What is an MFT degree?

As a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), you can help couples and families identify the conflicts and issues affecting their relationships and then develop strategies to enable them to work through and overcome those problems.A Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is the graduate degree required before a person can move on to earn licensure and become an LMFT. Prior to earning an MFT degree, the student would first need to earn a bachelor’s degree. Two logical choices that would suit a future career in marriage and family therapy would be a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work.

What jobs can you get with an MFT degree?

Of course, the most common career for a person with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is to become a therapist. That role is discussed on the program page above.But an MFT degree can open doors to a variety of career options beyond being a marriage and family therapist. Here are a few different options:School counselor — Counselors work with students on classroom behavior, academic performance, and other areas such as anxiety. They can also provide career guidance. The span of the role can vary depending on the size of the school and the school district.Residential counselor — Residential counselors provide counseling to adult residents with mental health issues within healthcare facilities or community-based institutions.Case manager — Case managers are the facilitators between patients and health care providers, coordinating mental, physical, or emotional support and healthcare for patients. Assessing patient needs is an important component of this job.Health educator — The role of a health educator is to help clients understand how to live healthier, happier lives. Health educators may work on their own or they can work within school systems, healthcare facilities, or rehabilitation facilities. In government positions, health educators can create educational campaigns intended to boost public health.Clinical director — This role is a supervisory one tasked with leading a particular department in settings such as hospitals. In smaller facilities, clinical directors may coordinate and manage the entire facility.

What are the steps involved in becoming a marriage and family therapist?

The path is not set in stone, but becoming a marriage and family therapist typically involves these four steps:Education — Most states require a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. But there is some leeway here, as some programs in mental health fields that focus on family therapy may also satisfy the educational component.Supervised clinical experience — After earning a master’s degree, a person must complete a specified number of supervised clinical hours working with clients. These hours, typically under the supervision of a licensed therapist, are in addition to the practicum hours earned with the master’s degree.Licensing exam — To demonstrate knowledge appropriate for a marriage and family therapist, states require you to pass a state-administered licensing exam. This exam covers topics such as assessment, diagnosing, systemic therapy, and hypothesizing. For instance, the California MFT Clinical Exam involves 150 questions and has a four-hour time limit. These exams are not uniform across every state.Continuing education — Once a person has gained licensure, most states require continuing education to stay up to date with the latest treatment/therapy approaches. To maintain your license as a marriage and family therapist, you must provide verification of completion of your required continuing education.

How much clinical experience is required to earning an MFT license?

There are two aspects to in-person practice involved when a person wants to become a marriage and family therapist. First, there is the practicum requirement, which is part of the master’s degree curriculum. At UMass Global, MFT students must complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in their six practicum courses. Of these 400 hours, 300 will be spent in direct client contact and the remaining 100 hours are spent in supervision of others providing therapy. The direct client contact hours require 100 hours spent with couples and family client units. The remaining 200 hours may be individual or relational hours.Once you earn your MFT degree, prior to sitting for your licensing exam, you now need to accumulate a certain amount of supervised clinical experience. For most states, (including California) this number is 3,000 hours. This takes two years in most cases. In these sessions, you work with clients while receiving supervision from a licensed therapist.

San Diego County Office of Education

The education you seek made more affordable.

Finding the time and money to go back to school while still working is a challenge. But thanks to your employer partnering with UMass Global, you can get the degree or certificate you seek, upgrading your skills and improving your career outlook. And you can do so at significant savings. Plus, our online coursework fits into the busiest of lives!

Your Discounts at a Glance

Because your employer is a Premier Partner with UMass Global, these are the scholarships available to employees and their spouses and dependents:

20% Scholarship

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration
Organizational Custom Off-site Cohorts (as approved by University)

15% Scholarship

Master of Arts in Teaching
Teaching Credentials (Single Subject, Multiple Subject, and Special Education)
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

10% Scholarship

Associate degrees
Bachelor's degrees
Master's degree programs and graduate certificates (except as specifically noted)
Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership
UMass Global MyPath programs

How will a degree help me?

Check out some fast facts on why going back to school is a good option.

50%

Bachelor's degree holders are half as likely to be unemployed as their peers who only have a high school diploma

1.2M

Bachelor's degree holders make $1.2 million in additional earnings on average over their lifetime as their peers who only have a high school diploma.

60%

of workers will require training before 2027.

I now have the skill set to go forth and be the leader to really help my community and make it better.

Anna M.

Education, Educational Administration, MAE

My academic advisor was a great support system. He was my advisor throughout my program and he took the time to learn about me personally so we could make the best schedule to accommodate my life.

Steve L.

Education, Teaching and Learning, MAE

Not all doctoral programs are alike. I loved the cohort model becuase I not only earned my doctorate I also gained lifelong friends and a network of professionals I can rely on. The Ed.D. program taught me to be confident and thoughtful in my leadership decisions.

Linda C.

Organizational Leadership, Ed.D.

WASC Senior College and University Commission

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

Ways to Get Started

pregnant_female_at_computer_taking_notes_at_her_desk_800x600.jpg

Get started in 6 simple steps

Speak with an Enrollment Coach — Call 800.746.0082 or fill out a request for information form.
Complete your application, it’s free and easy! — Click here to apply!
Receive your acceptance letter — Congratulations 🎉 !
Complete the scholarship verification form — Click here to fill out the form and submit your verification.
Get financially cleared — Make an appointment with our helpful OneStop Specialists.
Enroll in classes — Work with an assigned Academic Advisor to come up with a schedule that works for you.

Request Info to Learn More Today!

Degree Type

Area of Interest

Program of Interest

Session

I'm active-duty military or spouse Yes No

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Phone Number

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Get the Benefit of a Degree

The education you seek made more affordable.

Your Discounts at a Glance

How will a degree help me?

Testimonials

Programs Offered

Marriage and Family Therapy, MA

Marriage and Family Therapy, MA

Mild to Moderate Support Needs, Education Specialist Credential