Choosing a marriage, couple, and family counseling degree means comparing more than a school's reputation: the program must fit your budget, schedule, and intended state license. The 2027 Best Marriage, Couple, And Family Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the USA, created by the Research.com team of data scientists, helps students identify programs worth considering. This guide explains how to compare training, costs, accreditation, and career prospects so you can decide whether the degree is the right investment for your goals.
Key findings about Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling degrees in America
A licensure-oriented master's degree is the usual educational path into marriage and family therapy, but graduation alone does not confer a license; state-specific coursework, supervised experience, and examinations still matter.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 median annual wage of $66,940 for marriage and family therapists and projects 14% employment growth from 2025 to 2035. Neither figure predicts an individual graduate's earnings or job prospects.
Compare total cost and field-placement access alongside the ranking. A program that is cheaper or faster on paper may be a poor fit if its coursework or clinical training does not support licensure where you plan to practice.
What can I expect from a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling degree in America?
Marriage, couple, and family counseling studies relationships as part of mental health care. Students learn to assess concerns, develop treatment plans, and work with individuals, partners, or families while accounting for how relationships affect each person. U.S. program titles vary: a school may offer marriage and family therapy, a marriage-and-family concentration within counseling, or a couples-and-family track in a broader counseling degree.
For someone seeking independent clinical practice, the key question is not the title alone. Ask whether the exact degree, courses, and supervised training meet the educational rules for the license you want - often licensed marriage and family therapist, or LMFT - in the state where you intend to practice. A broader counseling degree may also support a different counseling license, but the two pathways should not be treated as interchangeable (state licensing boards).
Where can I work with a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling degree in America?
Depending on licensure and employer requirements, graduates may work in outpatient mental health settings, community agencies, healthcare organizations, family-service programs, or private practice. Employment in a clinical support role while completing supervised post-degree experience is different from practicing independently; state licensing boards control when a graduate may use a protected title or provide services without supervision.
Location affects the practical value of a program. A student hoping to remain in one state should investigate local placement sites and that state's licensing rules before enrolling. Someone expecting to move should ask both the school and the destination board how the curriculum and clinical hours will be evaluated; a license or degree from one state does not automatically settle eligibility in another.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a May 2025 national median annual wage of $66,940 for marriage and family therapists. This occupational median includes workers at different career stages and is not a starting salary or a measure of earnings for everyone with a related degree. Licensure status, setting, hours worked, and local labor markets can substantially change an individual's prospects.
Use the figure to test an education budget, not to promise a return. Compare likely post-degree earnings with your current earnings, expected borrowing, time out of the workforce, and the supervised period before independent practice. If your goal is broader mental health counseling, compare that occupation separately rather than assuming the marriage-and-family therapist median applies to it (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook).
The programs below use different degree titles and curricular structures. These distinctions can help narrow a shortlist, but verify current credits, clinical hours, accreditation, and licensing alignment directly with each school before applying; a program name alone cannot establish eligibility in every state.
California State University-Sacramento: Its marriage, couple, and family counseling option sits within an MS in Counseling. That structure may appeal to applicants who want relationship-focused training within a counseling department; California-bound students should check the current course and fieldwork requirements against their intended license (Sacramento State catalog).
University of Florida: Florida identifies its marriage and family counseling option as an on-campus MEd pathway. It is a more relevant comparison for students able to attend campus in Gainesville than for applicants who need a fully remote degree; confirm field-placement arrangements before committing (University of Florida Counselor Education).
South Dakota State University: The marriage and family counseling option is offered through an MS in Counseling and Human Resource Development. Applicants should assess how that degree's counseling and relationship-focused requirements fit their intended state license, rather than judging it by the broader degree title (South Dakota State University).
Trevecca Nazarene University: Trevecca offers a dedicated marriage-and-family program at a private university. Students comparing it with public-university options should request its current clinical-training plan and full net-cost estimate, including any institutional aid (Trevecca Nazarene University).
Virginia Commonwealth University: Its couples and family counseling option is an MEd in Counseling. The explicit couples-and-family focus makes it worth examining for applicants who want that emphasis within a counseling degree, particularly if they plan to complete training and seek licensure in Virginia (Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education).
