Hours of supervision
Clinical Hours
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy: Online Branch
The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program is a 21- to 36-month, online graduate program designed for individuals who want to become licensed marriage and family therapists. Accredited by COAMFTE, it prepares students with the clinical skills, hands-on experience, and supportive training needed to work effectively with couples, and families across diverse care settings. The MFT@Northwestern is offered by The Family Institute at Northwestern University and is taught by leaders in the field of marriage and family therapy.
The MFT@Northwestern is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Upon graduation, learners will have met the educational requirements for clinical membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. View the Graduate Achievement Data Disclosure Table.
Interested in the on-campus learning? Visit the Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy: On-Campus Branch page.
Outcome-Based Education Framework
The MSMFT Program is accredited by the Commission on Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Consistent with its accreditation, the program maintains an Outcome-Based Education Framework where the focus is on advancing program quality through ongoing assessment of graduate achievement, student achievement, and environmental supports to the program. Student achievement involves the development of specific competencies specified by the program goals, the student learning outcomes, and associated benchmarks. Communities of interest, identified by the program, provide input into the review of student learning outcomes and key environment supports to the program. The communities of interest are informed about key changes that derive from the review process.
What Is an Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy?
The online MFT program combines online learning with training in therapeutic methods. It includes in-person clinical experience and encourages therapists to consider interpersonal relationships, social justice, and the larger system when developing client treatment plans.
Why Choose a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Online?
With both full- and part-time options, the online MFT program is convenient, allowing learners to attend live classes with about 15 students, learn from qualified professors with extensive experience, attend office hours, and complete coursework anywhere in the world. This flexibility allows you to balance your education with your personal life while preparing for a range of opportunities.
Explore the career paths awaiting you in Marriage and Family Therapy
Academic Courses
Internship Courses
Research Labs at Northwestern with MFT Student Representation
How You Will Learn
What will you learn in this MFT program?
Throughout this Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program, you will develop the clinical skills, theoretical foundation, and real-world experience needed to become a behavioral health leader. You will learn to support children, families, couples, and individuals through evidence-based, relationship-centered care that promotes healing, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.
What does the MFT curriculum include?
The MFT curriculum consists of 25 credit hours and is designed to provide both academic and hands-on clinical experience. Courses include:
- Basic Concepts of Systems Therapy
- Intimate Relationship 1
- Self and Other Systems: Theory and Applications
- Family Therapy with Children and Adolescents
- Power, Privilege, and Difference: Practicing Cultural Curiosity and Humility in a Multicultural World
Students also complete 400 hours of clinical practicum and 250 hours of group and individual supervision to support real-world application and growth.
How is this MFT program structured?
This MFT program is offered in a flexible, online format designed for working professionals. Students participate in interactive coursework and complete one in-person immersion experience, creating opportunities for connection, hands-on learning, and community building.
Who Are the Core Faculty
Classes and clinical training are taught by leaders in the field of marriage and family therapy.
What Degree You Will Earn
Online MFT@Northwestern learners receive the same degree and diploma as on-campus learners. Upon completing the program, you will have completed the graduate level coursework and training required for licensure in most states. (We encourage applicants to educate themselves on the licensure requirements for the states in which they wish to practice, since these vary by location.)
Why Choose a Career in Marriage and Family Therapy
With both full- and part-time options, the online MFT program is convenient, allowing learners to attend live classes with about 15 students, learn from qualified professors with extensive experience, attend office hours, and complete coursework anywhere in the world.
Extensive Alumni Network
Expert Teaching Faculty
Systemically Focused Supervising Faculty
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy and what are its key learning outcomes?
This Master of Science program prepares you for licensure as a marriage and family therapist. You'll gain expertise in the Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) model with a focus on clinical excellence and cultural sensitivity. Graduates are ready to treat individuals, couples, and families.
Is the program 100% online?
While coursework is online and asynchronous, students must complete a required in-person immersion experience and 400 hours of clinical practicum at a site near their community. Live, weekly online classes are also a key component of the curriculum.
What are the admission requirements for the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy?
Applicants need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Submit a resume, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, an academic statement, and a personal statement. No GRE/GMAT scores are required.
How long does it typically take to complete the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy?
Complete the program in as few as 21 months full-time (24 months for CA residents; or 36 months part-time). The flexible pacing is designed to fit your professional and personal schedule while meeting rigorous clinical training standards.
Is the program accredited, and by which accrediting bodies? Yes, the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). This ensures your degree meets high academic standards and fulfills the educational requirements for licensure portability.
What is the typical curriculum or course structure for the program?
The curriculum offers a comprehensive education in systemic therapy. Key areas of study include Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST), intimate relationships, and child and adolescent therapy. Students complete 400 clinical hours and an in-person immersion.
What career paths and job opportunities are available to graduates?
Our graduates become licensed marriage and family therapists in preparation for varying employment opportunities across mental health settings, schools, academics, medical settings, community mental health agencies and residential treatment centers.