edX Online

Affordable MFT Programs

Learn how affordable online MFT programs can prepare you to become a marriage and family therapist.

See all psychology master's programs

Why earn an online master's in marriage and family therapy?

Advance your career

Earn the credentials you need to become a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Benefit from flexibility

Complete coursework and watch lectures on your own schedule, wherever you want.

Gain new skills

Develop the psychological and interpersonal skills necessary to help patients.


Completing a marriage and family therapy (MFT) program online can be convenient, flexible, and affordable. Learn more about the degree you need to become a marriage and family therapist and start helping people improve their relationships.

Browse affordable online MFT programs

Prestigious
An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.
Flexible
Choose your path with a range of completion options and class times.
Equivalent to on-campus
Earn the same degree and complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.

What is an online MFT program?

In an online marriage and family therapy program, you will discover how to help couples and families handle conflicts and problems that affect their relationships. You'll learn communication, interpersonal, counseling, and organizational behavior skills, as well as develop a sense of compassion for your clients.

You'll explore core topics in the marriage and family therapy field, including:

  • Counseling
  • Sexuality and intimacy
  • Mental health evaluation
  • Social work
  • Psychotherapy

Earning your master's in MFT degree can prepare you to take and pass the National Marital and Family Therapy Exam, a requirement for becoming a licensed MFT. Graduates can apply to become licensed marriage and family therapists or pursue other careers in psychology, counseling, or social work.

How much does an online MFT program cost?

The cost of an online MFT program varies by school. Factors that can impact cost include school type (public or private), whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition, and the program's prestige.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports the median annual cost of tuition and fees for an online master's in health professions and related programs (which includes MFTs) was $9,310 in 2020. For in-person programs, the median annual tuition and fees was $14,245.

Financial aid options like student loans, grants, scholarships, and fellowships can help you pay for your degree.

What can you do with an online MFT?

A master's in marriage and family therapy can help you meet the requirements to become a licensed marriage and family therapist. MFTs need a master's degree from an accredited school, and all states require them to earn a license to practice.

Licensure requirements vary by state, but most programs require you to complete a set number of hours in a supervised clinical experience after earning your degree. You also must pass a state-approved exam, like the one administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards.

In some states, you must also pass a jurisprudence exam. To maintain your license, you must complete continuing education classes each year.

MFTs can work in various settings, including hospitals, schools, mental health centers, and substance use treatment centers. Some MFTs provide telehealth services and meet with clients by phone or video.

Other potential careers for graduates of an MFT program include:

  • Social worker
  • Case manager
  • Substance use counselor
  • School counselor
  • Therapist

How much can you make with an MFT?

Now is an excellent time to earn your MFT master's degree. The career outlook for MFTs is strong, and you can earn a competitive wage in this field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that marriage and family therapists earned a median annual salary of $58,510 as of May 2023, about $10,000 more than the average across all occupations. The BLS projects a 16% growth rate (much faster than average) for marriage and family therapists between 2023 and 2033. This amounts to about 7,500 annual job openings for MFTs across the decade.

The rising popularity of integrated care, where patients get treatment for multiple issues simultaneously from different specialists, will likely contribute to increased demand for MFTs.

Frequently asked questions