MA in Therapy & Counseling (MFT & PCC) - Online Degree Program | UMass Global
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:15
MA in Therapy & Counseling (MFT & PCC) - Online Degree Program | UMass Global
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MA in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling
Through a mix of online coursework and supervised in-person fieldwork, you’ll gain depth in both MFT and PCC competencies, helping you serve a wider range of client needs and settings.
Request Info
Prepare to Become a Practicing Therapist
Earn your Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) while expanding your career opportunities with a dual emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling (PCC). This flexible program helps you build strong clinical skills in diverse settings, so you can support individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan. Students completing this emphasis earn a single degree, the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, while building depth in both MFT and PCC competencies.
PCC Emphasis Add-on:
By completing just three additional courses, students may become eligible in some states to register as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC).
Help with Clinical Placement:
Students collaborate closely with our Clinical Support Team to explore and secure approved practicum placement sites.
Choose Your Work Setting:
A master’s focused on clinical mental health counseling positions you to work in a variety of settings: county and community mental health clinics, foster care agencies, child welfare systems, court mediation, school counseling, or private practice.
At a Glance
Online
69
Credits
$750/Credit
Help me estimate my cost
Next Start Date
Summer I (May 4, 2026)
Program Benefits that Benefit You.
Finish Faster
Transfer up to 12 semester or 18 quarter credits of relevant coursework, saving you money and moving you more quickly through course requirements.
A Mix of Coursework and Counseling
Coursework is 100% online and paired with 400 supervised, in-person practicum hours and capstone case studies.
Dual Licensure Advantage
Dual licensure may give you a competitive edge when seeking a new job or promotion. Stand out in the job market.
Career Outlook for
MA in Marriage/Family Therapy (Marriage/Family Therapy/PCC)
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Data source: Lightcast™ 2026
www.lightcast.io
The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics
data
licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts
Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when
actual
data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.
Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any
program
Courses You Might Take
PSYU 545
Transition to Work and Career
3 Credits
Transition to Work and Career
PSYU 545
|
3 Credits
This course is designed to provide an understanding of theories and models of career development. The course also addresses special issues concerning legal and ethical standards in career development, multicultural issues and the role of assessment in career counseling. Students will learn how to apply methods of career counseling and interventions through the use of clinical cases and within their own career development process.
MFT 542
Community and Environmental Mental Health
3 Credits
Community and Environmental Mental Health
MFT 542
|
3 Credits
The primary focus of this course is on the accessibility of mental health services by underserved populations and disenfranchised communities. Students will be exposed to community mental health agencies' general framework and the services provided, such as multidisciplinary care, case management, therapeutic services, and inpatient and outpatient care. Students will explore challenges specifically related to mental health disorders within diverse populations. In addition, environmental stressors and their negative impacts on mental health will be reviewed. Students will be introduced to interventions that model best practices, such as the recovery paradigm of treatment, which is relevant across the domain of community mental health.
PSYU 539
Crisis and Trauma Counseling
3 Credits
Crisis and Trauma Counseling
PSYU 539
|
3 Credits
This course will address various issues related to crisis and trauma counseling. The effect of trauma on individuals will be analyzed. Crisis theory and responses to crises, emergencies, and disasters will also be discussed. Students will learn assessment and intervention strategies, and multidisciplinary approaches to assisting clients, including those with pre-existing or co-occurring psychological disorders, during times of crisis, emergency, or disaster.
MFT 524
Clinical Issues in Human Diversity
3 Credits
Clinical Issues in Human Diversity
MFT 524
|
3 Credits
An advanced therapy course with the study of multicultural counseling, emphasizing respect for the diversity of human beings, particularly in matters of race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, disability, and more. This course analyzes the cultural constructions of mental health along with barriers to systemic/relational counseling services by non-majority groups. It seeks to deconstruct the sociohistorical implications of power, privilege, and oppression. Students will be challenged to consider their unique social location identity with the deliberate exploration of intersectionality aimed at increasing student competence in anti-racist practices.
