10 Online Marriage & Family Therapy Programs With No GRE Requirement

If you're interested in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate relationship challenges and mental health concerns, earning a master's degree in marriage and family therapy (MFT) can help you develop the clinical skills needed for professional counseling practice. Many MFT programs emphasize systemic therapy approaches that examine how relationships, family dynamics, and social environments influence emotional well-being.

In recent years, many universities have removed GRE requirements from their admissions processes, making graduate education more accessible to aspiring therapists. Today, you can find accredited online MFT programs that do not require standardized test scores for admission. Below, we'll explain what the GRE is, whether MFT programs still require it, and some of the best online options available for future marriage and family therapists.

What Is the GRE and Why Do Some Schools Require It?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that has traditionally been used as part of graduate school admissions. The exam evaluates verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills, providing universities with one way to assess applicants from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds.

Some counseling and therapy programs historically required GRE scores because graduate coursework often includes research methods, psychological theory, human development, and clinical assessment concepts. Today, however, many universities place greater emphasis on factors such as undergraduate academic performance, professional experience, personal statements, and interpersonal skills, leading many MFT programs to eliminate the GRE requirement.

Do You Need the GRE for an MFT Program?

Many online marriage and family therapy programs no longer require GRE scores for admission. Instead, admissions committees often use a holistic review process that evaluates applicants based on factors such as GPA, academic preparation, relevant experience, letters of recommendation, and readiness for graduate-level clinical training.

This shift reflects the relationship-centered nature of the profession, where communication skills, empathy, and professional potential can be important indicators of future success. For prospective students, no-GRE admissions policies can reduce application costs, simplify the admissions process, and make it easier to pursue graduate education while balancing work and personal responsibilities.

Top Online MFT Programs With No GRE Requirement

Marriage and family therapists help individuals, couples, and families navigate mental health, relationship, and life challenges through evidence-based counseling approaches. The schools below offer some of the best online MFT programs that do not require GRE scores for admission, helping students develop clinical counseling skills while preparing for supervised practice and potential licensure.

1. Northwestern University

Northwestern University offers an online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MS MFT). Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the university is recognized for its strong graduate programs and commitment to preparing mental health professionals for contemporary clinical practice.

The COAMFTE-accredited program emphasizes an Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) approach that helps students understand how individual concerns are influenced by family systems and relationships. Students receive support securing local clinical placements while developing competencies in assessment, intervention, and evidence-based therapy. Northwestern University does not require GRE scores for admission.

2. Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the university combines rigorous academic preparation with a focus on personal and professional development.

The program places a strong emphasis on multicultural counseling and practical clinical application. Students prepare for careers serving diverse populations while completing coursework that can support both Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) pathways in eligible states. Pepperdine University does not require GRE scores for admission.

3. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global offers an online MA in MFT. The university is accredited by WSCUC and is known for providing flexible degree options designed for working adults.

The program uses instructor-led eight-week sessions and provides students with access to a dedicated field support team that assists with securing local practicum and internship opportunities. Coursework focuses on family systems theory, counseling techniques, ethical practice, and clinical skill development. The University of Massachusetts Global does not require GRE scores as part of the admissions process.

4. Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University offers an online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT). Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the university provides graduate counseling programs that emphasize both professional competence and personal growth.

This COAMFTE-accredited program offers specialized elective tracks in Child and Adolescent Therapy, Medical Family Therapy, and Treatment of Trauma. Students develop advanced clinical skills while tailoring their education to specific areas of professional interest. Abilene Christian University does not require GRE scores for admission.

5. Syracuse University

Syracuse University offers an online MA in MFT. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the university has a long-standing reputation for graduate education and professional preparation.

The distance-learning track emphasizes systemic therapy, social justice, and supervised clinical practice. Students gain experience applying family systems concepts in real-world counseling settings while preparing for licensure and professional practice. Syracuse University does not require GRE scores for admission.

