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2023 Most Affordable Online Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 11/16/2022
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In recent years, the demand for mental health professionals has significantly increased for a number of reasons. This includes a need for marriage and family therapists, an occupation that requires a master's degree. Fortunately, it's both affordable and convenient to earn a master's in marriage and family therapy online.

Below, we've identified the most affordable online master's programs offering a high-quality education. Some of these online graduate degrees prepare you for clinical work and licensure through the completion of practicum and internship hours, whereas others help prepare you for work in non-clinical settings or faith-based ministry services. 

View our methodology for details about rankings or learn more about us. You can also check out our overall list of the most affordable online degrees for inspiration.

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All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Rank School Locations Annual Tuition
# 1 #1 Kairos University Myerstown (PA) $4,800
# 2 #2 Lamar University Beaumont (TX) $7,788
# 3 #3 Indiana Wesleyan University Online Marion (IN) $9,840
# 4 #4 National University La Jolla (CA) $11,466
# 5 #5 Pentecostal Theological Seminary Cleveland (TN) $11,988
# 6 #6 UMass Global Multiple Locations $12,510
# 7 #7 Liberty University Lynchburg (VA) $13,560
# 8 #8 Regent University Online Virginia Beach (VA) $14,600
# 9 #9 Colorado Christian University Lakewood (CO) $14,948
# 10 #10 Amridge University Montgomery (AL) $17,357
#1
#1

Kairos University

Myerstown (PA)
Annual Tuition: $4,800
Annual Tuition: $4,800
Annual Tuition: $4,800

Kairos University is a small, faith-based institution offering an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy that requires completing 65 credit hours and a practicum in order to graduate. Full-time students can generally complete this distance learning program in two to three years. Approximately 90% of these graduates currently work in degree-related jobs, and the pass rate for state licensure to become a clinician is 94%.

Program admission requirements include a GPA of 3.0 or higher, as well as a completed application and questionnaire. Once enrolled, students complete core classes online, such as Children and Adolescents in Family Therapy, Assessment in Marriage and Family Therapy, and Psychological Tests and Measurements. The curriculum helps prepare students for licensure to become Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs).

  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 76
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: MSCHE
#2
#2

Lamar University

Beaumont (TX)
Annual Tuition: $7,788
Annual Tuition: $7,788
Annual Tuition: $7,788

A part of the Texas State University System, Lamar University (Lamar) is a public institution offering an online Master of Education in Counseling and Development - Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling. Through this accelerated program, full-time students may complete the required 60 credit hours of coursework as quickly as 30 months. Lamar has an 83% acceptance rate and a 37% graduation rate.

Lamar's fully remote program uses the Blackboard learning management system (LMS) to deliver instruction asynchronously. Courses last five weeks and may include Multicultural Counseling, Group Counseling Theories and Techniques, and Abnormal Human Behavior. The curriculum meets industry standards and helps prepare students for work as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), or LMFTs. Graduation requirements include one residency, a 15-week practicum, and a 15-week internship.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 90%
  • Average SATs: 910 -1100
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 2,571
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 7,139
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#3
#3
Annual Tuition: $9,840
Annual Tuition: $9,840
Annual Tuition: $9,840

Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) Online is a rural, faith-based university that offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy and an online Master of Arts in Ministry - Children, Youth, and Family. Students must complete 60 credit hours to graduate with the former degree, which may take full-time students approximately two-and-a-half years. Meanwhile, the latter degree in ministry-based counseling only takes 36 credit hours to graduate. IWU accepts 100% of applicants, and the school has a 58% graduation rate.

IWU Online uses the D2L learning platform to deliver instruction in courses such as Introduction to Addiction Recovery, Psychopathology, and Cultural Contexts of Ministry. The therapy degree program requires 100 practicum and 900 internship hours to help students prepare for licensure. In contrast, the ministry program requires the completion of a capstone project.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 92%
  • Average SATs: 990 -1200
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 5,425
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 3,730
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#4
#4

National University

La Jolla (CA)
Annual Tuition: $11,466
Annual Tuition: $11,466
Annual Tuition: $11,466

National University (NU) is a private institution offering an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. The university requires students to complete 45 credit hours on the non-clinical degree path and 60 credit hours on the path to state licensure. It generally takes students between two and three years to graduate.