MFT 502
History and Foundations of Therapeutic Practices
3 Credits
History and Foundations of Therapeutic Practices
MFT 502
|
3 Credits
In this course, students will explore the history of therapeutic practices and the conceptual foundation of systems therapy. Through a critical lens, students will examine the stages of therapy and the basic skills required of therapists. In addition, they will demonstrate the acquired knowledge of applying clinical decisions to clinical situations.
MFT 516
Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse
3 Credits
Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse
MFT 516
|
3 Credits
An overview of current theoretical and clinical approaches to the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse and other addictive disorders. Students review current research and program design from a clinical perspective with the goal of increasing clinical skills in assessing and treating addictive disorders with individuals and/or families. Students address their own internal biases when working with this population group. Students also address ethical and cultural considerations when working with this population.
What is it like going to UMass Global?
Instructor-Led, Session-Based
This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed — no penalty. Courses include structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and coach interaction, making it ideal for one-on-one coaching support.
Personalized Support Services
UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.
Employer-Aligned Curriculum
At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.
Instructor-Led, Session-Based
This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed — no penalty. Courses include structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and coach interaction, making it ideal for one-on-one coaching support.
Personalized Support Services
UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.
Employer-Aligned Curriculum
At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.
Our Faculty
All Faculty
Dr. Nakisha Castillo, DMFT
Clinical Director, Associate Professor of Psychology
Dr. Nakisha Castillo DMFT
Melani Kovarkizi-Natneil, PsyD
Assistant Clinical Director, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Melani Kovarkizi-Natneil PsyD
Sara Lee, PsyD
Assistant Clinical Director, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Sara Lee PsyD
Martha Morgan, PhD
Assistant Clinical Director, Associate Professor of Psychology
Martha Morgan PhD
Dominique Vedrine, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Assistant Clinical Director
Dominique Vedrine PhD
Marnie Elam, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Psychology
Marnie Elam PhD
Sofia Georgiadou, PhD
Associate Professor in Psychology
Sofia Georgiadou PhD
Frank Weber, PhD
Professor of Psychology
Frank Weber PhD
Jenny Good, PsyD
Associate Professor of Psychology
Jenny Good PsyD
Vanessa Holtgrave, PsyD
Associate Professor of Psychology
Vanessa Holtgrave PsyD
Karina Bravo, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Karina Bravo PhD
Jennifer Hayes, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Jennifer Hayes PhD
Aaron Maleare, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Aaron Maleare PhD
Admission Requirements
Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:
Completed application
Autobiographical Essay
Signed Ethical and Responsibility Statement form
Acknowledgment of Program Handbook and Clinical Handbook receipt
Acknowledgment of Licensure Limitation Policy
2.75 grade point average (GPA)
Official transcripts from the accredited institution where you earned your highest degree
Residency Restrictions
This program meets the requirements for licensure in
most states
. Contact a University Enrollment Coach for additional details.
No Grad Level Exams Required
This Master’s degree program does not require applicants to take costly exams like the GRE. Why? We value your professional and life experience, and you should get credit for what you already know.
Program Resources
MFT Program Handbook
PCC Program Handbook
MFT Clinical Handbook
MFT Program Licensure Limitations Acknowledgment Form
MFT Student Achievement Data
MFT Program Details
Student, Faculty & Clinical Supervisor Demographics
Outcome Based Education Framework
WASC Senior College and University Commission
University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Calculate Time and Cost
Ready to pursue your master's degree?
Request Info
Apply
(800) 746-0082
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Professional Clinical Counseling (PCC) focuses on clinical mental health counseling for individuals and groups across a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues. Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) centers more on relationships, family systems, and how interpersonal dynamics affect mental health. PCC training emphasizes assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning that considers cultural, environmental, and systemic factors for diverse clients. MFT training emphasizes systems thinking, helping couples and families navigate communication, conflict, and life transitions.
