Most Affordable Online MFT Programs 2026

Can You Earn a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy Online?

Yes, you can earn a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy online at many accredited schools. Online MFT programs typically deliver academic coursework through virtual classrooms, recorded lectures, and online discussions, allowing you to study from home and maintain a flexible schedule. This format can be especially helpful if you are working or managing family responsibilities.

That said, online MFT programs are not fully remote. To meet licensure requirements, you must complete supervised, in-person practicum or internship hours at an approved counseling site in your local community. These hands-on experiences are required to build clinical skills and prepare you for professional practice as a marriage and family therapist.

How Much Does an Online MFT Program Cost?

An online MFT program generally costs between $20,000 and $50,000 in total tuition. Your actual cost depends on several factors, including program length, whether the school is public or private, and if in-state or out-of-state tuition rates apply. Some programs charge a flat per-credit rate, while others offer lower tuition for fully online students. Online MFT programs require a set number of graduate-level credit hours, which can vary by state and influence both program length and licensure eligibility.

Accreditation can also affect cost. Accredited MFT programs may have higher tuition, but they meet licensure requirements and are often necessary for professional practice. Beyond tuition, you should plan for additional expenses such as textbooks, technology fees, clinical supervision costs, and travel or placement-related expenses tied to practicum or internship requirements.

Most Affordable Online MFT Programs

Finding the right MFT programs doesn't have to mean taking on overwhelming debt. The programs below combine quality training with reasonable tuition to guide you in your search for the right program in the field of marriage and family therapy.

The programs featured in this list were selected based on overall affordability and accessibility for students pursuing a marriage and family therapy degree online. Factors considered include relative tuition costs, availability of federal financial aid, payment plan options, and institutional support that may help reduce out-of-pocket expenses over time.

1. Amberton University

Amberton University offers a fully online Master of Arts (MA) in marriage and family therapy designed for working adults who need a flexible learning format. Coursework is delivered online, allowing you to balance school with work and personal responsibilities. The university holds regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which supports licensure eligibility in many states.

The program covers essential clinical skills such as assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals, couples, and families. You complete required practicum and internship hours at approved sites in your local community. Amberton accepts federal financial aid and offers payment plans, helping make the program more manageable as you prepare for licensure.

2. Lamar University

Lamar University offers a primarily online Master of Education (MEd) in counseling, marriage, couples, and family track that allows you to complete graduate coursework while maintaining your work schedule. Classes cover core areas such as counseling theories, human development, and group counseling through a flexible online format designed for working professionals.

You complete supervised clinical experiences and internship hours at approved sites in your local community, helping you build practical counseling skills needed for licensure. Lamar University is regionally accredited by SACSCOC and supports students through federal financial aid, scholarships, and payment plan options, making it easier to manage costs as you prepare for professional practice.

3. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide offers an online Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy designed for students in California who need a flexible path to licensure. The program emphasizes clinical work and cultural awareness, with coursework in couples therapy, family systems, child and adolescent counseling, and professional ethics. Online classes and small cohorts help you stay engaged while balancing work and personal commitments.

You complete required practicum and internship hours at approved sites in your local community, allowing you to gain hands-on counseling experience close to home. Touro University Worldwide is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and supports students through federal financial aid, scholarships, and military tuition assistance for those who qualify.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University offers a fully online Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy designed for working adults who need flexible scheduling. The curriculum covers human development, systemic therapy, and multicultural counseling, while incorporating a faith-based perspective for students who value that approach. Courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing you to complete coursework around your existing responsibilities.

Supervised internship hours are completed at approved sites in your local community, giving you practical counseling experience without requiring relocation. Liberty University is regionally accredited by SACSCOC and supports students through scholarships and payment plan options to help manage program costs while preparing for licensure.

5. Regent University

Regent University offers a Master of Arts in marriage, couple, and family counseling that blends clinical training with a Christ-centered perspective. The program delivers coursework online in areas such as family systems, counseling techniques, and human growth and development, while limited on-site residencies provide opportunities to build practical skills and professional connections.

