MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

A master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from University of Massachusetts Global prepares you to support and address the needs of individuals, couples, and families in diverse communities.

Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Overview

This national online program, designed by scholar-practitioners with extensive clinical experience, is tailored to prepare you for a career as a marriage and family therapist, enabling you to serve your community. Our online master's in marriage and family therapy program meets the requirements for licensure in California and 38 other states.

Students in the MFT program will:

  • Learn to analyze therapeutic problems and challenges of clients using systemic theories and models.
  • Apply systemic / relational clinical interventions in their work as Marriage and Family Therapists.

  • Apply ethical and professional decision-making to issues in psychotherapy.
  • Demonstrate awareness, understanding, sensitivity, and respect for diversity and inclusion.
  • Employ research knowledge to enhance clinical practice.
  • Faculty mentors are available for educational and professional guidance.

    • *Ask your advisor for petition qualifications




Next Session

Summer I (Apr 29, 2024)

Estimated Tuition

$709/Credit

Help me estimate my cost

Ways to Learn

Online

Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Get Connected

UMass Global’s student organizations provide resources and networking opportunities to help make those industry connections.

Learn From Experts

Earn a degree that prepares you for real world clinical situations. Our master’s program was designed by scholar practitioners with years of clinical experience.

Career Advancement

Land that new job, raise or promotion, by gaining valuable experience in research, ethical issues, psychopathology and other desirable skillsets.

WSCUC

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Imagine Your Future In Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy

Results for [location name]

Enter your zip code.
Pease enter a valid zip code to proceed.
No data is available for this zip code. Showing data for Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA.

Loading

Top Organizations Hiring

    Prepare yourself for
    0
    job openings (in the last 12 months)

    Related Occupations

    Growth1 Median Salary2

    Data source: Lightcast™ 2022 www.lightcast.io

    The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

    1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032

    2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly

    3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

    The counseling program prepared me for my surprise career in behavioral health by providing me with a strong background and practical experience in counseling techniques and a strong skill set in research and critical thinking—key in building a leadership career.
    Robert P.
    MA, Professional Clinical Counseling
    The professors realized I have a life and wanted to pursue my dreams. They didn’t make me feel like I had to choose between family and school. They made me feel like I could be successful in both.
    Dominique H.
    BA, Psychology
    All of my instructors inspired me. They were working in the field as well as teaching, so the stories they shared made it relatable and attainable. The staff and faculty are all very positive and provide motivation for the students.
    Quinton J.
    BA, Psychology

    Admission Requirements

    Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

    • Completed application
    • Autobiographical Essay
    • Signed Ethical and Responsibility Statement form
    • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
    • Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted
    Residency Restrictions

    This program is not available to residents of all states. Please contact a University Enrollment Coach for details.

    Transcripts

    Only credits from regionally accredited institutions may be accepted in transfer. Failure to report any previous academic work at another college or university may be considered a violation of academic integrity.

    No grad level exam required

    This Master’s degree program does not require applicants to take costly exams like the GRE. Why? Because we value your professional and life experience. You should get credit for what you already know.

    HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS? Request more information>

    Program Resources

    KEY RESOURCES

    UMass MFT Program Handbook 2023 - 24 MFT Program Licensure Limitations Acknowledgement Form MFT Program Demographic AY 2021- 22 UMass Clinical Handbook 2023 - 24 MFT Program Outcome Based Education Framework

    Program Curriculum

    • Code Course Name Credits
      Foundation Courses

       
      PSYU 502 History and Foundations of Therapeutic Practices       

      3
      PSYU 506 Ethical and Professional Issues  

      3
      PSYU 510 Psychopathology and Diagnosis 3
      PSYU 512 Family Therapy Theories and Techniques: A Modern Emphasis 3
      PSYU 514 Couples Therapy 3
      PSYU 516 Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse 3
      PSYU 518

      Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and 3 Child Abuse Reporting

      3
      PSYU 520

      Advanced Individual Therapy I

      3
      Foundation Courses Subtotal

      24
      Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis  
      PSYU 502

      History and Foundations of Therapeutic 3 Practices

      		 3
      PSYU 506 Ethical & Professional Issues  
      PSYU 510 Psychopathology & Diagnosis  
      PSYU 512 Family Therapy Theories and 3 Techniques: A Modern Emphasis  
      PSYU 514 Couples Therapy  
      PSYU 516 Assessment and Treatment of 3 Substance Abuse  
      PSYU 518 Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and 3 Child Abuse Reporting  
      PSYU 520 Advanced Individual Therapy I  
      PSYU 522 Individual and Family Development  
      PSYU 524 Clinical Issues in Human Diversity  
      PSYU 526 Family Therapy Theories and Techniques: A Postmodern Emphasis  
      PSYU 528 Research and Bibliographic Methods  
      PSYU 530 Theory and Practice of Group Therapy  
      PSYU 534 Clinical Assessment  
      PSYU 536 Psychopharmacology  
      PSYU 538

