15 Best Online MFT Programs with No GRE Required in 2025

The job market for marriage and family therapists shows an impressive 16% job growth rate, which outpaces average occupational growth by five times. Your timing could not be better to start an online MFT program that doesn’t require GRE scores.
Licensed marriage and family therapists command salaries ranging from $39,090 to $104,710 per year. State government positions pay even better, with starting salaries at $86,030. Many universities now focus on your GPA, recommendation letters, and personal statement instead of GRE scores for their COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs.
If you are looking for programs that will help you launch your career as a Marriage and Family Therapist, but it’s been a while since you’ve been in school, or you simpy don’t want to take the GRE, then take a look at our list for 15 of the best online MFT programs that don’t require a GRE. Often, these programs are also online or hybrid, and working professionals and career changers will find these programs match their needs perfectly to launch a therapy career.
National University
Master of Arts Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy
National University leads the way in distance-based Marriage and Family Therapy education with its first primarily online MFT program to receive COAMFTE accreditation. Students nationwide can access this fully online master’s program without GRE requirements or physical residency needs.
National University MFT program overview
The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University prepares future licensed marriage and family therapists through a systems-oriented approach. Students learn to envision client processes contextually through family systems perspectives. The curriculum builds both clinical skills and personal growth by using critical thinking, information literacy, and a scholar-practitioner model. Students typically complete the program in 33 months, and new courses begin weekly throughout the year.
National University MFT specializations
National University’s program features multiple specialization tracks that let students focus their studies in specific areas:
- Child and Adolescent Family Therapy
- Couple Therapy
- General Family Therapy
- LGBTQ Couple and Family Therapy
- Medical Family Therapy
- Military Family Therapy
- Systemic Sex Therapy
- Systemic Treatment of Addictions
- Trauma Informed Systemic Therapy
Students must complete two content courses, a focused research project, and at least 50 clinical hours in their chosen specialization.
National University MFT clinical training and practicum
Faculty members help students secure appropriate practicum sites in their local communities. The program requires 225 hours (MFT Option) or 280 hours (Combined MFT/LPCC Option) of face-to-face counseling experience at approved sites. The clinical practicum process includes two parallel tracks: Clinical Readiness and Site and Supervisor Vetting and Contracting (SASVAC). These tracks ensure students are well-prepared before working with clients.
National University MFT pricing and tuition
National University’s tuition costs $913 per credit unit as of April 2025. Students pay $46,274 for the entire degree program. The complete program needs at least 45 credits. Qualified students can apply for financial aid and scholarships.
Capella University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Capella University runs a complete COAMFTE-accredited online MFT program that helps students become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. The program excels at combining online and in-person learning components in a well-laid-out way.
Capella University MFT program structure
Capella’s Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy needs 72 quarter credits to finish. Each quarter runs for 10 weeks with courses lasting the same duration, and students get a 3-week break between terms. The curriculum uses a guided path where Capella sets deadlines, but you can complete your work when it suits you while connecting online weekly. This setup gives you flexibility without compromising academic standards. The program lines up with COAMFTE standards and gets you ready for your original licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
Capella University MFT residency and clinical hours
The program’s standout feature includes two required residencies placed at key points in the curriculum. Each residency fits into a 10-week online course. You’ll work through self-paced modules that lead up to a 5-day in-person experience. These intensive sessions include:
- Faculty theory demonstrations
- Small and large group exercises
- Role-playing activities
- Discussions and informational presentations
The program requires 300 direct client contact hours spread across four internship courses, with 100 hours being relational at minimum. You must complete these hours over at least four quarters. Weekly supervision comes from both an AAMFT-approved faculty supervisor and an on-site supervisor. Capella provides support, but finding suitable practicum sites in your community will be your responsibility.
Capella University MFT tuition and financial aid
Capella University graduate tuition ranges from $450 – $830 per credit hour. Students may use the FlexPath billing option which is 12-week billing cycles of $2,535 – $2,950.