You complete required internship hours at approved sites in your local community to meet licensure requirements. Regent University is regionally accredited by SACSCOC and supports students through federal financial aid, scholarships, and military education benefits, helping make graduate study more accessible while you prepare for professional counseling roles.

6. University of Holy Cross

The University of Holy Cross offers a Master of Arts in counseling with a concentration in marriage and family counseling that combines online coursework with required in-person clinical training. The curriculum covers advanced counseling techniques, family systems, and human development, helping you build skills needed for licensure-focused practice with couples and families.

You complete supervised internship hours that meet licensure requirements while gaining experience in real counseling settings. Rooted in a Catholic tradition, the program emphasizes ethical practice and personalized faculty support through small class sizes. The University of Holy Cross is regionally accredited by SACSCOC and accepts federal financial aid, along with scholarships for eligible students, to help support your graduate education.

7. Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University offers a Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy in a primarily online format designed to support students pursuing licensure-focused counseling careers. Coursework covers family therapy models, ethics, and cultural diversity, while in-person clinical training is completed at approved sites in your local community.

The program emphasizes faculty mentorship and a faith-based learning environment grounded in compassion and ethical practice. You complete required clinical experiences while maintaining flexibility in your schedule. Abilene Christian University is regionally accredited by SACSCOC and supports students through scholarships and tuition payment plans to help manage the cost of graduate education.

8. National University

National University offers a Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy designed for students who want a flexible path to licensure-focused counseling work. The program combines online coursework with required in-person clinical experiences, allowing you to study remotely while gaining hands-on training in approved settings.

Coursework includes family systems theory, counseling ethics, and multicultural perspectives. National University’s one-course-at-a-time format helps you stay focused while balancing other responsibilities. The university is regionally accredited by WSCUC and supports students through federal financial aid, scholarships, and military tuition discounts for eligible students.

9. Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University offers an online Master of Science (MS) in marital and family therapy that combines academic training with a faith-based focus on whole-person care. Most coursework is completed online and covers topics such as child and adolescent therapy, crisis intervention, and advanced family counseling techniques, allowing you to balance graduate study with other responsibilities.

The program includes supervised clinical experiences completed in approved settings to support licensure preparation. As part of Loma Linda University’s School of Behavioral Health, you learn from faculty who are active practitioners in the field. Loma Linda University is regionally accredited by WSCUC and supports students through federal financial aid, scholarships, and payment plan options.

10. Alliant International University

Alliant International University offers a Master of Arts in marital and family therapy through its California School of Professional Psychology. The program follows a scholar-practitioner model that connects systems theory with real-world counseling skills. You study relational approaches to working with individuals, couples, and families through a mix of online and on-campus options, with opportunities to focus on areas such as chemical dependency.

Clinical preparation is built into the program through supervised practicum experiences that include direct client contact and support licensure preparation. The program is Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)-accredited, which helps support license portability across states. Alliant International University also holds regional accreditation from WSCUC and accepts federal financial aid, providing an academically recognized and licensure-aligned path to professional practice.

How We Rank Schools

We base our rankings on transparent, practical criteria that help you compare programs with confidence. Each factor plays a key role in ensuring value and quality.

• Accreditation: We included only programs with recognized accreditation, ensuring they meet the academic and professional standards often required for licensure.
• Affordability: Tuition rates and related fees were reviewed to identify programs that provide strong educational value without overwhelming student debt.
• Licensure readiness: Each program was evaluated on how well its coursework and supervised clinical hours align with state requirements for licensure.
• Program reputation: We considered factors like faculty qualifications, alumni success, and the strength of clinical partnerships to assess overall program quality.

How Long Does an Online MFT Program Take?

Most online MFT programs take about two to three years to complete if you study full-time, with coursework and clinical training spread across multiple terms. Many schools also offer accelerated tracks that let motivated students finish in as little as 18 months.

