What Does a Career in Marriage and Family Counseling Entail?
Sometimes, a marriage or a family can benefit from a highly trained, unbiased, and objective third-party to observe and make healthy recommendations as to ways to improve such relationships. Trouble in relationships occur for any number of reasons such as death, betrayal, and child behavioral issues. While a friend may be a great listener and give seemingly helpful advice, only licensed therapists, such as marriage and family therapists or others experienced in family counseling, can truly help couples and families resolve their issues at the core so that they do not resurface time and time again. In a safe space, whether participating in therapy alone or together with group counseling methods, all individuals can heal and communicate to improve their relationships and more easily succeed in life. A marriage and family therapist helps to transform the family dynamics and partner dynamic into a healthy, productive, and meaningful adventure of life they experience together.
Marriage and family therapists will work with individuals, couples, and families to help resolve issues that are based on miscommunication or mental health to improve the patient’s overall well-being and quality of life. The underlying issues that may cause someone to seek such a marriage and family therapy specialist will vary greatly such as individual and family development, anxiety, depression, mental health issues, domestic violence, adolescent or child behavioral problems, infertility, LGBTQ concerns, broken family systems, substance abuse, or marital conflict. It is an excellent way for people to share their emotions and experiences without judgment from others.
It is the role of the marriage and family therapist to help find positive solutions that play on the strengths of the patients as a way to resolve problems in a calming and objective manner. A therapist with marriage and family therapy licensure will observe the ways patients interact, evaluate each situation, resolve problems, act as a guide through difficult crises, point out problem areas and patterns of behavior, and provide healthy alternatives to existing problematic behaviors. It is also important to note that a therapist cannot allow their personal feelings and personal lives to influence their professional behavior and guidance when they offer counseling services. If you choose this career path, you must be able to compartmentalize your feelings to remain unbiased and objective at all times. Prospective students should keep in mind that their marriage and family therapy program or family counseling program is preparing them for a stressful but fulfilling role.
Top 25 Best Online Masters in Marriage & Family Therapy Programs
Northwestern University
Score: 94.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $65,997
- Out-of-State:$65,997
- Net Price: $22,095
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 98%
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Total Enrollment: 23,161
- Undergrad Students: 8,993
- Graduate Students: 14,168
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 6:1
Arizona State University
Score: 76.17
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,051
- Out-of-State:$32,193
- Net Price: $14,808
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 80,065
- Undergrad Students: 65,492
- Graduate Students: 14,573
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Syracuse University
Score: 76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $63,061
- Out-of-State:$63,061
- Net Price: $43,651
- Acceptance Rate: 52%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 22,698
- Undergrad Students: 15,421
- Graduate Students: 7,277
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
California State University-Northridge
Score: 75.59
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,095
- Out-of-State:$18,975
- Net Price: $8,936
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 37,579
- Undergrad Students: 32,181
- Graduate Students: 5,398
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
Drexel University
Score: 74.93
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $60,663
- Out-of-State:$60,663
- Net Price: $39,267
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 22,344
- Undergrad Students: 14,021
- Graduate Students: 8,323
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Texas Tech University
Score: 74.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,852
- Out-of-State:$24,451
- Net Price: $17,896
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 40,378
- Undergrad Students: 32,579
- Graduate Students: 7,799
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Pepperdine University
Score: 74.36
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $66,742
- Out-of-State:$66,742
- Net Price: $47,804
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 88%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 10,030
- Undergrad Students: 3,662
- Graduate Students: 6,368
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Messiah University
Score: 72.94
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,640
- Out-of-State:$40,640
- Net Price: $24,120
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 3,231
- Undergrad Students: 2,495
- Graduate Students: 736
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Indiana Wesleyan University
Score: 72.92
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,168
- Out-of-State:$31,168
- Net Price: $21,755
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 2,603
- Undergrad Students: 2,236
- Graduate Students: 367
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
John Brown University
Score: 71.68
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,832
- Out-of-State:$30,832
- Net Price: $20,997
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 71%
- Total Enrollment: 2,326
- Undergrad Students: 1,801
- Graduate Students: 525
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 15:1
University of Massachusetts-Boston
Score: 71.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,496
- Out-of-State:$37,174
- Net Price: $17,123
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 15,586
- Undergrad Students: 12,221
- Graduate Students: 3,365
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Western Michigan University
Score: 70.51
