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Top 30 Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling Online Degree Programs

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Top Counseling Schools - Best Online Degrees-01


A master’s degree in counseling is a prerequisite to becoming a couples therapist or marriage counselor. The name and nature of the degree offered by various colleges may differ, but the program’s core remains the same. Students are educated and trained in social science-related areas of marriage counseling, psychotherapy, and mental health counseling so that they can understand relationship issues, resolve conflicts, help people meet their relationship goals, and improve their relationships.

An online master’s degree in counseling is a popular choice for working adults who are passionate about helping others and would like to gain an advanced degree while working. The degrees may range from MS or MA in Family and Marriage Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Family Counseling, among others. Coursework includes couples therapy, adolescent and family counseling, family systems sociology, cultural diversity, and marriage counseling ethics. A significant component of these programs is the applied clinical experience and research, which can be gained through practicum and internships.

Once students complete their online master’s degree in counseling, they have to appear for licensure exams in their states. Most graduate-level courses prepare them well to take these tests and earn their licensure to practice. Each state mandates a specified number of hours of supervised marriage counseling work experience as Marriage counseling licensure requirements. In most cases, the standard supervised clinical requirement for marriage and family therapists is two years. Along with a written exam, the clinical experience and courses covered during a master’s degree satisfy the state requirements. Some states may require licensure exams provided by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards.

Featured Marriage and Family Counseling Degree Programs

Students who hold an online master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or couples counseling go on to work with all kinds of couples. They work with people in dating relationships, married couples seeking out relationship counseling in pairs, people in non-traditional relationships, and couples going through divorce proceedings, among others. Their job is to help couples analyze and resolve their problems and determine whether their conflicts are reconcilable

In this article, we have researched and shortlisted some of the most affordable online master’s in couples counseling. These flexible and affordable degrees are designed for students who wish to gain advanced degrees in the field as they balance life and work with their studies. The rankings consider curriculum, school’s overall accreditation specializations, concentrations, student support system, and tracks practicum, internships, and cost of the programs. Schools have been ranked based on their affordability.

Rating and Ranking Methodology

Tuition

  • Net Price Below $10,000: 4 points
  • Net Price Below $15,000: 3 points
  • Net Price Below $18,000: 2 points
  •  Net Price Below $20,000: 1 point

Program Flexibility: (asynchronous course delivery, hybrid options, part-time/full-time schedule, etc. ) – 1 point per item

Online Student Support Network: (faculty mentors/advisors, etc.)— 1 point per item

Accreditation: (School-Wide and Program-Specific) – 1 point per item

“Wow” Factor: – 1 point.

 

 

#30 Pepperdine University

Malibu, CA

Online MA in Clinical Psychology-LMFT Path

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Points: 6

Pepperdine University offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an option to pursue the LMFT (licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) Path. In this path, students are prepared to apply for LMFT Licensure after completing their master’s degree. They learn to provide families and couples with the impartial guidance they need to build happier and healthier relationships. The 64-unit curriculum covers key topics such as multicultural counseling, sexuality and intimacy, and substance abuse treatment, Psychopathology, Behavioral Principles, and Theories of Learning. The LMFT path is designed for students who wish to help people with issues that stem from marriage and family dynamics and parent-child conflicts, depression, substance abuse, and trauma, and how they affect couples and families, diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and addictive disorders. It is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition per unit: $1,645

#29 Northcentral University

La Jolla, CA

Online MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

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Points: 7

Northcentral University offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy that provides rigorous training to develop competent, ethical, culturally sensitive, and licensable marriage and family therapists. The Couple Therapy specialization prepares students to work with couples in therapeutic settings, primarily using family therapy, systems perspective. The 45-credit program takes about 33 months to complete. Students learn about the changing definition of marriage, social expectations, marriage, and long-term relationships to help couples face challenges as a trained third party. They are required to complete a research course focused on issues related to working with couples, and at least 100 hours of clinical experience in an approved setting with a qualified local clinical supervisor. The MFT degree program is COAMFTE accredited, and NCU is a WSCUC accredited institution.
Tuition per course: $2,700

#28 Antioch University

Culver City, CA

MA in Couple and Family Therapy

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Points: 8

Antioch University offers an online Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy that prepares students to work effectively with individuals, children, couples, and families to help with mental and emotional disorders, health and behavioral problems, and relationship issues. The 64-credit program utilizes a low-residency format, a hybrid model with online classes and in-person residencies. It is designed to be completed in just under three years (33 months) of full-time enrollment. Students are trained in psychotherapy and family systems through a systemic lens, and they learn to approach treatment holistically by focusing on the mind, body, social contexts, and relational systems. Graduates become socially proficient couples and family therapists by integrating social justice principles and diversity in their work. The program is COAMFTE accredited, and Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition per credit: $1,016