NU's program features courses such as Systemic Evaluation and Case Management, Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice, and Human Development and Family Dynamics Across the Lifespan. Students interested in private practice must complete 300 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of supervised work. Graduates may work in social services, education, medical offices, or substance use counseling.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 4,801
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 7,159
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: WSCUC
#5
#5
Annual Tuition: $11,988
Annual Tuition: $11,988
Annual Tuition: $11,988

Pentecostal Theological Seminary (PTSeminary) is a small, Christian school delivering its online Master of Divinity in Counseling - Marriage and Family to help prepare students to provide faith-based counseling services. To graduate, students must finish 80 credit hours, which may take full-time students three years to complete.

PTSeminary uses Populi in order to make learning accessible to students globally. Those enrolled in this counseling concentration complete a range of core classes, such as Marriage and Family Systems, Theories and Techniques of Counseling, and Pentecostal Foundations for Christian Ministry and Study. PTSeminary students must also complete a ministerial internship to graduate.

  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 134
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 362
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#6
#6

UMass Global

Multiple Locations
Annual Tuition: $12,510
Annual Tuition: $12,510
Annual Tuition: $12,510

The University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) is a private institution offering two distinct graduate degrees in marriage and family therapy. The online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy Program requires 60 credit hours and can take full-time students about three years to complete. The online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family and Professional Clinical Counseling consists of 69 credit hours, with its dual emphasis in both disciplines. Overall, UMass has a 95% acceptance and a 57% graduation rate.

UMass Global uses the distance learning platform Blackboard for instruction delivery. Classes common to both programs include Individual and Family Development, Theory and Practice of Group Therapy, and Couples Therapy. Both tracks require the completion of practicums and a capstone to graduate and meet the licensure requirements of 38 states — including California — for students to become LMFTs.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 71%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 10,196
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 9,122
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: WSCUC
#7
#7

Liberty University

Lynchburg (VA)
Annual Tuition: $13,560
Annual Tuition: $13,560
Annual Tuition: $13,560

Liberty University (LU) is a large, faith-based institution that offers a 60-credit hour online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. Full-time students interested in licensure generally take about two-and-a-half years to complete this online degree program. To prepare students for work in non-clinical settings and ministry, LU Online also offers a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling - Dobson Marriage and Family Studies, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling - Marriage and Family Studies, and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling - Dobson Family Advocacy. Applicants at LU have a 50% chance of being accepted, and 34% of those students graduate.

LU Online delivers instruction and coursework via Canvas. Courses in this discipline include Group Counseling, Counseling Children and Adolescents, Public Policy and Advocacy Strategies, and Human Sexuality. Graduates may go on to work in government, community clinics, private practice, and places of worship.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 34,799
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 45,107
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#8
#8

Regent University Online

Virginia Beach (VA)
Annual Tuition: $14,600
Annual Tuition: $14,600
Annual Tuition: $14,600

Regent University Online (Regent Online) is a private, Christian institution offering an online, non-licensure Master of Science in Psychology - Marriage and Family degree. Full-time students can complete this 39-credit program in two years. Those interested in ministry-related services may pursue a 30-credit hour online Master of Arts in Human Services - Marriage & Family Ministry. Students who desire licensure can opt for a 60-credit-hour Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, which is also available online. Regent has 50% acceptance and 30% graduate rates.

Students at Regent Online participate in classes through Canvas. Some common core courses include Marriage and Relationship Counseling, Concepts of Family Systems, Integrative Psychology, and Multicultural Counseling. The licensure track requires the completion of internship hours and possibly a residency. Career paths after graduation may include marriage coaching, organizational consulting, church counseling, and private practice.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Average SATs: 960 -1230
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 3,386
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 5,113
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#9
#9
Annual Tuition: $14,948
Annual Tuition: $14,948
Annual Tuition: $14,948

As a faith-based institution of higher learning, Colorado Christian University (CCU) offers an online Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Marriage and Family Therapy accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This licensure-focused program requires completing 69 credit hours, which can take about 30 months. Students can enroll in either a fully online or hybrid program at CCU, which has a 100% acceptance rate and a 33% graduation rate.

This program helps prepare students for clinical work and LMFT licensure by requiring a 100-hour internship and 600-hour practicum. Online students participate in coursework and instruction through the Blackboard LMS. Courses include Crisis and Trauma, Psychopharmacology, Human Growth and Development, and Contemporary Couple Relationships.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 3,342
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,075
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#10
#10

Amridge University

Montgomery (AL)
Annual Tuition: $17,357
Annual Tuition: $17,357
Annual Tuition: $17,357

Amridge University is a small institution rooted in Christian heritage. It offers two online degrees in this field: (1) a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and (2) Master of Divinity in Marriage and Family Therapy for students interested in ministry practice. The former program requires 60 credit hours of coursework that students may complete in seven semesters, while the Master of Divinity requires 96 credit hours. Both programs prepare students for licensure, if desired. Amridge has a 100% acceptance rate, with a 32% graduation rate.