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,298
- Out-of-State:$19,098
- Net Price: $20,030
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 17,000
- Undergrad Students: 13,589
- Graduate Students: 3,411
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
University of Colorado Denver
Score: 69.77
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,017
- Out-of-State:$28,209
- Net Price: $16,079
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Total Enrollment: 23,744
- Undergrad Students: 14,055
- Graduate Students: 9,689
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Lamar University
Score: 68.75
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,690
- Out-of-State:$18,482
- Net Price: $11,757
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 16,803
- Undergrad Students: 8,264
- Graduate Students: 8,539
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Regent University
Score: 67.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,686
- Out-of-State:$20,686
- Net Price: $17,341
- Acceptance Rate: 32%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Total Enrollment: 10,337
- Undergrad Students: 4,541
- Graduate Students: 5,796
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Touro University Worldwide
Score: 66.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,600
- Out-of-State:$14,600
- Net Price: $17,068
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 2,249
- Undergrad Students: 413
- Graduate Students: 1,836
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Abilene Christian University
Score: 65.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,380
- Out-of-State:$42,380
- Net Price: $28,978
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 5,079
- Undergrad Students: 3,211
- Graduate Students: 1,868
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Lee University
Score: 65.14
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,690
- Out-of-State:$22,690
- Net Price: $19,726
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
- Total Enrollment: 3,927
- Undergrad Students: 3,446
- Graduate Students: 481
- Grads Salary: $56,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Grand Canyon University
Score: 63.57
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,450
- Out-of-State:$17,450
- Net Price: $21,939
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Retention Rate: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 101,816
- Undergrad Students: 66,769
- Graduate Students: 35,047
- Grads Salary: $70,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
North Central University
Score: 63.37
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,460
- Out-of-State:$29,460
- Net Price: $23,374
- Acceptance Rate: 91%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 992
- Undergrad Students: 893
- Graduate Students: 99
- Grads Salary: $60,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Liberty University
Score: 62.84
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,222
- Out-of-State:$21,222
- Net Price: $29,913
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 96,709
- Undergrad Students: 48,906
- Graduate Students: 47,803
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
UMass Global
Score: 62.11
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,520
- Out-of-State:$12,520
- Net Price: $32,807
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Total Enrollment: 8,689
- Undergrad Students: 4,822
- Graduate Students: 3,867
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Walden University
Score: 61.76
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,498
- Out-of-State:$12,498
- Net Price: $20,510
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 31%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 42,312
- Undergrad Students: 6,298
- Graduate Students: 36,014
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
University of West Alabama
Score: 61.55
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,990
- Out-of-State:$20,090
- Net Price: $13,786
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 38%
- Total Enrollment: 5,860
- Undergrad Students: 2,427
- Graduate Students: 3,433
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
National University
Score: 59.82
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,064
- Out-of-State:$11,064
- Net Price: $30,527
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 22%
- Total Enrollment: 11,578
- Undergrad Students: 106
- Graduate Students: 11,472
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 1:1
Typical Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Requirements
Each state will have varying degree, licensing and work requirements for marriage and family therapists. The majority of the states will require at least a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. It is important to note that many accredited colleges and universities do not offer degrees specifically in marriage and family therapy. If you are unable to find a regionally accredited online college or university or a traditional higher learning institute near you with an accredited degree in marriage and family therapy, you might consider other degrees, such as psychiatry, psychology, or clinical social work.
Typical Marriage and Family Therapy Certifications Needed
Some states will allow you to work entry-level jobs without a license. Certifications are not a requirement to become a marriage and family therapist; however, they may help you to become employed in the field. Either way, you will have to obtain a license in most states before you are legally able to begin offering counseling services.
Academic Standards for Marriage and Family Therapy Degrees
Most licensing bodies will require at least a 3.0 GPA to be considered eligible to sit for the examination. This is the equivalent to a B average. You will also be required to possess a minimum GPA from your bachelor’s degree to enter either a master’s degree program or a Ph.D. program. This will vary from school to school. Be sure to strive to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout your educational career; however, some higher learning institutions will require a higher GPA to pursue a graduate degree. Check with the colleges and universities you would like to attend as a graduate student as soon as you know you want to become a marriage and family therapist.
