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Northwestern University MFT | Online

The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute teaches aspiring therapists to treat clients from diverse backgrounds and populations and to consider relationships and the larger systemic context within their practice.

GMAT/GRE not required.

  • Intensive clinical training — students work directly with clients for six consecutive quarters during their practicum externships.
  • 24 months to complete — full-time students can earn their MFT master’s degree in as few as 24 months.
  • Fully accredited program — the two MFT program branches, on campus and online, are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
A Journey Toward Systemic Client-Focused Practice
50+year tradition of training in marriage and family therapy at The Family Institute at Northwestern University
1in-person immersion experience
4start dates each year
16%projected MFT career growth from 2020–20301 — much faster than average
Changing the Big Picture Starts with You

The online branch of the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University combines evidence-based teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment that fosters clinical excellence. Students learn to conduct therapy with diverse populations and clinical presentations, utilize the Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) framework to integrate knowledge from the field into their practice, and learn to demonstrate multicultural sensitivity and ethical competence.

Program Highlights

  • Assistance in locating approved clinical fieldwork near your community.
  • Courses taught by faculty with extensive therapeutic experience.
  • Live, weekly classes with 15 or fewer students.

The MFT degree from Northwestern prepares effective practitioners to help families, couples, and individuals thrive. While a bachelor’s degree is required, applicants without psychology or mental health education or experience are encouraged to apply, although foundational coursework may be necessary. A master’s degree in marriage and family therapy is the first step toward preparing for licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) licensure, the requirements for which vary by state.2 Once licensed, LMFT professionals can work with families, couples, and individuals in private practice, mental health agencies, and other behavioral health settings.

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Join a Cohort of Change-Makers with the Online MFT Program from Northwestern.