Marriage and Family Therapy
As a
licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)
, you can help couples and families identify the conflicts and issues affecting their relationships and then develop strategies to enable them to work through and overcome those problems.
A Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is the graduate degree required before a person can move on to earn licensure and become an LMFT. Prior to earning an MFT degree, the student would first need to earn a bachelor’s degree. Two logical choices that would suit a future career in marriage and family therapy would be a
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
or a
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
.
Of course, the most common career for a person with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is to become a therapist. That role is discussed on the program page above.
But an MFT degree can open doors to a variety of career options beyond being a marriage and family therapist. Here are a few different options:
School counselor
— Counselors work with students on classroom behavior, academic performance, and other areas such as anxiety. They can also provide career guidance. The span of the role can vary depending on the size of the school and the school district.
Residential counselor
— Residential counselors provide counseling to adult residents with mental health issues within healthcare facilities or community-based institutions.
Case manager
— Case managers are the facilitators between patients and health care providers, coordinating mental, physical, or emotional support and healthcare for patients. Assessing patient needs is an important component of this job.
Health educator
— The role of a health educator is to help clients understand how to live healthier, happier lives. Health educators may work on their own or they can work within school systems, healthcare facilities, or rehabilitation facilities. In government positions, health educators can create educational campaigns intended to boost public health.
Clinical director
— This role is a supervisory one tasked with leading a particular department in settings such as hospitals. In smaller facilities, clinical directors may coordinate and manage the entire facility.
The path is not set in stone, but becoming a marriage and family therapist typically involves these four steps:
Education —
Most states require a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. But there is some leeway here, as some programs in mental health fields that focus on family therapy may also satisfy the educational component.
Supervised clinical experience —
After earning a master’s degree, a person must complete a specified number of supervised clinical hours working with clients. These hours, typically under the supervision of a licensed therapist, are in addition to the practicum hours earned with the master’s degree.
Licensing exam —
To demonstrate knowledge appropriate for a marriage and family therapist, states require you to pass a state-administered licensing exam. This exam covers topics such as assessment, diagnosing, systemic therapy, and hypothesizing. For instance, the California MFT Clinical Exam involves 150 questions and has a four-hour time limit. These exams are not uniform across every state.
Continuing education —
Once a person has gained licensure, most states require continuing education to stay up to date with the latest treatment/therapy approaches. To maintain your license as a marriage and family therapist, you must provide verification of completion of your required continuing education.
There are two aspects to in-person practice involved when a person wants to become a marriage and family therapist. First, there is the practicum requirement, which is part of the master’s degree curriculum. At UMass Global, MFT students must complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in their six practicum courses. Of these 400 hours, 300 will be spent in direct client contact and the remaining 100 hours are spent in supervision of others providing therapy. The direct client contact hours require 100 hours spent with couples and family client units. The remaining 200 hours may be individual or relational hours.
Once you earn your MFT degree, prior to sitting for your licensing exam, you now need to accumulate a certain amount of supervised clinical experience. For most states, (including California) this number is 3,000 hours. This takes two years in most cases. In these sessions, you work with clients while receiving supervision from a licensed therapist.
Mental Health Therapy
Many communities face shortages of licensed mental health professionals, and demand for counseling services continues to grow nationwide. The program positions graduates to help address these needs by training them to provide high-quality, culturally responsive care.
Testimonials
Someone considering their degree, definitely go for it. Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it’s easy. I think one of my biggest challenges during my degree was doing it all throughout COVID, but I had a really good support system. The ups and downs is kind of what helps you out throughout the process.
Vanessa S.
Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling, MA
UMass Global equipped me not only with the academic knowledge I needed to succeed in my chosen field, but also with confidence, resilience, and purpose. I now stand ready to step fully into my work as a counselor, helping others navigate their own challenges and believe in the possibility of change. This program gave me the tools and support to turn my goals into reality, and for that, I will always be grateful.
Briana S.
MFT & PCC
An Online Education Built For You
Want More Information About Psychology and Counseling?