#27 Dallas Baptist University

Dallas, TX

Online MA in Family Ministry

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Points: 8

Dallas Baptist University offers an online Master of Arts in Family Ministry with Marriage and Family Counseling concentration. The 36-credit hour program provides foundations in theological, educational, and practical programming for effective family ministry. Students and future ministers are equipped to understand the needs of families, explore the principles of best strategies in biblical family formation, and implement ministry that impacts families in different phases of life. The program combines academic training and practical ministry application that will focus intentionally on the world families live in and the faith they need to follow Christ. Students learn different ways to impact families proactively in the formation process and address the therapeutic issues of life as they arise developmentally and from a crisis. Dallas Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $1,004

#26 Alliant International University

San Diego, CA

Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Online

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Points: 8

Alliant International University offers an online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree via its California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP). The 60-credit program trains students to help families and married couples and guide them through contemporary problems in difficult and challenging times. Coursework includes Parent-Child Therapy, Psychopharmacology, Diversity, and the Family, Individual and Family Life Cycle, MFT Law and Ethics, MFT Theories and Techniques, Introduction to Psychopathology, Group Therapy, Parent-Child Therapy Techniques, Preparing for Community Practice, Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy in Marriage and Family Therapy, Trauma and Crisis Intervention, Chemical Dependency and the Family, among others. The comprehensive family therapy education prepares them to help make a difference in people’s lives. The program is COAMFTE-accredited and is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Tuition per credit: $980

#25 Medaille College

Buffalo, NY

M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy Online

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Points: 9

Medaille College offers an online/hybrid Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy designed to prepare students to work with couples and families by providing theoretical and practical skills. The 51 credit program focuses on training competent clinicians who conceptualize individual and family issues from a systems perspective. This is a licensure-qualifying program in New York State, and graduates are well-prepared to work with the diverse population as competent therapists and counselors. Typically, students complete the program in two or two-and-half years. Classes held one weekend each month, plus students complete a four-week interval of online learning and independent study between class sessions. Students need to complete 500 clinical hours and 100 practicum hours.
Tuition per credit: $875

#24 Abilene Christian University

Abilene, TX

Online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

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Points: 9

Abilene Christian University offers an online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy that provides students with practical training in couple, family and child therapy, substance abuse and addiction, mental illness, and assessment and diagnosis. The 60-credit program teaches students how to help clients overcome problems within their families and relationships and mental and emotional disorders. The program provides real-world experience through a 500-hour internship and prepares students to sit for the Marriage and Family Therapy National exam. The curriculum is designed to achieve specific program goals with corresponding student learning outcomes. Students are prepared for Christian service and leadership in a variety of secular and faith-based clinical, medical or counseling settings. The program is COAMFTE accredited, and the school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $825

#23 Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ

Online Master’s in Family and Human Development

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Points: 10

Arizona State University offers an online Master’s in Family and Human Development via its
T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics. The 30 credit-hour master’s degree is a non-thesis degree program that focuses on the practical application of research. It prepares students to help individuals and families succeed in their relationships and achieve positive outcomes in working and living within their communities. It can be completed in as little as 15-18 months, enabling students to enter the job market sooner. Students learn to evaluate and consume research and translate research into best practices through an applied practitioner-oriented approach. They gain the knowledge and skills necessary to promote successful relationships, healthy individuals, and family development. Arizona State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition per year: $11,820

#22 Lee University

Cleveland, TN

MS, Marriage and Family Studies Online

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Points: 10

Lee University offers an online Master of Science, Marriage, and Family Studies that is designed for individuals who wish to work in administrative roles in family service agencies or family ministries at a church. A minimum of 36 semester hours is required for degree completion. Graduates gain advanced skills, knowledge, and experience to demonstrate an understanding of human development across the lifespan, and administer programs designed to provide support to families in a wide variety of community service settings. They are trained to communicate with diverse cultural groups effectively and demonstrate sensitivity to the spiritual needs of individuals, couples, and families and an understanding of special needs populations. The program core provides educational preparation in human growth and development, human sexuality, systems theory, and research. Lee University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $755

#21 Messiah College

Mechanicsburg, PA

Online MA in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling

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Points: 10

Messiah College offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling that prepares students to take the exam to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Pennsylvania and many other states. The 60-credit program prepares students to serve others in the counseling process, develop their leadership abilities in the counseling field, and seek to reconcile relationships within the counseling setting. The predominately online coursework allows students to study at their own pace and complete the program in two, three, or four-year timelines. Most students, however, complete in two years and go on to serve patients in varied settings. They become competent marriage, couple, and family counselors to work with clients in various settings. The program is CACREP accredited, and Messiah College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition per credit: $710

