Csun Marriage and Family Continuing Education

Make family units stronger with one of the best family counseling degrees.

Keeping a family afloat can be hard work. Conflicting goals, clashing personalities, pet peeves: Need we say more? Often, family units can resolve problems without external help. But sometimes, a family counselor is the only path forward.

Maintaining the family unit can be especially difficult in times of grief, conflict, and stress.

How does one handle a sibling with a substance abuse issue without pushing them in the wrong direction?

How does a family return to normal when one of the parents was unfaithful?

Navigating these waters can be extremely challenging. But for marriage and family counselors, it's just another day at the office.

Marriage and family therapy is often a short-term solution. A family or couple goes to a marriage and family counselor with an issue, and they finish therapy with the problem usually solved within ten or fifteen sessions. Otherwise, solving family issues is the job of a family. But when a family or couple is in a pinch, there's no better way to move forward than with a marriage and family counselor.

If you want to become that counselor, consider one of the 35 Best Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy

Related Resource: 10 Best Clinical Research Masters Online

What Is a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy?

A marriage and family therapy degree, also known as a MFT degree, is the last step before licensure in most states. Thus, master's in family counseling programs are the most advanced and challenging programs in the category. Graduate students typically divide their time between stringent coursework and direct therapy hours.

Some courses that students take in marriage and family counseling master's programs include:

• Clinical Family Therapy
• Couples & Sex Therapy
• Psychological Foundations of Family Counseling
•  Family Therapy Seminar
• Critical Issues in Family Therapy

Most MFT master's programs require clinical experience, too. And unlike bachelor's programs, which require observation hours, most marriage and family therapy programs require students to directly counsel patients.

If you're interested in joining a MFT program, you'll first have to gain admission. Most MFT master's programs require their students to have majored in a relevant degree in undergraduate school. Additionally, most programs ask for:

• Clinical experience
• Letters of recommendation
• Application essays

See Related: Best Online Master's in Family Counseling

Careers for Marriage and Family Therapy Majors

The majority of MFT master's students become marriage and family therapists. The field isn't too abundant: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are only 73,200 marriage and family therapists across the country.

But don't worry because MFT is  also one of the quickest growing counseling fields. The BLS estimates that the marriage and family therapy sector will grow by 16% or 12,000 jobs between 2020 and 2030.

There are five principal workplaces for marriage and family therapists, and here is the breakdown of those work environments, according to the BLS:

• 28% of family counselors work for individual and family services.
• 22% of family therapists work in the offices of other counselors.
• 11% of marriage and family therapists work in outpatient care centers.
• 6% work in public institutions, excluding schools and hospitals.
• 15% of family counselors are self-employed.

Master's degrees are the highest degrees required to become marriage and family therapists. Besides formal education, aspiring counselors also need up to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical work to gain licensure.

Marriage and Family Therapy Salary Potential

Marriage and family counselors are some of the highest-earning therapists. That doesn't mean you'll be taking home six or seven-figure salaries, but you will earn enough to be financially secure. Note that experience and geographic location is a significant determinant of your income. While the top 10% of marriage and family therapists earn over $96,520 per year, the bottom 10% earns less than $37,050.

Your workplace is also a significant factor in your income. Here are the average salaries of marriage and family therapists by the work environment, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Counselors working in state institutions besides schools and hospitals earn $77,960 per year.
• Family therapists working in outpatient care centers make $57,930 per year.
• Those working in individual and family care services earn $48,340 per year.
• Therapists working in the offices of other therapists earn $49,630 per year.

See Also: 20 Best Online Master's in Counseling

What Are the Best MFT Degrees?

At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@collegerank.net.

1

University of Nebraska – Lincoln

Location

Lincoln, Nebraska

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Master of Science in marriage and family therapy program stands out for a couple of reasons. Foremost, the school is the only educational institution in the nation that offers training and certification in medical family therapy. Additionally, the University of Nebraska trains students to use distance technology for long-distance therapy sessions.

Some classes in this top-ranking program are:

• Clinical Family Therapy
• Multicultural Competency in Mental Health Care
• Issues and Ethics for Family Professional

Besides traditional classes, you will complete a four-part practicum series. The four practicums require students to deliver 500 direct counseling hours to patients.

