Best MFT Programs in Ohio Online

Marriage and family therapy (MFT) is one of the largest and broadest specializations within the mental health field, but it’s also one of the most in-demand practices. This couldn’t be more representative than in the State of Ohio, where the vast rural landscape, in combination with the diverse needs of its metropolitan areas, presents a unique opportunity for individuals looking to practice in the state. To start your career as a marriage and family therapist, check out the sections below to learn the educational requirements as well as the steps you’ll need to complete to become licensed in the state.

What is an MFT Degree?

All individuals who want to pursue a career in marriage and family therapy will need to complete an MFT degree. These programs train students on a variety of therapeutic methods to help couples, families, and individual patients how to navigate difficult challenges that apply to their demographic. This includes:

• Abuse or violence
• Trauma
• Communication
• Setting boundaries
• Parenting

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

Regardless of what MFT program you choose, it’s important that the program is accredited. If it’s not, you won’t be eligible for licensure upon graduation. The main accrediting bodies for MFT degree programs are the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and CACREP. If your program is accredited by one of these two accrediting bodies, it means that the state board has approved its curriculum.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Ohio?

Definitely! There are several opportunities for students to get their MFT degree through online learning, though due to the clinical aspects of the field, you will still need to commit between 500 and 1,000 in-person clinical hour requirements before you are able to graduate. This means that you will likely need to be physically able to fulfill these clinical hours close to your university’s campus. All programs mentioned in this guide (besides Wright State University’s) offer at least a few of their classes and the ability to complete coursework online.

MFT Degree Levels

There are a few different levels of MFT degrees available to students based on their educational and professional goals. Master’s degrees are usually the most common amongst marriage and family therapy students because it’s the quickest (and usually most affordable) option for getting licensed. Students who want to pursue advanced marriage and family careers can seek out MFT doctorate degrees. If you simply want to learn more about marriage and family therapy without worrying about licensure, or if you’re licensed already, MFT graduate certificates are also a valuable option.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

Some MFT degree programs rely on GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores to determine a candidate’s eligibility for the program, while others make their decisions based on grades, academic merit, experience, and other factors. The latter is typically more common, but you can make sure by checking your program’s admissions page.

Master's Degree in MFT

As mentioned, MFT master’s degrees are the fastest option, and often the most affordable. They take about two years to complete and usually require taking on 60 credits, each credit costing around $38,153 in tuition in Ohio. Ohio has many great MFT master’s degrees to choose from:

Ohio State University: The Master of Human Development and Family Science, Couple and Family Therapy offered by Ohio State University is a great example of what the State of Ohio can offer students looking to enter this exciting field. This program requires 60 credit hours and over 500 clinical hours to be completed at the university’s on-campus Couple and Family Clinic, where students can learn firsthand about the populations they’ll be serving.

University of Akron: The University of Akron offers a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, which is perfect for students looking for a little flexibility in their schedule. This program offers a hybrid option with multiple courses being offered completely online. The program’s 500 clinical hour requirements will be conducted in the university’s Clinic for Individual and Family Counseling.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

MFT graduate certificates are one-year non-degree options for students who are not seeking licensure, or who have already obtained licensure through a clinical mental health master’s degree program. The programs are specifically for students who are already enrolled in a master’s degree program or have already graduated from one. On average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $1,000 and $1,500 for your entire MFT graduate certificate. There is currently one MFT graduate certificate option located in Ohio:

Wright State University: This graduate certificate program, located in Dayton, OH, offers a Marriage and Family Counseling Certificate to students looking for a specialized focus in family, couple, individual, and group therapy with marriage and family counseling. To apply to Wright State University’s program, you will need to have graduated from or be currently enrolled in a clinical psychology degree program.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

If you’re hoping to seek advanced roles within the marriage and family therapy field, you may want to consider investing in an MFT doctorate degree program. There are two different types you can choose from – a PsyD, which is typically geared towards clinical practice, and a Ph.D., which is perfect for students wanting to teach or work in research. Both types run an average of $46,588 and last between four and eight years. Here are a few options in Ohio:

Ohio State University: The Marriage and Family Therapy Doctoral Degree offered by Ohio State University is highly focused on the research and theory aspects of marriage and family therapy for students who are looking to pursue these types of careers. The highly advanced curriculum and in-person clinical training equip students with all of the necessary academic gems needed to stand out in the professional field of marriage and family therapy.

University of Akron: The University of Akron offers a comprehensive and unique Doctoral Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy (MFCT) Track in Counselor Education and Supervision program, perfect for students looking to enter the specific fields of medical family therapy or marriage and family therapy education. The program offers challenging coursework along with a 1,000 supervised clinical hour requirement.

Becoming an LMFT in Ohio

The final step to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist is to become licensed, of course! There are several steps you’ll need to take before you will be eligible to obtain licensure in Ohio. Here’s what you’ll need to know:

• Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. The program should meet the educational requirements set forth by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT).
• Supervised Experience: Complete supervised clinical experience. In Ohio, you typically need to accumulate 1.500 hours of post-master’s supervised experience, including at least 200 hours of direct client contact. This experience must be completed under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional, with at least 100 hours of supervision.
• Examination: Pass the National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). This exam assesses your knowledge of marriage and family therapy principles and practices.
• Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Ohio CSWMFT Board. This includes providing transcripts, verification of supervised experience, exam scores, and any other required documentation. You’ll also need to pay the application fee.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process.
• Jurisprudence Exam: The state board will require you to pass a jurisprudence exam, which tests your knowledge of the laws and regulations governing marriage and family therapy in Ohio. The test can be taken online.
• Continuing Education: Once licensed, you’ll need to fulfill 30 hours of continuing education every two years to retain your license.

List of MFT Degree Programs in Ohio

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