Easiest Marriage & Family Therapy Degree Programs for 2025

As someone with a passion for improving the lives of others, you might be wondering what is the easiest family and marriage therapist degree to fast-track your career in professional counseling.

Therapists work with patients from many different, diverse backgrounds, and help them overcome challenges in their life. A therapist plays a crucial role in improving the livelihood of families, individuals, and marital relationships.

In this article, we will discuss the easiest family and marriage therapist degrees to start your career. Additionally, we'll talk about the best school options for these degrees.

Easiest Family and Marriage Therapist Degrees

Students who are interested in fast-tracking their career toward becoming a therapist can start by obtaining a bachelor's degree. Many students in therapy may opt for a bachelor's degree in psychology. However, it's important to note that licensed therapists in the United States require an advanced degree.

Most licensed marriage and family therapists earn their Master of Family Therapy (MFT) upon graduating from a four-year college.

While there is no way to bypass this requirement, students can opt for remote and distance learning coursework in their master's program, which can allow them the flexibility of online learning. Many MFT degree programs can be completed within two years.

Best Colleges for Master of Family Therapy (MFT) Degrees

1. Capella University

Capella University is considered a pioneer in distance learning. This university offers a degree in marriage and family therapy entirely online. With the help of this program, therapists graduate with the essential skills necessary to create healthy and positive relationships within families and couples.

This program is credited by COAMFTE and focuses on assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and intervention. The great news is that no GMAT or GRE is required for enrolling in this program.

2. Liberty University

The Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy is offered as a remote program for budding professionals at Liberty University. This program consists of 60 credit hours and can completed within one year.

The classes are offered online with required intensive training. These intensive trainings give therapists the hands-on practice to jumpstart their career successfully. Liberty University was also recognized as one of the top 10% of the best online schools from Niche.com.

3. New England College

New England College offers an online master of science and clinical mental health counseling. While this diverts away from family and marriage training, students who enroll in this program are well prepared for counseling services and diagnosing mental health challenges within their patients.

This program is tailored for busy adult learners, where it offers online courses and added support to find in-person internship experiences. The program prepares students for licensure within New England and helps reach requirements for those specific states.

4. University of Massachusetts

The University of Massachusetts has an online campus with a Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy. This program prepares students for professional clinical counseling and has courses taught by experts in the specific field.

UMass is transfer student-friendly and allows up to 12-semester transfer credits or 18 quarter credits for relevant coursework. There's also an option for dual licensure between clinical counseling and marriage and family therapy, giving a competitive edge to graduating students.

5. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers a variety of counseling degrees at the master's level. Depending on the preference students may opt for clinical mental health counseling or mental health and wellness, both of which could be applicable towards marriage and family therapy.

Students in this course are well prepared to become licensed counselors and receive support from faculty members with experience in this profession.

6. Eastern Nazarene College

The Master of Science in marriage and family therapy helps students who already earn their bachelor's degree move on to become licensed counselors. The coursework consists of classes that meet once a week over 10 weeks.

This program consists of three years and requires 12 months of clinical experience before graduation.

FAQs About Family and Marriage Counseling

Before starting your journey toward becoming a licensed therapist, you may have some questions about the process and what job prospects will be available upon graduation. Continue reading for some frequently asked questions and their answers.

Can I Complete my Master of Family Therapy Completely Online?

Yes, depending on the program you may be able to complete the program entirely online and within one to two years.

Are Standardized Tests Required for Master's Programs?

Yes, some schools do require completion of the GRE or GMAT to be enrolled, though there can be some exceptions. If you apply for the same college you received your bachelor's in, there's a high chance you won't have to take standardized tests.

Check the specific program you wish to enter and find their specific requirements.

What Other Professions are Related to Family and Marriage Therapy?

Students who become licensed therapists post-graduation can move into several different positions. While a degree in Marriage Family Therapy (MFT) usually relates to this specific type of counseling, students can obtain mental health licensure and work with individuals struggling with mental health.

Here are some other professions related to family and marriage therapy that may require an additional degree:

• Social Worker
• Teacher
• Mental Health Counselor
• Health Educator

Find the Easiest Family and Marriage Degree Today

By becoming a licensed family therapist, you can greatly improve the lives of individuals by helping them repair relationships. While this career track does require an advanced degree and multiple years of education, students are likely to begin their professional careers with the necessary framework and educational understanding before entering the workforce.

To find more colleges with top therapist degrees, check out Learn.org for more information.