This best MFT program prepares students for licensure in every state besides California, which requires additional coursework. To gain admission into the University of Nebraska, you must submit:

• Three letters of recommendation
• Undergraduate transcripts
• GRE scores
• A professional resume
• A statement of professional goals
• A completed application

2

California State University-Northridge

Location

Los Angeles, California

California State University-Northridge offers one of the best MFT programs in California. Because the program follows the more stringent licensure requirements of California, graduates can practice family therapy in every state. Most frequently, graduates from this program become marriage and family therapists and professional clinical counselors in California.

Some of the classes in this MFT program are:

• Career Interventions in Mental Health Counseling
• Community Mental Health
• Clinical Research and Program Evaluation
• Therapy with Children, Adolescents, and Their Families

Besides traditional courses, you will take several seminars, independent studies, and research-focused classes. The biggest emphasis in this program, though, is on fieldwork, where you participate in hundreds of hours of direct counseling.

California State University-Northridge is a somewhat selective school. To gain admittance to this program, you must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant major with a 2.5 GPA or higher. Additionally, you must:

• Submit two letters of recommendation
• Complete an admissions interview
• Submit GRE or MAT scores
• Complete the online application

3

East Carolina University

Location

Greenville, North Carolina

East Carolina University's Master of Science in marriage and family therapy was the first MFT program in North Carolina to gain accreditation. Hence, it is the longest-established and thus the best program in North Carolina. If you want to take excellent classes taught by expert faculty in North Carolina, East Carolina University is your best option on this list.

There are five principal categories of the ECU MFT program:

• Theoretical foundations
• Clinical practice
• Human development and family studies
• Personal identity and ethics
• Research

Some of the classes within these categories are:

• Family Systems Theory
• Family Therapy Issues
• Research Methods in Child and Family Studies
• Theories of Child Development

East Carolina University students supplement their studies with clinical experience at a military base, school setting, community center, or medical clinical setting. You can choose to write a thesis, which is required for those who want to enter Ph.D. programs upon graduation. You can complete this 51-credit MFT program in two years, including summer semesters.

4

Nova Southeastern University

If you're a Florida resident and you plan to practice counseling in the state, then Nova Southeastern University's Master of Science in family therapy program is your best option. One chief advantage of Nova Southeastern University's program is the opportunity to enroll part-time or full-time. In the part-time program, you take six credits per semester. In the full-time program, you will take the traditional twelve credits per semester.

Some of the required courses in this program are:

• Introduction to Systems Theory
• Theories of Marital and Family Therapy
• Couples Therapy: Theory and Application
• Group Psychotherapy

Like most of the programs on this list, you must participate in several hundred hours of direct counseling to graduate.

One Nova Southeastern University feature that you won't find in many other places is the available concentration in equine assisted family therapy. Animals have aided people to recover from emotional issues for centuries. Now, the program has a certification. Students in this concentration take Introduction to Equine Assisted Family Therapy and Advanced Equine Assisted Family Therapy.

5

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical

The University of Colorado Denver offers several counseling degrees. The school's Master of Arts in couple and family counseling stands out for its excellent structure and faculty. One notable feature of this top MFT program is the ability to take online classes. Most grad students complete this program in three to four years, which is longer and more relaxed compared with other universities on this list.

Marriage and family counseling majors begin this program in the counseling core, which requires you to take courses like:

• Human Development Over the Life Span
• Introduction to Research Methods
• Introduction to Measurement
• Counseling Theories

Then, you will take classes in the couple and family counseling program. Some of these classes are:

• Mental Health Diagnosis
• Introduction to Sex Therapy
• Techniques in Family Therapy

To gain admission to the University of Colorado Denver, you must submit:

• Three letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts
• A professional resume
• A written statement
• An admissions interview on the Denver campus

The school doesn't require students to submit GRE or MAT scores.

Location

College Park, Maryland

The University of Maryland offers one of the best MFT programs in the USA. This graduate program emphasizes real-world experience, extensive research, and engaged learning. Students in this program choose between a thesis and a non-thesis option. The thesis is suggested for those who wish to become researchers and doctoral candidates.

