Is an MFT Degree Worth It?

Published on: November 21, 2023 | 6 minute read

By: David Stewart

Psychology

Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is a form of psychology that aims to improve communication and resolve family conflicts. Many families and couples rely on the help of therapists with a clinical psychology background to guide them through life changes and challenging times.

But is an MFT degree worth it?

Many people in the profession would say yes. With a family therapy education and clinical practice experience, you can make a difference in how people relate and provide them with the tools they need to improve their lives.

MFT Program Overview

Key Takeaways

Before choosing a Marriage and Family Therapy degree program, it is helpful to understand several distinct elements of this professional path:

Clinical hours, graduate coursework, and strong interpersonal traits are critical for success in marriage and family therapy.
Career path options span counseling, education, residential care, social services, and private practice settings.
Accredited programs with experienced faculty, COAMFTE recognition, and flexible online program or campus formats shape both preparation and long-term career mobility.

What It Takes to Become an MFT

MFT training is rigorous. Most programs require at least 500 face-to-face client hours before graduation, with a substantial portion involving couples and families.^[1] Beyond training requirements, certain personal qualities can help determine how to become a marriage and family therapist and whether this path aligns with your strengths.

Successful MFTs tend to be empathetic, perceptive, open-minded, and level-headed. They listen attentively, maintain confidentiality, demonstrate integrity, and think critically without assigning judgment. The ability to analyze complex relational dynamics and guide clients toward constructive solutions is central to the profession.

In terms of schooling:

A bachelor’s degree is typically required to enter a Master in Marital and Family Therapy program.
While an undergraduate degree in psychology or social sciences may be helpful, many programs welcome career changers who complete prerequisite coursework.
Supervised work or volunteer experience in behavioral health, education, or human services can strengthen graduate applications and provide valuable early exposure.

Benefits of Pursuing an MFT Degree

An MFT degree prepares you for work that is both personally meaningful and professionally versatile.

Marriage and family therapists help clients navigate conflict, trauma, life transitions, and relational strain, often witnessing growth in resilience over time.
Graduates practice as mental health professionals in hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, residential treatment programs, and private practice settings, often collaborating within interdisciplinary teams.
Many licensed therapists also build flexible schedules, offering full-time, part-time, evening, or telehealth services.

Career Opportunities

So, what jobs can you get with an MFT degree? A degree in Marriage and Family Therapy also positions you to pursue a variety of careers.

Marriage and Family Counseling

In this role, you provide therapy to couples and families navigating communication breakdowns, conflict, divorce, or parenting concerns.^[2]

An MFT degree equips you with systemic frameworks and intervention strategies. However, to become a licensed marriage and family therapist, running an independent clinical practice may require additional licensure, depending on state regulations.

School and Educational Support

You may work in educational settings supporting students and families facing behavioral or emotional challenges. Training in family systems and developmental psychology enhances collaboration with educators and caregivers.

Some MFT graduates work as case managers, probation support specialists, or in community-based human services roles. Similar to a social worker, your background in relational dynamics and behavioral assessment strengthens program coordination and client advocacy efforts.

Residential and Specialized Care Facilities

MFT professionals may work in residential treatment centers addressing substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma, or domestic violence.

Clinical coursework in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care prepares you for these environments. However, certain clinical roles require Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure.

Private Practice

With licensure, many MFTs establish independent practices. With an independent practice, you can assess clients, develop treatment plans, and manage ongoing therapy relationships.

An accredited graduate program builds the clinical competence necessary for responsible, ethical private practice.

Personal and Professional Rewards

Marriage and family therapists often describe their work as deeply meaningful.

Helping clients rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and navigate life transitions provides a strong sense of purpose. Whether you hold a master's or a PhD in Martial and Family Therapy, the profession also offers flexibility in scheduling and practice settings, allowing practitioners to balance professional commitment with personal priorities.

Why Choose Alliant for Your MFT Degree

The California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant University offers COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs designed to prepare students for the Marriage and Family Therapy licensure exam [3] and professional mobility.

Accreditation can support smoother license portability across states.
Programs are offered online and on campus, providing options for working professionals and traditional students alike. Students complete extensive supervised training hours (between 600 and 1,300 hours), which may apply toward licensure requirements.
Faculty include experienced clinicians and scholars who integrate theory, research, and applied practice. Coursework spans trauma and crisis intervention, diversity and family systems, ethics, group therapy, psychopharmacology, and chemical dependency.
Financial aid opportunities, including scholarships, loans, and federal work-study for eligible students, can help make graduate education more accessible.

Next Steps Toward an MFT Degree

If you are considering whether an MFT degree is worth it, the next step is intentional research and planning.

Review accredited MFT programs and compare curriculum structures.
Understand your state’s licensure requirements, including supervised hour thresholds.
Evaluate whether online or campus formats align with your learning style.
Consider how clinical placements and faculty mentorship will support your professional goals.

Thoughtful preparation today can position you for a meaningful and sustainable career tomorrow. Explore the MFT programs at Alliant to make a confident choice for your future.

Sources:

^[1] AAMFT. “About marriage and family therapists.” American Association for Marital and Family Therapy. March 06, 2023. https://www.aamft.org/AAMFT/About_AAMFT/About_Marriage_and_Family_Therapists.aspx. Accessed March 1, 2026.

^[2] Lebow, Jay, and Douglas K. Snyder. “Couple therapy in the 2020s: Current status and emerging developments.” Family Process. September 29, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12824. AccessedLMFTto March 1, 2026.