6. Regis University

Regis University offers an online MS MFT. Accredited by HLC, the nonprofit Jesuit institution is known for its commitment to service, ethics, and student-centered education.

The program emphasizes clinical excellence, ethical decision-making, and holistic family systems approaches. Students develop counseling skills that prepare them to work with individuals, couples, and families while gaining an understanding of how social, cultural, and relational factors influence mental health. Regis University does not require GRE scores for admission.

7. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide offers an online MA in MFT. Accredited by WSCUC, the university specializes in flexible online education designed for adult learners and working professionals.

The program features six start dates per year and offers both clinical and non-clinical pathways. Students pursuing the clinical track complete coursework designed to support licensure eligibility, while those in non-clinical tracks focus on applying family systems concepts in other professional settings. Touro University Worldwide does not require GRE scores as part of the admissions process.

8. Antioch University

Antioch University offers an online Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy. Accredited by HLC, the university has a long history of emphasizing social justice, experiential learning, and community engagement.

The low-residency format combines online learning with opportunities for in-person skill development and professional networking. Coursework focuses on systemic interventions, community mental health, cultural responsiveness, and advocacy, helping students prepare to serve diverse populations. Antioch University does not require GRE scores for admission.

9. Alliant International University

Alliant International University offers an online MA in MFT. Accredited by WSCUC, the university is recognized for its focus on psychology, counseling, and behavioral health education.

The COAMFTE-accredited program emphasizes culturally responsive counseling practices and the needs of diverse family structures. Students develop competencies in clinical assessment, treatment planning, and family systems interventions while preparing for professional practice and licensure. Alliant International University does not require GRE scores for admission.

10. Amridge University

Amridge University offers an online MA in MFT. Accredited by SACSCOC, the university has extensive experience delivering distance education programs for working adults.

The 60-credit-hour curriculum is designed to accommodate students balancing graduate education with professional and personal responsibilities. Coursework explores family systems theory, counseling techniques, ethics, and clinical practice while helping students prepare for careers in marriage and family therapy. Amridge University does not require GRE scores as part of the admissions process.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university.

Because marriage and family therapists work with individuals, couples, and families across a variety of clinical settings, we focus on factors that help students identify programs that align with their licensure goals and professional interests.

• Accreditation: We give preference to regionally accredited colleges and universities, with additional consideration for programs that hold accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
• Clinical Training and Practicum Support: We evaluate the availability of supervised practicum experiences, internship opportunities, clinical placement assistance, and other resources that support hands-on learning.
• MFT Curriculum: We review coursework related to family systems theory, counseling techniques, ethics, assessment, diagnosis, multicultural counseling, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
• Admissions Accessibility: Schools that do not require GRE scores and provide accessible pathways for qualified applicants receive additional weight.
• Online Flexibility and Student Support: We consider factors such as course delivery formats, scheduling options, residency requirements, academic resources, and support services designed for online learners.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Typical Admissions Requirements for MFT Programs

Admissions requirements for online MFT programs vary by institution, but most schools require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Applicants are typically asked to submit official transcripts, and many programs establish minimum GPA requirements, often ranging from 2.75 to 3.0.

Additional application materials may include a résumé, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and responses to program-specific essay prompts. Because marriage and family therapy is a helping profession, admissions committees often look for evidence of strong communication skills, professional maturity, and a commitment to working with diverse populations. Many universities now use holistic admissions processes and do not require GRE scores for admission.

How Much Do Online MFT Programs Cost?

The cost of an online MFT program varies based on factors such as the institution, residency status, program length, and clinical training requirements. In many cases, total tuition ranges from approximately $20,000 to $80,000, although some highly ranked private universities and specialized programs may cost more.

In addition to tuition, students should budget for expenses such as technology fees, textbooks, practicum and internship costs, liability insurance, and graduation fees. Most accredited universities accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and students may also qualify for scholarships, grants, employer tuition assistance programs, and other forms of financial aid.

