Master's in marriage and family therapy (MFT)
Discover what you’ll learn in an online master’s in marriage and family therapy program and what careers this degree could qualify you for.
Explore MFT degreesWhy earn an online master's in marriage and family therapy?
Qualify for licensure
Gain the counseling skills and experience needed to qualify for state licensure.
Study at your own pace
Customize your course load and learning schedule to fit your other commitments.
Join a fast-growing field
Marriage and family therapy is projected to add more than 12,000 jobs between 2023 and 2033.
One of the most important steps to becoming a marriage and family therapist is earning a master's in marriage and family therapy (MFT). This guide will explain the benefits, steps, and requirements of earning a master's in marriage and family online.
Browse online MFT degrees
What is an online master's in MFT program?
An online MFT from an accredited program can qualify you to become a licensed marriage and family therapist.
These programs combine online lecture courses and in-person supervised experience to teach you how to counsel individuals and families in order to improve their relationships. Students may learn about:
- Family systems theory
- Integrative systemic therapy
- Diverse populations in therapy
- Assessment and intervention
All accredited MFT programs require in-person practicum experience to prepare students for licensure. However, the amount of experience required varies by state and program. Supervised experience lets students practice their counseling skills under the supervision of a licensed MFT.
Online students can usually arrange their practicum location locally, either independently or with the help of program advisors.
What can you do with an online master's in MFT?
An accredited online MFT degree qualifies you for marriage and family therapist or mental health counselor licensure. Graduates can also pursue social service careers, such as case manager.
Marriage and family therapist license requirements
In addition to an accredited MFT degree, you typically need the following to qualify for licensure:
- Pass a national licensing exam
- Pass a background check
- Complete supervised experience
- Complete any state-specific course requirements
However, license requirements vary by state, so check your state board to verify that you meet all the requirements for licensure.
Salary potential for marriage and family therapists
Marriage and family therapists made an annual average of $68,730 in 2023, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Earners in the 25th percentile made less than $45,250 a year while those in the 75th percentile earned more than $78,440 during the same period. Salaries may vary based on factors such as experience, location, and specialty.
Most MFTs work in outpatient care or social services. Those who work in the home healthcare industry have the highest salary potential and earn an average of $122,120 annually.