Marriage and Family Counseling Program Guide

What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Marriage And Family Counseling Program?

Also referred to as a master’s in family therapy, the online master’s in marriage and family counseling prepares an individual to help couples and families with interpersonal issues. As a student seeking an online degree, you can expect the same types of classes and course load that you would expect in an on-campus degree program. Obtaining your degree online provides flexibility and makes it easier to balance work, school and personal time, so you can finish your degree in your own time. Because all programs are different, it’s important to look around and find the program that aligns with your personal career goals.

Concentrations Offered for an Online Master’s in Marriage And Family Counseling

Curriculum for an Online Master’s in Marriage And Family Counseling

Choosing the best curriculum for an online master’s degree in marriage and family counseling requires research and preparation. Each college and university offers something different for everyone. Read through the course description and compare it with your career goals and objections. Get a clear understanding of what the program entails. Some programs require you to take labs and other specific classes on-campus with the majority of the coursework online, while others are completely online. Also, you should expect to do some field work or an internship.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in Marriage And Family Counseling?

An online master’s degree in marriage and family therapy takes between two to three years to complete, depending on whether an individual takes a full-time or a part-time course load. Part-time students typically take one class at a time in the master’s program, while full-time students take two classes per semester. The time of completion also depends on whether you take self-paced classes or sign up for cohort classes. With cohort classes, a group of students enters the program at the same time, take the same class schedule and matriculate together. Self-paced classes allow you to pick and choose what classes you want to take and when you want to take them, which allows you to finish faster. Students can expect to complete 48 to 60 hours of classwork and a number of fieldwork hours.

Certifications and Licenses an Online Master’s in Marriage And Family Counseling Prepares For

All marriage and family counselors are held to strict licensure requirements because they are considered mental health specialists who treat and diagnose mental health and psychotherapy disorders. Licensure varies from state to state, but these individuals must complete a master’s degree and log between 2,000 and 4,000 training hours under a licensed therapist. Every state requires counselors to pass an exam and continuing education credits are required to maintain their credentials. The Association of Marriage and Family Therapy regulatory board oversees licensing requirements across the United States.

Accreditation for Online Master’s in Marriage And Family Counseling

Both the master’s and the doctorate in marriage and family counseling and therapy programs require accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Earning a degree from a dual-accredited program helps facilitate career and academic progression and ensures students receive a quality education that meets or exceeds industry standards.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Marriage And Family Counseling Graduates

Job Placement: Master’s v. Bachelor’s

All licensed professional counseling jobs require at least a master’s degree in marriage and family counseling. There are some entry-level positions for those with a bachelor’s, including social work, human service workers, life-skills instructors and case management assistance. A master’s degree opens a wide variety of doors in professional counseling and the business world. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth across all levels of counselors is around 3 percent, but advanced degrees tend to offer higher salaries and create more opportunities for advancement.

Expected Salary

In addition to opened career pathways, an online master’s in marriage and family counseling provides increased salaries in comparison to counseling assistants and human service workers.

For those looking for areas with the highest concentrations of marriage and family counselors, there are a variety of metropolitan areas to choose from. Consider the salaries in these top locations.

Below is a map of mean wages nationwide for marriage and family therapists.

Career Opportunities

Professional students who complete an online master’s degree in marriage and family counseling are qualified for a wide variety of career positions. Eligibility for the position depends on the state and the industry, which includes substance abuse centers, health care centers, hospitals and schools. Consider some of the following career opportunities.

Professional Organizations

Professional memberships provide a wealth of benefits, including educational opportunities, networking and subscriptions to national industry journals. Many organizations offer annual conferences to help you keep up with changes in technology and standards. Some of the top organizations for those majoring in marriage and family counseling include:

American Counseling Association (ACA): This is the world’s largest organization representing professional counselors across a variety of concentrations. The organization offers continuing education, career advancement help, networking connections and advocates for the industry.

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT): The AAMFT exists solely to advance the practice and profession of marriage and family therapy. It offers a variety of online classes and host an annual conference at the end of August.

International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (IAMFC): This organization is a division of the American Counseling Association. It promotes excellence in the practice of family and couples counseling. The organization hands out media and publications provide a forum for exploring diverse family issues and encourages other counselors to advocate for all families.

National Employment Counseling Association (NECA): The NECA is an organization dedicated to helping individuals find employment in the field of counseling. It offers professional development and national, state and local advocacy.

Financing Your Online Master’s in Marriage And Family Counseling

Earning an online master’s degree is typically cheaper than earning that same degree in traditional on-campus study. Expenses associated with travel, for instance, are eliminated when participating in a distance learning program. Despite it costing less overall, many students still need financial aid to help them pay for the cost of their master’s degree.

It can be confusing to navigate all of the different financial aid options available, but a good place to start is with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Filling it out and submitting it provides you with information about grants, scholarships, loans and other forms of financial aid available to you through the federal government.

Many nonprofit organizations, private companies and even individual schools offer their own scholarships and grants. Be sure to investigate the programs you’re interested in to find out whether you qualify to apply for any scholarships.

Resources

Scholarships