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Northwestern University Mental Health Programs | Online

Gain the evidence-based knowledge and hands-on clinical experience you need to become a practitioner who helps communities to thrive. Earn an online Master of Arts in Counseling or an online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT).

GMAT/GRE not required.

  • Accredited programs — Accredited programs — The MA in Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); the MFT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
  • In-program clinical hours — In-program clinical hours — Both the MA in Counseling and the MFT programs include clinical hours.
  • Top-ranked institution — Top-ranked institution — Northwestern University is a top 25-ranked university1 and The Family Institute, which houses both programs, has been a leader in the mental health space for over 50 years.
Supportive Paths toward a Career in Mental Health
1-2in-person immersive experiences*
4start dates each year
18 or 24months to complete full-time
500-800hours of supervised clinical experience**
Two Programs from a Leader in Mental Health
The Online Master of Arts in Counseling

18 months full-time | 36 months part-time

Prepare to make a difference in the lives of children, adolescents, and adults as a self-reflective mental health counselor. You will build your practice by reflecting on your own strengths and unique experiences while studying key counseling concepts. If you do not have previous clinical experience or a psychology degree, you may begin the Bridge to Counseling Program, which introduces fundamental concepts in introductory classes.

The Online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

24 months full-time | 36 months part-time

Prepare to strengthen and heal families from all walks of life as a marriage and family therapist. You will learn to conduct therapy by utilizing the Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) framework in your practice. This framework will help you demonstrate multicultural sensitivity and ethical competence as you work with diverse populations and clinical presentations.

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Build a Career that Puts Compassion First

Northwestern University partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. Northwestern University has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.