Explore career opportunities in these helping professions and discover a path that fits your future.
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UMass Global Ranked in Key Categories for Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report
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Skip to main content
MA in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling
Through a mix of online coursework and supervised in-person fieldwork, you’ll gain depth in both MFT and PCC competencies, helping you serve a wider range of client needs and settings.
Request Info
Prepare to Become a Practicing Therapist
Earn your Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) while expanding your career opportunities with a dual emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling (PCC). This flexible program helps you build strong clinical skills in diverse settings, so you can support individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan. Students completing this emphasis earn a single degree, the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, while building depth in both MFT and PCC competencies.
PCC Emphasis Add-on:
By completing just three additional courses, students may become eligible in some states to register as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC).
Help with Clinical Placement:
Students collaborate closely with our Clinical Support Team to explore and secure approved practicum placement sites.
Choose Your Work Setting:
A master’s focused on clinical mental health counseling positions you to work in a variety of settings: county and community mental health clinics, foster care agencies, child welfare systems, court mediation, school counseling, or private practice.
At a Glance
Online
69
Credits
$750/Credit
Help me estimate my cost
Next Start Date
Summer I (May 4, 2026)
Program Benefits that Benefit You.
Finish Faster
Transfer up to 12 semester or 18 quarter credits of relevant coursework, saving you money and moving you more quickly through course requirements.
A Mix of Coursework and Counseling
Coursework is 100% online and paired with 400 supervised, in-person practicum hours and capstone case studies.
Dual Licensure Advantage
Dual licensure may give you a competitive edge when seeking a new job or promotion. Stand out in the job market.
Career Outlook for
MA in Marriage/Family Therapy (Marriage/Family Therapy/PCC)
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary
2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Data source: Lightcast™ 2026
www.lightcast.io
The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics
data
licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts
Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when
actual
data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.
Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any
program
Courses You Might Take
PSYU 545
Transition to Work and Career
3 Credits
Transition to Work and Career
PSYU 545
|
3 Credits
This course is designed to provide an understanding of theories and models of career development. The course also addresses special issues concerning legal and ethical standards in career development, multicultural issues and the role of assessment in career counseling. Students will learn how to apply methods of career counseling and interventions through the use of clinical cases and within their own career development process.
MFT 542
Community and Environmental Mental Health
3 Credits
Community and Environmental Mental Health
MFT 542
|
3 Credits
The primary focus of this course is on the accessibility of mental health services by underserved populations and disenfranchised communities. Students will be exposed to community mental health agencies' general framework and the services provided, such as multidisciplinary care, case management, therapeutic services, and inpatient and outpatient care. Students will explore challenges specifically related to mental health disorders within diverse populations. In addition, environmental stressors and their negative impacts on mental health will be reviewed. Students will be introduced to interventions that model best practices, such as the recovery paradigm of treatment, which is relevant across the domain of community mental health.
PSYU 539
Crisis and Trauma Counseling
3 Credits
Crisis and Trauma Counseling
PSYU 539
|
3 Credits
This course will address various issues related to crisis and trauma counseling. The effect of trauma on individuals will be analyzed. Crisis theory and responses to crises, emergencies, and disasters will also be discussed. Students will learn assessment and intervention strategies, and multidisciplinary approaches to assisting clients, including those with pre-existing or co-occurring psychological disorders, during times of crisis, emergency, or disaster.
MFT 524
Clinical Issues in Human Diversity
3 Credits
Clinical Issues in Human Diversity
MFT 524
|
3 Credits
An advanced therapy course with the study of multicultural counseling, emphasizing respect for the diversity of human beings, particularly in matters of race/ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, disability, and more. This course analyzes the cultural constructions of mental health along with barriers to systemic/relational counseling services by non-majority groups. It seeks to deconstruct the sociohistorical implications of power, privilege, and oppression. Students will be challenged to consider their unique social location identity with the deliberate exploration of intersectionality aimed at increasing student competence in anti-racist practices.