As a MFT grad student, you will take courses such as:

• Psychopathology in the Family Context
• Research Methods in Family Science Foundations of Public Health
• Sexuality: Issues in Family Therapy and Service Delivery

Alongside traditional coursework, you must complete 400 direct counseling hours. Of those 400 hours, 250 must be in family or couples counseling. There are dozens of available sites for the externships, and the University of Maryland helps students secure the externship that suits them.

Does this program interest you? To apply for this top MFT program, you must provide:

• Official transcripts
• GRE scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• A professional resume
• A purpose statement

If you're applying from a non-English speaking country, you must also submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores.

Location

Fairfield, Connecticut

Fairfield University offers one of the most dynamic Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy programs on this list. MFT majors in this program can supplement their central master degree with a program in school-based marriage & family therapy or a concentration in sexual and gender minority mental health. These subprograms draw attention to two places where family counselors are especially needed.

The curriculum comprises courses like:

• Couples Therapy
• Advanced Interventions in Family Therapy
• Research in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Family Therapy Pre-Practicum
• Lifespan Human Development

You will supplement these additional courses with two family therapy practicums, two internships, a comprehensive exam, a capstone, and a thesis.

Fairfield University's program is selective. To gain admittance, you must submit:

• Two letters of recommendation
• A personal statement
• A $60 application fee
• Official transcripts
• A professional resume
• An admissions interview

Fairfield's MFT program does not require applying students to submit GRE or MAT scores.

Location

Siloam Springs, Arkansas

John Brown University combines a science-backed Master of Science in marriage and family therapy with a foundation in Christian studies. Through this master's degree, you can choose an emphasis in play therapy. Play therapy is an emerging practice of using play and creative arts techniques to help children feel comfortable in a counseling session. This technique is widely respected because children are more likely to communicate when they feel comfortable.

Some Christian-based counseling courses in this program are Christian Foundations in Counseling and Family of Origin. You will then take traditional counseling classes like:

• Principles of Family Therapy
• Child & Adolescent Counseling
• Brief Therapy
• Principles of Marital Therapy
• Advanced Psychopharmacology

You will also participate in two internships and two practicums.

To apply to this master's program, you must graduate from an accredited undergraduate university with a 3.0 or higher GPA. If you have between a 2.75 and 3.0 GPA, you may be considered on a case-by-case basis. If your GPA is under 2.75, you may still apply to this program, but you'll also have to submit GRE scores.

Another top marriage and family therapy graduate program comes from Auburn University.. This MFT program is probably the most competitive option on this list: Auburn University only accepts six students per year. Thus, to gain admittance, you must prove your value to this program with the following:

• A high GPA
• Strong GRE scores
• An excellent resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• A perfectly written professional statement

Auburn's MFT curriculum comprises four core counseling credits, 30 credits in marriage and family therapy classes, three credits in research methods, a nine-credit internship, and a four-credit thesis. Some of the classes you will take in this two-year program are:

• Professional Issues in MFT
• MFT Clinical Issues: Family Systems, Trauma and Crisis Intervention
• Couples and Sex Therapy
• Lifespan Development

If you prefer to work in small cohorts with personalized attention, you couldn't do any better than Auburn University. The program boasts an impressive four-to-one student-to-faculty ratio, which provides a more personalized experience than any other program on this list.

10

Kansas State University

Location

Manhattan, Kansas

Kansas State University offers one of the best Master of Science in couple and family therapy in the central United States. MFT majors in this program are required to have 500 direct-contact hours with counseling clients. Of those 500 hours, 200 hours must be with couples or families. Kansas State University emphasizes that the 500-hour requirement serves as the minimum: Students should complete as many hours as possible.

Given the emphasis on clinical work, Kansas State University students must work toward the 500 counseling hours throughout each quarter. Before beginning clinical hours, though, you must pass a screening with faculty to determine if you're ready to enter the clinical portion of the program. In the screening, you are evaluated for your academic performance and personal integrity. The screening includes a personal assessment and a judging committee of at least three faculty members.

Furthermore, as a Kansas State MFT student, you will take classes like:

• Human Sexuality
• Professional Studies in Family Therapy
• Parent-Child Interaction
• Family Systems in Cultural Context

Marriage and family therapists help thousands of people improve their lives every year. Friends University's Master of Science in family therapy program is flexible, with available campuses in Wichita and Kansas City. The university boasts impressive placement rates, too: 100% of the program's graduates since 2013-2014 have secured full-time jobs.

