Best Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Programs of 2023
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- A marriage and family counseling degree can prepare you for many careers.
- Demand for marriage and family counseling is growing rapidly.
- To become a marriage and family counselor, you need at least a master's degree.
Marriage and family counseling is one of the most popular fields of counseling and more than half of all couples report attending marriage counseling at some time. Marriage and family counselors help couples and families identify the causes of family tension or dysfunctions and address them, through a variety of methods.
This guide outlines the top marriage and family counseling degree programs at the master's level and what to expect in your program. Learn more about earning your master's in marriage and family counseling today.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Degree?
Every state requires marriage and family therapists and counselors to earn a license. You’ll need at least a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and counseling or a related field to qualify.
There are different types of counseling specialties that marriage and family counselors can focus on. These might include group counseling, structural counseling, intergenerational counseling, premarital counseling, couples affected by infidelity, or counseling about intimacy and sexuality.
Where Can I Work With an Online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Degree?
- Individual and Family Services: In these roles, you'll use your marriage and family counseling degree to help families or couples who are experiencing some kind of crisis. This work often involves collaborating with other specialists, such as social workers.
- Offices of Other Health Practitioners: In a healthcare setting, marriage and family counselors may have patients referred from other health practitioners, such as an obstetrician or nurse midwife referring a couple expecting a child to any needed counseling. They often help couples or families address health issues or child abuse.
- Private Practice: In private practice, you may work on your own or as part of a counseling group practice. Clients may come to you through word of mouth, advertising or directory listings, or other promotion of your group or practice, and may be from a higher socioeconomic group or have better insurance than other patients.
How Much Can I Make With an Online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Degree?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for marriage and family counselors is $63,330 annually, or $30.44 hourly. Eighty percent of marriage and family counselors earn between $36,840 and $98,700. Your experience, local demand, work setting, and local cost of living all affect your potential salary.
The BLS projects job growth of 14% between 2021 and 2031 for marriage and family therapists, much faster than average for other U.S. occupations. The BLS notes that one of the drivers for this growth is the rise of integrated care, in which multiple specialists provide counseling to help address an issue that might have been addressed by a single practitioner before, such as substance use or behavior disorders.
Featured Online Counseling Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What to Look for in an Online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Program
The best marriage and family counseling degree for you depends on many factors, but these are some of the most important to consider.
Program Curriculum
As a future marriage and family therapist, you may prefer to explore different approaches, types of population, or other factors. For example, you may want to work with LGBTQ+ couples and families, so a school with courses or fieldwork in this may be of more interest. Reviewing each program’s catalog and curriculum can help you find the best match.
Accreditation
Program accreditation is a lengthy review process an independent board of experts conducts. You need a marriage and family counseling degree from an accredited program to earn a license. For this reason, all programs on this list and this site hold accreditation.
Program Length
Most counseling programs last 2-3 years for full-time students and require approximately 60 credits.
Practicum
Consider the logistics, format, and type of placement. If you live a significant distance from your school, can you get placement in your community?
School Graduation Rate
The school graduation rate for a marriage and family counseling degree tells you how successful students are and how happy they are with the program.
Online Learning Format and Requirements
Find out what the format for your classes will be. Are the classes synchronous or asynchronous? If you have an unpredictable schedule or one that you cannot arrange to accommodate synchronous classes, asynchronous classes may work better for you.
The Best Online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling of 2023
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Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $565
Out of State | $565
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Institutional Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Liberty University hosts one of the country's best marriage and family counseling programs, giving you the skills needed to help families, couples, and individuals. You'll get the chance to complete your master of arts in family and marriage therapy mostly online. Keep in mind that the program requires you to attend two on-campus intensive sessions in Lynchburg, Virginia, bringing you together with classmates and professors.
To apply to the program, you must hold a minimum 2.7 undergraduate GPA. You'll also need to submit a statement of purpose and contact information for two professional references.
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $913
Out of State | $913
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
In National University's marriage and family therapy master's program, you'll choose from 10 specialization options, including child and adolescent family therapy, general family therapy, or LGBTQ couples and family therapy. The master of arts in marriage and family therapy program can also prepare you for licensure in many U.S. states.
To apply, you must submit undergraduate transcripts, a current resume, and a statement of purpose. As an online learner, you'll also need to submit a list of possible clinical sites in your community where you can perform internships and other required clinical placements.
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $566
Out of State | $566
Credits to Graduate
94.5 quarter credits
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
One of the top marriage and family counseling programs in California, Palo Alto University's graduate degree can train you in recovery-oriented treatment methods. As a student in this master of arts in counseling program, you'll complete both online coursework and extensive clinical training in your own community.
To apply to PAU's program, you must submit official undergraduate transcripts, a resume or CV, and a statement of purpose. You'll also need three letters of recommendation from former professors or other professional supervisors who know your work.
Touro University Worldwide
Los Alamitos, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $500
Out of State | $500
Credits to Graduate
54-82
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
One of the country's top marriage and family counseling programs, Touro University Worldwide's fully online degree can train you to provide holistic treatment to couples and families. As part of the master's in marriage and family therapy curriculum, you'll choose one of three specializations in clinical, nonclinical, or licensed professional clinical counseling.
To apply to TUW, you'll need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA. The marriage and family therapy program also charges a $25 application fee.