MFT 502
History and Foundations of Therapeutic Practices
3 Credits
History and Foundations of Therapeutic Practices
MFT 502
|
3 Credits
In this course, students will explore the history of therapeutic practices and the conceptual foundation of systems therapy. Through a critical lens, students will examine the stages of therapy and the basic skills required of therapists. In addition, they will demonstrate the acquired knowledge of applying clinical decisions to clinical situations.
MFT 516
Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse
3 Credits
Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse
MFT 516
|
3 Credits
An overview of current theoretical and clinical approaches to the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse and other addictive disorders. Students review current research and program design from a clinical perspective with the goal of increasing clinical skills in assessing and treating addictive disorders with individuals and/or families. Students address their own internal biases when working with this population group. Students also address ethical and cultural considerations when working with this population.
What is it like going to UMass Global?
Instructor-Led, Session-Based
This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed — no penalty. Courses include structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and coach interaction, making it ideal for one-on-one coaching support.
Personalized Support Services
UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.
Employer-Aligned Curriculum
At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.
Instructor-Led, Session-Based
This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed — no penalty. Courses include structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and coach interaction, making it ideal for one-on-one coaching support.
Personalized Support Services
UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.
Employer-Aligned Curriculum
At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.
Our Faculty
All Faculty
Dr. Nakisha Castillo, DMFT
Clinical Director, Associate Professor of Psychology
Dr. Nakisha Castillo DMFT
Melani Kovarkizi-Natneil, PsyD
Assistant Clinical Director, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Melani Kovarkizi-Natneil PsyD
Sara Lee, PsyD
Assistant Clinical Director, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Sara Lee PsyD
Martha Morgan, PhD
Assistant Clinical Director, Associate Professor of Psychology
Martha Morgan PhD
Dominique Vedrine, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Assistant Clinical Director
Dominique Vedrine PhD
Marnie Elam, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Psychology
Marnie Elam PhD
Sofia Georgiadou, PhD
Associate Professor in Psychology
Sofia Georgiadou PhD
Frank Weber, PhD
Professor of Psychology
Frank Weber PhD
Jenny Good, PsyD
Associate Professor of Psychology
Jenny Good PsyD
Vanessa Holtgrave, PsyD
Associate Professor of Psychology
Vanessa Holtgrave PsyD
Karina Bravo, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Karina Bravo PhD
Jennifer Hayes, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Jennifer Hayes PhD
Aaron Maleare, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Aaron Maleare PhD
Admission Requirements
Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:
Completed application
Autobiographical Essay
Signed Ethical and Responsibility Statement form
Acknowledgment of Program Handbook and Clinical Handbook receipt
Acknowledgment of Licensure Limitation Policy
2.75 grade point average (GPA)
Official transcripts from the accredited institution where you earned your highest degree
Residency Restrictions
This program meets the requirements for licensure in
most states
. Contact a University Enrollment Coach for additional details.
No Grad Level Exams Required
This Master’s degree program does not require applicants to take costly exams like the GRE. Why? We value your professional and life experience, and you should get credit for what you already know.
Program Resources
MFT Program Handbook
PCC Program Handbook
MFT Clinical Handbook
MFT Program Licensure Limitations Acknowledgment Form
MFT Student Achievement Data
MFT Program Details
Student, Faculty & Clinical Supervisor Demographics
Outcome Based Education Framework
WASC Senior College and University Commission
University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Calculate Time and Cost
Ready to pursue your master's degree?
Request Info
Apply
(800) 746-0082
Frequently Asked Questions
General
Professional Clinical Counseling (PCC) focuses on clinical mental health counseling for individuals and groups across a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues. Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) centers more on relationships, family systems, and how interpersonal dynamics affect mental health. PCC training emphasizes assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning that considers cultural, environmental, and systemic factors for diverse clients. MFT training emphasizes systems thinking, helping couples and families navigate communication, conflict, and life transitions.