The curriculum comprises 36 credit hours of core courses, 16 credits in clinical training, and eight hours of electives. Some of the classes you can expect to take are:

• Parenting Strategies
• Intergenerational Family Theories
• History of MFT and Systems Theory
• Classic Theories of Therapeutic Intervention in MFT

Friends University grad students must also complete five internships.

Friends University's MFT program has relatively stringent requirements. To gain admissions, you must have a relevant undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a 3.0 or higher GPA. Additionally, you need to have completed prerequisite courses in research methods, family studies, and psychology. Finally, you should also submit four letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and complete an interview with the program director.

Location

Saint Paul, Minnesota

If you live in Minnesota and you seek to work there, too, Bethel University's Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy is your best option on this list. This master's degree program places research-informed counseling courses with Christian theology classes to make one of the most well-rounded programs on this list. Students typically finish this 60-credit program in three years, but they can take longer if they please.

Some notable courses in this master's degree are:

• Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Counseling Microskills
• Lifespan Development
• Individual and Family Assessment
• Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling

You will also complete 600 internship hours throughout the program. Of these 600 hours, you must complete 240 hours of direct counseling with clients.

Graduates from Bethel University's program have become professional counselor in an array of positions:

• Marriage and family therapists
• Case managers
• Missionary pastoral coaches
• Private practitioners

No matter whether you wish to work in a Christian or secular context, Bethel University's excellent MFT program will take you toward your goals.

The University of Oregon offers one of the most flexible Master of Science in couples and therapy programs on this list. Unlike the majority of the universities we're featuring, the University of Oregon doesn't require its students to have completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. It also doesn't require students to have taken any prerequisite courses. Another notable feature of this program is the option to specialize in Spanish.

This MFT master's program comprises excellent classes like:

• Micro-Counseling Skills
• Ethics Discussion
• Counseling Diverse Populations
• Group Psychotherapy
• Parenting Interventions
• Intimate Partner Therapy

You must also complete several hundred hours of counseling experience, including direct counseling. Finally, you are required to take two comprehensive exams.

The Spanish language concentration is an excellent option for students who want to work with Latinx populations in Oregon and across the country. Some of the courses in this subprogram are Practicum: Bilingual Supervision, Workshop: Topics in Latino Mental Health, and an additional capstone project.

At Regis University, you will find a top Master of Arts program in marriage and family therapy. The MFT program pushes the latest counseling research and the Jesuit values that will push you toward your spiritual and career goals. Regis University's grad school caters to people leading busy, working lives. The MFT program revolves around evening courses with several weekend sessions per semester.

Some classes in the 60-credit Marriage and Family Therapy program include:

• Couples Therapy
• Family Origins and Lifecycles
• Gender Development and Sexuality

You must also complete three supervised internships to graduate from the program. These internships must be in a relevant location and must include a significant portion of direct counseling hours.

Admission requirements for Regis University are as follows:

• Two admissions essays
• Two letters of recommendation
• An on-campus interview
• A professional resume
• Official transcripts

The program costs $695 per credit hour, which is not as affordable as other programs on this list. But many graduates from Regis attest to the quality and value of the marriage and family therapy program.

Location

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Drexel University's Master of Family Therapy program focuses on preparing students to provide therapy for couples and families facing addiction, discrimination, and trauma. This is a full-time master's program: If you want to enroll part-time, choose another school from this list. There is some flexibility, however, in course delivery. While most courses are on-campus, some are available online.

Some courses you will take are:

• Introduction to Family Therapy
• Contextual Family Therapy
• Family Life Cycle
• Human Development
• Adult Psychopathology

These classes build upon the latest theories and research in the field. You must also complete two internships that are respectively twelve and nine months. Drexel University expects students to work at their chosen host site for 16 to 20 hours per week.

To gain acceptance, aspiring students must submit:

• Official transcripts that show a 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA
• A three-page professional statement
• A professional resume
• Three letters of recommendation
• Participate in an on-campus interview

Location

Lexington, Kentucky

The University of Kentucky's counseling and family therapy students have access to dozens of resources unique to the department. Some notable resources are:

• The Professional Development Grant
• The Graduate School Fellowships
• The CGPDI Graduate Mentor Program
• Diversity Research & Teaching Fellowships

These resources are useful as financial aids, preparatory programs, and more.

