Best Online MFT Programs

Earning a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy (MFT) is an important step for those seeking to become licensed counselors or therapists. While traditional campus-based programs have been the norm, online MFT programs are gaining popularity as they provide greater accessibility and flexibility. Students in online MFT programs access video lectures, discussion forums, virtual simulations, and other remote learning technologies to receive training comparable to on-campus alternatives.

As online family therapy itself is also rising, online learning is apt preparation for MFT graduates entering an increasingly digital counseling field. Licensure eligibility and requirements are identical for both online and on-campus programs as long as they hold valid regional accreditation and align with state standards.

Top Online Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Programs

The highest ranking online MFT programs exhibit excellence in curriculum, faculty credentials, clinical training oversight, research opportunities, and other key areas. Here are five top options to consider:

University of West Alabama

Average Net Price: $16,258

Graduation Rate: 35.29%

Retention Rate: 62.59%

Median Earnings: $38,617

Interested in pursuing a master’s degree focused on Family Counseling online? Say no more! The University of West Alabama is set to immerse you into the intricacies of family therapy methodologies through their well-structured program. They also give a fully online Master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which makes it one of the most cost-friendly places to study in Alabama. UWA’s online Psychology & Counseling Degrees cater to various career goals in psychology or counseling, with programs designed for flexibility and budget considerations. The university offers rigorous online master’s degrees in education, counseling, business administration, and more, supporting career advancement. With over 40 degree and certification programs available online, UWA emphasizes flexibility and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact

Concordia University-Chicago

Average Net Price: $18,225

Graduation Rate: 54.83%

Retention Rate: 64.91%

Median Earnings: $51,219

Concordia University Chicago provides an online Master of Arts (MA) degree program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This program equips graduates with the professional knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in mental health counseling. The university, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers flexible online programs, fostering academic excellence while accommodating the active lifestyles of students. Concordia University Chicago is a Christ-centered institution, emphasizing values, faith, and the belief that education and service are integral to caring for all individuals .

Toccoa Falls College

Average Net Price: $20,737

Graduation Rate: 51.79%

Retention Rate: 57.60%

Median Earnings: $37,975

Toccoa Falls College offers an online Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Toccoa Falls College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees.This MFT curriculum? It’s cleverly tailored, enabling you to chase your degree ambitions without dropping the ball on personal and professional commitments. In a nutshell, this immersive curriculum primes graduate students for the counseling field by offering them firsthand experience with genuine clients in community placements, all while setting the stage for dual licensure as Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists – an undeniably robust preparation for their impending professional journey. In line with the institution’s steadfast dedication to providing adaptable and reachable education, the MFT online program ensures it accommodates a spectrum of student requirements.

Online Programs and Admission Requirements:

Toccoa Falls College breaks boundaries, not just with its online MFT programs, but by providing master’s courses in leadership, counseling and therapy that are both flexible and accredited – tailor-made for your lifestyle. For admission, the college considers a weighted GPA of 3.54 on a 4.0 scale, emphasizing a mix of A’s and B’s with very few C’s. The college offers dorms on campus for freshmen and sophomores, but juniors and seniors get a bit more space with apartment-style living.

Toccoa Falls College is excited to launch its Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy in the upcoming fall, pending approval. You can see the college’s devotion to personal growth, career progression, and spiritual development shining through their internet-based master’s courses.

Mercer University

Average Net Price: $20,884

Graduation Rate: 61.23%

Retention Rate: 86.30%

Median Earnings: $52,487

Mercer University, specifically through its School of Medicine, offers an online Master of Family Therapy (MFT) program. With a comprehensive curriculum totaling 48 credit hours, students are well-prepared for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists.

To be admitted into Mercer University’s MFT program, candidates must satisfy prerequisites, including the completion of a graduate application form, the submission of a non-refundable $50 fee, and the fulfillment of specific academic criteria.  Aligned with Mercer University School of Medicine, the Mercer Family Therapy Center (MFTC) plays a crucial role as a training facility for students.

Mercer University’s MFT program prioritizes an intimate learning experience through small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, fostering a supportive educational environment.

Mercer University has eligibility criteria, including U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, and requires applicants to have established Georgia residency for at least 12 months before matriculation.

Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion

Average Net Price: $21,077

Graduation Rate: 70.19%

Retention Rate: 80.01%

Median Earnings: $55,759

Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion provides a Master of Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy (MFT) program that is available online. Indiana Wesleyan University is a non-profit, regionally accredited institution with a presence across Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

It is ranked 13th out of 167 Regional Universities Midwest, according to US News Best Colleges. The School Counseling programs at IWU are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).The university is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Touro University

Average Net Price: $22,550

Graduation Rate: 55.12%

Retention Rate: 88.64%

Median Earnings: $47,806

Touro University Worldwide (TUW) offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

The MFT program at Touro University is specifically designed to prepare graduates for the mental health sector. Tailored to be entirely online, it offers flexibility for individuals with diverse lifestyles, including working professionals, single parents, and those residing in rural areas. As part of Touro University, TUW is a regionally accredited academic institution, with a commitment to delivering quality education to approximately 19,000 students worldwide.

Nova Southeastern University

Average Net Price: $25,737

Graduation Rate: 53.31%

Retention Rate: 78.83%

Median Earnings: $56,055

Nova Southeastern University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine provides an extensive Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy (M.S.) program.

The Department of Couple and Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University is dedicated to instructing and training students to effectively work with diverse populations. The Master’s program curriculum places a strong emphasis on clinical excellence, and for those aspiring for career advancement, the university also offers a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (D.M.F.T.) program.

Nova Southeastern University’s Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine ensures that the Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy curriculum emphasizes not only theoretical knowledge but also practical clinical skills.

University of Southern California

Average Net Price: $25,972

Graduation Rate: 92.70%

Retention Rate: 93.91%

Median Earnings: $89,884

The University of Southern California (USC) provides an extensive Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program through the USC Rossier School of Education. Meeting the licensure requirements established by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, the MFT program ensures graduates are thoroughly prepared for clinical practice. The university’s online graduate programs, including MFT, cater to the needs of working professionals, featuring flexible class schedules and the option to commence classes in fall, winter, or summer.

For a prospective family therapist student, USC Rossier School of Education outlines admission prerequisites and deadlines on their official website. The program is in search of applicants holding a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited or recognized college or university.

Abilene Christian University

Average Net Price: $29,300

Graduation Rate: 63.85%

Retention Rate: 77.82%

Median Earnings: $51,336

Abilene Christian University (ACU) offers a comprehensive online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

ACU, renowned for its unwavering dedication to academic excellence, holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The MMFT program at ACU adheres to a meticulously designed curriculum, seamlessly integrating supervised learning experiences with practical resources.

ACU’s dedication to providing quality education is further emphasized by their Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Additionally, ACU received accreditation for its online MMFT program, positioning it as one of the few institutions with this distinction.

As mental health needs and teletherapy services continue growing, online Marriage and Family Therapist programs grant students the knowledge, clinical exposure, and professional connections to begin meeting that demand. By enabling flexible access to comprehensive curriculum and work-integrated learning, top online master’s programs deliver the tools to graduate job-ready family counselors fully equipped to serve communities, couples, and families.

To request information for an online MFT program please click on the school’s links.