If you attend part-time, your program may take longer, often up to four years. Your completion time can also be reduced by transferring approved graduate-level credits, which can shorten your course load and help you graduate sooner.

Financial Aid for Online MFT Programs

Financial aid can help lower the overall cost of an online Marriage and Family Therapy program. Many accredited online MFT programs provide multiple ways to help students manage graduate-level education expenses.

Available funding options may include:

• federal student loans, such as Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans for eligible graduate students
• institutional scholarships offered by colleges and universities based on academic or program-specific criteria
• payment plans that allow tuition to be divided into smaller payments over the term
• military and veteran education benefits for qualifying service members and dependents
• employer tuition assistance for students working in healthcare, education, or related fields

To access federal financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA and enroll in an eligible, accredited program. Reviewing financial aid policies alongside program structure can help you estimate your total costs before committing to an online MFT program.

Licensure Preparation for Online Marriage and Family Therapy Master's Programs

Accredited marriage and family therapy graduate programs are designed to help you meet state licensure requirements and prepare for practice as licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). These programs typically combine online coursework with required in-person clinical experiences, including practicums and internships completed at approved sites. Clinical hours are essential for meeting state-specific requirements and qualifying to sit for licensure exams, such as the National MFT Examination.

In addition to supervised experiences in clinical practice, classroom coursework commonly focuses on assessment, ethics, diagnosis, and intervention strategies to support real-world counseling practice. Because licensure requirements for LMFTs vary by state, reputable programs provide guidance on meeting local standards, documenting clinical hours, and tracking progress toward licensure.

Why Accreditation Matters for Online MFT Programs

Accreditation plays an important role when choosing an online marriage and family therapy program, especially if you plan to pursue licensure. Accreditation helps confirm that a program meets established academic and clinical training standards recognized by state licensing boards and employers.

Many MFT programs are structured to align with guidelines set by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), which promotes ethical practice, professional competency, and consistent training standards across the field. Programs that follow AAMFT standards are more likely to include required coursework and supervised clinical experiences needed for licensure eligibility.

Some programs also hold specialized recognition as COAMFTE-accredited, meaning they are approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. COAMFTE-accredited programs undergo a rigorous review process focused specifically on marriage and family therapy education, clinical preparation, and student outcomes.

Choosing an accredited program can help:

• support eligibility for state licensure requirements
• improve acceptance of clinical hours across states
• strengthen employer confidence in your training
• reduce the risk of needing additional coursework after graduation

Before enrolling, it is important to verify how a program’s accreditation aligns with licensure requirements in the state where you plan to practice.

What To Expect in an Online MFT Program

When you enroll in an online marriage and family therapy program, you can expect a well-rounded blend of academic study and practical training. Coursework often covers counseling techniques, family systems theory, human development, and professional ethics, along with classes in research methods and multicultural counseling. Many programs also incorporate topics like trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and the influence of societal and cultural factors on family dynamics.

While much of your learning will take place through online lectures, readings, and discussions, you'll also be required to complete supervised practicum and internship hours in person, usually within your own community. These hands-on experiences allow you to apply theory to real-life situations, build rapport with clients, and receive feedback from experienced professionals.

Throughout the program, you'll develop core skills such as active listening, conflict resolution, treatment planning, and evidence-based intervention. By the time you graduate, you'll be ready to help individuals, couples, and families navigate challenges while meeting the education and training requirements for state licensure.

Career Paths With an MFT Degree

A Master’s in marriage and family therapy offers a versatile foundation in systems theory and relationship dynamics, preparing graduates for high-growth roles across clinical and administrative sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is projected to grow 13% through 2034, significantly outpacing the national average.

While the median annual wage is $63,780, specialists in state government roles have higher earning potential, with top roles reaching six-figure salaries. As the healthcare industry shifts toward integrated care models, MFTs are increasingly sought after for their ability to manage complex family and social systems in diverse environments.