Capella University provides several financial aid options including federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. MFT students can access Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans to cover their education costs. You need to stay enrolled at least half-time, take part in courses regularly, and keep good academic standing to receive your financial aid on time. The university suggests applying for financial aid a month before classes begin to avoid processing delays.
Alliant International University
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Alliant International University stands out with one of the few COAMFTE-accredited online MFT programs nationwide. Students can pursue licensure in different states without GRE requirements.
Alliant MFT program curriculum and delivery
The MA in Marriage and Family Therapy takes at least two years with 60 credit units. Students can complete all coursework online. The curriculum emphasizes family science, mental health counseling, and ways to help dysfunctional family interactions. The program covers parent-child therapy, group therapy, trauma and crisis intervention, along with other key topics needed in professional practice. Clinical training includes 500 hours of direct client contact, 250 supervision hours, and a minimum of 100 professional development hours. This provides 800-1200 hours toward your licensure requirements.
Alliant MFT chemical dependency specialization
The program’s standout feature includes a CAADE-accredited chemical dependency specialization that needs no extra coursework. This specialization helps you work with individuals, couples, and families dealing with addiction through:
- Systemic treatment approaches for clients experiencing addiction
- Clinical training in residential treatment centers or intensive outpatient programs
- Specific interventions and 12-step recovery knowledge
Your practicum experience must include at least 250 hours working with clients who face addiction challenges.
Alliant MFT tuition and scholarship options
The in-person program costs approximately $1,434 per credit for the on-campus version, and $1,113 per credit for online. You should also budget for:
- Institutional services fees ($130 per semester/$65 per term)
- MFT exam preparation fees ($150 for first two semesters)
- Books and personal expenses
Alliant provides several institutional scholarships each academic year, including merit-based awards that reduce tuition and fees. Qualified students can also receive up to $50,000 in loan reimbursement from the National Health Services Corps by working two years in underserved areas.
Liberty University
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Liberty University, a 50-year-old Christian institution, offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy that doesn’t require GRE scores for admission. Students need 60 credit hours to complete this program, which meets Virginia’s requirements to become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT).
Liberty University MFT program highlights
The program’s well-laid-out curriculum balances academic excellence with hands-on experience. Students complete 60 credit hours of coursework and gain practical experience through a 100-hour practicum. They also complete a 600-hour internship working with couples, families, and individuals from a systems view. The program runs on a 16-week schedule and prepares graduates to work in mental health agencies, faith-based counseling settings, or private practice. Students with prior graduate coursework can transfer up to 50% of their degree requirements.
Liberty University MFT faith-based approach
Liberty University’s MFT program, one of the largest Christian universities nationwide, combines state-of-the-art research with biblical principles. Professors teach every course from a Christian view and help students ethically blend faith and spirituality into their client care. The program’s partnership with the James C. Dobson Center for Child Development, Marriage, and Family Studies brings in video lectures from respected Christian psychologists and family therapists.
Liberty University MFT pricing and intensives
Military students pay tuition of $275 per credit hour for online MFT courses. Liberty’s commitment shows in their tuition rates, which haven’t changed in 9 years and will stay frozen through June 2025. Full-time students pay $565 per hour, and part-time students pay $615 per hour. Students must complete two 3-credit hour on-campus intensives. These sessions let them connect with professors and build relationships with classmates face-to-face. The week-long or weekend sessions happen at Liberty’s Lynchburg, Virginia campus, though some intensive courses now run online.
Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Northwestern University’s online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy program brings something special to the table. The Family Institute runs this program with a unique Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) approach their faculty developed. This online mft program with no gre required teaches therapists to help clients from different walks of life and understand their relationships in broader contexts.
