Is a master's in MFT worth it?
Students interested in becoming licensed marriage and family therapists (MFTs) must first earn a master's degree, but there are many other compelling reasons to enroll in an MFT program. A master's in marriage and family therapy can help you build credibility and boost your earning power.
Read on to discover if becoming an MFT is right for you, and explore potential career paths you can pursue and the salaries you can earn with a degree in the field.
What will you learn in a master's in MFT program?
Every school's MFT curriculum is unique, and you should always compare details against your learning goals. That said, MFT programs typically cover a common set of core concepts, such as:
- Therapeutic techniques
- Counseling theories specific to relationships and family units
- Developmental psychology
- Professional ethics
Electives may allow you to learn more about a targeted area of interest, such as behavioral and emotional disorders, substance use, and mental health conditions. You'll explore these topics in the context of how they affect relationship and family dynamics.
Upon completing your degree, you'll possess a valuable set of professional competencies, including:
- The ability to diagnose and treat relational health issues
- Deep understanding of crisis intervention and management
- Strong scientific research literacy
- Knowledge of culturally responsive knowledge frameworks
MFT programs usually cover about 60 credits. As a year-round, full-time student, you can earn your MFT degree in about 24 months and be on your way to licensure.
Benefits of a master's degree in MFT
Why get an MFT master's degree? Key benefits of accredited MFT programs include:
- A path to licensure. You need a license to practice as a marriage and family therapist. To qualify for one, you'll need at least a master's degree. Unlocking access to licensed career paths is one of the main reasons students pursue their master's in MFT.
- Professional credibility. An MFT master's signals your commitment to the profession. The degree inspires confidence from clients and recognition from peers.
- A strong knowledge base. MFT programs build deep, advanced knowledge frameworks that support future growth, learning, and professional development.
- Research literacy. By earning an advanced degree, you can develop your ability to interpret and critically analyze emerging research. This can help you reach and stay at the peak of your profession.
How much does a master's degree in marriage and family therapy cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the median annual cost of an online master's program in health professions was $11,064 in 2020.
However, factors like program location and school prestige can impact costs. Delivery formats can also affect your tuition. According to NCES, the median annual cost of a face-to-face master's program in health professions was $14,245 per year in 2020. Meanwhile, online students paid an annual median of $9,310.
If you opt for a campus-based program, you may also need to budget for relocation costs, local housing costs, and transportation and parking expenses. Online students may face technology fees, computer equipment upgrades, and software subscription or licensing costs.
If you need financial aid, look into scholarships and grants first. The American Counseling Association (ACA) offers helpful information about federal grants for counseling students. Loans are another option, but they create debt, so it's best to use them sparingly.
Is cost a key consideration for you? If so, consult this resource on affordable MFT programs.
Are graduates of a master's degree in marriage and family therapy in demand?
In short: yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 16% job growth for marriage and family therapists from 2023 to 2033. That works out to 10,600 new positions over that decade and 5,900 annual openings during that time frame.
O*NET Online projects much higher growth rates for some states from 2022 to 2032:
Is an MFT degree worth it?
MFT programs cover challenging material, and some schools use intensive year-round learning schedules. Your schooling will likely require a strong commitment and a great deal of effort, but your investment could pay off for many years.
The employment landscape for licensed marriage and family counselors looks very promising. The BLS projects jobs for marriage and family therapists to grow 15% between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average 3% growth rate across all occupations. Given these factors, you could find yourself in a favorable position by earning an academic credential leading to licensure.
BLS salary data can help you calculate the exact returns you could realize from your educational investment. The BLS reports that MFTs earned a median of $58,510 per year as of May 2023. However, professionals working for state governments earned a median of $86,030 per year, and the highest 10% of MFTs earned over six figures in 2023.
Above all, recognize that you'll need an advanced degree to become licensed. This alone makes a master's in MFT well worth pursuing.