Most Popular Online Marriage and Family Therapy Programs 2025
Our ranking of the popular online marriage and family therapy programs features accredited colleges enrolling the most online students, showing the most popular options among distance learners.
Key Takeaways:
- Southern New Hampshire University Online ranks #1 overall, with 154,212 online students.
- Arizona State University Online holds the highest graduation rate among our top programs at 68%.
See our full methodology to learn how we selected each program. We also spoke with a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and a psychotherapist, who shared first-hand insights for excelling in an online MFT program. Read their advice below our list and analysis.
List Of Accredited Online Marriage & Family Therapy Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | $9,900 | |
| Arizona State University, Online | 52,896 | $24,780 |
| Florida Tech - Online | 629 | $15,600 |
| Campbellsville University | 483 | $12,720 |
| Geneva College | 67 | $13,680 |
Most Popular Online Marriage and Family Therapy Programs 2025
- Online Enrollment: 154,212 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $9,900
- Location: Manchester (NH)
Why we like them: Ranked #1 for its online enrollment of over 154,000 students, SNHU stands as a national leader in online education. This program functions as an undergraduate-level bridge into the kinds of skills, perspectives, and settings you鈥檇 encounter in the field. The capstone is a real-world, family-centered project, which can simulate the case formulation and intervention planning in MFT clinical training.
- Online Enrollment: 52,896 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $24,780
- Locations: Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
Why we like them: This program builds a research-based understanding of human development and family relationships, which mirrors the theoretical groundwork MFT graduate programs require. ASU Online also offers hands-on learning opportunities, such as community-based projects and internships. 础厂鲍鈥檚 curriculum spans development from infancy through older adulthood.
- Online Enrollment: 629 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $15,600
- Location: Melbourne (FL)
Why we like them: The online Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology with a concentration in Child Advocacy is designed for immediate application in roles protecting and promoting child welfare. Unlike many similar programs, this curriculum merges a liberal arts foundation with a focus in child advocacy, community psychology, and social issues (e.g., domestic violence, crime prevention, and substance abuse).
The Most-Trusted Online Bachelor鈥檚 Programs for Marriage & Family Therapy Careers
When choosing an online bachelor鈥檚 program in marriage and family therapy, online enrollment numbers can tell you more than just how many people clicked 鈥渁pply.鈥� A large online student body often signals a school has the resources, technology, and experience to support learners from all walks of life.
In our ranking, the the top two schools soar into the tens of thousands of students enrolled 100% remotely, placing them in the top 1% of U.S. institutions for online participation. That scale matters, especially in this field, where peer interaction, diverse perspectives, and professional networking can enrich both your studies and your career.
While online education has expanded in many counseling degrees and psychology fields, fully online bachelor鈥檚 programs in marriage and family therapy remain rare. This is largely due to licensure requirements, program design challenges, and the availability of closely related alternatives that meet the same graduate-school pathway needs:
Licensure Requirements Are Graduate-Level: Most states require at least a master鈥檚 degree in counseling, or even a doctorate in counseling online, to become a licensed marriage and family therapist. Because a bachelor鈥檚 alone doesn鈥檛 qualify graduates for clinical practice, many schools focus on MFT graduate programs instead.
Hands-On Training Is Harder to Offer Fully Online at the Bachelor鈥檚 Level: MFT coursework often includes practicums or applied experiences, which can be more complex to arrange for undergraduates studying online.
Alternative Majors Already Serve the Pathway: Many aspiring MFTs earn online bachelor鈥檚 degrees in psychology, human development, or family studies 鈥� fields that are easier for schools to offer online 鈥� making dedicated MFT bachelor鈥檚 programs less common.
In short, these factors mean that students interested in becoming licensed MFTs will often start in a related online bachelor鈥檚 program and transition to a master鈥檚 degree later on for the credentials needed to practice.
Why Popularity Matters in Marriage & Family Therapy Education
Popularity in online programs can help shape your learning experience. High-enrollment schools tend to have:
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Expanded course offerings and more specialized concentrations
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Larger alumni networks for job leads, mentorship, and industry connections
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Peer diversity, exposing you to a range of cultural and professional perspectives essential in counseling and human services
In marriage and family therapy roles, the ability to connect with people from different backgrounds is a core professional skill. Programs with a broad, engaged student population give you more chances to practice that in real time.
Comparing Generalist Tracks and Targeted Specializations in MFT
One of the clearest contrasts in our list of options is between programs with broad human services frameworks and those with narrower, more niche specializations.