Featured Programs

#20 Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA

Online M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling

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Points: 10

Regent University offers an online M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling. It equips students for a fulfilling career in counseling by preparing you to sit, in most states, for the marriage and family therapy licensing examination. The 60-credit program combines progressive counseling techniques and theories and hands-on clinical fieldwork with a Christ-centered perspective. Students learn to apply systematic research and theories that encourage real self-awareness and understanding. They gain valuable experience from a supervised clinical experience in community, agency, and school settings and transform in professional development as you participate and lead organizations. They are prepared to sit for the state licensure exams and prepare for real-world clinical practice in community agencies and settings. The program is APA & CACREP accredited, and the University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $710

#19 Geneva College

Beaver Falls, PA

Online MA in Counseling

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Points: 11

Geneva College offers an online Master of Arts Degree in Counseling with Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling being one of the three concentrations offered. The integrated curriculum combines the foundational tenets of Christian faith and the secular viewpoints to provide well-rounded professional counseling guidance to individuals in secular and religious settings. Students earning a master’s in counseling degree demonstrate competencies around analysis, evaluation, and case conceptualization processes in professional counseling settings. The 60-credit curriculum includes developmental theory, career development, assessment, research, ethics, multicultural awareness, counseling theory, group work, and training in counseling and helping relationships, all from a Christian perspective. The counseling program is CACREP accredited, and Geneva College is an accredited institution by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition per credit: $694

#18 Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, CA

MA in Marriage and Family Therapy Online

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Points: 11

Fresno Pacific University offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy designed for individuals who wish to help in the healing process of those who have experienced hurt, pain, and hardship in life. The 65-unit curriculum integrates theology, theory, personal formation, and professional practice. It covers the content areas required for the California Marriage and Family Therapy licensure exams. It provides students with the knowledge, skill, and insight to practice counseling in a clinical setting. Coursework includes Introduction to Counseling, Family Violence, Counseling Families, Counseling Individuals, and Couples: Modern Theories, Counseling Individuals and Couples: Postmodern Theories, Professional Ethics in Counseling, Human Sexuality, Psychopathology, Group Counseling, Contemporary Issues in Counseling among others. It is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Tuition per credit: $670

#17 Brandman University

Irvine, CA

Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Online

Brandman University

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Points: 11

Brandman University offers an online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy degree that prepares students to support and address the needs of individuals, spouses, and families facing challenges. The 60-credit program is designed by scholar-practitioners with years of clinical experience and meets licensure requirements in California, Washington, and 39 other states. Students are prepared to serve their communities as a marriage and family counselor effectively. The 100% online program includes an active list of available sites for practicum support. Some students pursue doctoral degrees, but most master’s degree holders can sit for the state licensing exam to become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).
All Brandman University programs are accredited by WSCUC,
Tuition per credit: $660

#16 Mid-America Christian University

Oklahoma City, OK

Online M.S. in Counseling

mid-america-christian-university

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Points: 11

Mid-America Christian University offers an online Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis on Marital, Couples, and Family Counseling/Therapy. The program approaches the practice of marriage and family therapy to help people grow in lasting ways. Students learn to analyze the systems and inner dynamics at play in the family and romantic relationships from a biblical perspective that emphasizes traditional Christian values. The coursework prepares students for Oklahoma licensure by developing the skills and expertise required to treat a wide range of relational and behavioral problems that may arise in families, marriages and other intimate relationships. Students are trained to offer a compassionate, ethical practice in a variety of secular and church-based settings. Mid-America Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition per credit: $642

#15 LeTourneau University

Longview, TX

Online MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

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Points: 12

LeTourneau University offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling that is designed for students who wish to help people live more fully functional lives in an in-demand field. Specialization options include Family Assessment, Couples Therapy, and Assessment and Couples Therapy and Treatment Planning, among others. The 66-credit curriculum also includes core courses like Counseling Theories and Family Therapies for Professional Counselors, and Group Counseling Methods. Students learn to integrate counseling through the lens of a Christian Worldview, personal awareness, and growth. They are prepared to engage with varied populations by using counseling skills, ethical practice, holistic attention, and a systemic orientation, thereby impacting lives and restoring relationships, both psychologically and spiritually. LeTourneau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $615