      Assessment and Treatment of Sexual 3 Disorders

      		 3
      PSYU 542

      Community and Environmental Mental Health

      		 3
      Practicum

       
      PSYU 660 MFT Practicum I*: A Systemic Lens of the Developing Therapist

      1.5
      PSYU 661 Practicum II*: Contextualizing the Content of Therapy

      1.5
      PSYU 662
      		 Practicum III*:  Exploring the Therapeutic Process
      		 1.5
      PSYU 663
      		 Practicum IV*: Theoretical Application and Capstone 1
      		 1.5
      PSYU 664
      		 Practicum V*:  Social Context and Capstone 2
      		 1.5
      PSYU 665 Practicum VI*:  Beyond the Classroom and Capstone 3

      1.5
      Practicum Subtotal

      9
      *If a student does not complete the required practicum hours during the PSYU 660, 661, 662, 663, 664, 665 course series, they will be enrolled in a required PSYU 696 MFT Practicum Continuation course (0 credits) and required to pay a Graduate Practicum Continuation Fee. The student will remain enrolled in PSYU 696 until they complete the required practicum hours, or until the student's seven- year program completion timeline has expired. Students will accumulate hours toward their practicum requirements only when enrolled in PSYU 660, 661, 662, 663, 664, 665, or 696.

       
      Total Credits

      60

    Ways to Get Started

    Meet Our Faculty

    Isa Ribadu SAS

    arts-sciences

    Isa Ribadu, Ph.D.

    Professor and Associate Dean/ Program Director

    Specialty
    Nakisha_Castillo

    arts-sciences

    Nakisha Castillo, D.M.F.T.

    DMFT, LMFT, Associate Professor/ Psychology Clinical Director

    Specialty

    Marriage and Family Therapy

    Psychology
    Martha L Morgan

    arts-sciences

    Martha L. Morgan, Ph.D., LMFT

    Associate Professor/ Psychology Clinical Director

    Specialty

    Psychology

    Marriage and Family Therapy
    Melani Kovarkizi-Natneil -264-180 image

    arts-sciences

    Melani Natneil, Psy.D., LMFT

    Assistant Professor/ Psychology Assistant Clinical Director

    Specialty

    Marriage and Family Therapy

    Psychology

    Want More Information About Psychology and Counseling?

    Explore career opportunities in these helping professions and discover a path that fits your future.

    Career RESOURCES

    You Might Also Want to Check Out

    Learn more about UMass Global and how we can support you in achieving your goals.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Browse through frequently asked questions about psychology and counseling.

    Mental Health Therapy

    What does a mental health therapist do?

    The primary duty of mental health therapists is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. They do this by collecting information through interviews, observations, or tests. This can include diagnosing disorders; crafting service plans, and coordinating treatment with other health care professionals; and performing crisis interventions as needed. More info.

    Why work as an addiction counselor?

    Substance abuse counselors can be instrumental in helping those experiencing addiction. Their work is greatly needed and rewarding. They guide clients in changing their attitudes and behaviors by adapting to new life practices and utilizing important coping skills through therapeutic care, education and support. Explore more reasons. 

    Marriage and Family Therapy

    How do you become an LMFT?

    The most common path into the field is earning a MA in Psychology then completing two years of post-degree supervised clinical experience. All states require MFTs to be licensed, which generally involves passing the Marriage and Family Therapy National Exam and completing continuing education courses throughout their career. Learn more. 

    Child Psychology

    Why is child psychology important?

    Child psychology helps serve the population who need help the most – our young people. ADHD, anxiety and behavior disorders are among the most common disorders that can be diagnosed during childhood, but not all children, or parents, have the resources to address them. See the stats and more.
    All FAQ's for Helping Professions

    Ready to pursue your master's degree?

    Further your education with a few questions

    • About You
    Student Type
    Please enter your zip code to proceed.
    Please enter a valid zip code to proceed.
    Please select a degree type
    Please select your area of interest
    Please select a program type
    Please select a session
    Please enter your name
    Please enter your last name
    Please enter your email to proceed
    Please enter a valid email address
    Please enter your phone number to proceed.
    Please enter a valid phone number.

    About UMass Global

    Earn your bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or certificate at UMass Global, a regionally accredited university.

    We value your privacy

    By submitting this form, I agree that UMass Global and/or Kaplan North America, LLC may contact me about educational services by voice, pre-recorded message and/or text message using automated technology, at the phone number provided, including wireless numbers. I understand that my consent is not required to attend University of Massachusetts Global. Privacy Policy