Northwestern MFT program structure
Students can complete the 25 graduate-level courses in 21 months full-time or 36 months part-time. Class sizes stay small with just 15 students, and learning happens through live online sessions and self-paced work. The program builds on six key principles that flow naturally:
- Foundational knowledge and systemic therapy basics
- Early therapy preparation
- Broader methods and cultural awareness
- Research skills with growing caseloads
- Human development and psychodynamic practice
- Special concerns and capstone projects
Northwestern MFT immersive experience and clinicals
Clinical training stands at the heart of this program. Students work for six quarters at approved sites in their local communities. They need to complete 400 hours of clinical fieldwork, with 125 hours focused on relationship therapy. Students get 250 hours of hands-on group and individual supervision. The program includes one in-person immersion experience at Chicago’s campus or another location during the third or fourth quarter. This gives students a great chance to build their MFT identity and connect with classmates and teachers.
Northwestern MFT tuition and admissions
Northwestern MFT tuition is $22,304 for the Fall semester for full-time, and $6,506 a unit for part-time students.
The application package needs transcripts, two recommendation letters, a resume/CV, academic statement (1000 words max), personal statement (500 words max), and a $95 application fee. Each applicant must pass a background check that costs $50. Students can start in January, April, June, or September through rolling admissions. Northwestern helps with finances through federal loans, grants, and program scholarships. The Family Institute also gives out some scholarships and partner organization benefits to qualified students.
Walden University
Master of Science in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Walden University offers a flexible MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling program. Working professionals can advance their careers in family therapy without taking the GRE for admission.
Walden MFT program accreditation and format
The program has accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This accreditation plays a vital role because many states require it for licensure. Students can balance their work life while pursuing advanced education in marriage and family therapy. The program uses a distance education model and features two pre-practica. Each pre-practicum includes a 4-day face-to-face or virtual synchronous component.
Walden MFT curriculum and clinical training
Students learn to become licensed professional counselors or licensed mental health counselors through complete coursework. The program requires core courses to be taken in sequence to build knowledge systematically. Field experience is a significant part of the program that includes:
- A counseling practicum (3-5 credits)
- Two counseling internships (3-5 credits each)
Students learn to review therapeutic models and create systems-based treatment strategies. They also learn to assess complex life factors that affect couples and families. The program has specializations in addiction counseling, military families and culture, and forensic counseling.
Walden MFT tuition and financial aid
Current tuition costs $535 per quarter credit hour as of February 2025. Students need 90-100 credits to complete the program, depending on their specialization. Additional costs include:
- Pre-practicum labs ($1,450 each for virtual, $1,550 each for in-person)
- Quarterly program fees ($180)
- Books and materials (up to $4,500)
Walden’s Believe & Achieve Scholarship can help reduce tuition by about $7,490. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses get a 10% tuition reduction.
Grand Canyon University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
Grand Canyon University provides a faith-integrated Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Students interested in a family-oriented approach to mental health counseling can join this program without GRE requirements.
GCU MFT program overview
The MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program with MFT emphasis helps students understand Christian worldview and faith-based ethics throughout their journey. Students learn to blend compassionate counseling practices while keeping professional boundaries. The program gets into the complex dynamics of families and couples through advanced coursework that covers core competencies:
- Structure and dynamics of family, including assessments and intervention methods
- Foundational development of marriage and family therapy
- Approaches for working with family systems of all types (multicultural, blended, adoptive)
GCU’s program has both online and evening courses. Students must complete a minimum of 700 hours of supervised field experience through one practicum and two internships.
GCU MFT specializations and licensure alignment
The program meets Arizona’s academic requirements to become a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). The courses line up with requirements for the Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) credential, the National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential, and the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. Keep in mind that while this program gives you foundational knowledge for the LMFT path, you won’t directly qualify for marriage and family therapy licensure.
GCU MFT tuition and online delivery
GCU has managed to keep its campus tuition at the same rate for 16 years since 2009, showing its steadfast dedication to affordable education. Online graduate programs have different costs based on discipline. The MFT online program is $600 per credit. Active military members pay reduced tuition of $400 per credit for graduate programs through scholarships. GCU also offers various scholarship options that help students lower their education costs when they meet specific criteria.
Touro University Worldwide
Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
Touro University Worldwide offers a fully online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy that blends academic excellence with amazing flexibility. Students looking for an online MFT program with no GRE will find this program perfect for their needs.