University of Nevada, Reno: The linked MA is presented as a counseling degree rather than a degree titled marriage and family therapy. Students seeking an LMFT pathway should clarify the available emphasis and obtain a course-by-course assessment against Nevada or their destination state's requirements (University of Nevada, Reno).
Texas State University: Its marriage-and-family option is a non-thesis MA in Professional Counseling. That structure may suit practice-oriented applicants who do not want a thesis, although non-thesis study does not remove clinical or licensing requirements (Texas State University graduate catalog).
Texas A&M University-San Antonio: The school lists a specifically named MA in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. For students comparing Texas programs, the direct degree focus is useful, but the decisive check remains whether its current coursework and supervised experiences match the Texas license they intend to pursue (Texas A&M University-San Antonio catalog).
Idaho State University: Marriage and family is identified as an option within its master's counseling programs. Applicants interested in Idaho practice should ask the department to map the option's required courses and placements to the applicable state-board rules (Idaho State University Department of Counseling).
Portland State University: Its graduate program is explicitly titled Counseling: Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling. Students planning an Oregon career can use that focused curriculum as a starting point, then verify current accreditation status, placement access, and board eligibility rather than relying on the title (Portland State University).
A full-time, licensure-oriented master's typically takes about two to three years; part-time study can take longer. The actual schedule depends on required coursework, when clinical courses are offered, placement availability, and whether a school permits summer enrollment (institutional program catalogs). Ask for a term-by-term plan that shows when you can begin supervised fieldwork - not just the advertised time to finish classes.
Degree completion and independent licensure are separate milestones. State boards may require supervised experience and an examination after graduation, so compare programs using the time until you can pursue your intended work, not merely the time until commencement (state licensing boards).
Online study can reduce travel to classes, but it does not make clinical training virtual by default. A student may still need approved, in-person placements, live skills practice, or scheduled campus visits. On-campus study can make faculty interaction and local placement coordination more straightforward, but it may require relocation or reduce working hours (institutional program requirements).
Choose online delivery when the school can explain how it supports placements near you and confirms that its curriculum is intended to meet your destination state's educational requirements. Choose campus study when access to local clinical networks or a predictable in-person schedule outweighs commuting costs. For either format, ask who secures placements, where students may train, and what happens if a site falls through. The ranking uses the same scoring method for online and on-campus programs, but your clinical logistics may differ substantially.
There is no single reliable national average price for this specific degree that captures differences in program length, residency, aid, and clinical-placement expenses. General graduate tuition averages are not a substitute for a marriage-and-family counseling program quote. Use each school's current published tuition and fees, then calculate the total cost to completion, including required terms, travel to placements, books, and any reduction in earnings while training (NCES/IPEDS; institutional tuition schedules).
At a public university, check resident versus nonresident tuition and the rules for establishing residency; at a private university, compare the price after any aid. An accelerated program can limit living expenses but may make paid work harder to maintain. The most affordable marriage, couple, and family counseling programs are a useful cost-focused shortlist, not a replacement for a personalized net-cost estimate.
Depending on the school and your eligibility, funding may include institutional scholarships, assistantships, employer tuition support, and federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Confirm the institution's federal aid eligibility and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid where applicable; also ask whether assistantship funding requires work hours that could conflict with clinical placement (Federal Student Aid; institutional financial aid offices).
Do not build a 2027 budget around Graduate PLUS without checking eligibility. Under federal changes effective July 1, 2026, new graduate borrowers generally cannot use that loan program, while limited transitional eligibility may apply to qualifying students who borrowed earlier. Check the current Federal Student Aid rules and your school's aid office for your individual circumstances (Federal Student Aid). Compare borrowing needs with the most valuable marriage, couple, and family counseling programs, remembering that value depends on your own aid, completion timeline, and career plans.
View the chart data as a table
Best score distribution across ranked programs (Source: Research.com)
Category
Value
65-69
1
70-74
0
75-79
0
80-84
0
85-89
5
90-94
34
95-99
2
Applicants generally need a bachelor's degree and must meet the individual graduate school's academic and application requirements. Schools may ask for a statement of purpose, recommendations, interviews, or relevant preparation; psychology or counseling coursework requirements should be checked program by program rather than assumed (institutional admissions offices).