#14 Houston Baptist University

Houston, TX

Online MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

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Points: 12

Houston Baptist University offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy designed to provide graduate coursework to those seeking to work with couples and families as a licensed marriage and family therapist. The 60-credit program emphasizes the development of research-supported counseling skills. While most classes are offered online, there are required on-campus classes that students need to attend due to state mandates. The coursework provided meets the academic requirements for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of Texas. It includes Marriage and Family Counseling, Premarital Counseling and Marital Enrichment, Assessment and Counseling with Couples and Families, Counseling Children, Adolescents and Families along with Counseling Practicum and Counseling Internships. Houston Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $575

#13 Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy Online

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Points: 7

Liberty University offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy designed for students interested in counseling families through difficult issues. The 60-credit program provides a thorough understanding of individual, couples, and family counseling theory, techniques, and effective clinical practice. Students are prepared to serve as competent counselors and help individuals, couples, and families find healing. They build a strong foundation in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) principles and strategies. They learn ethical, professional, and legal issues in counseling from a professional and biblical perspective. The comprehensive program prepares them to seek licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Graduates go on to pursue careers in a variety of mental health settings. Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC.
Tuition per credit: $565

#12 John Brown University

Siloam Springs, AR

Online M.S. in Counseling -Marriage and Family Therapy

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Points: 12

John Brown University offers an online Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. The 60-credit program has an option to add one (or more) emphasis for only 9-12 additional credit hours. The MFT emphasis prepares students for successful careers as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). Students are exceptionally equipped for counseling careers and ministry positions through the integration of classroom instruction and clinical preparation. Degree completion time depends on if a student pursues this degree part-time or full-time. Graduates who choose to add the Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis will also be eligible for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). All counseling graduates are eligible for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counseling (LPC). John Brown University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition per credit: $560

#11 Southern California Seminary

El Cajon, California

MA n Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) Online

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Points: 12

Southern California Seminary offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) degree designed to prepare students for working with couples and families as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California. The 60-unit program satisfies the educational requirements of the California Board of Behavioral Science, Business and Professions Code, Section 4980.37, for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California. Students learn to incorporate popular family systems theories with other psychological, empirically-validated theories and techniques to tailor effective therapy for each individual, couple, or family. There is an option to add one additional class (Vocational Counseling) to the MACP degree, which also meets educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Southern California Seminary is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). The program is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Tuition per unit: $557

#10 Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

Online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling-MFT

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Points: 13

Grand Canyon University offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy via its College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The 74-credit program focuses on family dynamics, parent-child relationships, and issues that affect couples. Students gain an in-depth understanding of psychotherapy and family systems and learn to provide individual, couple, and family counseling within a carefully structured environment that inspires a sense of security. Future counselors are encouraged to adopt a compassionate and empathetic approach to counseling while maintaining professional boundaries. They develop an understanding of the Christian worldview and faith-based ethics and learn to take a family-oriented approach to assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal issues. Grand Canyon University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition per credit: $550

#9 Palo Alto University

Palo Alto, CA

Online M.A. Counseling: Marriage, Family and Child Counseling Emphasis

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Points: 13

Palo Alto University offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling that prepares students to help people manage or overcome mental health and emotional disorders and problems in the context of the family and relationships. The academically rigorous program requires 93 quarter-units for completion. The progressive curriculum combines mandatory fieldwork, theory workshops, and intensives and is designed to prepare students for fieldwork culminating in a capstone project. Students are preparing to pursue a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) as well as California Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC) licensure, with a scope of practice that includes counseling families and couples. The program is CACREP accredited, and Palo Alto University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Tuition per unit: $544

#8 Evangelical Seminary

Myerstown, PA

Online MA in Marriage & Family Therapy

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Points: 13

Evangelical Seminary offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) designed for students who wish to help build healthy relationships and strong families. The 65-credit program helps them develop competent professional skills as beginning marriage and family therapists, and also prepares them for Pennsylvania State Licensure (as well as any other state with similar requirements to P.A.). Students are trained in family systems and psychotherapy to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of individuals, marriage, couples, and family systems. Graduates treat a wide range of serious clinical problems, including depression, marital issues, anxiety, individual psychological problems, and child-parent problems. The program is COAMFTE accredited, and Evangelical Seminary is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition per year: $17,000

#7 Touro University Worldwide

Los Alamitos, CA

Online M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy

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Points: 14

Touro University Worldwide offers an online M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy that prepares students to deliver holistic treatment plans that focus on family relationships and dynamics. The program offers multiple tracks to align with a student’s chosen career path. The M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy Clinical Track requires 72 credits for completion. The M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy Non-Clinical Track requires 54 credits for completion. The M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC) Track requires 82 credit hours for completion. The coursework prepares graduates to function in this critical discipline to foster the well-being of couples and families in mental health agencies, government agencies, or private practice. The program is COAMFTE accredited, and the University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Tuition per credit: $500