You can technically graduate from this program in five quarters, but most take six. Some classes from this UK's MFT master's degree include:

• Treatment Modalities
• Professional Issues in CFT
• Allocation of Company Resources
• Research Methods in Family Science
• Families and Children in Play Therapy

Students in the University of Kentucky CFT program don't have the hassle of finding a host for their internship. Instead, the program pairs every CFT master's student with The Family Center. Here, students engage in supervised therapy and training. The Family Center is a public community health facility staffed only by UK interns. UK is an excellent institution, and many students note that working for it was a highlight of the program.

Location

Blacksburg, Virginia

The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, more popularly known as Virginia Tech, offers a best Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program. The master's belongs to the same department that hosts the human development and family studies program, which was recently chosen by USA Today as the second-best program of its kind in America.

Virginia Tech only permits around 35 students to be in its program at once. Around half of these students attend the school full-time, and they graduate in three years. The other half are part-time students, who graduate in four to five years. The marriage and family therapy program comprises 51-54 semester hours, which include:

• 13 classes
• 3-6 hours of a final project
• A  nine-credit practicum

The vast majority of Virginia Tech MFT graduates receive job offers within a year of graduation. And every Virginia Tech graduate in the past ten years has passed the national exam on their first attempt.

18

University of San Diego

Location

San Diego, California

The University of San Diego offers one of the best marriage and family therapy programs that meets the requirements of the Board of Behavioral Sciences and the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy. The top MFT program is rigorous and fast. Most students graduate in two years. Within that time frame, they must complete 1100 hours of the required 3000 clinical therapy hours to gain licensure.

Expect to take courses such as:

• Human Diversity in Family Therapy
• Systemic Treatment of Children
• Recovery-oriented Case Management
• Systemic Treatment of Substance Abuse

As discussed, you must complete 1100 hours of clinical therapy experience. Additionally, you must pass a comprehensive exam to graduate from the program.

The University of San Diego is one of the more rigorous programs on this ranking. To gain admission, you must submit:

• A professional resume
• GRE scores
• Official transcripts
• A statement of purpose
• At least two letters of recommendation

Location

Syracuse, New York

The University of Syracuse's Master in Marriage and Family Therapy program holds some impressive credentials. Perhaps the most notable fact about the program is that it was the first accredited MFT master's program in America. Pretty cool, right? The MFT program also boasts a parallel online path, which students can take for an equally rigorous and fruitful education.

Some of the fantastic classes in this program include:

• Sexual Issues for the Helping Professional
• Introduction to Family Therapy Practice
• Systems Dynamics in a Group Setting
• Applied Research in Social Work

Besides traditional coursework, you will also participate in clinical hours, which contributes to the licensure requirement in New York.

Syracuse MFT graduates have found successful careers in many work environments, including:

• Non-profits
• Mental health and counseling programs
• Research centers
• Private practices

Some students have gone onto doctoral programs, and many of these students attended the University of Syracuse's impressive Ph.D. program.

Location

Malibu, California

Pepperdine University's Master of Arts program in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy boasts outstanding faculty members and nationally acclaimed classes. If you want to go to a top-ranking school in a gorgeous setting, this master's degree will suit you perfectly.

Pepperdine graduate students take fantastic classes like:

• Trauma in Diverse Populations
• Multicultural Counseling
• Interpersonal Skills and Group Therapy
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Disorders

You also take a four-part clinical practicum, where you  apply your knowledge to direct counseling for several hundred hours.

Pepperdine University offers a mid-day format and a night-time format, depending on your weekly schedule. To gain admission to this program, you must have an undergraduate degree in psychology or a related field. Additionally, you must submit:

• Two letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose
• GRE scores
• Official transcripts

International students must submit an English proficiency test.

21

Northwestern University

Location

Evanston, Illinois

Northwestern University is one of the best universities in the county. And the school's Master of Science in marriage and family therapy is no exception to Northwestern's excellence. Northwestern's top MFT program emphasizes the learn-by-doing approach. MFT majors begin counseling clients in their first quarter, and they continue with direct counseling until they graduate. This top MFT program boasts excellent professors, many of them who are successful and influential therapists.