Touro MFT program structure and tracks
Students can choose from three educational paths based on their career goals:
- COAMFTE-approved Clinical Track: Students complete 72 credit hours, which includes 54 credits of coursework and 18 credits of practicum
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling Track: Students need 82 credit hours total, building on the clinical track foundation
- Non-Clinical Track: Students complete 54 credits without practicum requirements
The program offers 8-week courses that students can complete at their own pace without scheduled login times or live lectures. Most students finish the clinical track in two years, while the non-clinical track takes about 18 months. Students must complete their selected track within five years.
Touro MFT clinical training and flexibility
Clinical track students need to complete 300 practicum client contact hours, and at least 100 of these hours must focus on couples and families. They also need 100 supervision hours with site and TUW supervisors. TUW helps students prepare for practicum after completing 30 program credits through:
- WebEx orientation calls
- Help with resumes and cover letters
- Faculty guidance to find suitable sites
Students need to find their own practicum sites, as TUW does not handle placements. This approach helps students become more independent while receiving structured support throughout their clinical training.
Touro MFT tuition and transfer credit policy
Each semester credit costs $525, making a three-credit course $1,575. TUW’s “locked-in tuition” keeps your rates the same throughout the program when you stay enrolled. Students should plan for these additional costs:
- $116 one-time material fee for the capstone course
- $25 application fee
TUW accepts up to 12 transfer credits from other graduate programs. Military members, alumni, and students from partner institutions can get special tuition discounts. Students can access various federal financial aid options by completing the FAFSA.
Pepperdine University
MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology has a complete online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology. The program focuses on Marriage and Family Therapy and doesn’t require a GRE. This makes it perfect for working professionals and full-time students.
Pepperdine MFT program delivery and curriculum
The program offers practice-based courses that you can take entirely online. You can arrange clinical training in your local community. Pepperdine keeps classes small with just 14 students on average. The curriculum focuses on applied psychotherapy methods and analyzes how socioeconomics and social stress affect individuals, couples, and families. You’ll become skilled at:
- Diagnosing clients effectively
- Formulating clinical cases
- Developing complete treatment plans
- Facilitating therapeutic processes
The program’s structure combines foundational courses with specialized electives that line up with your career goals. This lets you personalize your educational journey.
If you’re looking for something a bit different, they also have a specialization which focuses on the Latinx community.
Pepperdine MFT licensure preparation
We designed the program to prepare you for two licensure paths. After graduation, you’ll meet all educational requirements to take either the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) exams in California. The program supports licensure in many states, but you should verify specific requirements where you plan to practice. You’ll start practicing during the program, and clinical training staff will help you find suitable practicum sites.
Pepperdine MFT tuition and duration
You can complete the program in 2-3 years with 62-68 total credit units. Pepperdine’s current tuition costs $1,945 per unit. The total program cost ranges from $93,360 (48 units) to $132,260 (68 units). Tuition typically increases by 2-5% each year. Most students get financial help through federal aid options. These include the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (up to $20,500 per academic year) and the credit-based Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. Private education loans and scholarships can also help with costs.
Northcentral University
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
National University now includes Northcentral University, a leader in distance education. Their online MFT program has no GRE requirement and earned the prestigious COAMFTE accreditation. The program blends convenience with comprehensive systemic therapy training.
Northcentral MFT program format and accreditation
The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northcentral boasts dual accreditation. The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education (IACSTE) both certify the program. Students work one-on-one with doctoral faculty members in a unique learning model. The program runs online and lets students begin any Monday throughout the year. Students complete practical components through local clinical placements. The program needs 45-60 credit hours (10-22 courses), based on your state’s licensure requirements.