Broad-focus programs (SNHU, ASU, Geneva)
Broader degrees are ideal if you want the flexibility to pivot between related roles in social work, counseling, and human services. These degrees create pathways into a range of human-centered careers, from case management to community program coordination, without locking you into one specialty too soon.
For example, SNHU lets you choose from concentrations like Gerontology and Substance Abuse, while 础厂鲍鈥檚 curriculum includes versatile courses such as Human Development Across the Lifespan, Family Ethnic and Cultural Diversity, and Parenting.
Geneva adds further customization with minors like Organizational Leadership or Psychology, letting you pair counseling preparation with leadership or administrative skills.
Specialized programs (Florida Tech, Campbellsville)
More niche degrees can position you as a subject-matter expert early on, which can be valuable if you鈥檙e very certain about your career path.
Florida Tech鈥檚 concentration in Child Advocacy weaves in targeted courses like Child Abuse and Neglect, Community Psychology, and Substance Abuse, ensuring you graduate with applied knowledge for child welfare and advocacy roles.
Campbellsville鈥檚 ministry-centered program integrates courses such as Pastoral Counseling, Theology of Marriage and Family, and a 150-hour supervised internship, blending counseling practice with faith-based service preparation.
Suggestion: If you鈥檙e undecided about your exact career niche, a broad program gives you room to explore through concentrations, minors, and elective variety. If you鈥檙e committed to a specific population or approach, such as ministry counseling or child advocacy, choose an MFT bachelor's program that builds depth in that area from day one through specialized coursework and applied experiences.
Faith-Based MFT Options
Campbellsville and Geneva both weave a Christian worldview into their programs, but they approach it differently.
- Campbellsville integrates faith directly into counseling and ministry practice, requiring a 150-hour supervised internship that combines spiritual care with practical skills.
- Geneva embeds Christian ethics into a broader child and family services curriculum, allowing minors in areas like Organizational Leadership or Psychology to diversify your skill set.
If aligning your career with your personal values is a priority, faith-based institutions can provide both ethical grounding and community support aligned with your worldview.
Expert Insights From Therapists: Navigating Licensure, Practicum Quality, and Career Specialization
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
"As an LMFT who founded a private practice in California, I'd recommend students first check their state's Board of Behavioral Sciences (or equivalent) website for explicit online program requirements. States vary dramatically 鈥� California, for instance, has specific face-to-face practicum hour requirements that not all online programs accommodate.
In my experience supervising clinicians, effective practicums in online programs must incorporate diverse client populations and trauma-informed approaches. The strongest programs partner with community clinics serving varied demographics, allowing students to develop cultural competence alongside technical skills. This preparation is invaluable when working with clients navigating complex trauma or significant life transitions.
The strongest programs partner with community clinics serving varied demographics, allowing students to develop cultural competence alongside technical skills.
The red flag I've observed in budget programs is inadequate EMDR or specialized training integration. While affordable is important, programs without pathways to specialized certifications (like my EMDR certification) can create costly post-graduation training gaps. Students should explicitly ask which specialized modalities are included in the curriculum.
Beyond private practice, I've seen former colleagues thrive in immigration evaluation services, a specialized niche with growing demand. Others have developed telehealth programs for underserved populations or created consultation businesses training other therapists in specialized modalities. The bilingual therapists I know (offering services in Spanish/English like at Full Vida Therapy) typically command higher compensation across all these settings."
Psychotherapist
"As an EMDR therapist specializing in trauma recovery, I've guided many clients through their healing journeys while observing colleagues steer the education path.
For state licensure requirements, students should contact their state licensing board directly and request a written verification that their chosen program meets all requirements. Requirements can change, and what works in Texas might not work in California.
The most effective clinical practicums provide diverse client experiences with regular, quality supervision. Look for programs offering 1:1 supervision with experienced clinicians, not just peer groups. My most valuable learning came from supervisors who challenged my assumptions about clients' trauma responses while modeling genuine therapeutic presence.
Look for programs offering 1:1 supervision with experienced clinicians, not just peer groups.
When weighing program costs, consider that private practice therapists specializing in trauma work using evidence-based approaches like EMDR can command higher rates. I've seen colleagues struggle with student debt while building practices, so seek programs offering teaching assistantships or scholarships to minimize loans.
Red flags... include minimal live interaction with professors, vague descriptions of supervision arrangements, and limited support securing practicum placements. Your clinical experience forms the foundation of your therapeutic skills [and] programs that treat this as an afterthought rarely prepare students adequately.
