The Online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
The Family Institute at Northwestern University offers an online counterpart to its on-campus Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Program. MFT@Northwestern is the COAMFTE-accredited online branch of the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Program at The Family Institute at Northwestern University.
The program features online curricula as rigorous as its in-person option, blending live, online classes with clinical field placements and consistent support. The curriculum upholds high standards for classroom instruction and clinical training, providing the skills necessary for a career focused on strengthening and healing diverse populations of families. You will learn the integrative systemic therapy (IST) model, which was developed by The Family Institute faculty to provide a collaborative and systematic approach to the treatment of families, couples, and individuals.
Upon completion, you will earn the same degree as on-campus master’s degree students, and graduate prepared to pursue licensure and provide high-quality behavioral health services in your community.
MFT@Northwestern Licensure
After earning an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, therapists must become licensed to practice autonomously. The requirements for a marriage and family therapy license are state-specific and include additional post-master’s supervised clinical hours and an examination.
Graduation from a COAMFTE-accredited program is the first step, but does not guarantee eligibility for licensure in all states. Licensure requirements vary from state to state, with some requiring more clinical field placement hours and/or coursework than COAMFTE standards. Every effort is made to help you understand and prepare for the licensure requirements in the state(s) where you intend to practice. Licensure requirements differ from state to state, but most state licensing boards require a master’s degree from a COAMFTE-accredited program. We encourage you to research the requirements specific to each state. Consult AAMFT for more information about the profession and your state licensing board for more information about licensing.
MFT@Northwestern Accreditation
Northwestern University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The on-campus and online branches of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Northwestern University are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). A COAMFTE-accredited program provides the graduate education required for you to be license-eligible in most states. Each state also requires an examination and a specified amount of supervised postgraduate, clinical work for licensure.