Northcentral MFT clinical training and specializations
The clinical training builds core skills and telehealth competencies. The program requires you to complete:
- 500 hours of direct client contact (minimum 250 relational hours)
- 100 hours of supervision (at least 50 face-to-face)
- Weekly 2-hour group supervision sessions
The program develops clinical competence through a structured process, even though it’s mostly online. Students learn systemic thought application, ethical practice, and cultural humility. The program offers specializations beyond core requirements. These help you focus on specific areas and build your expertise.
Northcentral MFT tuition and flexibility
The complete program costs between $41,540-$55,270, depending on your track choice. Each three-credit course costs $2,646 plus a $105 course materials fee. CAMFT members get a 15% discount through partnership preferred tuition rates. Working professionals can advance their education without career disruption. The program’s self-paced approach with clear deadlines creates a perfect balance. This makes it available to busy adult learners who want an accredited online MFT program.
Loma Linda University
MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
Loma Linda University stands out with its COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs that are available both on campus and online. The program’s foundation rests on Christian values and whole-person care.
Loma Linda MFT program structure
Loma Linda’s Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy uses a cohort learning model. Students move through their academic trip together, which creates a supportive environment. They share resources and knowledge to help each other succeed. The curriculum blends relational therapy, marriage counseling, and systemic practice with health, science, and Christian faith. Both program formats need 90 quarter units and give detailed preparation to work with various mental health challenges. These challenges range from co-occurring disorders to serious emotional disorders and complex relational issues. The program matches Loma Linda’s mission “to bring health, healing, wholeness, and hope to individuals, families, and communities”.
Loma Linda MFT medical family therapy track
The Medical Family Therapy Specialization helps therapists work with patients and families who face illness, injury, or disability. This track has:
- Six units of focused coursework
- Nine-month fieldwork experience in approved healthcare settings
- Training to cooperate with medical professionals
- Ways to address biopsychosocial-spiritual needs
This specialization equips you with skills to work in healthcare teams. You can serve in medical settings, private practice, or community environments.
Loma Linda MFT tuition and online options
Program costs differ between formats and change yearly with educational inflation. Students who join Loma Linda’s Department of Counseling and Family Sciences get a tuition waiver. They can choose either Play Therapy or Drug & Alcohol Counseling certificate programs. Online students don’t pay quarterly enrollment fees, which helps reduce costs. The tuition costs differ year-by-year, with the first year costing cthe second year $39,427 and the third year $20,984 for full-time attendance.
With COAMFTE accreditation, this financial flexibility makes Loma Linda’s program available to future therapists looking for a quality online MFT program that has no GRE required.
University of San Diego
Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy
The University of San Diego provides a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy program. Students get hands-on clinical experience through a well-laid-out curriculum built for future therapists.
USD MFT program curriculum and practicum
The MFT program combines 60 units of coursework with extensive clinical training. Students learn through practical opportunities that help them become Licensed Marital and Family Therapists in California. Most students finish the program in two years and graduate with roughly 1,100 hours toward California’s required 3,000 licensure hours. Students must take a detailed examination during their second year. The exam happens on the first Friday in February and covers Theory & Application, Assessment, and Law & Ethics.
USD MFT community-based training
The program’s standout feature is its 12-month clinical practicum sequence in the final year. Students accomplish the following during this time:
- Accumulate 400 hours of direct client contact (200 with couples/families)
- Receive 100 hours of supervision, including 50 hours from raw data
- Work with AAMFT Approved Supervisors or those meeting equivalency standards
USD partners with respected institutions like San Diego Center for Children, Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, and Stronger Together Community Services. These partnerships give students specialized experience in family-based care, integrated behavioral health, culture and diversity, training and education, couples therapy, and interpersonal neurobiology.
USD MFT tuition and scholarship opportunities
Tuition costs $1,700 per unit for the 2025-26 academic year, bringing the total program cost to about $102,000. USD offers several ways to help with these expenses. The Dean’s Excellence Award reflects SOLES’s mission and vision. Both new and continuing students can receive this award without a separate application. The Diocesan of San Diego Employee Scholarship helps full-time Diocese employees. Students also benefit from USD’s Tele-mental Health Training Clinic. This community-based learning environment lets graduate-level counseling trainees provide services under professional supervision.
