Best Master's of Marriage and Family Counseling Degree Programs

Students entering an MFT master's program can usually have a background in any field. The important part is that their bachelor's degree comes from an accredited institution. For those who are already interested in counseling and want to gain a strong foundation for the field, a major in areas such as psychology or other areas related to mental health can be beneficial. Students are also likely to come from fields that work closely with people, like the social sciences.

Although admissions standards for MFT master's programs vary slightly between schools, there are many similar requirements. For instance, most, if not all, of these master's programs require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Some programs require applicants to meet a minimum GPA of a 2.75 or higher, and some may require GRE scores, while others do not. Depending on the program, students may undergo an interview process or need to pass a background check. Other potential application materials for MFT programs include transcripts, recommendations, a statement of interest, a resume, and a writing sample or timed writing assessment. Admission to master's programs in MFT is often competitive, and some schools offer full and conditional acceptances.

Master's programs in MFT are unique, and students can compare different factors to find the right program. Students can start by comparing the format of a program to find one that best fits their needs. For example, students can choose from an online or on-campus program, and some students may prefer a program that follows a cohort model to allow students to learn and complete a program together. Many programs include hands-on learning experience that can help prepare students for licensure, but students may consider earning a master's in the state in which they wish to work, as these licenses are often state-specific. The cost of a program and availability of financial aid can also affect students' decisions.

Many postsecondary institutions are regionally accredited by groups, such as the Higher Learning Commission, that ensure schools' degree programs have met general academic standards for quality. However, some programs in various subject areas hold an additional level of accreditation that is designed specifically for the field. In the case of MFT programs, some of these master's programs have met strict industry-specific standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Degrees earned from a COAMFTE-accredited program may be preferred by some employers, as it indicates a higher standard of quality specific to MFT and likely means graduates are best prepared for the profession. Some MFT programs also hold approval from state licensing boards, such as the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Marriage and Family Therapists for programs at Kentucky-based schools.

Master's degree programs in MFT can require between 48 and 60 credits of coursework. These courses are most often set up as core courses with culminating experiences and hands-on learning. Many of these degree programs are taken full-time and can be completed in as little as 2 years, but some part-time programs are available that take around 4 years to complete. Some courses in these degree programs have multiple levels, such as course levels 1 through 3 in the models of MFT concerning theory, assessment, and application. Culminating experiences for these degree programs are unique. Find out more about the curriculum below.

MFT Foundational Courses

The majority of MFT curriculum is core courses in the field. These courses include concepts in MFT theories, as well as the technical counseling skills needed to work with couples and families. Some programs break their core courses up into different sections, such as the counseling process, research methods, human development, marital studies, issues in the field, and more. Depending on the program, students may conclude their studies with a capstone course that helps summarize what students have learned throughout the program. Some programs also include a final paper and oral exam to test what students have learned. Other core courses for these programs may cover topics in:

• Counseling theories
• Psychopathology
• Ethical, legal, and professional issues in MFT
• Group counseling
• Premarital and marital counseling
• Statistical techniques and research methods
• Systemic assessment
• Multicultural counseling
• Human growth and development

MFT Specialist & Elective Courses

MFT master's programs typically do not offer a lot or any elective courses. Some programs are set up in a way that gives students a choice between several different course options. For instance, there is a program that requires students to choose at least 3 courses from more than 30 courses in contemporary issues in MFT. Course selection does allow students to pick courses that more closely align with their interests and personal career goals. These courses often explore different types of counseling techniques, such as art therapy or in-home family therapy, or counseling methods for different populations, such as family therapy with African American families or returning military personnel.

Licensure & Certification in MFT

Students wishing to become a marriage and family therapist must obtain a state-issued license for the field. All states require licensure to practice, but state requirements vary. Typically, aspiring counselors need to earn a master's degree and complete 2,000 to 4,000 supervised clinical hours after earning their degree. After they have met qualifications, students can then take their state's licensing exam. These therapists usually need to complete continuing education courses each year in order to maintain their license. For example, in California, students must complete 3,000 supervised clinical hours with 1,700 hours occurring post-master's degree. Then students take a multiple-choice exam and written clinical vignette exam that is overseen by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Several MFT master's programs include a practicum and/or an internship experience to give students hands-on training in the field. These learning experiences often have students observing and assisting with counseling under the supervision of a licensed professional. Students practice clinical diagnostics and counseling techniques in various counseling and mental health settings. Depending on the program, students may complete between 1,000 and 1,300 hours of practicum/internship experience, which can usually be counted toward a state's licensure requirement for experience. However, these hours typically do not meet the full requirement for hours of experience, so students are usually required to complete additional clinical hours after earning their degree.