Exam/Experience Needed for Marriage and Family Therapy Degrees
After completing your counseling degree requirements, you must complete clinical experience, a state licensing exam, and continue your education. Some states require clinical experience before the licensure and some after the exam. The necessary clinical experience required is typically two years. You can choose to volunteer your services or to work for any agency that offers mental health services, such as a private practice, a non-profit, a college or a charitable organization. All clinical experience must be supervised by a professional in social work, psychology, or Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT).
The licensing exam will vary from state to state. Some states will administer their own examination based on the areas in which they feel are most important for a marriage and family therapist. Other states will use the American Association of Marital and Family Therapy (AAMFT) exam to test the abilities of a potential therapist, such as ethics, treatment intervention, and diagnosis. Depending on the state, you might also be tested on laws and regulations.
Continuing education is also required by many states to maintain therapy licensure. You might consider completing professional development certifications, attending seminars and conferences, or working toward a certification or degree in a new specialty that will complement your existing skill set and make you an even better marriage and family therapist. You can also meet the continued education requirements by teaching and supervising others.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to earn a Marriage and Family Therapy bachelor's degree online?
A bachelor’s degree in MFT will take as long as any other bachelor’s degree, which is around four years if you attend as a full-time student. It is important to note that there is not an accredited online or traditional bachelor’s degree in marriage and family therapy. You must complete a related degree in other areas, such as psychology, behavioral science, counseling, or social work. You can major in a variety of related fields, such as family science, human development, family studies, or sociology. You will select your specialization in MFT during your master’s degree or your Ph.D. Before you select your degree and major, look into your ideal master’s or Ph.D. programs to determine which degrees they require for acceptance into their programs.
How much does a Marriage and Family Therapy bachelor’s degree online cost?
You do not have to attend a special college or university to achieve an online bachelor’s degree in a related area of marriage and family therapy. The cost will be the same as the majority of bachelor’s degrees in any subject. The differences in cost will be whether or not you choose a public or private college or university and whether or not you have to pay in-state tuition or out-of-state tuition.
The following are the current bachelor’s degree costs:
- Public Four-Year (In-State) - $20,770
- Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) - $36,420
- Private Four-Year (Not-for-Profit) - $46,950
Does the school have the major(s) you’re considering?
To accomplish the goal of becoming a marriage and family therapist you must follow the right path. This starts with your bachelor’s degree. It is important to note that you will be less likely to be accepted into a mandatory master’s program if you do not have the right undergraduate degree. Psychology, social work, and counseling are three of the most common majors and degrees to pursue in undergrad. You might also consider family science, human development, family studies, or sociology. Research the master’s degree programs’ requirements of colleges and universities you want to pursue upon graduation before you make a final decision on a major or degree specialization.
How many students graduate “on time,” in four years?
The on-time graduation rate will vary from institution to institution. The graduation rate for most colleges and universities is made public. It is estimated that a marriage and family therapist will require a minimum of a 4-year bachelor’s degree, a 2 or 3-year master’s degree and 2 years of clinical experience before they can work on their own. Keep in mind these are minimums. Some states require a Ph.D. which adds several more years and some states require up to four years of clinical experience.
The amount of time it takes you to complete these requirements is entirely dependent on you. If you participate in degree programs as a full-time student, you increase your chance of accomplishing on-time graduation. If you work or take care of your children or an aging family member while you pursue a degree, it may take significantly longer.
What kind of accreditation does the online program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
It will be critical to complete all degrees from regionally accredited colleges or universities. You might also consider the accreditation of the degree program. Some of the best will be accredited by the AAMFT, COAMFTE, or CACREP. All of these accreditations will make your degree more valuable in the eyes of employers or potential clients.
Professional Marriage and Family Therapy Organizations
AAMFT
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists
The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists is a division of the American Counseling Association. This professional organization is designed to provide professional support to all practicing family counselors and therapists. They provide access to media products, forums, and publications. It allows industry professionals to collaborate and participate in professional activities.
NCFR
National Council on Family Relations
The National Council on Family Relations is entirely dedicated to the research, practice and education of family relations. This is a non-profit, multidisciplinary, and nonpartisan international association. Members are from a wide array of fields, including demographers, marriage and family therapists, parent and family educators, professors, social workers, researchers, health workers, clergy, teachers, and much more.
AFTA
American Family Therapy Academy
The American Family Therapy Academy joins international professionals of family therapy. This includes a wide array of industry professions, including academics, researchers, program directors, policymakers, and clinicians. This group offers mentorships, networking, collaborating, referral opportunities, academic journal publications, and more.