How To Choose the Right No-GRE MFT Program

With many universities eliminating GRE requirements, prospective students have more options when selecting a marriage and family therapy program. As you compare schools, it is important to evaluate factors beyond admissions policies to identify a program that supports your licensure goals, clinical interests, and long-term career plans.

Licensure Alignment

One of the most important considerations is whether a program aligns with the licensure requirements in the state where you plan to practice. Because licensure requirements vary by state, prospective students should carefully review curriculum requirements, supervised clinical hours, and other eligibility criteria before enrolling.

COAMFTE Accreditation and Curriculum Quality

Programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) have undergone a specialized review process focused on MFT training standards. While COAMFTE accreditation is not required for licensure in every state, it can be an indicator of program quality and professional preparation.

Clinical Placement and Practicum Support

Hands-on clinical experience is a core component of MFT education. Some universities provide dedicated field placement teams or clinical support services, while others expect students to identify practicum and internship sites independently. Understanding these expectations can help you determine whether a program fits your needs.

Online Format and Residency Requirements

Many MFT students balance graduate education with work and family responsibilities. Consider whether courses are delivered asynchronously, synchronously, or through a hybrid format, and review any on-campus residency, immersion, or skills-training requirements before enrolling.

Cost and Financial Aid

Graduate education represents a significant investment, making it important to compare tuition, fees, and additional expenses across programs. Evaluating financial aid opportunities alongside total program costs can help you identify the best value for your educational and professional goals.

Career Outlook With an MFT Degree

A master's degree in marriage and family therapy can prepare graduates to help individuals, couples, and families address mental health concerns, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Depending on their licensure status, experience, and areas of specialization, graduates may work in private practices, community mental health centers, healthcare organizations, schools, or nonprofit agencies.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), marriage and family therapists earn a median annual salary of $63,780. The BLS projects employment for marriage and family therapists to grow by 13% over the next decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations, reflecting continued demand for mental health professionals and relationship-focused counseling services.

FAQs About No-GRE MFT Programs

If you're considering a marriage and family therapy degree, you may have questions about licensure, counseling roles, and career opportunities. Below are answers to some common questions prospective students ask when researching no-GRE MFT programs.

What Is the Difference Between an MFT and a Licensed Professional Counselor?

Marriage and family therapists focus on how relationships, family dynamics, and social systems influence mental health and well-being. Licensed professional counselors often take a broader approach that may emphasize individual counseling and mental health treatment across a variety of settings. Both professions provide counseling services, but their educational models and licensure requirements may differ by state.

Can Marriage and Family Therapists Work With Individuals?

Yes, marriage and family therapists frequently work with individual clients. Although the profession emphasizes family systems and relational dynamics, therapists often help individuals address concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, and stress. MFTs use a systemic perspective to understand how relationships and environments may affect individual experiences.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed MFT?

The timeline varies by state, but most aspiring MFTs must complete a master's degree, supervised clinical experience, and state licensure requirements. Many graduate programs take approximately two to three years to complete, depending on enrollment status and program structure. After graduation, candidates typically complete additional supervised hours before becoming fully licensed.

What Settings Employ Marriage and Family Therapists?

Marriage and family therapists work in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Some professionals specialize in areas such as couples counseling, trauma treatment, substance use recovery, or family therapy. Employment opportunities often depend on a therapist's experience, licensure, and area of expertise.

Can MFTs Provide Telehealth Services?

Many marriage and family therapists provide counseling services through telehealth platforms. Virtual therapy has become an increasingly common way to improve access to mental health care, particularly for clients in rural or underserved areas. However, therapists must comply with state licensure requirements and applicable telehealth regulations.

Find No-GRE Grad Schools

Earning a master's degree in marriage and family therapy can help you develop the clinical knowledge and counseling skills needed to support individuals, couples, and families through life's challenges. Explore Learn.org's counseling and psychology resources to compare online programs, understand licensure requirements, and find a degree that aligns with your professional goals.