Amridge uses Canvas to deliver lessons and instruction. Graduate students enroll in courses such as Community and Social Systems, Theories of Personality Development, Spiritual Leadership, and Counseling for Abusive Relationships. Students are required to complete 600 hours of face-to-face clinical experience in order to prepare for licensure and become LMFTs.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 251
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 472
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC

Overview of Online Marriage and Family Therapy Degrees

An online master's degree in marriage and family therapy is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you'll need to counsel couples, families, and individuals through complex psychological and emotional challenges. Not only do these programs teach you to understand and evaluate family structures, they also provide a strong foundation in psychological theories, therapy techniques, and cultural influences in relationships. 

While completing your program, you'll start to develop soft skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and empathetic communication. These abilities are critical in helping clients navigate issues such as marital conflict, child and adolescent behavior, and mental health disorders. 

As part of the curriculum, you'll be asked to engage in role-playing and other experiential learning activities, complete research projects, and review case studies. Programs also typically include real-world practicums, where you'll apply your theoretical knowledge and practice your counseling skills in a supervised clinical setting.

Common Courses

The curriculum for an online master's in marriage and family therapy helps you develop your ability to guide and counsel both adults and children. Some of the courses often found in a program include the following:

Family Systems Theory

This course explores different models of family functioning, giving students a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics. Students learn how to apply these models when assessing family interactions and formulating therapeutic interventions.

Child and Adolescent Therapy

This course focuses on the specific mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents. Students learn therapeutic techniques tailored to these age groups and how family dynamics can affect their mental health.

Couples Therapy

In this course, students learn about the dynamics of partner relationships and gain practical skills for counseling couples. They learn therapeutic strategies for issues like infidelity, communication problems, and divorce.

Ethics and Legal Issues in Therapy

Students learn the professional, ethical codes and legal considerations inherent to marriage and family therapy. The course prepares them for the dilemmas they may face in practice, such as confidentiality breaches or reporting child abuse.

Research Methods in Family Therapy

This course provides students with the skills needed to understand and evaluate research in the field of marriage and family therapy.

Funding an Online Marriage and Family Therapy Degree

If your career goal is to become a licensed marriage and family therapist, you're going to need both a bachelor's and a master's. When you combine the cost of these two degrees, you can see that you'll be making a major financial commitment. 

Fortunately, however, there are several specific ways you can save on the cost of your graduate education. Use this checklist to determine if any of these options might work for you:

  • Are you willing to earn your degree online? While many graduate students prefer online degree programs because of their convenience and flexibility, some also choose distance education because of the potential reduction in cost. You'll find that many colleges charge in-state tuition rates — or possibly slightly lower tuition rates — for their online students. Earning your entire degree online also means you won't have to pay for on-campus room and board or for transportation to and from school. 

  • Can you work part time or full time while completing your master's program? If possible, you could put part of your income toward your college education. This approach may mean you'll have to take one or two fewer courses each semester and become a part-time student, but it may also help you avoid student loans. Also, focusing on asynchronous courses that allow you to log in on your own schedule may help you manage your time more effectively.

  • Are you willing to attend a public university? Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that the average total annual tuition and fees for graduate programs at public universities is about half of tuition and fees at private institutions — $12,394 as compared to $26,621. Many public universities have well-respected programs that could save you thousands in tuition.

  • Can you live someplace that has a lower cost of living? Just for the few years you're earning your master's, living someplace cheap may allow you to cut down on your housing, food, and other living expenses.  

  • Does the school you're considering offer payment plans? Payment plans may not reduce the cost of your degree directly, but they may make it easier to pay for college. Many schools offer payment plans that allow you to make smaller payments over time instead of one lump-sum payment at the beginning of each semester.

Financial Aid

Another way to help fund an online marriage and family therapy master's degree is financial aid. Financial assistance comes from a variety of sources, such as the federal and state governments and the schools themselves. As long as you're enrolled in an accredited online program, your financial circumstances may qualify you for aid.

