Jobs for People With a Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy

<h3 id="section---MarriageAndFamilyTherapist">Marriage and Family Therapist</h3> <p>A marriage and family therapist usually works with individuals and families to treat interpersonal issues. They might also counsel couples. In this career, individuals with a master's degree in marriage and family therapy will incorporate their knowledge of cognitive-behavioral therapy and family systems theory into treatment methods. </p> <h3 id="section---SocialWorker">Social Worker</h3> <p>A social worker will often serve as an advocate for the community. Many get jobs in hospitals and schools or work specifically with children and their families. In this type of career, a person holding a master's degree in marriage and family therapy will apply their skills to crisis intervention. </p> <h3 id="section---SchoolGuidanceCounselor">School Guidance Counselor</h3> <p>A school guidance counselor will often work in elementary, middle, or high schools to help students reach their full potential and achieve academic goals. They might also work in a post-secondary setting to administer career advice. A master's degree in marriage and family therapy can assist school guidance counselors as they collaborate with parents, teachers, and social workers. </p> <h3 id="section---SubstanceAbuseCounselor">Substance Abuse Counselor</h3> <p>A substance abuse counselor will work with individuals to help them overcome addiction. They often guide patients as they recognize and modify harmful behaviors. A master's degree in marriage and family therapy will be useful since substance abuse counselors frequently lead group and one-on-one therapy sessions. </p> <h3 id="section---RehabilitationCounselor">Rehabilitation Counselor</h3> <p>A rehabilitation counselor works with patients to help them cope with a disability. They often develop a plan to assist individuals as they adjust to living with their limitations. In this type of career, a master's degree in marriage and family therapy will be useful since rehabilitation counselors are likely to lead group therapy sessions or offer private counseling. </p> <h3 id="section---SocialAndCommunityServiceManager">Social and Community Service Manager</h3> <p>A master's degree in marriage and family therapy will help individuals in this field manage staff in the social service or community service sectors. A social and community service manager might be expected to fulfill a leadership role and oversee activities within an organization. They might also be responsible for planning and executing events. </p> <h3 id="section---Psychologist">Psychologist</h3> <p>A psychologist will observe and treat patients in a clinical setting. A master's degree in marriage and family therapy will be useful in diagnosing mental health and behavioral disorders. Psychologists might work in hospitals and schools, as well as for private organizations or the criminal justice system. </p> <h3 id="section---SpiritualCounselorClergy">Spiritual Counselor/Clergy</h3> <p>A master's degree in marriage and family therapy will help in this career field since spiritual counselors and clergy often provide counseling on moral or faith-based issues. They will typically work for churches or other religious institutions. Spiritual counselors frequently visit hospitals, prisons, and nursing homes to visit those in need of their services. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Job Title </th><th> Median Salary (2018)* </th><th> Job Growth*</th></tr> <tr><td> Marriage and Family Therapist </td><td> $50,090 </td><td> 22%</td></tr> <tr><td> Social Worker </td><td> $49,470 </td><td> 11%</td></tr> <tr><td> School Guidance Counselor </td><td> $56,310 </td><td> 8%</td></tr> <tr><td> Substance Abuse Counselor </td><td> $44,630 </td><td> 22%</td></tr> <tr><td> Rehabilitation Counselor </td><td> $35,630 </td><td> 10%</td></tr> <tr><td> Social and Community Service Manager </td><td> $65,320 </td><td> 13%</td></tr> <tr><td> Psychologist </td><td> $79,010 </td><td> 14%</td></tr> <tr><td> Spiritual Counselor </td><td> $48,990 </td><td> 8%</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h2 id="section---TypesOfMarriageFamilyTherapyMasterSDegreePrograms">Types of Marriage &amp; Family Therapy Master's Degree Programs</h2> <h3 id="section---MasterOfMarriageAndFamilyTherapyMMFT">Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT)</h3> <p>An MMFT degree program is generally designed for individuals seeking a license in marriage and family therapy. This type of program usually takes two or three years and 60 credits to complete. Individuals might study family systems theory and therapy techniques, as well as participate in clinical experience. An MMFT commonly leads to a career as a family or couples therapist. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfArtsInMarriageAndFamilyTherapyMAMFT">Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT)</h3> <p>This type of program typically takes two or three years to complete with an average of 60 required course credits. Common courses include interpersonal and family dynamics, professional ethics, and clinical experience. An individual with an MAMFT might work as a spiritual counselor or school guidance counselor. An MAMFT degree program can help individuals obtain licensure in marriage and family therapy. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfScienceInMarriageAndFamilyTherapyMSMFT">Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSMFT)</h3> <p>An MSMFT degree program usually focuses on the application of marriage and family therapy in a clinical setting. Individuals with an MSMFT often work as psychologists. They usually study human development, psychological assessment, and psychopharmacology over the course of two years. Clinical experience and 60-course credits are typically required. </p> <h3 id="section---MasterOfSocialWorkMSW">Master of Social Work (MSW)</h3> <p>This type of program is designed for individuals seeking advancement opportunities in the field of social work. An MSW often leads to a career as a social worker or substance abuse counselor. An MSW program typically takes two years to complete with an average of 60 required course credits. Common areas of study include the foundations of social welfare, leadership and management, and supervised fieldwork. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Degree Program </th><th> Program Length </th><th> Program Requirements </th><th> Related Careers</th></tr> <tr><td> Master of Marriage and Family Therapy <i>(MMFT)</i> </td><td> 2-3 years </td><td> *undergraduate degree </td><td> *Family Therapist <br /> *Couples Therapist</td></tr> <tr><td> Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy <i>(MAMFT)</i> </td><td> 2-3 years </td><td> *undergraduate degree </td><td> *Spiritual Counselor <br /> *Guidance Counselor</td></tr> <tr><td> Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy <i>(MSMFT)</i> </td><td> 3 years </td><td> *undergraduate degree </td><td> *Psychologist <br /> *Rehabilitation Counselor</td></tr> <tr><td> Master of Social Work <i>(MSW)</i> </td><td> 2 years </td><td> *undergraduate degree </td><td> *Social Worker <br /> *Substance Abuse Counselor</td></tr> </table><h2 id="section---AdmittanceRequirementsForAMasterSDegreeProgramInMarriageFamilyTherapy">Admittance Requirements for a Master's Degree Program in Marriage &amp; Family Therapy</h2> <p>All master's degree programs in marriage and family therapy require an undergraduate degree. Most programs also require a 3.0 minimum GPA, personal recommendations, and GRE scores. Admittance requirements might also include an interview and background check. Many programs ask applicants to submit a writing sample. International students must take the TOEFL exam. </p> <p>Individuals with a master's degree in marriage and family therapy might work as a couples therapist, social worker, or psychologist. Common degree types include Master of Marriage and Family Therapy and Master of Social Work.</p>