Top 8 Accelerated MFT Programs in 2026

Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) evaluate and treat a wide range of mental health and emotional issues through the lens of family and relationship dynamics. If you're curious about becoming an LMFT, you may be interested in accelerated marriage and family therapy programs.

In this article, we highlight eight fast-track programs and answer questions related to admission requirements, program costs, and job opportunities. Continue reading to learn how you can earn your master's degree and advance your career in this important field.

What Are Accelerated Marriage and Family Therapy Programs?

Accelerated marriage and family therapy (MFT) programs are accredited degree programs that can be completed within two years or fewer. Traditional MFT degree programs are typically three to four years long.

Accelerated MFT programs have the same curriculum and clinical training requirements as their traditional program counterparts. Accelerated programs feature self-paced courses, year-round coursework, and generous transfer credit policies, all of which enable students to expedite their degree process.

How Fast Can I Complete an MFT Program?

You can earn either your Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in 16 to 27 months. Students who have applicable transfer credits and attend school full-time will complete their MFT program more quickly. Students with a bachelor's degree in a related field, like social work or psychology, may also complete their master's programs at a faster pace.

Are There Accelerated Online MFT Programs?

Yes, there are accelerated online programs for those pursuing their master's degree in MFT. Online MFT programs include distance learning lectures and coursework, which can be conducted asynchronously.

All accredited MFT programs include in-person clinical training. This supervised training component provides real-life experience essential to becoming a qualified therapist.

Best Fast-Track MFT Programs

This list represents some of the best fast-track MFT graduate programs available online and on campus. All schools are regionally accredited institutions, and many boast additional accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is a large public school based in Tempe, AZ. ASU offers an in-person Master of Applied Science (MAS) in marriage and family therapy that can be completed in 18 months or fewer.

ASU's master's degree program consists of 39 credit hours, a research paper project, and an internship placement. Graduates of the program are eligible for professional MFT licensure.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,939 per year (in-state); $37,085 per year (out-of-state)
• Program length: 16 to 18 months
• Accreditation: COAMFTE

2. Valdosta State University

Located in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a mid-sized public institution with an on-campus MS in marriage and family therapy. The COAMFTE-accredited program consists of 60 credit hours and an intensive clinical practicum.

Graduates of VSU's master's degree program can earn their licensure in Georgia and other states, join the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and advance to doctoral degree programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $260 per credit hour (in-state); $980 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: COAMFTE

3. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) is based in Lynchburg, VA, and offers an online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) degree. Students who have eligible graduate-level credits can apply up to 50% of transfer credits to their degree total, thus accelerating their timeline to graduation.

The program curriculum consists of 60 credit hours, and coursework is completed entirely online. Students complete their in-person internship experience at a location within their own community.

• Estimated tuition cost: $580 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. University of San Francisco

The University of San Francisco (USF) offers two options for its MA in marriage and family therapy degree: a standard three-year track or an intensive two-year track. The accelerated MFT program is taught in-person at USF's San Francisco campus.

The 60-credit program is taught year-round. The curriculum includes courses such as theories of counseling and psychotherapy, family systems therapy, and community mental health.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,325 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

5. Alliant International University

Alliant International University (Alliant) is a private university with campuses in California and Arizona; Alliant also offers online degree programs. Full-time students can earn their MA in marital and family therapy at Alliant in about two years. Courses are offered at Alliant's Los Angeles, Irvine, San Diego, and Sacramento campuses, as well as online.

The online master's program includes courses such as group therapy, MFT laws and ethics, and psychopharmacology. The program also includes an in-person practicum experience.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,434 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: COAMFTE

6. Loma Linda University

Located in its namesake city, Loma Linda University (LLU) is a private school that offers online and in-person program options for its MS in marital and family therapy degree. Students in LLU's online MS program take courses in both asynchronous and synchronous formats.

The in-person practicum component takes place in the student's geographic location. Graduates are eligible for MFT licensure and move on to work with individuals, couples, and families in diverse settings.

• Estimated tuition cost: $25,719 per year
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: COAMFTE

7. Northwestern University

Northwestern University (NU) is a large private school based in Evanston, IL. NU offers an online MS in marriage and family therapy. The COAMFTE-accredited program can be completed in 24 months on a full-time basis and has four start dates each year.

There is also a 400-hour clinical fieldwork component. Graduates of NU's online program find work in private practices, mental health agencies, and academia.

• Estimated tuition cost: $19,343 per quarter
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: COAMFTE

8. Pepperdine University

Located in Malibu, CA, Pepperdine University is a mid-sized private school with an online MA in clinical psychology with a specialization in marriage and family therapy. Full-time students can complete Pepperdine University's online program in two years.

The 62-credit program includes courses such as multicultural counseling, couple and family therapy, and research methods in psychology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,030 per credit hour
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: WSCUC

How We Rank Schools

We consider factors like accreditation status, program length, reputation, and tuition when determining which schools to showcase.

• Accreditation: All colleges and universities are regionally accredited institutions. Many programs feature additional accreditation by COAMFTE.
• Program length: Full-time students can complete these programs in about two years. We feature the most accelerated programs at the top of our list.
• Reputation: An MFT program's reputation is determined by its accreditation status, experienced faculty, student learning outcomes, and any special awards or recognition.
• Affordability: We feature schools that offer financial aid opportunities to students, like grants, scholarships, and loans.

FAQs About Accelerated MFT Programs

In this section, we answer frequently asked questions about MFT programs, from educational requirements to career opportunities.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Accelerated MFT Programs?

Specific admission requirements vary according to your chosen school and program. Generally speaking, prospective students will need to hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA), submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement, and pay an application fee. While some schools require standardized test scores, others waive the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) requirement.

How Much Does an Accelerated MFT Degree Cost?

Accelerated MFT degree costs can range from less than $20,000 to more than $150,000. Factors that affect costs include school type (i.e., public or private), state residency status, transfer credits, and financial aid opportunities. For example, public schools tend to be less expensive than private schools, and in-state students may receive lower tuition rates.

Do MFTs or MSWs Get Paid More?

The difference between the average wages for LMFTs and professionals who hold their Master of Social Work (MSW) is not statistically significant enough to affirmatively state. In other words, MFTs and MSWs generally earn within the same salary range. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), MFTs earned a median salary of $63,780 in 2024.

Factors outside of degree specialization that can affect potential earnings include region, industry, advanced degree level, and professional experience.

Is a Master's in MFT Worth It?

Many people who pursue a master's degree in marriage and family therapy find rewarding careers in helping individuals, couples, and families. However, an MFT program is a significant investment in both time and money. You must carefully consider your personal commitments and budget obligations before deciding to enroll in a graduate degree program.

What Can You Do With an MFT Degree?

Professionals who hold an MFT degree work in clinical practices, community agencies, mental health centers, and private offices. With your MFT degree, you can work in roles such as:

• rehabilitation counselor
• substance abuse and behavioral health counselor
• social worker
• couples therapist
• child and adolescent therapist

Explore Accelerated Therapy Degrees Online

If you're interested in earning your healthcare degree online, we invite you to connect with our partner schools on Learn.org. Request more information and discover which pathway is best for your higher education journey.