Best MFT Programs in New Jersey Online

The mental health landscape in New Jersey is in desperate need of clinical resources. Among the various mental health professionals needed in the state, there’s a special need for marriage and family therapists (MFTs) – clinical practitioners who specialize in the study of relationships and family dynamics and developing methods to navigate the challenges that come in this field.

Becoming a marriage and family therapist involves a dedicated educational pathway followed by licensure. If you’re interested in entering a marriage and family therapy career in New Jersey, we’ll guide you through the steps below.

What is an MFT Degree?

A marriage and family therapy degree is exactly what it sounds like—a degree that teaches methods and theory for identifying and treating common challenges that families and couples face. These challenges could range from parenting tips to grieving the loss of a family member. MFT degrees give context to students who want to become counselors, psychologists, and therapists who want to specialize in this popular and exciting field.

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

In the sections below, we’ve outlined these degrees, their cost, their length, and other pieces of information that can be helpful during your search. As you begin the application process, remember to always check for accreditation. Accreditation ensures that your program will meet the minimum standards of the state board and enable you to receive licensure. To make sure that your program is accredited, look for a stamp of approval from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or CACREP.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in New Jersey?

While New Jersey does not currently offer online MFT degree programs in the state, that doesn’t limit your ability to receive an MFT education online. Due to the clinical requirements associated with MFT degree programs, online MFT degree programs are usually offered in a hybrid format, which allows you to complete your coursework and take classes online while also fulfilling your supervised hours in person. This is important to be aware of as you will likely need to be at least driving distance from the campus in which your program is based if the program doesn’t offer the option to complete your clinical hours in a community near you.

Additionally, if you decide to enroll in an online MFT degree program in another state, you’ll have to transfer your licensure to New Jersey upon graduation. Here are a few online MFT degree options you may be interested in:

Syracuse University: In addition to the MFT Ph.D. program offered by Syracuse University, they also offer an online MFT master’s degree program which allows students to complete the 500 in-person supervised hours in a community near them. The remainder of the part-time 60-hour program can be completed online from home or anywhere with internet access.

Manhattan College: If you’re located in the New York City area, Manhattan College’s hybrid Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy is a great option for flexible learning. Students can complete most of their coursework online and their 500 hours of supervised practice in person. Another great aspect is that you aren’t required to have a background in psychology to enroll, which is perfect for students who decide to switch careers later in their educational trajectory.

MFT Degree Levels

There are many levels of MFT degrees, but the most common by far are graduate degrees. Master’s degrees and doctorate degrees in marriage and family therapy allow students to become licensed and provide in-depth background and training in the field. For students who are already licensed mental health professionals, graduate certificates serve as a quick and easy way for students to learn and adapt to common MFT methods in their respective fields.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

It depends on the program. Some schools require that students complete a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) to showcase their academic ability before enrollment, but other schools have moved away from this requirement, instead focusing on other aspects of the students academic background such as essays, transcripts, and personal statements.

Master's Degree in MFT

To get licensed, you’ll need at least an MFT master’s degree. These programs take two years to complete and cost about $400 to $800 per credit, with an average of 60 required credits. There will also be several hundred clinical hours required to graduate. To enroll in an MFT master’s degree program, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. There is currently one MFT master’s degree program available in New Jersey:

Kean University: The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy degree program offered by Kean University offers an integrative and comprehensive program that covers a variety of important topics, including human development, abnormal psychology, and psychopathology. Unlike other types of MFT master’s degree programs, Kean University’s 57-credit program not only offers a track to clinical licensure, it also provides training in research-based careers for students who want to get their Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

MFT graduate certificates, though not degrees, offer a great option for students who want to learn more about marriage and family therapy without the pressure of in-person clinicals (though some programs also provide this opportunity). MFT graduate certificate programs are usually geared toward those who already have licensure or want to pursue careers that don’t require licensure. They typically only take one year to complete and cost between $1,000 and $1,500. You’ll need to graduate from a clinical mental health graduate degree program to apply. Currently, no MFT graduate certificate options are available in-state, but you can find these programs online or in nearby states. Here are a few programs to consider:

Long Island University: As discussed, MFT graduate certificates do not typically lead to licensure on their own, but the Advanced Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Long Island University does. This program is longer and more comprehensive than a typical MFT graduate certificate, with 57 required credit hours and 1,500 supervised clinical hours.

The Council For Relationships: If you have a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy or other related field, you will likely be eligible to further specialize in one of three MFT tracks (clergy track, clinical track, or sex therapy track) through The Council for Relationships’ Marriage and Family Therapy Postgraduate Certificate, based in Philadelphia.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

Students looking to spend more time on their education and seek advanced marriage and family therapy careers can invest in an MFT doctorate degree. Typically, two types of doctorate degree programs are available in marriage and family therapy. The first is a Ph.D., which is geared towards students who want to engage in research-based roles. The second is a PsyD, which is more focused on clinical-based practice. Both types of degrees last between 4 and 8 years and cost between $30,000 and $300,000. While no MFT doctorate degree programs are offered in New Jersey, there are options in nearby states and online. Here are a few to consider:

Syracuse University: This 72-credit Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy is perfect for New Jersey residents who are looking to specialize in MFT research and theory. Syracuse University offers one of the longest-standing MFT departments in the country and pledges a special commitment to incorporating LGBTQ, racial diversity, and cultural context into its Ph.D. program. If you have already obtained your MFT master’s degree, Syracuse University allows you to transfer up to 33 credits to their Ph.D. program.

Drexel University: If you want to focus your doctorate on helping couples and families work through challenging issues through science-based, qualitative methods, Drexel University has a fantastic PhD in Couples and Family Therapy program. This degree is mostly research-focused; however, there will be plenty of opportunities for clinical experience. You can access this program in person at Drexel University’s Philadelphia campus, or you can take advantage of their online learning option.

Becoming an LMFT in New Jersey

The final step to becoming an MFT in New Jersey is to seek licensure. There are a set of milestones you’ll need to meet to make this happen. Here’s what you need to know:

• Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from an accredited institution. Ensure your program meets the specific coursework requirements set by the New Jersey Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners.
• Supervised Experience: Complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours. New Jersey has one of the most rigorous supervised experience requirements and involves accruing 4,500 hours of supervised experience post-master’s degree, with at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact.
• Examination: Pass the national examination for marriage and family therapists. In the United States, this is usually the Examination in Marital and Family Therapy, administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
• Apply for Licensure: Submit an application for licensure to the New Jersey Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners. This typically includes providing transcripts, proof of supervised experience, examination scores, and any other required documentation.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
• Continuing Education: Upon licensure, you’ll need to fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain your license — 40 continuing education hours every two years.

List of MFT Degree Programs in New Jersey

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