supervision requirements

Geneva College offers a CACREP-accredited M.A. in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. This 60-credit hybrid program costs $699 per credit hour and can be completed in 2-4 years. It includes a 100-hour practicum and 600-hour internship, with courses covering counseling theory, ethics, and family systems. The program prepares students for Pennsylvania licensure and integrates Christian faith perspectives. No entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's-level program.

• 60 credit hours.
• $699 per credit hour.
• 2-4 years average completion.
• Hybrid delivery options.
• Online w/low residency.
• On campus option.
• 17 courses plus practicum.
• 100-hour practicum required.
• 600-hour internship required.
• CACREP-accredited program.

La Salle University's Marriage and Family Therapy M.A. program offers flexible full-time or part-time on-campus options, with completion in 2-4 years. COAMFTE-accredited, it features a curriculum focused on systems theory, assessment, and intervention skills, including a one-year clinical placement. The program prepares students for Pennsylvania licensure and clinical practice with couples, families, and individuals. Admissions require application materials, and as a master's level program, an entrance exam is needed.

• Master's degree program
• On-campus courses
• Full-time or part-time options
• Completion in 2-4 years
• One-year clinical placement
• Prepares for licensure in Pennsylvania
• COAMFTE accredited program
• Systems theory curriculum
• Assessment and intervention skills
• Clinical practice focus

La Salle University's COAMFTE-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy M.A. program delivers comprehensive professional training through on-campus instruction. The curriculum emphasizes systemic theory and advanced clinical skills, culminating in a 12-month clinical placement that meets Pennsylvania licensure requirements. This program prepares graduates for the national licensure exam and diverse clinical settings, with faculty providing expert guidance. As a master's level program, it requires an entrance exam for admission.

• Master's degree program
• On-campus instruction
• COAMFTE accredited program
• 12-month clinical placement
• Meets Pennsylvania licensure requirements
• Prepares for national licensure exam
• Courses in systemic therapy
• Career growth potential
• Faculty with clinical expertise

Arcadia University's Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Therapy provides specialized training for mental health professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in youth and family treatment. This graduate-level program focuses specifically on evidence-based interventions for childhood disorders and family systems therapy. Designed for clinicians with existing master's degrees, it emphasizes cultural sensitivity and advanced clinical assessment techniques. The curriculum is taught by practicing professionals and covers empirically supported psychotherapies. As a graduate certificate program, it does not require entrance exams like the GRE for admission, making it accessible for working professionals looking to specialize in child and family mental health.

• Graduate-level specialized certificate
• For practicing mental health professionals
• Evidence-based therapeutic training
• Cultural sensitivity emphasis
• Taught by practicing clinicians
• Focuses on child/family mental health
• Advanced assessment techniques
• Empirically supported psychotherapies

Chestnut Hill College's Master of Science in Clinical and Counseling Psychology offers a Marriage & Family Therapy concentration through a hybrid format. This 24-credit program emphasizes family systems theories and practical counseling skills, preparing graduates for Pennsylvania LMFT licensure. With flexible evening and weekend classes across two campuses, students complete the degree in 2-3 years while gaining supervised clinical internship experience. The program requires an entrance exam such as the GRE for admission, though specific exam requirements may vary by applicant. Roman Catholic-affiliated and military-friendly, it provides comprehensive training for diverse therapeutic settings.

• 24-credit MFT concentration
• Licensure preparation for LMFT
• Flexible evening/weekend classes
• Two campus locations
• Hybrid learning options
• Two to three year completion
• Supervised clinical internships