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $825
Out of State | $825
Credits to Graduate
60 credits
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
Home to one of the country's top Christian family therapy programs, Abilene Christian University is an excellent choice if you're a Christian student. As a marriage and family therapy master's candidate, you can choose from four concentration options, including general therapy, child and adolescent therapy, therapy with military families, and treatment of trauma.
To apply to ACU's program, you must submit undergraduate transcripts, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation. You may also need to complete a video interview if you move forward in the application process.
Houston Christian University
Houston, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $585
Out of State | $585
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Institutional Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you're looking for hands-on therapist training, the marriage counseling program at Houston Christian University — formerly Houston Baptist University — offers 700 hours of supervised practicum hours, preparing you to pursue state counseling licensure. You can complete most coursework for the master of arts in marriage and family therapy program online. But state mandates require you to attend some in-person courses on the campus in Houston, Texas.
To apply, you must submit your undergraduate transcripts and a statement of purpose, along with a resume and references. If you make it to the second phase of applications, you'll also need to complete a virtual interview.
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $429
Out of State | $429
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Institutional Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you're looking for one of the most affordable marriage and family counseling programs, the University of West Alabama boasts some of the lowest tuition costs in Alabama. The master's in family counseling is a nonlicensure program, so you should only apply if you already hold professional licensure or plan to pursue careers that don't require a counseling license.
To apply to UWA's online program, you'll need to submit undergraduate transcripts, though the school doesn't maintain a specific GPA requirement.
Amridge University
Montgomery, AL - 4 years
- Online
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $675
Out of State | $675
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Institutional Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Amridge University offers one of the top marriage and family counseling programs in Alabama, preparing you to practice as a therapist or move into doctoral studies after you graduate. As part of the master of arts in marriage and family therapy curriculum, you may be able to earn dual certification in both family therapy and professional counseling.
To apply to Amridge's marriage counseling program, you'll need to submit your official undergraduate transcripts. The school doesn't hold specific GPA requirements for graduate applicants.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Program
In general, a master's marriage and family counseling degree takes 2-3 years for full-time students, between 60 and 66 credits. The curriculum includes classroom work and fieldwork.
The curriculum covers counseling theory, different types of counseling, working with diverse clients, and the ethical and legal aspects of counseling. You must attend the fieldwork in person. During your fieldwork, you observe a licensed practitioner, and an internship, in which you will work with clients, under supervision.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling?
Master's in marriage and family counseling programs often require you to have an undergraduate degree or coursework in a related field, such as psychology, a GPA of at least 3.0, at least two references, and the ability to pass a background check.
Admission Materials
Typically, you will need to submit your undergraduate transcript, an essay or personal statement, and at least two references. Some schools accept an unofficial transcript for applications and the official transcript once you are accepted.
Education
Your undergraduate degree should have a major or significant coursework in areas related to counseling, such as psychology or sociology.
GPA
Most marriage and family counseling degree programs require at least a 3.0 GPA. However, if your GPA is lower, some programs offer conditional enrollment or consider your other qualifications that may compensate for a lower GPA.
Entrance Exam
Some programs may require you to pass the GRE, but you may be able to waive this requirement with a GPA above a certain level. You may even be able to find a program that does not require the GRE at all, but scoring well on it can still help your chances of admission.
Experience
Many marriage and family counseling degree programs prefer applicants to have some at least exposure to related work, either from fieldwork in an undergraduate degree, volunteer, or paid work.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Degree Cost?
The final cost for your marriage and family counseling degree depends on the tuition and fees as well as any scholarships, grants, or loans you receive.
Consider expenses not included in tuition and fees, such as books and any travel for on-campus components or fieldwork.
According to The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), public school will cost an average of $12,395/year, and private school tuition costs an average $26,621/year. Make sure to check the application deadlines for psychology scholarships as there are numerous sources of aid available.
Average Annual Tuition Cost
Public Institution
$12,394
Private Institution
$26,621
Everything Else You Need to Know About Online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Programs
What is the difference between marriage and family therapy and counseling?
The difference between marriage and family therapy and counseling is largely about the individual versus the partnership or group. In general, counseling focuses on the people involved and how they think, make decisions, and behave. Therapy usually focuses on the dynamics between people and how they interact. However, there is a great deal of overlap between the two.
What does a typical day look like for a marriage and family therapist?
A typical day for a marriage and family therapist might involve meeting new clients and establishing goals, assessing progress for existing clients, and providing direct marriage and family therapy. As a therapist, you may meet with members of a marriage or family both individually and as a couple or group.
What's the difference between a counselor and a therapist?
The difference between counselors and therapists is that typically, therapists work to identify and address specific dysfunctions, while counselors provide advice on life challenges. Your state regulations often spell out specific roles and scope of practice.
What is the difference between marriage and family therapy and social work?
The difference between marriage and family therapy and social work is that social work addresses how a person functions in society, while marriage and family therapy addresses functions within a marriage or family. A client may work with both a social worker and a marriage and family therapist, or one professional may refer a client to the other.
What are 3 skills that marriage and family therapists must possess?
Some skills marriage and family therapists must possess include professional integrity, the ability to follow legal and ethical guidelines; facilitation skills, to help clients better function and communicate with one another; and cultural competence, to work effectively with clients from different backgrounds.
