Author: Kathleen Curtis
Expertise: Graduate Ed.CareersFinancial AidEditor: Kristin Marino
- Featured Schools
Inside Look: 3 Real Online MFT Programs
Read more - Degree Benefits
Advantages of Earning an Online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy
Read more - What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn in an Online Marriage and Family Therapy Programs
Read more - Accreditation
Accreditation for Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy Online Programs
Read more - Salary/Pay
What Can MFTs Earn? Salary Outlook with a Master's Degree
Read more - Top Programs
Best Online MFT Programs
Read more
Inside Look: 3 Real Online MFT Programs
Before enrolling in an online MFT program, it’s important to see inside it. Which classes exist, how much does it cost, what are the steps to take from day one to graduation? Here we’ve spotlighted three real MFT programs with online learning options so you can get a taste for what your master’s might look like.
University of West Alabama
The University of West Alabama’s flexible and affordable master’s in marriage and family therapy online program is primarily designed for students who already have professional licensure. This 33-credit degree comprises mostly asynchronous coursework and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students typically complete the degree in 12-24 months.
Through classes taught by licensed therapists and counselors, core courses cover topics like techniques of educational research, marriage and family therapy, and systems theory in psychology. Specialized elective coursework includes the therapeutic relationship, advanced family counseling techniques, and assessment techniques in family counseling. You must also complete a professional internship before graduation.
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. This online master’s does not prepare students for licensure as a counselor or therapist.
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno Pacific University’s online MFT degree provides you with the skills needed to offer effective counseling in a clinical setting. Affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Church, FPU’s program combines theory, theology, and practical skills to supply the necessary training for MFT licensure in California.
FPU’s online master’s in marriage and family therapy requires 65 credits for graduation. In addition to core coursework like introduction to counseling and professional ethics in counseling, you’ll tackle several Bible-based courses.
Topics include the church and God’s mission in the world, theology for integration, and a Bible knowledge seminar. Students are also required to complete two semesters of hands-on practicum experience.
Prospective students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. They must also submit three letters of recommendation and official GRE scores. Fresno Pacific also notes that applicants should demonstrate a commitment to Christian ministry and service.
Mid-America Christian University
Located in Oklahoma City, Mid-America Christian University offers a 60-credit online M.S. in counseling with a specialization in marital, couples, and family therapy. As a Christian university, coursework is taught from a biblical perspective and integrates Christian values. This degree prepares students with the skills they need to secure Oklahoma licensure and provide competent counseling to clients.
Core counseling coursework includes essential topics like individual counseling and psychotherapy techniques, interpersonal communication in counseling and relationships, and marital and family treatment techniques. You must also complete a 100-hour practicum in a university-approved clinical setting.
Before graduation, plan to participate in an internship with a minimum 600 hours of supervised service. The number of clinical hours may be adjusted to accommodate other state requirements for online students seeking licensure.
Advantages of Earning an Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
Earning a master’s in marriage and family therapy online offers graduates the essential academic and professional training needed to provide effective care while meeting the requirements for state licensure. If you’re interested in a career as a marriage and family therapist, this degree is a great option. Below are some advantages of earning an online MFT degree:
1. Flexibility
Whether you’re a working, licensed therapist or interested in entering the field, the flexibility of online coursework allows you to complete your academic requirements while keeping up with personal and professional responsibilities. Through cutting-edge, web-based platforms, you’ll engage with instructors and classmates. Common tools used include live lectures, web conferences, and discussion boards for engaging with course material.
2. Career Advancement
An MFT supplies the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience needed to provide clients with competent therapeutic care. In addition to those skills, this online degree often acts as a pathway towards securing the necessary licensure to work in a clinical environment. An MFT offers additional academic credentials for licensed students that can expand career options and increase pay.
3. Hands-on Experience
If you’re interested in gaining MFT licensure, practicum and internship experience in a clinical setting provides hundreds of required hours of hands-on experience. Essential to both earning a license and professional growth, the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals in the field gives valuable experience with some of the real-world challenges encountered on the job.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Marriage and Family Therapy Programs
During your tenure as an online MFT student, you’ll learn the theoretical and practical skills needed to provide effective, empathetic, and expert therapeutic care. Introductory coursework covers topics like research methods and ethical issues in the field. Specialized coursework introduces topics such as principles of family therapy, child and adolescent counseling, and diagnosis and case management.
In addition to online courses, programs with a clinical track require you to tackle hundreds of practicum and internship experience hours. These hands-on experiences prepare you for clinical careers while meeting the requirements necessary for state licensure. Popular courses offered in many MFT programs are detailed below.
Popular Courses
Human Sexuality in Counseling
This online course explores the assessment and intervention skills needed to effectively address issues arising in sexual relationships. Students examine common sexuality issues in family counseling and gain awareness of their preconceptions and assumptions related to sexuality issues. Students also gain a solid understanding of the underlying theories and best practices in the field.
Clinical Issues of Aging, Death, and Dying
This course explores ideas of aging, death, and dying through an interdisciplinary lens. By examining the cultural, biological, and historical elements, students gain the information and skills needed to address the ethical, legal, and emotional elements essential to aging and end-of-life care. Students also explore theories surrounding grief and grieving and popular therapeutic intervention skills.
Addiction and Chemical Dependency Counseling
By examining the historical, theoretical, and practical foundations of addiction and recovery, this course provides critical information to address substance use issues competently. Students look closely at the impact of addiction on families and relationships. They also develop individualized strategies and treatments as clients encounter the stages of addiction and recovery.
Group Dynamics and Counseling
This course introduces students to the theoretical and practical tools essential to effective group counseling. Students explore and analyze group dynamics in a therapeutic setting while negotiating any professional and ethical issues that may arise. They also learn the key techniques and best practices for approaching group counseling.
Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and Counseling
By evaluating various disorders and diagnoses of children and adolescents, students gain the theoretical and practical knowledge to address client issues and formulate treatment plans. Plan to explore developmental, social, and behavioral problems related to experiences such as violence, divorce, and abuse.
Accreditation for Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Online Programs
When searching for an online marriage and family therapy master’s program that best fits your needs, make sure to consider each program’s accreditation. Schools that have earned their academic stamp of approval from regional accreditation meet exacting standards as set by the accrediting institutions. As a result, you can feel comfortable that the school is worth your time and money.
In addition to regional accreditation, specialized accreditation for MFT programs is earned through the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs. These organizations evaluate faculty, verify regional accreditation, and analyze student achievement data before awarding accreditation. If you’re unsure whether a school or program holds proper accreditation, consult the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
What Can MFTs Earn? Salary Outlook with a Master’s Degree
A master’s in marriage and family therapy is the standard credential for licensed MFT practice, qualifying graduates to work with individuals, couples, and families in private practice, community mental health, healthcare, and school settings. The degree emphasizes systemic approaches to therapy — helping clients navigate relationship dynamics, family conflict, and life transitions. Licensure requirements vary by state but consistently require a master’s degree and supervised clinical hours.
MFTs in private practice typically earn more than those in agency or nonprofit settings, with compensation also varying by caseload, location, and years of experience. Demand for licensed therapists continues to grow as mental health awareness increases.
Use the salary table below to see what marriage and family therapists earn across the country, and gauge the financial landscape for MFT practice in your state.
MFTs
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $66,940 | $93,840 | $123,730 |
| Alabama | $49,990 | $62,340 | $75,100 |
| Alaska | $60,010 | $74,000 | $113,710 |
| Arizona | $65,290 | $100,720 | $100,720 |
| Arkansas | $64,340 | $75,230 | $90,900 |
| California | $67,300 | $98,450 | $130,340 |
| Colorado | $60,700 | $74,070 | $128,400 |
| Connecticut | $86,250 | $164,740 | $168,750 |
| Delaware | $76,580 | $82,510 | $91,140 |
| Florida | $56,400 | $75,020 | $102,280 |
| Georgia | $91,550 | $101,460 | $102,320 |
| Hawaii | $141,960 | $166,400 | $166,400 |
| Idaho | $62,700 | $63,020 | $74,680 |
| Illinois | $60,970 | $78,070 | $104,900 |
| Indiana | $56,810 | $71,680 | $82,430 |
| Iowa | $67,180 | $78,560 | $127,720 |
| Kansas | $68,710 | $99,700 | $101,750 |
| Kentucky | $52,420 | $59,660 | $74,690 |
| Maine | $71,680 | $74,990 | $91,350 |
| Maryland | $69,900 | $78,330 | $115,330 |
| Massachusetts | $67,370 | $90,980 | $128,490 |
| Michigan | $52,270 | $64,710 | $78,740 |
| Minnesota | $72,470 | $83,720 | $99,920 |
| Mississippi | $51,440 | $54,320 | $59,690 |
| Missouri | $60,440 | $74,360 | $109,200 |
| Montana | $46,960 | $65,190 | $75,310 |
| Nebraska | $62,610 | $77,290 | $95,590 |
| New Hampshire | $60,030 | $81,380 | $82,490 |
| New Jersey | $92,150 | $101,090 | $110,990 |
| New Mexico | $70,630 | $80,950 | $92,210 |
| New York | $64,430 | $76,600 | $83,050 |
| North Carolina | $48,100 | $62,310 | $109,200 |
| Ohio | $70,240 | $146,210 | $157,860 |
| Oklahoma | $57,670 | $73,980 | $94,140 |
| Oregon | $91,520 | $138,320 | $165,190 |
| Pennsylvania | $66,040 | $80,200 | $91,980 |
| South Carolina | $55,430 | $68,260 | $91,220 |
| South Dakota | $44,870 | $51,810 | $53,420 |
| Tennessee | $46,700 | $52,120 | $63,540 |
| Texas | $46,300 | $72,820 | $93,500 |
| Utah | $84,980 | $116,600 | $151,840 |
| Vermont | $62,780 | $75,620 | $90,110 |
| Virginia | $79,900 | $91,250 | $103,330 |
| Washington | $60,000 | $69,040 | $103,740 |
| West Virginia | $55,700 | $76,150 | $115,950 |
| Wisconsin | $37,870 | $54,870 | $69,570 |
Source: BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 46 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy
Before enrolling in an online MFT program, understand the financial commitment that comes with your degree. Along with tuition costs, additional fees, and the cost of books and other materials, expenses can add up quickly. Make sure you read all the fine print, so you’re not surprised by a larger bill than expected.
The majority of schools have many financial aid options. From loans to scholarships, make sure you do the legwork to see where you can get some financial assistance.
Additionally, schools such as Liberty University offer discounted tuition rates for military veterans and first responders. When looking at schools, realize that tuition rates can vary wildly. For example, Pepperdine University charges $1,645 per credit while the University of West Alabama charges $429.
The following table gives an idea of what your MFT degree might cost.
What Your Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Could Cost
| Program | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of West Alabama | 33 | $429 | $14,157 |
| Amridge University | 60 | $650 | $39,000 |
| Liberty University | 60 | $580 | $34,800 |
FAQs About Earning Your Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Online
Best Online MFT Programs
Becoming a marriage and family therapist requires empathy, communication, and therapeutic expertise. To hone all of these skills, you’ll want to choose the best online MFT program — one that prioritizes comprehensive curriculum, practical application, conflict resolution, and more. Keep reading for a list of the best online MFT programs based on quality, affordability, flexibility, duration, and student outcomes.