Explore accelerated MFT programs

Do you want to become a marriage and family therapist as much as a year sooner than usual? Consider applying to an accelerated marriage and family therapy (MFT) program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

Learn what an MFT program teaches and how you can use your degree.

Browse accelerated MFT programs

What can you do with an MFT degree?

An can prepare you for marriage and family therapy or mental health counselor licensure. The projected job growth from 2023-33 for marriage and family therapists and substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is much faster than average for all occupations, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2023.

Marriage and family therapy roles are projected to grow by 16%. Jobs for substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors are projected to grow by 19%. Integrated care and an increased number of people seeking treatment for mental health and substance use conditions contribute to this growth.

Here are some potential career paths to pursue:

What can you learn in accelerated MFT programs?

Accredited, accelerated MFT programs can prepare students for MFT or mental health counseling licensure, depending on the program and state.

Accelerated MFT programs require 26-62 credits and can take up to two years to complete. Students in an accelerated MFT program fulfill the same requirements as students in a traditional program, but they take more courses per term.

These programs combine online coursework with in-person practicum experiences. Students learn to counsel individuals, families, and couples about their interpersonal relationships using the systems approach to therapy.

Depending on the school, marriage and family therapy can either be a concentration inside a master's degree in mental health counseling or psychology or a stand-alone master's degree.

Practicum for online students

Online MFT students must complete the same practicum requirements to qualify for licensure as in-person students. Some programs offer practicum site placement assistance. Other programs may require you to arrange your practicum site.

Most programs match their practicum requirements to the licensure requirements of the state in which they're located. If you're located or plan to practice in another state, find out from your state board if your program requirements meet your state's requirements.

Licensure and certification requirements

Every state has different MFT licensure requirements, so be sure to check your state board requirements before you apply. Most states require MFTs to have:

• A master's in marriage and family therapy from a COAMFTE- or CACREP-accredited program.
• Two to three years of supervised experience
• A clean background check
• A completed application and application fee
• A passing score on the national MFT exam

Admissions requirements for accelerated MFT programs

Admissions requirements for accelerated MFT programs vary. Most programs require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. require prerequisite coursework in human development and psychology. Many MFT students have undergraduate degrees in:

• Psychology
• Family science
• Behavioral science
• Child and family services
• Human development and family studies

If you do not have a bachelor's degree in a related field, you may need to take prerequisite courses before enrolling in an accelerated MFT program.

Further education in MFT programs

Doctorate in marriage and family therapy: A doctorate in marriage and family therapy prepares students for leadership positions in marriage and family therapy. These roles could include managing mental health practices, overseeing other MFTs, or teaching university classes.