At Northwestern, you will take 19 academic courses in this program. Some of these classes are:

• Basic Concepts of Systems Therapy
• Intimate Relations
• Methods of Systems Therapy
• Family Therapy Treatment Models

You will also spend 500 hours in clinical training and counseling; trusted leaders in the field observe students for 250 of those hours.

Northwestern University is by no means the most affordable option on this list. But its program is exceptional, and if it were cheaper, it would definitely be in the top 5 programs nationwide.

Location

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Regent University is a Christian institution with a focus on educating the next generation of Christian leaders. Students can enroll in the Master of Arts in marriage, couple & family counseling program online or on-campus. Regent University is a standout for its discounted tuition for service members—it is recognized as a Military TOP College & University.

Some of the standout classes in this program are:

• Models of Family Therapy
• Theories of Human Sexuality
• Concepts of Family Systems
• Addiction Therapies for Individuals & Families
•  Marital and Couple Therapy

Students also take Christian-based classes, but they're unrelated to the core counseling courses. Students must also spend several hundred hours in an approved practicum site.

Graduates from Regent University have started successful careers in:

• Public agencies
• Private practices
• Church counseling centers
• Mental health facilities

Some graduates have achieved a doctorate, which is the requirement to become a professor or clinical researcher in the field.

23

Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University is a Christian institution that offers a dynamic Master of Marriage and Family Therapy degree. The MFT program takes two years and 60 credit hours. You can choose either a thesis track or non-thesis track. Conveniently, you can also complete this program online.

Some of the courses in this MFT program are:

• Family Theory/General Systems Theory
• Couples Therapy
• Family Therapy across the Life Style
• Theological Perspectives on Human Behavior

Along with coursework, you will gain real-world experience through a 500 hour internship.

ACU graduates make a difference all over the world in an array of professional settings. Recent graduates work as marriage and family therapists for:

• Private practices
• Churches
• Mental health agencies
• Schools
• Substance abuse treatment agencies
• Eating disorder recovery centers

To apply to ACU's MFT program, you need to submit:

• Official transcripts
• Three recommendation letters
• A written purpose statement
• An on campus interview

Currently, GRE scores are waived.

24

University of New Hampshire

Location

Durham, New Hampshire

The University of New Hampshire's Master of Science in marriage and family therapy program prepares students to become clinicians, researchers, administrators, and more. The top ranking MFT program has two start dates and a full-time and part-time option. If students wish to enroll part-time, they must apply to begin the program in the fall semester.

In this program, you must accrue 500 hours of counseling experience through externships and on-campus practicums at the Marriage and Family Therapy Center. You will also take rigorous courses like:

• Professional Issues for Family Specialists
• Child Development in Context
• Critical Problems in Family Life
• Sex Therapy
• Clinical Interventions in Couples Therapy

The University of New Hampshire boasts impressive graduate statistics. One hundred percent of the students enrolled in this master's program pass the national exam each year. Plus, MFT graduate have access to excellent job opportunities. Also of note, the University of New Hampshire offers excellent scholarships, which significantly contribute to a student's tuition.

25

University of Rochester

Location

Rochester, New York

The University of Rochester offers one of the best Master of Science in marriage and family therapy programs in New York. The master's program emphasizes clinical experience in a hospital instead of a school setting. Students in this program participate in client experience at the University of Rochester Medical Center, one of the top hospitals in the state. At the hospital, students complete 500 clinical contact hours and 100 hours of supervision.

Some courses in this program are:

• Family Therapy Research
• Family Therapy Practice
• Couples Therapy
• Foundations of Clinical Practice in Family Therapy
• Child-focused Family Therapy

Each of these classes uses research-informed evidence and theories to convert students into therapists who can flourish in whatever context they choose.

Students enrolled in the University of Rochester are exceedingly satisfied with the marriage and family therapy program. If you want to become a student here, you must submit:

• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose
• An interview with three program faculty
• A professional resume
• Any publications relevant to the field

Location

Orange, California

If you want to become a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, Chapman University is a fabulous choice. The grad school offers a Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy that provides the clinical and academic training for students to become ethical, knowledgeable, and sensitive practitioners.