Graduates can pursue various professional avenues, including:

• Licensed marriage and family therapist: providing clinical treatment for individuals, couples, and groups.
• Clinical director: overseeing staff and mental health program operations in healthcare facilities.
• School counselor: supporting student development and social-emotional learning within academic settings.
• Social and community service manager: coordinating programs and human services for public or nonprofit organizations.
• Employee assistance program specialist: managing workplace mental health and wellness initiatives for corporations.
• Crisis intervention counselor: delivering immediate support and stabilization in high-stress emergency settings.

Where You Can Work as an MFT

A marriage and family therapy degree can lead to work in a range of professional settings and specializations, depending on your interests and licensure goals. Many roles focus on direct client care, while others emphasize community support or institutional services.

Common employment settings include:

• private practice, where you provide counseling services to individuals, couples, and families
• hospitals and healthcare systems, supporting patients and families as part of integrated care teams
• community mental health agencies and nonprofit organizations serving diverse or underserved populations, often in cooperation with social work services
• schools and universities, offering counseling and family support services in educational environments
• government or public service organizations, delivering behavioral health and crisis-related services

FAQs About Online Marriage and Family Master's Programs

If you are exploring marriage and family therapy master's degrees, you likely have questions about cost, licensure, and career potential. The FAQs below address the most common topics to help you make an informed decision about your education and future.

Is an Online MFT Degree Worth It?

An online MFT degree can help you build a career supporting individuals, couples, and families. Online flexibility lets you study while working, helping manage costs. Graduates often find in-demand roles in private practice, health care, or community agencies, gaining both professional opportunities and personal fulfillment in making a meaningful impact.

Are Online MFT Degrees Respected by Employers?

Online MFT degrees from accredited programs are respected by employers and meet licensure requirements. Graduates with completed clinical training and state exams are valued equally to on-campus peers. Many online programs are offered by the same universities as on-campus degrees, providing credentials that carry the same professional weight.

Can I Get Licensed With an Online MFT Degree?

You can become licensed with an online MFT degree if the program is accredited and meets your state's requirements. Most states require supervised practicum and internship hours, relevant coursework, and passing a licensing exam. Online programs typically let you complete practical hours locally, so check that your program meets your state's rules.

What Is the Fastest Online Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree?

Most online MFT programs take two to three years, though accelerated options can finish in as fast as 18 months. Your timeline depends on full- or part-time enrollment, clinical hours, and transferable credits. Accelerated tracks require heavier workloads, while a slower pace helps balance work and personal responsibilities.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Online MFT Programs?

Most online MFT programs require a bachelor's degree, usually in psychology or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 2.75 to 3.0. Applicants submit transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and a resume. Some programs also require writing samples, prerequisite courses, or an interview to assess readiness for graduate-level counseling.

Are Marriage and Family Therapy Online Programs Accredited?

Reputable online MFT programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or a regional body, ensuring high academic and professional standards. Accreditation is essential for state licensure, employer recognition, and access to federal financial aid. Always verify both institutional and program-specific accreditation before enrolling to ensure your degree meets professional requirements.

Do Online MFT Programs Require the GRE?

Many online MFT programs waive the GRE, especially for applicants with strong GPAs or advanced degrees, making admission easier for working professionals. Some programs still require scores, particularly for competitive applicants. Submitting strong GRE results, even if optional, can strengthen your application, so check each program's admissions requirements.

Can I Specialize Within an Online MFT Program?

Yes, many programs offer concentrations to align with your career goals. Common areas include child and adolescent therapy, trauma counseling, substance abuse counseling, couples therapy, and multicultural counseling. Specializing helps you build targeted skills, gain expertise in a niche, and improve your qualifications for specific professional roles.

Discover More Online Counseling Degrees

If you're passionate about helping others but want to explore beyond marriage and family therapy, there are many other counseling pathways to consider. By learning more additional online counseling degree programs on Learn.org, you can compare options, see which align with your interests, and take the next step toward a fulfilling career in the area of counseling that inspires you most.