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What can you do with a master's in MFT


Earning your master's in marriage and family therapy (MFT) is one of the most important steps toward becoming a marriage and family therapist. Learn more about careers you may be eligible for, skills you can learn, and ways you can improve relationships between couples and families with this degree.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in marriage and family therapy?

An MFT degree program can help you build the communication, organization, and interpersonal skills you need to succeed as a counselor. These programs prepare graduates for licensure and teach them how to counsel individuals and families to help them improve their relationships and mental health.

A master's in marriage and family therapy allows graduates to pursue many counseling and social services careers, including:

  • Marriage and family therapist
  • Substance use counselor
  • Case manager
  • Mental health counselor

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these careers are projected to grow much faster than average between 2023 and 2033. The BLS projects nearly 300,000 job openings each year for community and social service jobs during the same period.

Marriage and family therapist

Marriage and family therapists counsel individuals and families about their relationships. Using a relationship-centered approach, they assess, diagnose, and treat cognitive or behavioral conditions.

To become a licensed MFT, you need an MFT degree accredited by COMFTE or a similar programmatic accreditation body. These degrees blend lecture classes and practicum experiences to teach students about counseling theories and techniques. Students then practice their skills under the supervision of a licensed counselor.

Other MFT licensure requirements depend on the state and may include:

  • Completing supervised experience
  • Completing required coursework
  • Passing national licensing exams
  • Passing a background check

Median annual salary (May 2023): $58,510

Employment growth (2023–33): +16%

Substance use counselor

Substance use counselors assess, diagnose, and create treatment plans for people with addictions. Outpatient mental health and substance use centers are the largest employers of substance use, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors. Individual and family services and the offices of other health practitioners follow closely behind.

Someone with an MFT degree may help individuals with addictions understand how their addictions affect their families and relationships. These professionals must have the patience, compassion, and communication skills to navigate these dynamics.

An MFT degree prepares substance use counselors for mental health counselor licensure, which provides them with a larger scope of practice than those without a master's degree.

Median annual salary (May 2023): $53,710

Employment growth (2023–33): +19%

Case manager

Case managers, also called social and human services assistants or social workers, help connect individuals and families to resources, such as childcare, parenting classes, or food stamps.

To be successful, these professionals need problem-solving, organization, communication, and time management skills. They help ensure that their clients have the resources and support needed to achieve the treatment plan goals that the case manager helped to create.

Someone with an MFT degree may choose to work with families — those who do tend to work in individual and family services and local or state governments.

Median annual salary (May 2023): $41,410

Employment growth (2023–33): +8%

Mental health counselor

Mental health counselors help individuals, families, and groups to manage their mental health and relationships. They may also diagnose and treat people with mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, stress, and grief.

A mental health counselor with an MFT degree may focus on a specific population that aligns with their degree's focus, like children or families.

Median annual salary (May 2023): $53,710

Employment growth (2023–33): +19%

Social and community services manager

Social and community services managers coordinate, implement, and oversee community organizations and programs that support the public. They may focus on a specific population, such as children, families, or people experiencing hunger, homelessness, or substance use issues.

Many of these positions require experience as a case manager, social worker, or licensed counselor.

An MFT degree can

  • Give you the experience you need to become a social and community service manager
  • Provide you with the graduate degree that some employers prefer
  • Help hone the communication and analytical skills you need to successfully manage community programs

Median annual salary (May 2023): $77,030

Employment growth (2023–33): +8%

Frequently asked questions about what you can do with a master's in marriage and family therapy

Career
Human Skills