If you’re looking for accredited online MFT programs, this guide will help you find standout schools, costs, steps for licensure, and answers to your questions about the education below.
Author: Christopher Murray
Expertise: Online LearningStudent SuccessGraduate Ed.Editor: Jordan Cosselman
- Common Questions
Common Questions About Accredited MFT Programs
Read more - Featured Schools
College Spotlights: Accredited Online MFT Programs
Read more - Costs and Financial Aid
Costs and Financial Aid for COAMFTE Accredited Online MFT Programs
Read more - Licensure Roadmap
How to Become a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
Read more - Career Outlook
Career Outlook for Marriage & Family Therapists
Read more - Top Schools
Best Online Master’s in COAMFTE-Accredited MFT Programs
Read more
Are you drawn to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives? Have you always wanted to work with couples or families? Counseling may be the right career path for you, specifically, a career as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).
The demand is strong. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for marriage and family therapists is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, well above the national average for all occupations.
Accredited online MFT programs offer the flexibility to balance work and life while earning your degree. This guide spotlights top programs, breaks down costs, and walks you through what it takes to get licensed.
Common Questions About Accredited MFT Programs
What is COAMFTE accreditation?
COAMFTE stands for the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. It’s a specialized body that evaluates and accredits graduate-level institutions offering MFT programs.
Schools with COAMFTE accreditation have met rigorous standards in curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical training, and student outcomes. This accreditation is widely recognized by state licensing boards across the country, which is why it matters so much when choosing a program.
Why is attending an accredited marriage & family therapy program important?
Attending a COAMFTE-accredited program is often a requirement, not just a preference, for licensure in many states. Accredited programs meet the rigorous standards set by the governing body, which translates directly into eligibility for state licensure exams and, in many cases, access to more financial aid options. Choosing a non-accredited program could create barriers to licensure down the road.
Are COAMFTE-accredited programs more academically difficult?
Not necessarily. Accreditation reflects quality standards, not automatic difficulty. Accredited programs ensure students receive comprehensive training and meet consistent benchmarks, but academic rigor varies depending on individual faculty, course level, and your own background in the subject.
Don’t let accreditation status alone factor into your expectations of difficulty.
Can I earn my MFT 100% online, or do I need to go to campus?
Most MFT programs require at least some on-campus time, even if the majority of coursework is online. Many programs include required intensives or residencies that must be completed in person. These on-campus experiences are typically designed to give students hands-on clinical training and direct supervision that can’t be replicated online.
A small number of programs are fully online, so check each program’s specific requirements before applying.
Are accredited MFT programs more expensive?
Not significantly. Accreditation is typically a small part of the overall program cost. Tuition is shaped by many factors, including whether the school is public or private, credit requirements, and institutional fees.
It’s also worth noting that accredited schools often unlock more financial aid options, including scholarships specifically for MFT students, which can help offset the cost.
College Spotlights: Details of Accredited Online MFT Programs
Capella University
Capella’s online MS in Marriage and Family Therapy is designed to prepare you for initial licensure as an LMFT. The program includes 16 courses, two residencies, and internship requirements — totaling 72 quarter credits.
Tuition is estimated at $497 per credit, and Capella offers discounts for active military and veterans. You’ll apply classroom learning through your residency and internship, entering the profession with real-world experience addressing the challenges you’ll face in practice.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan’s Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling is a 60-credit program with a faith-based curriculum. Students pay $602 per credit hour, bringing the total program cost to approximately $36,000 over two years.
To graduate, students must complete 300 in-person clinical hours at a community health site. The university features a state-of-the-art therapy and research center, and students benefit from regular video review of therapy sessions and one-on-one faculty mentorship.
Financial aid is available through grants, loans, scholarships, veterans benefits, and employer reimbursement.
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda is a private, Seventh-day Adventist university in California offering an online or on-campus MS in Marital and Family Therapy. The program can be completed in two and a half years, with both part-time and full-time options available. Admission is not based on GRE scores.
A standout feature: Loma Linda offers a Medical Family Therapy specialization for students interested in working with patients and families navigating illness, injury, or disability — a unique niche within the field.
Northwestern University
Northwestern’s online MS in Marriage and Family Therapy carries the weight of a recognizable, elite university name. GRE scores are not required for admission, though applicants do need to meet other criteria.
The program includes 25 graduate-level courses taught by faculty with extensive experience in the field, many of whom helped shape current standards in MFT practice. Students must complete 400 hours of clinical fieldwork in their local communities before graduation. Northwestern has a dedicated placement specialist team to help students find the right clinical sites.