Before paying an application fee, send the program your intended state and license type. Ask admissions which prerequisite courses are mandatory, whether prior graduate credits can transfer, and whether transferred courses will still satisfy both degree and licensing requirements. A transfer award that shortens the degree but leaves a licensing-content gap is not necessarily a saving (institutional catalogs; state licensing boards).
Common subjects include family systems, couples counseling, human development, assessment, ethics, research, and counseling across cultural contexts, followed by supervised clinical work. Programs differ in how much training they devote to relationship-specific methods versus broader professional counseling, and states may prescribe particular content for licensure (institutional catalogs; state licensing boards).
Request the current degree plan and compare it with the licensing board's education checklist. Pay particular attention to required clinical hours, supervision rules, and whether a course must be completed before placement. These details are more informative than an appealing course title or a long elective list.
Schools may organize relationship-focused study as a stand-alone degree, a marriage-and-family concentration in counseling, or a couples-and-family track. Within those structures, electives and placements may allow further focus on particular populations or clinical concerns. The distinction that matters most is whether the required curriculum - not just an optional elective - supports the professional role you want (institutional program catalogs).
If you want to treat couples and families as a primary clinical focus, compare relationship-specific coursework and supervised cases. If you want a broader counseling role, examine the license supported by the core degree as well. A short certificate can build skills for someone who already holds an appropriate credential, but it should not be assumed to replace a licensure-qualifying master's (state licensing boards).
Start with the job and state you want, then compare programs against that destination. Rankings can identify options - including the most popular marriage, couple, and family counseling programs - but popularity does not establish licensing fit or affordability.
Find your intended state board's education, supervised-experience, and examination requirements; ask each program for a written explanation of how its current curriculum addresses them.
Verify institutional accreditation and any relevant programmatic accreditation through the accreditor and school. CACREP and COAMFTE are distinct programmatic accreditors; determine which credentials, if any, your intended board requires or accepts (CACREP; COAMFTE; state licensing boards).
Request a complete degree plan and ask where students obtain placements, who approves sites, and whether the school supports placements in your intended state.
Compare personalized net cost, likely borrowing, completion time, forgone earnings, and published program outcomes where available. Assess return over a realistic career horizon rather than dividing tuition by an occupational median wage.
A red flag is an assurance that a degree "works in every state" without a state-by-state explanation. Also be wary of comparing sticker tuition alone or assuming an online format removes in-person requirements. The right investment is the program you can reasonably complete and afford and use toward your intended credential.
View the chart data as a table
Wage range - Marriage & Family Therapists (U.S., BLS May 2025) (Source: BLS)
Category
Value
10th percentile
44,650
Median
66,940
90th percentile
123,730
One common path is supervised clinical work followed, if all board requirements are met, by an application for independent LMFT licensure. Other graduates may pursue roles shaped by a broader counseling license or continue into doctoral study, research, or teaching. Employers and state boards - not the degree title by itself - determine which roles require a particular credential (state licensing boards; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
This degree is a stronger fit if you want to provide relationship-focused mental health care and are willing to complete supervised training and licensure steps. Consider a different path if you primarily want school counseling, a nonclinical family-services role, or a short credential without a graduate clinical commitment. Compare the qualification required for the actual job posting before choosing a program.
View the chart data as a table
Median wage by U.S. state - Marriage & Family Therapists (BLS OEWS, May 2025) (Source: BLS)
State
Value
AK
60,010
AL
49,990
AR
64,340
AZ
65,290
CA
67,300
CO
60,700
CT
86,250
DE
76,580
FL
56,400
GA
91,550
HI
141,960
IA
67,180
ID
62,700
IL
60,970
IN
56,810
KS
68,710
KY
52,420
MA
67,370
MD
69,900
ME
71,680
MI
52,270
MN
72,470
MO
60,440
MS
51,440
MT
46,960
NC
48,100
NE
62,610
NH
60,030
NJ
92,150
NM
70,630
NY
64,430
OH
70,240
OK
57,670
OR
91,520
PA
66,040
SC
55,430
SD
44,870
TN
46,700
TX
46,300
UT
84,980
VA
79,900
VT
62,780
WA
60,000
WI
37,870
WV
55,700
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14% growth in marriage and family therapist employment from 2025 to 2035. This national occupational projection suggests expanding demand, but it does not measure vacancies near a particular campus or guarantee work for new graduates. Local employers, supervision opportunities, reimbursement arrangements, and state licensure rules will shape the jobs you can pursue.