Although a master's degree is the minimum degree requirement to become a marriage and family therapist, some students continue their studies in the field at the doctoral level. Students can pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in MFT or a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) degree. A PhD in the field is geared more for those wishing to enter into the field of research and academia, while the DMFT is designed for those wishing to go the clinical route. Some of these programs are available in online formats and can be completed in 4 to 6 years.

A master's degree in MFT typically prepares students to become a licensed marriage and family therapist, but students need to examine the state-specific requirements for their location. Since LMFT education requirements typically include supervised clinical hours beyond the master's degree, graduates with their master's in MFT usually begin their careers in an internship position. Once licensed, graduates can begin working with clients on their own and helping couples and families work through issues. They can work in a variety of settings, including mental health agencies, schools, and residential treatment facilities. While most graduates with their master's in MFT go on to become marriage and family therapists, some may enter other closely related careers, such as other forms of counseling or social services.

Job Outlook for a Master's in MFT Degree

In general, the job market for counseling careers is very good. With a growing emphasis on mental health and use of integrating care, marriage and family therapists are in demand. Many counseling positions have job outlooks that are higher than the national average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Specifically, the job outlook from 2019 to 2029 for marriage and family therapists is 22%, which is much higher than the national average. The job outlook for other related counseling positions is still greater. For instance, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors have a job outlook of 25% from 2019 to 2029, per the BLS.

How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist

In order to become a marriage and family therapist, students must earn at least a master's degree. This degree is usually in marriage and family therapy or other related areas, such as psychology or a mental health field. These master's programs typically require hands-on training and then graduates need to complete supervised clinical work through an internship or residency. After gaining the required amount of experience, students can pursue state licensure by passing an exam.

The job description for a family therapist generally includes helping families communicate and work through different problems and events in their lives. Although marriage and family therapist job duties may vary slightly by employer, these professionals usually help clients talk about their experiences and feelings, discuss reactions to situations, and explore possible solutions or coping techniques to use in the future. These therapists may also help clients make decisions concerning their future and refer them to additional community resources as needed. Per the BLS, marriage and family therapists made a median annual salary of $49,610 as of 2019.

How to Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor

Another career option for graduates with a master's in MFT is related counseling positions in other specialty areas, such as substance abuse, behavioral disorder, or mental health counselors. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors usually need at least a bachelor's degree, but some positions may require a high school diploma, while others may require a master's degree. Mental health counselors typically have to have at least a master's degree and complete an internship for clinical experience. Education requirements can vary by state, employer, and position. Licensure is usually required, and students may need between 2,000 and 4,000 supervised clinical hours and to pass a state exam before obtaining it.

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors focus on working with clients who are dealing with various types of addictions. They work to help their clients establish healthy coping mechanisms and discuss their treatment process and goals with their family and friends. Mental health counselors can work with groups, including families and couples, or individuals to help them address various mental health-related conditions, including depression, stress, and anxiety. According to the BLS, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors made a median annual salary of $46,240 as of 2019.

Like other degree programs, the total cost of a master's degree in MFT with tuition, fees, living expenses, books and materials, etc., can get expensive. Many students seek and obtain financial aid to help them cover these costs and should begin with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check their eligibility for federal loans and grants. Tuition discounts, graduate assistantships, and scholarships may be available to help students cover the remaining balance.

Scholarships in particular are a beneficial form of financial aid, as they do not have to be repaid. Students can often find scholarships specific to their area of study from outside organizations involved in the field and their institutions of interest. A couple of schools with MFT programs and available scholarships include:

• University of Southern California- USC offers an MS in MFT and automatically considers applicants to the program for USC Rossier School of Education (which houses the MFT program) awards. These scholarships range from $10,000 to $30,000. Students can also compete for the Los Angeles County MFT Stipend Program and other outside financing opportunities.
• Indiana Wesleyan University- IWU provides a variety of scholarships that MA in MFT students may qualify for, including servant leader scholarships and alumni scholarships. Students can also apply for the Bramsen Endowment for Family Counseling if they are majoring in family counseling, have a 2.5 GPA or higher, and demonstrate financial need and Christian character.