#6 Capella University

Minneapolis, MN

MS in Marriage and Family Therapy Online

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Points: 14

Capella University offers an online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy designed for students who wish to become a licensed marriage and family therapists and help guide clients through challenging times. The program requires 72 quarter credits for completion. Students learn in-depth ways to inspire families and couples to have healthy, positive relationships. The curriculum combines online coursework with in-person learning experiences that focus on assessment, diagnosis, treatment, intervention, and clinical training. Coursework includes Diversity and Social Justice in Systemic Family Therapy, Systemic Clinical Interventions for Grief and Trauma, Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment of Behavior Disorders, Impact of Addiction and Addictive Behavior on Family Systems among others. The program is COAMFTE-accredited, and Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition per credit: $497

#5 Clarks Summit University

Clarks Summit, PA

MS in Counseling Online

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Points: 14

Clarks Summit University offers an online Master of Science in Counseling that prepares students for career opportunities in professional positions that require state licensure. The 60-credit program emphasizes a biblical counseling model that trains students to provide wise biblical counsel in multiple clinical settings competently. They can pursue professional counseling careers, or develop ministry leadership positions, apply for state licensure, and doctoral work in the fields of counseling or psychology. Coursework includes Human Development, Marriage and Family Counseling, Substance Addictions, and Human Sexuality. Students are required to complete the supervised practicum and internship requirements. This provides you with hands-on counseling experience, allowing them to apply classroom instruction in professional settings. Clarks Summit University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition per credit: $460

#4 University of Colorado,Denver

Denver, CO

Online MA in Counseling, Couple and Family Counseling/Therapy

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Points: 14

University of Colorado, Denver, offers an online Master of Arts in Counseling, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy via its School of Education & Human Development. The 63-credit program prepares students for careers as couple and family therapists. Students are trained as couple and family therapists who can effectively treat mental and emotional challenges while promoting optimum relational health through a systemic, holistic approach. They are taught to prize human diversity and offer a continuum of mental health services across various settings for the benefit of the community and society. The curriculum covers topics that align with state licensure exams, thus preparing students to take licensure exams after completing their master’s. The program is CACREP accredited, and the University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition per credit: $452

#3 University of West Alabama

Livingston, AL

M.S. Family Counseling Online

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Points: 15

The University of West Alabama offers an online Master of Science in Family Counseling designed for students who seek clinical practice and professional licensure. Though the program itself does not prepare graduates for an independent professional license as a marriage and family therapist or as a professional counselor, it helps expand their knowledge of family counseling issues. It is also a good fit for paraprofessionals who plan to work in a non-therapeutic role under professional supervision. The 33-credit curriculum provides them with the educational foundation to work more effectively with families and family-related issues in counseling and related social science fields. Courses are taught by faculty who are licensed as psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors. The University of West Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tuition per credit: $429

#2 Syracuse University

Syracuse, NY

Marriage & Family Therapy, MA – Online

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Points: 15

Syracuse University offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy via its David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. The 60-credit online curriculum includes 51 required credits and nine elective credits with a 500-hour clinical practicum with individuals, couples, and families in your local community. It also requires a short residency that enhances student-faculty relationships and promotes skill building, professional competencies, relationship, and resume building, and supports licensure. The program meets the academic requirements for clinical membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Graduates are trained to work with veterans, military families, couples, children, and families. Students are prepared to take the state licensure exams after their degree completion. The program is accredited by COAMFTE and Syracuse University is accredited by the Middle States Commission.
Tuition per year: $10,098

#1 California State University, Northridge

Northridge, CA

Online M.S. in Counseling-MFT

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Points: 16

California State University, Northridge offers an online Master of Science in Counseling- Marriage and Family Therapy, one of the five options for this degree. The 67-unit curriculum is designed to teach professional skills to prepare students to work in various mental health settings, schools, and pursue clinical doctoral study. The MFT degree option prepares students for licensure as both a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California and in most other states which students can pursue concurrently. The curriculum integrates the Marriage and Family Therapy Core Competencies to ensure that it adheres to the highest national standards and guidelines. It emphasizes strengths-based approaches, diversity, evidence-based practices, and the development of the person-of-the-therapist.
Approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for MFT licensing and COAMFTE accredited. CSU Northridge is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
Tuition per year: $8,446

Also see:
Most Affordable Online Master’s in Psychology
Top Online Master’s in Child and Adolescent Psychology

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