If you're looking for a program to prepare you for the multicultural world of therapy, Chapman University is for you.

At Chapman, you can complete their master's degrees in two-and-a-half or three years. Along the way, you will complete classes like:

• Ethical and Professional Issues for MFTs
• Public Mental Health, Diversity Issues in Therapy
• Advanced Theoretical Applications
• Psychopharmacology for MFTs

Students complete their several-hundred-hour practicum on the Chapman University campus. To graduate, you must pass each class, accumulate the required practicum hours, and pass Advancement to Candidacy and the Comprehensive Exam. If you don't pass one or both of these courses, you may need to extend your plan of study.

27

University of Louisville

Location

Louisville, Kentucky

Students enrolled in the University of Louisville's Master of Science in couple and family therapy program have two available options besides the main program. First, you can specialize in alcohol and drug counseling.

Or if you have a penchant for social work, you can couple a Master in Social Work with the CFT master's degree. The latter program takes two years to complete, but most grad students believe the extra time is worthwhile.

You will take classes including:

• Contemporary Issues in CFT
• Social Justice Practice
• Psychopathology
• Couple Therapy
• Human Sexuality
• Professional Issues & Ethics in Social Work

You will also work under supervisors in a community setting for a significant portion of the required 500-hour practicum throughout the two or three-year program.

To gain admission to this program, you need to provide official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a professional statement. Additionally, you must submit a family of origin essay, explaining your family's roots and how they have shaped your personal and professional lives.

Location

Misenheimer, North Carolina

Pfeiffer University's Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy stands out for its impressive curriculum and outstanding faculty. The top MFT program is host to a vast range of ethnicities, ages, and genders. If you want to find a program where you can feel comfortable, consider Pfeiffer University, especially if you live near its campus in North Carolina.

Pfeiffer University students can study full-time or part-time. The full-time program takes most students three years, while the part-time program takes students around four years. Throughout the degree, you will take fascinating classes like:

• Legal and Ethical Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Emerging Cross-Cultural Issues in Families & Communities
• Diagnosis of Mental and Emotional Disorders

To graduate, you must complete three consecutive semesters of a supervised internship. Additionally, you must pass a comprehensive exam and begin an internship after finishing 21 credits of coursework. The internship requires 500 hours, 250 of which are individual hours and 200 of which are relational hours.

29

University of Southern Mississippi

Location

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi's Master of Science in marriage and family therapy program boasts many notable statistics.

Some that we'll point out here:

• The 6:1 student:faculty ratio
• The 96% employment rate of graduates within three months
• The 100% pass rate on the national exam

If you're looking for a high-quality training intensive master's program, choose the University of Southern Mississippi.

Some of the classes you will take are:

• Introduction to the Practice of MFT
• Family Therapy with Children and Adolescents
• Couple Therapy
• Practice of Family Research

You will also complete 500 hours of client contact and 100 hours of supervised work.

To gain admission to this MFT program, the University of Southern Mississippi looks for students with the following:

• 2.75 or higher undergraduate GPA
• GRE scores
• Three letters of reference
• A professional statement
• An impressive resume
• A successful interview with program faculty

Only some students are selected for an interview, but most of the people who perform well on their interview will be invited to join the program.

Location

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Capella University offers one of the most dynamic master's in marriage and family therapy programs on this list. You can choose to enroll in this program on-campus or online. Those who enroll online will partake in GuidedPath, a learning framework unique to Capella University. With GuidePath, you can take as many classes at a time as you want, and you pay for what they take. GuidePath is an excellent option for non-traditional students.

Some of the many great classes in this program are:

• Diversity and Social Justice in Systemic Family Therapy
• Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Treatment of Behavior Disorders
• The Impact of Addiction and Addictive Behavior on Family Systems

Capella University offers excellent financial support for its students. All master's students are eligible to win the $3K Capella Progress Award, which funds part of your master's degree. There is also a 10% discount for active service members, veterans, and spouses. Finally, Capella University has a flexible policy with regard to accepting transfer credits.

31

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Location

Las Vegas, Nevada

Students enrolled in the University of Nevada Las Vegas's Master of Science in couple and family therapy can choose between a thesis and non-thesis track. The thesis track is ideal for those who wish to become professors, researchers, and administrators in the field. Students who choose the thesis track must present and defend the thesis in front of program faculty.