Before enrolling, review relevant openings in the area where you intend to practice. Note whether employers seek an associate-level clinician, an independently licensed therapist, or a different counseling credential, and ask schools where recent students completed clinical training. That check connects a national outlook to the first realistic step in your own career (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; state licensing boards).
2027 Best Marriage, Couple, And Family Counseling Degree Programs Ranking in the USA
Investing in graduate education is a consequential decision. Research.com designed its counseling rankings to help readers compare programs using documented outcomes, accreditation, and cost rather than reputation alone. The team drew on the following sources and reviewed the measures for consistency and credibility:
For the Best ranking, a graduate-outcomes-and-accreditation score combines program completion (40%), employment or doctoral admission (20%), licensure exam pass rate where applicable (20%), CACREP programmatic accreditation where applicable (16%), and federal Title IV institutional eligibility (4%). Inapplicable criteria are excluded and the remaining shares renormalized. Program cost then contributes a smaller component - about 7% of the final score. The method applies to both online and on-campus programs; other Research.com counseling rankings order programs by the dimension named in each ranking. See Research.com's methodology for more information. A ranking is a starting point, not a substitute for checking whether a particular degree meets your intended state's licensing rules.
# 1 position
California State University-Sacramento
Master
MS in Counseling (Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling)
Delivery mode: campus
96.27
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years (full-time)
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester units
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
Class size
24
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree; good academic standing; GPA of at least 3.0 in last 60 semester units
Additional requirements
University application and program supplemental application, official transcripts, departmental application materials, in-person admission evaluation (Interview Day)
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
California State University-Sacramento earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 96.27/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 2 position
University of Florida
Master
M.Ed./Ed.S. in Counselor Education – Marriage and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
95.17
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2.5 years
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
72 semester credits
Acceptance rate
61.54%
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2023-24)
Application deadline
November 1, 2026, to begin Fall 2027
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university (or equivalent); minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division (last 60 credits) undergraduate work; acceptable GPA for previous graduate work; no GRE required.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Florida earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 95.17/100, with 100% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2029-03-31.
# 3 position
South Dakota State University
Master
Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.) – Marriage and Family Counseling Specialization
Delivery mode: campus
94.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
Typically, full-time students graduate in 2.5 years
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: April 15; Spring: October 15
GRE
no
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
South Dakota State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.66/100, supported by 100% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 4 position
Trevecca Nazarene University
Master
Master of Marriage and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
94.65
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.70 - 4.00
Program completion rate
94% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: May 1; Spring: October 1; Summer: February 15
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE (minimum 290 verbal + quantitative) required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, unless the applicant holds an MA
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree conferred from a regionally accredited college/university.
Additional requirements
Online application, official transcript(s) showing bachelor's degree conferred, GRE score (min 290 combined; typically waived for applicants who hold an MA or have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher), two reference assessment forms…
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Trevecca Nazarene University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.65/100, with 94% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 5 position
Virginia Commonwealth University
Master
M.Ed. in Counseling – Couples and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
94.44
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 1/2 years
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
95% (2024-25)
GRE
optional
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Virginia Commonwealth University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.44/100, with 95% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2034-04-30.
# 6 position
University of Nevada-Reno
Master
M.A. in Counseling – Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
94.25
/ 100
Final score
Program length
approximately 3 years (full-time, including summers)
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
67 semester credits
Program completion rate
90% (2023-24)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2023-24)
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No undergraduate prerequisites; undergraduate degree must be completed before enrolling.
Additional requirements
Application; official transcripts; letter of intent/statement of career goals; resume; three professional recommendation letters; interview if invited. Reviewed for dispositions, academic potential (GPA, coursework) and counseling career fit.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
University of Nevada-Reno earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 94.25/100, supported by 90% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 7 position
Texas State University
Master
M.A. Major in Professional Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.76
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
yes
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor's degree).