Strong faculty mentorship should include regular availability outside classroom hours, willingness to review recorded sessions, and connections to professional networks. The professors who most influenced my trauma approach were those who shared their own clinical challenges and growth experiences."
FAQs About Online Marriage and Family Therapy Programs
What Is Marriage and Family Therapy?
For those who want to make a difference for the families and children in their community, becoming a marriage and family therapist may be a great career choice. However, this career requires a master's degree in marriage and family therapy (MFT). To prepare for a graduate program, you may want to first earn a bachelor's degree in MFT, which can also lead to careers in community service.
Couples and families who are struggling with issues often seek couples therapy or family counseling from mental health professionals. Some of the common problems are poor communication, destructive behavior, or loss. Many people prefer to work with licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) who have been specially trained to help people replace unhealthy beliefs and behaviors with healthy, productive approaches. To be effective in this role, therapists must have good listening and communication skills, plus the ability to show compassion.
Most marriage and family therapists work in private practice, but they can also be found in hospitals, mental health treatment centers, and government agencies. Some therapists work evenings and weekends to accommodate their clients' schedules. They may work with individuals, couples, or family groups.
All states require marriage and family therapists to be licensed. Licensure requirements usually include a master's in marriage and family therapy or counseling, 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, and a passing score on a state exam. A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for a master's degree, although the undergraduate degree can be in MFT, counseling, psychology, or other related fields.
What Is a Bachelor's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy?
Marriage and family therapy degree programs go by many names. Most are Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees, but the degree name could be family studies, family science, human development and family relationships, or something similar.
Like most undergraduate degrees, a bachelor's degree in marriage and family therapy typically requires the completion of 120-126 credit hours. Full-time students usually complete a bachelor's program in four to five years, while part-time students may need a little longer.
About half of the courses in a marriage and family therapy online program will be general education courses, while the other half will focus on the major. Some programs require at least one internship or practicum, and a few also require some type of capstone project.
Admission requirements for an MFT program may include a 3.0 or higher GPA in high school, strong letters of recommendation, and a persuasive personal essay.
In general, marriage and family therapy coursework is designed to help graduates understand family relationships and marriage, as well as human development across the lifespan, cultural diversity, and child socialization. One of the primary goals of these programs is to prepare graduates to work in service-oriented organizations, where they can assist families in dealing with common life challenges in effective ways.
What Courses Are Included in an Online Bachelor's in Marriage and Family Therapy?
Online bachelor's programs in marriage and family therapy include an array of courses on couples and family therapy, family studies, and group counseling. Some introduce students to human services by looking at community resources and case management, while others provide background information such as nutrition and the historical context of marriage and family.
At the core of every program, however, are several psychology courses focused on children, adolescents, and adults, including the following:
- Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Families: Today's families take many forms, including single-parent, multigenerational, LGBTQ+, and blended families. This course explores family systems and common family life issues from a variety of historical, cultural, and demographic perspectives.
- Human Development: This course looks at how individuals grow and develop, from conception through consecutive life stages and finally death. Coursework covers topics such as personality, emotion, behavior, human sexuality, and communication patterns, particularly among family members.
- Modern Family Relationships and Issues: In this course, students are introduced to the science behind the stages of family development, including dating, living together, marriage, child-rearing, and retirement. Coursework also addresses some of the many issues families may face, such as divorce, financial hardship, and substance abuse.
If you're concerned about the cost of earning a degree, consider enrolling in one of the most affordable programs for a counseling bachelor's degree, counseling master's degree, or marriage and family therapy master's degree.
What Can You Do With a Marriage and Family Therapy Bachelor's Degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), marriage and family therapy jobs typically require candidates to have a master's degree in MFT, counseling, social work, or a similar subject. Some counseling occupations even require a doctoral degree. However, graduates with bachelor's in marriage and family therapy are still equipped to work in community service. Below are some of the possible occupations:
typically work with members of a specific group or who have a specific condition or illness. They work with individuals, teaching them about health issues and providing informal counseling and support. Community health workers also collect data, help identify the needs of the community they serve, and report findings to social service and healthcare providers.
typically work for government-funded or nonprofit agencies, where they oversee programs geared toward a particular demographic, such as children or people experiencing homelessness. Some of their duties include managing outreach activities, developing educational programs, analyzing data on their program's efficacy, and implementing improvements to their program.
MFT degree holders may be interested in working with high school students as life skills . Teachers design and implement lesson plans that help students develop essential skills, such as basic financial management, food preparation, and housekeeping, as well as soft skills, like active listening and problem-solving. Life skills teachers can also be found working with younger children and adults. Regardless of class level, you will probably need a teaching credential in addition to your bachelor's degree to work as a teacher.