Both the thesis and non-thesis track require classes like:

• Counseling Across the Lifespan
• Family Systems Theory
• Couples Counseling
• Diagnosis in Couple and Family Therapy

Students in both tracks are also required to complete 500 clinical hours with clients.

To graduate from this program, you must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If you fail any course or receive more than two Cs, you may be separated from the program. You must also complete each practicum or internship with a B or higher grade. While these requirements may sound challenging, any student who studies and sets time aside to focus on counseling will flourish in this program.

32

Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University offers an excellent Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy graduate program. The master's degree emphasizes the best practices, latest research, and trusted theories of clinical therapy, but it's also inspired by the Christian worldview. Thus, students in this program should care about therapy and have strong Christian roots.

Indiana Wesleyan University has one of the more demanding practicum requirements on this list. Each IWU student must complete 100 practicum hours and 900 internship hours under the supervision of approved supervisors and faculty. Additionally, marriage and family therapy majors take courses like:

• Multicultural Counseling
• Appraisal of Individuals & Families
• Psychopathology
• Integration of Christian Faith in Professional Counseling

To gain admission to Indiana Wesleyan University, you must submit:

• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• A writing sample
• GRE scores
• A background check

If students completed an undergraduate degree with a 3.25 or higher GPA, they don't need to submit GRE scores.

33

Christian Theological Seminary

Location

Indianapolis, Indiana

Average Net Price

Not Reported

Christian Theological Seminary's Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy comes with a strong backing in Christian values. Students in this MFT program divide their time by studying counseling, theology, and applying their skills through practicums and internships. Notably, you can complete the required clinical counseling hours at the on-campus CTS Counseling Center.

Unlike most Christian universities on this list, Christian Theological Seminary's curriculum comprises many faith-based counseling classes. Some of these courses include:

• Theological Perspectives on Pastoral and Spiritual Care
• Yoga and Spirituality
• Clinical Pastoral Education, and Spirituality
• God-Images in Clinical and Cultural Context

You will also take traditional counseling courses like Treating Addictive Behaviors, Trauma & Loss, and Couples Systems Theory.

Christian Theological Seminary is a diverse school. Fifty-seven percent of the school's students are Caucasian, while 43% are African American. The majority of the students are women: only 25% of CTS students are male. If you're looking for a diverse Christian-based program, Christian Theological Seminary is the program for you.

34

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Location

Louisville, Kentucky

Average Net Price

Not Reported

Louisville Seminary's Master of Arts in marriage and family therapy program is one of Kentucky's best MFT programs, and it's bar-none the best Christian-backed program on this list. This dynamic program prepares students to work everywhere from secular work environments like government agencies and private practices to religious environments like churches and seminaries.

Louisville Seminary's degree involves 70 credits, including 500 hours of supervised clinical practice. Most students complete the 500 hour practicum at the Louisville Seminary Counseling Center, but you can choose an off-campus site, too, if you want. To graduate, you must also pass the MFT Exit Examination and complete the Senior Integration Experience capstone.

If you want to gain admission into Louisville Seminary, you should note that the school looks for students with a strong Christian backing. If you can prove your Christian values and academic excellence during an admissions interview, there's a good chance you will gain admittance.

Average Net Price

Not Reported

Western Seminary boasts one of the better Christian-backed Master of Arts in counseling programs in California. After graduating from this program, you can immediately become an associate marriage and family therapist in California. And after taking an exam and completing post-graduate clinical experience, you can become a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, too.

Marriage and family majors at Western Seminary take fascinating classes including:

• Old Testament Literature for Counselors
• Theology I for Counselors
• Psychotherapeutic Systems
• Addiction Counseling
• Spiritual Formation for Counselors

Every student must also complete one practicum and two internships in a setting approved by Western Seminary.

This marriage and family therapy master's degree is available at Western Seminary's San Jose and Sacramento campuses. Students opt to take as many as ten credits online, or they can instead take every class on-campus. Western Seminary offers a shorter program than many on this list: You can graduate in as few as 32 months if they stay ahead of your studies.

If you're interested in pursuing higher education, then you should check out The 20 Best Master's in Psychology and The 20 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology!

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Source: https://www.collegerank.net/best-masters-family-counseling/

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