Syracuse University
Syracuse offers an online MA in Marriage & Family Therapy — a 60-credit program that’s primarily online with a short on-campus residency to build connections with classmates and faculty. Students must also complete a 500-hour clinical practicum within their local communities.
A defining feature of the Syracuse program is its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Students learn socially just, anti-racist, and LGBTQ-affirmative practices, preparing them to work effectively with a wide range of individuals, couples, and families.
Costs and Financial Aid for Accredited Online MFT Programs
Pursuing a master’s degree is a substantial financial commitment. Most programs are two-year commitments, and costs can add up quickly. Before enrolling, make sure you understand the full cost of attendance and have a realistic plan for managing any student loan payments.
A master’s degree should advance your career, not create lasting financial strain.
All universities set their own tuition rates and credit requirements, so there’s no standard price across programs. Use the program spotlights above as a starting point for cost comparisons, and contact each school’s financial aid office directly for the most current information on grants, loans, scholarships, and employer reimbursement options
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Resident Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capella University | MS in Marriage and Family Therapy | 72 | $35,784 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | MA in Marriage & Family Counseling | 60 | $36,120 |
| Loma Linda University | MS in Marital and Family Therapy | 90 | $70,649 |
| Northwestern University | MS in Marriage and Family Therapy | 25 | $129,300 |
| Syracuse University | Marriage & Family Therapy MA | 60 | $68,340 |
How to Become a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
Becoming an LMFT requires meeting your state’s specific licensing requirements. Because requirements vary by state, it’s important to research your state’s guidelines before you begin your graduate education.
Step 1: Research Your State’s Licensure Requirements
Each state has different requirements for LMFTs, including education, clinical hours, and exams. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) has compiled a helpful database of licensure requirements organized by state. Reviewing this before you apply to programs ensures you choose one that will qualify you for licensure where you plan to practice.
Step 2: Earn Your Accredited MFT Degree
A graduate MFT degree is a non-negotiable step toward LMFT licensure. Your program will teach you the skills needed to help clients improve their lives, with a focus on how relationships, family dynamics, and interpersonal patterns shape mental health. Beyond academics, your degree program also helps you build professional connections: faculty, supervisors, and classmates who can support your career long after graduation.
Step 3: Pass All Required Exams
Before you can become licensed, you’ll need to pass your state’s required exams. All states require the MFT National Examination, administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). Some states also require additional testing. For example, Maryland requires a jurisprudence exam that tests knowledge of state-specific laws and regulations.
Step 4: Complete Supervised Field Experience
After passing your exams, you’ll need to fulfill your state’s supervised clinical experience requirements. The number of hours (and what counts toward them) varies significantly by state.
For example, Utah requires 4,000 hours of marriage and family therapy training within two years, including at least 1,000 hours of mental health therapy with 100 hours of direct supervision. Check your state’s specific requirements early so you can plan accordingly.
Step 5: Apply for Your LMFT License
Once you’ve completed the education, examination, and clinical experience requirements, you can officially apply for your license through your state’s licensing board. Each state has its own application process and fees.
For reference, Wyoming’s Mental Health Professions Licensing Board requires the following:
- Completed application and $393 application fee
- Proof of citizenship or lawful presence
- Two copies of the FD-258 fingerprint card
- Official school transcripts
- Signed VESE form
- Official exam score reports
- Verification of certification in any other jurisdictions where you’re licensed
Career Outlook for Marriage & Family Therapists
A career in marriage and family therapy is both rewarding and in-demand. Before committing to this path, it’s natural to want a clear picture of what to expect professionally and financially.
Top-Paying States for Licensed MFTS
The five states with the highest mean salaries for marriage and family therapists are listed in the table below. Keep in mind that the national average growth rate for all occupations provides useful context for comparing MFT job growth in specific states.
| State | Mean Salary | Projected Growth | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $92,120 | 1.7% | 340 |
| Maryland | $87,090 | 4.7% | 100 |
| Utah | $83,980 | 12.1% | 290 |
| Virginia | $76,480 | Unavailable | Unavailable |
| Alaska | $74,420 | Unavailable | Unavailable |
Sources: BLS & Projections Central
States That Employ the Most Marriage & Family Therapists
Coastal states like California and Florida are expected to have thousands of job openings in the coming years. That said, the diversity of locations hiring LMFTs means opportunities exist across the country, not just in the highest-population states.
| State | Number of Jobs | Projected Growth | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 34,100 | 5.6% | $52,230 |
| New Jersey | 4,770 | 1.7% | $86,030 |
| Minnesota | 3,820 | 4.2% | $65,870 |
| Florida | 3,770 | 9.3% | $46,000 |
| Utah | 2,310 | 12.1% | $77,600 |
Source: Projections Central & O*Net OnLine