Additional requirements
Online application; official transcripts; minimum 3.0 GPA overall or in last 60 hours; GRE general test (may be waived with a master's/doctoral degree); informed consent form; resume/CV; statement of purpose; English scores for international.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Texas State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.76/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
# 8 position
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Master
M.A. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.68
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.75 - 4.00 (undergraduate cumulative), or 3.00 - 4.00 for last 60 hours
Application deadline
Fall: March 15; Spring: November 15
Application process
GradCAS
GRE
no
Prerequisites
No specific undergraduate major required; applicants without an appropriate background may be required to complete additional preparatory coursework as determined by the Associate Chair
Additional requirements
GradCAS application, official transcripts, a three-page written Statement of Purpose, an in-person group interview with the Counseling Admissions Committee; international applicants need TOEFL (79 iBT/213 CBT/550 PBT) or IELTS 6.0
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Texas A&M University-San Antonio earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.68/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2031-03-31.
# 9 position
Idaho State University
Master
Master of Counseling (M.Coun.) - Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.55
/ 100
Final score
Program length
At least 4 full semesters
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
100% (2025)
Application deadline
January 15 (preferred application date); secondary admissions may occur April 15 if seats remain.
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Accredited bachelor's degree; minimum 2.50 GPA on last 60 undergraduate credits (2.50-2.999 carries performance requirements); on-campus interview (Pocatello or Meridian); three letters of recommendation.
Additional requirements
ISU Graduate School online application, statement of purpose of no more than two pages, contact emails for three recommenders who are not relatives, all university transcripts, and an admissions interview, normally on campus.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Idaho State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.55/100, with 100% program completion rate among the verified supporting factors. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 10 position
Portland State University
Master
Counseling: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
93.43
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3-year minimum
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
90 quarter credits
Program completion rate
94% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Licensure exam pass rate
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
January 4, 2027
Class size
15
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Upper-division or graduate introduction to counseling (e.g., COUN 441) and psychopathology (e.g., COUN 430) courses, completed within 7 years with a C or better; otherwise completed at the graduate level early in the program.
Additional requirements
Unofficial transcripts, English language proficiency (if applicable), resume, statement of purpose (three prompts), two letters of recommendation, and an in-person or remote group interview; criminal background check required prior to starting.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Portland State University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 93.43/100, supported by 100% licensure exam pass rate and 94% program completion rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 11 position
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Master
M.A. in Counseling: Marriage, Couple and Family
Delivery mode: campus
92.70
/ 100
Final score
Program length
3 years including summer courses (full-time)
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: Mar 1 (early), Apr 1 (regular, then rolling); Spring: Oct 1 (then rolling)
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor's transcripts with 3.0 GPA or better (or master's with 3.0+); 2 letters of recommendation (one academic if graduated within 3 years); one-page resume; 2-3 page Academic Goal Statement; English proficiency for international applicants.
Additional requirements
Completed application form, processing fee, 2 letters of recommendation (at least one academic if graduated within last 3 years), bachelor's (or master's) transcripts with 3.0+ GPA, one-page resume, 2-3 page Academic Goal Statement essay.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.7/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-03-31.
# 12 position
Northwest Nazarene University
Master
Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling, Master of Science
Delivery mode: campus
92.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
33 months on average (8 semesters)
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Program completion rate
80% (2024-25)
Employment or doctoral admission
100% (2024-25)
Application deadline
Fall: February 1; Spring: September 1
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Baccalaureate degree with cumulative GPA of 3.0 (applicants below 3.0 must submit explanatory letter for faculty review); TOEFL for non-native English speakers
Additional requirements
References, transcripts, program interview, resume, biographical background, writing samples, observation in group and mock counseling experiences, background check
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Northwest Nazarene University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.66/100, supported by 80% program completion rate and 100% employment or doctoral admission rate. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-10-31.
# 13 position
Geneva College
Master
M.A. in Counseling - Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: hybrid
92.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
two years for a full-time student
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with GPA of 3.0+ expected (provisional admission possible below 3.0); basic statistics competency via CNS 504, an approved statistics course (B- or better within 5 years), or 80%+ on a statistics exam.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, a typed academic essay describing career goals and reasons for applying, three professional recommendations, and a resume
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Geneva College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.66/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 14 position
Geneva College
Master
M.A. in Counseling - Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.66
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Application process
direct
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree with GPA of 3.0+ expected (provisional admission possible below 3.0); basic statistics competency via CNS 504, an approved statistics course (B- or better within 5 years), or 80%+ on a statistics exam.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, a typed academic essay describing career goals and reasons for applying, three professional recommendations, and a resume
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Geneva College earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.66/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2033-04-30.