Seattle University
MA in Couples and Family Therapy
Seattle University shines with its Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy program. The curriculum builds on strength-based therapeutic approaches, trauma-informed care, and social justice principles. We focused on building resilient clinicians through this COAMFTE-accredited program that makes post-graduation licensing easier across many states.
Seattle University MFT program overview
The Couples and Family Therapy program helps students develop systemic thinking and therapeutic skills through a detailed curriculum. You’ll learn to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals and relationships with guidance from AAMFT-approved clinical experts. The program builds on three key elements:
- Systemic theory application and clinical intervention
- Ethics and research integration
- Self-reflection and therapist development
The program’s success speaks through its numbers – all but one of its graduates get LMFT licensure or equivalent credentials.
Seattle University MFT clinical focus and diversity
Seattle University goes beyond standard clinical training with its strong focus on cultural competency and anti-racist therapeutic practices. The admissions team looks at how well you can provide culturally attuned therapy. During the 12-month clinical internship, you’ll spend about 18-20 hours weekly at approved practicum sites. Your time there includes:
- Direct client contact
- Supervision sessions
- Additional clinical responsibilities
This hands-on experience prepares you to serve clients from a variety of social backgrounds, including different ethnicities, gender identities, and faith traditions.
Seattle University MFT tuition and delivery
Tuition for the 2025-2026 school year is $874 a credit hour. Seattle University has several funding options available. Students who get admitted are automatically in the running for Equity Scholarships based on their overall application. These awards can be renewed for multi-year programs if you maintain good academic standing. The program needs:
- Application with personal statement (1,000-1,250 words)
- Professional/academic recommendations
- Bachelor’s degree (preferably in liberal arts)
- Group interview if selected
Fall quarter marks the start of this cohort-based program, where you’ll join a supportive learning community of future marriage and family therapists.
Regis University
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Regis University’s Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program blends challenging academic curriculum with hands-on clinical training. This COAMFTE-accredited program emphasizes experiential learning and systemic therapy approaches.
Regis MFT program structure and accreditation
Students need 60 credit hours to graduate. The program takes about three years with two to three courses each semester. Your degree plan gives you six years to meet all requirements. Class sizes remain small to create an intimate learning environment. Lecture classes average 18 students, skills classes have 12, and clinical classes are limited to 8 students. Most courses take place at the Thornton Campus, with some classes offered at the Northwest Denver location. The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) accreditation makes it easier to get licensed in multiple states.
Regis MFT clinical hours and licensure prep
Clinical training is the life-blood of Regis’ preparation process. The program includes:
- One-semester practicum at Regis’ counseling center where you work behind one-way mirrors with AAMFT-approved supervision
- Three internship courses at approved community sites
- Minimum of 500 total clinical hours (400 direct client contact hours with individuals, couples, and families)
- At least 100 supervision hours with minimum 50 hours including live, audio, or video data
This training sets you up to get Colorado licensure. You’ll need an additional 2,000 post-graduate hours under board-approved supervision after graduation.
Regis MFT tuition and online access
Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year costs $896 per credit hour. The complete program totals about $53,760. You’ll have extra costs like a $350 non-refundable deposit after acceptance, background check fees, and course materials. The program works well for working professionals with evening and weekend classes outside clinical work. You can keep your job during coursework, but you’ll need more flexibility during practicum and internship when client sessions happen during regular business hours.
Antioch University
MA in Couple and Family Therapy
Antioch University’s Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy program weaves social justice principles into every aspect of its curriculum. The program offers a flexible low-residency format that works well for busy professionals. This COAMFTE-accredited program has built a strong reputation since 1993, making it one of the longest-running MFT programs in the country.
Antioch MFT program delivery and curriculum
The MA in Couple and Family Therapy at Antioch blends online learning with hands-on residencies. You’ll complete the program in just under three years. The first year focuses on coursework, followed by internship experiences in years two and three. The program includes four intensive residencies – two in each of the first two years. These residencies feature seminars, workshops, and advising sessions that help you build strong professional connections. This approach gives you the best of both worlds – convenient remote learning and valuable face-to-face training. Students need to complete 500 clinical hours and 100 hours of AAMFT-approved supervision experience.