As much as possible, you'll want to look for grants, fellowships, and scholarships. These types of financial aid don't have to pay back the aid after you graduate. 

However, if you don't qualify for the preferred types of aid, you may need to turn to student loans. Just keep in mind that federal and private student loans must be repaid with interest, which can add a hefty sum of money to the cost of your degree. Before agreeing to a loan, use a student loan repayment calculator to determine how much extra you'll pay in interest. 

Applying for financial aid is relatively easy. You just need to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Full instructions are included on the FAFSA website. Eventually, your school will notify you regarding your financial aid offer.

Scholarships

In addition to financial aid from the government and school, there may also be private scholarships or fellowships available. These opportunities are not covered under the FAFSA application, so you'll need to apply for these separately. Some of the private scholarships specifically designed for marriage and family therapy students include the following:

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Minority Fellowship Program: This scholarship aims to support the training of underrepresented students as marriage and family therapists. The award amount varies and is dependent on the successful completion of program milestones. 

Violet and Cyril Franks Scholarship: Sponsored by the American Psychological Association, this scholarship awards $5,000 to graduate students whose work contributes to the understanding and improvement of stigma related to mental healthcare.

If you're looking for additional online options for a graduate degree in counseling, review our lists of the best master's degrees in counseling and the best master's degrees in counseling psychology.

What Can You Do With an Online Marriage and Family Therapy Degree?

Perhaps the most common career path for a graduate with a master's in this field is to go to work as a marriage and family therapist. In general, therapists work with couples and families, helping them learn to communicate clearly, address behavioral issues, and make important decisions regarding their future. Many therapists work in family services agencies and other healthcare facilities, while some work in private practice. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), marriage and family therapists earn a median annual income of $49,880, although those who work for the government may earn considerably more. The BLS also projects that demand for trained and licensed professionals will increase by 14% over the next decade.

The training you receive in a marriage and family therapy master's program may also qualify you for other therapy or counseling positions. Some of the possibilities include substance abuse counselor, mental health counselor, and social worker. The BLS notes that the median annual salary for these positions is  $48,000 to $50,500.

In addition to — or instead of — a master's degree, you may decide to earn a doctorate in counseling. A doctorate qualifies you to work as a researcher or become a college professor, earning a median annual salary of $79,640.

Licensure and Professional Development

According to the BLS, all states require marriage and family therapists to have a state-issued license. One of the main criteria for obtaining licensure is a master's degree from an accredited school. You'll also need to demonstrate that you've accumulated 2,000-4,000 hours of practicum experience, and you'll need to pass your state's licensing exam.

Some states may also require you to complete a certain number of hours of continuing education to maintain your license. The AAMFT, a professional organization for family therapists, offers many courses that fulfill this requirement.

FAQs About Online Marriage and Family Therapy Degrees

How Do I Choose a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy?


Selecting the right master's program in marriage and family therapy should be based on your personal priorities and preferences. However, some of the factors you'll want to consider include the program's format and curriculum, faculty members, online student resources and services, and the amount of help you'll get in setting up internships or practical experiences.

As important as all of these is accreditation. In addition to institutional accreditation, you may find programs that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). 

How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy?


Typically, an online master's degree in marriage and family therapy can be completed in two to three years of full-time study. However, the duration may vary depending on the program's requirements. Also, keep in mind that most states will require you to accumulate 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised practice before you can sit for the licensure exam.

Are There Accelerated Marriage and Family Therapy Master's Programs?


Yes, some universities offer accelerated marriage and family therapy master's programs that allow you to graduate faster than traditional programs, often in less than two years. Depending on the school's pricing structure, accelerated programs may also be more affordable. However, these programs usually require a heavier course load, which may make it challenging to maintain a job while earning your degree.

Is a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy Worth the Cost?

To be honest, determining if a marriage and family therapy master's degree is worth the cost is a personal decision you'll need to make for yourself.

Viewed from a purely financial perspective, this career path may not offer the optimum return on your investment. As the BLS notes, although demand for licensed therapists is growing rapidly at a projected 14%, the current median annual salary for this occupation is $49,880. In light of the total cost of earning both a bachelor's and a master's degree, it may take many years to start reaping any financial benefits.

However, from a personal perspective, helping couples and families overcome interpersonal issues and communicate more effectively could be an incredibly satisfying career. If this occupation feels like the right avenue for you, seek out ways to minimize the expense of earning your marriage and family therapy master's degree. You can start by choosing an affordable online program.

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