# 15 position
Barry University
Master
M.S. in Counseling – Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2-2 ½ years (full-time)
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
GRE
no
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized college or university.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Barry University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.66/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2027-10-31.
# 16 position
Gonzaga University
Master
M.A. Marriage and Family Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
2 years
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Application deadline
January 15, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
optional
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Gonzaga University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.66/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2030-03-31.
# 17 position
Belmont University
Master
M.A. in Mental Health Counseling
Delivery mode: campus
92.66
/ 100
Final score
Program length
6 consecutive semesters
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
3.00 - 4.00
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; applicants should have a strong academic record with a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Belmont University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.66/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 18 position
University of Montevallo
Master
Counseling, Couples and Family, M.Ed.
Delivery mode: campus
92.66
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
GPA range
Recommended undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 or higher
Application deadline
Fall: March 1; Spring: October 1
Application process
direct
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 is recommended.
Additional requirements
Admission interview with program faculty; statement of purpose explaining the candidate’s interest in a counseling career; two professional recommendation letters; current curriculum vitae or resume; evidence of a clear criminal background check.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
University of Montevallo earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.66/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2028-03-31.
# 19 position
Governors State University
Master
Counseling, M.A.
Delivery mode: campus
92.38
/ 100
Final score
Specialization
Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Required credits
60 semester credits
GPA range
2.50 - 4.00
Application deadline
Fall: February 15; Spring: August 15; Fall 2027 priority deadline: February 15, 2027
Application process
direct
GRE
Conditional: GRE Verbal 155+ required if cumulative GPA is 2.5-2.74 and last-60-hour GPA is below 3.0, unless COUN 6600, COUN 6630 and ENGL 1010 are completed with B- or better
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree; GPA of 2.75+ cumulative or 3.0 over last 60 credit hours. Applicants with 2.50–2.74 meeting neither must score 155+ on GRE Verbal or complete COUN 6600, COUN 6630, and ENGL 1010 or equivalent with B- or better.
Additional requirements
Official transcripts from all previous college work, Statement of Character, three personal references, and GRE scores if applicable. Qualified applicants may be invited to an interview; academic references are preferred.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Hold a B.A. or B.S. from a regionally accredited college or university (counseling, psychology or related human behavioral fields desirable; other fields considered); minimum 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework.
Additional requirements
Program requirement: two on-campus one-week residencies (Residency A and B, Virginia Beach, VA), held in January/August, 8 a.m.-5 p.m..
Accreditation
Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), with institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Regent University earned a Research.com Counseling Program Score of 92.24/100. The program is CACREP-accredited, valid through 2032-10-31.
Frequently asked questions about Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling degree in America
Do I need a master's degree to become a marriage and family therapist?
A relevant graduate degree is generally part of the U.S. licensure pathway. Check your intended state board for its exact degree, coursework, supervised-experience, and examination requirements; a bachelor's degree alone does not establish independent practice eligibility.
Does an online degree qualify me for licensure?
It may, but delivery format alone does not determine eligibility. Confirm the specific curriculum against your state board's rules and ask how the program arranges required supervised clinical training.
Is CACREP accreditation required?
Requirements vary by state and license. CACREP accredits counseling programs, while COAMFTE accredits marriage and family therapy programs; check which, if either, your intended board recognizes or requires (CACREP; COAMFTE; state licensing boards).
Can I transfer graduate credits into a program?
Some schools permit it, subject to limits and course review. Obtain written confirmation that accepted credits satisfy the degree plan, then check that the resulting coursework still meets your intended board's requirements.
Is this degree worth the cost?
It can be if it supports your intended license and the total cost is manageable relative to your likely career path. Compare aid-adjusted cost, borrowing, completion time, current earnings, and the period of supervised work before independent practice - not tuition or a national salary figure alone.
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