Instead of studying counseling or therapy, you may be interested in earning an affordable bachelor's in social work.
What To Look for in an Online Marriage and Family Therapy Program?
When you're deciding on the best online bachelor's in marriage and family therapy program for your needs and goals, there are many factors to take into account. Besides cost, some other important considerations regarding an online MFT program include the following:
Accreditation
Is the school accredited by an approved agency? To check, use the databases provided by the or the . Accreditation is important because enrollment in an accredited school is required for you to be eligible for federal financial aid, and it may be required to transfer credits to another school or for acceptance into graduate school.
Is the program accredited? In addition to institutional-level accreditation, individual marriage and family therapy degree programs may be accredited by the (COAMFTE). Some programs, especially those in California, have been accredited by the (CACREP) instead. CACREP- or COAMFTE-accredited programs have been designed to train therapists to practice according to industry standards.
Location
Does the college or university's location matter to you? If you're studying online, this may not be an important consideration. However, you may want to consider the school's location as it relates to in-state resident and out-of-state tuition fees.
Faculty and Staff
Are the online marriage and family therapy program's faculty members experienced practitioners? Studying with a combination of academics and practicing professionals may give you both the scientific grounding and practical knowledge you need. These instructors and other staff members may become mentors or members of your professional network.
Online Program Format
Does the program's online format work for you? Some online MFT programs feature asynchronous courses, meaning that you complete assignments on your own time as long as you meet the deadlines. Other programs, however, feature synchronous courses, which require you to join in virtual class meetings at designated times. Choose a format that fits with your schedule and personal learning preferences.
Student Services
Does the school offer resources, such as online library services and career coaching, for online learners? If you're considering a marriage and family online degree, you may want to confirm that these resources are available to you before enrolling.
How Much Do Marriage and Family Therapists Make?
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for marriage and family therapists was as of May 2024. Those who work for state governments tend to earn higher salaries, with a median of $89,030.
Is a Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Worth It?
If your objective is to become a marriage and family therapist, you must earn a master's or doctoral degree in this subject or in counseling, counseling psychology or a related field. Earning a bachelor's degree in marriage and family therapy is a smart first step toward becoming a therapist, although you could also earn a bachelor's in counseling or bachelor's degree in psychology.
Is Marriage and Family Therapy a Good Career?
Marriage and family therapy can be a rewarding career for those who enjoy talking with and offering guidance to others. The reports that the majority of MFT clients find this type of therapy to be very effective in improving relationships and would recommend counseling to a friend. Many therapists find fulfillment in knowing they've made a significant difference in others' lives.
Is a Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or Social Work Better?
The best mental health and human services degree for you to earn depends on your career path. If you'd prefer to focus specifically on providing psychotherapy to people of all ages, an MFT degree may be the better choice for you. However, if you see yourself using many types of services to help your clients, including counseling, a bachelor's in social work may be the better option.
Student Reviews of Online Marriage & Family Therapy Programs
We were ranked number one in the nations for research in the Marriage and Family Studies field, and it鈥檚 easy to see why. I feel I have an edge over the competition with the curriculum I鈥檓 given and the instructors I learn from. All are leaders in their field and are concerned about me personally, and ready to discuss and answer questions liberally. I would recommend this University to anyone.
Review Date: 9/1/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Family and Child studies is an incredible program. It's sole focus is on people. The professors in the department are all absolutely wonderful and all of them have shown that they are willing to help and support any and all students complete the program. It genuinely is like one big happy family.
Review Date: 1/7/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My college experience has been a very good one. I have found Brigham Young University Idaho to be the perfect university for me. Not only is the education excellent, but the services offered at the school are excellent as well. In every class I am encouraged to try my hardest, so I may reach my full potential. If I struggle with what is taught there are free tutoring services available and professors who are more than willing to go out of their way to help with the issue. There is a free gym membership... Read More
Review Date: 8/11/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My school was a good fit for me. I enjoyed my time at the school and it was close to my hometown. I made a lot of friends and learned a lot. I hope to find a job in my degree field by the fall.
yes, i love children and teaching and everything like that and my degree specifically relates to that
Enjoy your time in college, and while there work towards building your resume... Read More
Review Date: 7/19/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am glad I went to BYU because the campus is clean, uplifting, and there are many majors offered. I was not glad I went to BYU because of the required religion courses that affect your GPA and the strict Honor Code specifically related to hair and clothing.
Review Date: 5/31/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes