Becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) can be a fulfilling career path for college graduates interested in counseling. Students just beginning this process may be curious about their different learning options and what to look for during their search. The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) is an accreditation agency that specifically reviews marriage and family therapy degree programs. Show
COAMFTE accredited programs within this specialized area can be found in traditional and online environments. Online MFT programs can be flexible alternatives for aspiring counselors who have busy schedules or require distance education, but still want to become LMFTs. Throughout this guide, you can learn more about actual accredited online MFT programs open for enrollment and what it might take for you to become licensed as an LMFT in this field. COAMFTE is the leading agency for accredited MFT programs. The goal of this organization is to provide a review process for current MFT degree programs to ensure the quality and utility of programs offered across the U.S. COAMFTE provides accreditation options for both traditional and online degree programs in marriage and family therapy. There are three types of programs that students can earn accreditation through at this organization:
master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and postgraduate degree clinical training programs. Since 1974, COAMFTE has worked to create a reliable set of standards for accredited MFT programs in this field and has moved on to accredit only the most reliable degree options for incoming learners. This guide will outline different options for in-person or online degree programs at multiple levels. Students searching for accredited online MFT programs or traditional accredited MFT programs
should familiarize themselves with COAMFTE and its review process. Each degree program that has received accreditation holds only the highest level of quality within its curriculum and instructional process.
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited ✔ Online GRE Not Required The COAMFTE-accredited [email protected] is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Full-time students can complete the program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree. Full and part-time tracks available. MS and PhD Therapy, Psychology and Social Work Programs COAMFTE Accredited ✔ Online GRE Scores Not Required Program Specializations include Military Family Therapy, LGBTQ Couple & Family Therapy, General Family Therapy & More Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy WSCUC and COAMFTE Accredited ✔ Online 100% Online The MAMFT program at TUW is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), and is designed so that graduates are eligible for MFT Licensure in the State of California (and most other states) without requiring any additional coursework. The degree will enable graduates to pursue careers in mental health agencies, government organizations, private practices and elsewhere. Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited ✔ Online GRE Scores Not Required Earn your masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northcentral University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited. MS in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited. ✔ Online No GMAT or GRE Required Our COAMFTE-accredited MS in Marriage and Family Therapy features a combination of online education and in-person learning experiences that focus on assessment, diagnosis, treatment, intervention and clinical training. Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy COAMFTE Accredited ✔ Online GRE Scores Not Required Earn your Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northcentral University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited. Why Consider an Online COAMFTE Accredited Counseling Program?Adults may have to pursue higher education while working full-time careers or taking care of other obligations. Online degree programs may provide more flexible and sustainable options for individuals who are currently working or have busy schedules. There are also several reasons that students should consider an online COAMFTE accredited program. COAMFTE Ensures the Quality of the MFT ProgramWhen deciding to pursue an online degree program, students should also consider the quality of the degree program they are reviewing. One way to ensure that a degree program can provide learners with opportunities for licensure is to review the program’s accreditation status. COAMFTE accredited degree programs ensure that the curriculum meets the quality and content standards necessary to prepare students for their future careers. COAMFTE Ensures Material and Practicum Align with LMFT LicensureCOAMFTE reviews and approves degree programs in marriage and family therapy. If the program being reviewed holds this type of accreditation, learners can rest assured that their program contains the correct material and practicum experiences required for future licensing. Choosing a COAMFTE accredited online program can mean a great quality education with the flexibility needed by busy adult professionals looking to advance their careers. COAMFTE accreditation standards are based on a program’s ability to prepare students to fulfill their roles in the community and professional climate. Current standards are based on a more inclusive definition of marriage and family to reflect changing societal values. COAMFTE also ensures that students are prepared to follow the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Code of