Social justice and multicultural awareness shape every aspect of Antioch’s educational approach. The university’s Center for Diversity and Social Justice, established in 2019, has three main goals:
- Social justice principles become part of curriculum and clinical training
- Anti-racism grows through student affinity groups like AGREE (Affinity Group for Racial and Ethnic Equality)
- Research expands on trauma and resilience among trans and gender diverse Indigenous and People of Color
Graduates learn to handle complex family dynamics with culturally responsive methods, becoming strong supporters within the mental health community.
Antioch MFT tuition and campus options
The CFT MA program costs $1,168 per credit, bringing the total to about $71,248 for all 61 credits. You’ll find various financial aid options to help with your education costs. The university’s “locked-in tuition” policy ensures your rate stays the same throughout the program. The New England campus continues to accept students, but the Seattle campus won’t enroll new students for 2025.
Comparing MFT Programs
University | Accreditation | Program Length/Credits | Clinical Hours Required | Tuition Cost | Delivery Format | Special Features/Focus |
National University | COAMFTE | 33 months | 225-280 hours | $442/quarter unit | Fully online | First COAMFTE-accredited online program; 9 specialization tracks |
Capella University | COAMFTE | 72 quarter credits | 300 client hours | $450 – $850/credit | Online + 2 residencies | Two 5-day in-person residencies |
Alliant International | COAMFTE | 60 credit units | 500 client hours | $57,000 (online) | Fully online | Chemical dependency specialization |
Liberty University | CACREP | 60 credit hours | 700 hours total | $275/credit (military) | Online + intensives | Christian-based approach |
Northwestern University | Not mentioned | 21-36 months | 400 hours | $22,304 Fall semester | Online + immersion | Integrative Systemic Therapy approach |
Walden University | CACREP | 90-100 credits | Not mentioned | $535/quarter credit | Online + pre-practica | Multiple specializations available |
Grand Canyon University | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | 700 hours | $600-665/credit | Online/evening | Faith-integrated curriculum |
Touro University | COAMFTE | 54-72 credits | 300 client hours | $525/credit | Fully online | Three distinct educational tracks |
Pepperdine University | Not mentioned | 62-68 units | Not mentioned | $1,945/unit | Fully online | Average class size of 14 students |
Northcentral University | COAMFTE | 45-60 credits | 500 hours | $41,540-$55,270 total | Fully online | One-to-one learning model |
Loma Linda University | COAMFTE | 90 quarter units | Not mentioned | First year: $25,719 | Online/campus | Medical Family Therapy track |
University of San Diego | COAMFTE | 60 units | 400 hours | $1,700/unit | Not mentioned | Community-based training focus |
Seattle University | COAMFTE | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | $874/credit | Not mentioned | Social justice emphasis |
Regis University | COAMFTE | 60 credit hours | 500 hours | $896/credit | Campus-based | Small class sizes |
Antioch University | COAMFTE | 61 credits | 500 hours | $1,168/credit | Hybrid | Social justice and diversity focus |
Get Your MFT with No GRE Required Today
These 15 leading online MFT programs showcase quality marriage and family therapy education without GRE requirements. Each program is a chance to align with your career goals. National University’s nine specialization tracks and Antioch’s social justice focus let you pick what works best for you.
Clinical requirements vary from 225 to 700 hours and help you get ready for state licensure requirements effectively. Students can choose from different delivery formats that fit their lifestyle. Quality education becomes accessible with tuition costs ranging per credit and various financing options.
Your journey to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist begins by picking a program that fits your schedule, budget, and career goals. Take time to think over key aspects like accreditation status, clinical training needs, and specialized tracks. COAMFTE or CACREP accredited programs make the licensure process easier in multiple states, which gives you more career options after you graduate.