Marriage and Family Therapy
As a
licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT)
, you can help couples and families identify the conflicts and issues affecting their relationships and then develop strategies to enable them to work through and overcome those problems.
A Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is the graduate degree required before a person can move on to earn licensure and become an LMFT. Prior to earning an MFT degree, the student would first need to earn a bachelor’s degree. Two logical choices that would suit a future career in marriage and family therapy would be a
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
or a
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
.
Of course, the most common career for a person with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is to become a therapist. That role is discussed on the program page above.
But an MFT degree can open doors to a variety of career options beyond being a marriage and family therapist. Here are a few different options:
School counselor
— Counselors work with students on classroom behavior, academic performance, and other areas such as anxiety. They can also provide career guidance. The span of the role can vary depending on the size of the school and the school district.
Residential counselor
— Residential counselors provide counseling to adult residents with mental health issues within healthcare facilities or community-based institutions.
Case manager
— Case managers are the facilitators between patients and health care providers, coordinating mental, physical, or emotional support and healthcare for patients. Assessing patient needs is an important component of this job.
Health educator
— The role of a health educator is to help clients understand how to live healthier, happier lives. Health educators may work on their own or they can work within school systems, healthcare facilities, or rehabilitation facilities. In government positions, health educators can create educational campaigns intended to boost public health.
Clinical director
— This role is a supervisory one tasked with leading a particular department in settings such as hospitals. In smaller facilities, clinical directors may coordinate and manage the entire facility.
The path is not set in stone, but becoming a marriage and family therapist typically involves these four steps:
Education —
Most states require a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. But there is some leeway here, as some programs in mental health fields that focus on family therapy may also satisfy the educational component.
Supervised clinical experience —
After earning a master’s degree, a person must complete a specified number of supervised clinical hours working with clients. These hours, typically under the supervision of a licensed therapist, are in addition to the practicum hours earned with the master’s degree.
Licensing exam —
To demonstrate knowledge appropriate for a marriage and family therapist, states require you to pass a state-administered licensing exam. This exam covers topics such as assessment, diagnosing, systemic therapy, and hypothesizing. For instance, the California MFT Clinical Exam involves 150 questions and has a four-hour time limit. These exams are not uniform across every state.
Continuing education —
Once a person has gained licensure, most states require continuing education to stay up to date with the latest treatment/therapy approaches. To maintain your license as a marriage and family therapist, you must provide verification of completion of your required continuing education.
There are two aspects to in-person practice involved when a person wants to become a marriage and family therapist. First, there is the practicum requirement, which is part of the master’s degree curriculum. At UMass Global, MFT students must complete 400 hours of hands-on experience in their six practicum courses. Of these 400 hours, 300 will be spent in direct client contact and the remaining 100 hours are spent in supervision of others providing therapy. The direct client contact hours require 100 hours spent with couples and family client units. The remaining 200 hours may be individual or relational hours.
Once you earn your MFT degree, prior to sitting for your licensing exam, you now need to accumulate a certain amount of supervised clinical experience. For most states, (including California) this number is 3,000 hours. This takes two years in most cases. In these sessions, you work with clients while receiving supervision from a licensed therapist.
Mental Health Therapy
Many communities face shortages of licensed mental health professionals, and demand for counseling services continues to grow nationwide. The program positions graduates to help address these needs by training them to provide high-quality, culturally responsive care.
Testimonials
Someone considering their degree, definitely go for it. Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it’s easy. I think one of my biggest challenges during my degree was doing it all throughout COVID, but I had a really good support system. The ups and downs is kind of what helps you out throughout the process.
Vanessa S.
Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling, MA
UMass Global equipped me not only with the academic knowledge I needed to succeed in my chosen field, but also with confidence, resilience, and purpose. I now stand ready to step fully into my work as a counselor, helping others navigate their own challenges and believe in the possibility of change. This program gave me the tools and support to turn my goals into reality, and for that, I will always be grateful.
Briana S.
MFT & PCC
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