Ethics that MFT professionals must adhere to. COAMFTE is a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognized accreditor. COAMFTE vs. CACREP?The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) is a CHEA recognized accreditor for U.S. counseling programs. CACREP was established in 1981 and set the standard for the content and quality that an online or a traditional counseling degree program would have to meet to be accredited. CACREP currently covers 880 specialty areas and programs at 406 colleges and universities. When considering COAMFTE vs. CACREP, there are several factors to think about. While CACREP is an accreditor for all types of counseling degrees, it is not as specific as COAMFTE, which is focused solely on MFT degree programs. Those looking specifically to be MFTs should be able to decide between COAMFTE vs. CACREP without much difficulty. COAMFTE accredited online programs can offer an education more specific to marriage and family therapy. However, students who are not certain what specialization to pursue may also find CACREP accredited programs useful, as they can provide more generalized education in counseling. Online COAMFTE MFT Master’s DegreesThere are numerous online COAMFTE accredited programs for students looking to pursue a career in marriage and family therapy to explore. This article details featured programs available from Alliant International University, Capella University, Northcentral University, and Syracuse University. Alliant International University’s Online MA MFT ProgramProgram: Online Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy Alliant International University offers an online Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy for incoming students to pursue. In addition to the standard MFT track, students may choose to pursue a specialization in Chemical Dependency as part of the degree program. Courses in this program include the following:
Alliant International University offers additional degree programs in Clinical Counseling and School Counseling for interested learners. The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) option of the MFT degree program is currently only available on select campuses through this university. Capella University’s Online MS MFTProgram: Online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Capella University offers a completely online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. This 16-course accredited online MFT program can be an excellent option for learners interested in helping clients in a therapeutic setting. Courses in this program include the following:
Capella University also offers master’s degrees in alternative counseling fields, such as Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and Addiction Studies. Each of these degree options can put learners in touch with populations in need of therapeutic guidance. Northcentral University’s Online MA MFTProgram: Online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy The online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy offered through Northcentral University can provide learners with the flexibility needed to advance their careers. This online program currently holds accreditation from COAMFTE and includes 45 credit hours of coursework. This program offers multiple specializations including a California licensure track, Couple Therapy, LGBTQ Couple and Family Therapy, Military Family Therapy, Systemic Treatment of Addictions, Child and Adolescent Family Therapy, Medical Family Therapy, Trauma Informed Systemic Therapy, and Systemic Sex Therapy. Courses in this program include the following:
Northcentral University also offers other diverse degree options at the master’s level, including some in General Psychology and Gender Diversity Psychology. The Master of Social Work could be another option for professionals interested in counseling careers in the future. Syracuse University’s Online MA MFTProgram: Online Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy Syracuse University currently provides an online Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy to incoming counseling prospects. This accredited MFT program consists of 60 required credit hours, with all coursework provided in the online setting. Since this program can lead to licensing, it includes an in-person practicum requirement that provides guidance and learning opportunities for future professionals in the field. Courses in this program include the following:
Syracuse University offers dynamic online master’s programs in both MFT and social work for students interested in providing therapeutic services to individuals in need. Certificate programs in Child Therapy and Trauma-Informed Practice may also be available after completing these master’s programs. Online COAMFTE MFT Doctoral DegreesThere are also several COAMFTE accredited programs available for students looking to pursue a doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy. Like other online degrees, online doctoral degree programs can offer students the flexibility to maintain other careers or prior commitments. Loma Linda University’s Online DMFTProgram: Online DMFT in Marital and Family Therapy The Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy (DMFT) offered by Loma Linda University is currently the only online DMFT COAMFTE accredited program in the U.S. This doctoral program can provide students with a high-quality curriculum developed for leaders in the MFT field. Courses in this program may include the following:
Alternative online doctoral programs offered through Loma Linda University include the PhD in Systems, Families, and Couples. This research-oriented degree program can allow learners to develop meaningful solutions and treatments to common relationship struggles within the family network. Northcentral University’s Online PhD MFTProgram: Online Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy Northcentral University offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy to learners in the online environment. This COAMFTE accredited program requires that students complete 63 credit hours, which can be completed in around 56 months total. Specialization options for the PhD-MFT program include Child and Adolescent Therapy; General Family Therapy; Therapy with Military Families; Culture, Diversity, and Social Justice in a Global Context; Couple Therapy; Medical Family Therapy; Education and Supervision; and Systemic Leadership. Courses in this program include the following:
Northcentral University also provides learners with the option of pursuing a doctorate in marriage and family therapy, allowing learners to view the field from a clinical perspective. PhD in Psychology programs can also be an option for students considering this university. LMFT LicensureIndividuals interested in becoming LMFTs may be subject to licensing guidelines within their state. Each state may have its own unique requirements for learners in this field, with most pulling from a generalized set of educational and practical expectations. View the full write-up on LMFT licensure. The minimum degree requirement for LMFTs in most states is a master’s degree. A student’s master’s program should focus on marriage and family therapy and hold the right type of accreditation for this program, such as accreditation from COAMFTE. Why a Master’s in MFT for Licensure?Most MFT master’s programs offer students a practicum or internship experience throughout. This option can provide learners with the on-site experience they may require before engaging in later supervision requirements. Expect Many Hours of Supervised Clinical ExperienceOne state currently requires that graduates complete around 1,000 hours of clinical experience under a qualified supervisor. Supervisors are generally required to have at least two years of experience in the MFT field or a 36-hour training in supervision. During the total experience, interns for licensing will need to accrue at least 200 hours of direct supervision from their supervisor. This portion of the requirement can allow time for feedback about performance and requirements for improvement. Sitting for the AMFTRB MFT ExamAfter completing all supervision requirements, candidates for licensure should sit for the MFT National Examination by the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). This exam can test applicants on their knowledge of the field, as well as common practice guidelines learned during field training. Completion of supervision and the board examination can lead to licensing within each state. Applicants are encouraged to review their state’s licensing requirements prior to submitting a final application. What Career Options Are There for an MFT?There are several career options for students graduating from an online COAMFTE accredited program. Here are some of the common career paths for LMFTs. Family Behavioral TherapistsSome licensed MFTs pursue careers as family behavioral therapists. This career option can include identifying interfering behaviors and implementing plans for alternative behaviors within the home environment. School Social WorkersSchool social workers may also be required to have MFT degrees since many of the duties of this position are completed with students and their families. Some social work positions outside education may also be occupied by MFT graduates. MFT in Human ServicesHuman services facilities and institutions can also employ MFTs for positions of leadership and counseling. Employees may be responsible for coordinating care for specific community groups or supervising case manager specialists in the field. Other MFT AreasSpecific counseling career options like substance abuse counselors and child and family counselors may also be available to graduates of this field. Having specific types of licensure in certain states could also potentially lead to careers in independent practice. Find COAMFTE Accredited Online ProgramsBecoming an MFT can be a fulfilling experience and offer a variety of career paths to choose from. COAMFTE accredited online programs can be a great steppingstone to begin your career and choose what type of MFT you would like to become. Explore some of the resources below to learn more about the specifics of becoming an MFT and what types of areas you can work in. Sources: How important is Coamfte accreditation?Earning a degree from a COAMFTE accredited program will:
Ensure you will receive, a quality education in marriage and family therapy that has been evaluated and has met accepted standards established by the profession.
Is a masters in marriage and family therapy worth it?Getting your masters in marriage and family therapy makes sense from a financial perspective. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states the median salary for MFTs in 2019 was $49,610, with the top 10% earning at least $87,000.
Is Capella Coamfte accredited?Capella's MS in Marriage and Family Therapy program is COAMFTE-accredited.
What is the difference between a Lcsw and Lmft?LCSWs require a degree in Social Work, while an LMFT will likely require a master's in Marriage and Family Therapy to properly equip them with behavioral therapy techniques to effectively provide solutions to clients.
|