What you’ll learn in this article…
- Vermont has no in-state COAMFTE accredited MFT master's programs.
- Licensure requires 3,700 supervised clinical hours and a national exam.
- Vermont MFTs earn roughly $2,500 above the national median salary.
Marriage and family therapy master's programs prepare graduates for licensure as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, but Vermont students confront a singular reality: no COAMFTE-accredited programs exist inside the state. COAMFTE accreditation is the field's gold standard and is required by Vermont's licensure board for the educational component. Fully online, accredited programs from schools across the country accept Vermont residents and let them complete coursework remotely while arranging clinical practicums near where they live.
That frees students to stay rooted in their communities and accumulate the 3,700 supervised hours Vermont requires for licensure without uprooting. With 15 active mental health shortage areas across the state, demand for LMFTs remains high enough that new licensees can expect competitive salaries even as they build their caseloads.
Why Vermont Students Need Online MFT Programs
Relocating out of state versus studying online from home: that is the choice facing nearly every Vermont student who wants to earn a master's in marriage and family therapy. Understanding why comes down to three realities about the state's educational landscape, workforce needs, and regulatory framework.
No In-State COAMFTE-Accredited Programs
A search of the COAMFTE accreditation directory reveals that Vermont has zero COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs physically located within the state. For students who want the credential most licensing boards recognize as the gold standard, the only realistic path is enrolling in an accredited program offered online by an institution based elsewhere. This gap is not new, but it remains a significant barrier for aspiring therapists who would prefer a local campus experience.
A State That Needs More Licensed Therapists
Vermont's largely rural geography creates persistent challenges for mental health access. Many communities lack adequate behavioral health providers, and the demand for licensed marriage and family therapists continues to grow as telehealth expands the reach of clinical services into underserved areas. Training more MFTs who already live in the state, and who are likely to practice there after graduation, is one practical way to address these workforce gaps.
How SARA Governs Online Enrollment
Not every online program can legally enroll Vermont residents. Eligibility depends on the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, commonly known as SARA. Vermont joined SARA in April 2015, with the Vermont Agency of Education serving as the state portal entity. Under SARA, an out-of-state institution may enroll Vermont students in its online programs only if the school itself is a current SARA participant.1 That status is institution-specific, meaning you need to verify each school individually through the NC-SARA participant directory rather than assuming a program qualifies based on name recognition alone. The institution must also be degree-granting and accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor whose scope covers distance education.1
Completing Coursework and Clinical Hours Locally
Online MFT programs allow Vermont students to complete didactic coursework from anywhere in the state. Clinical practicum and internship hours can often be arranged at local agencies, private practices, or community mental health centers, keeping students rooted in the communities they plan to serve. This structure is especially valuable in a state where relocating for graduate school may mean leaving behind professional networks, family support, and the very population you intend to help after licensure.
Best Fully Online MFT Programs for Vermont Students
Vermont has no in-state COAMFTE-accredited marriage and family therapy programs, so students here need fully online options that can be completed from anywhere and that support clinical training close to home. The programs below are ordered by a composite quality score incorporating tuition, graduation rates, and graduate outcomes, with a preference for 100% online delivery, meaning programs requiring campus residencies rank lower. Because program-level graduation data is not published, institution-wide graduation rates are used as a proxy for student success.
Details
- Internal program database
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Independent program research
Northwestern University
Northwestern's fully online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a natural fit for Vermont students: dedicated placement specialists help learners secure supervised clinical sites in their home communities, a critical advantage in a state with no in-state MFT program. The COAMFTE-accredited curriculum spans 25 graduate-level courses with live online sessions capped at 15 students, includes 400 hours of clinical fieldwork, and requires no GRE. Most students finish in 21 to 36 months, with published out-of-state tuition around $68,000 per year and an institution-wide graduation rate of roughly 95%.
- Fully online with live weekly class sessions
- COAMFTE-accredited marriage and family therapy program
- No GRE required for admission
- 400 hours of supervised clinical fieldwork
- 25 graduate-level courses in the curriculum
- Classes capped at 15 students
- Placement specialists support home-community sites
- Complete in 21 to 36 months
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
National University
National University stands out because its online MFT students can complete clinical practicum and internship hours at approved sites within Vermont, including placements in areas such as Burlington and Montpelier. The post-baccalaureate certificate is 100% online with no residency requirement, spans 12 credits, and takes about 10 months, with specializations in child and adolescent family therapy, couple therapy, and LGBTQ family therapy. Note that this is a certificate rather than a master's degree, so check it against Vermont's licensure education requirements. Published out-of-state tuition is about $13,300 per year, and the institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 43%.
- 100% online with no physical residency required
- 12 credit hours across 4 to 6 courses
- 10-month completion timeline
- New course starts every week
- Aligns with state MFT licensure requirements
- Transferable course credits
- Child and adolescent family therapy emphasis
- Potential dual licensure path
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy: Child and Adolescent Family Therapy — Online
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy: Couple Therapy — Online
Touro University Worldwide
Touro University Worldwide offers one of the most affordable fully online MFT master's options for Vermont students: tuition is locked at $525 per credit, or about $37,800 for the full 72-credit degree. The program follows a scientist-practitioner model in 8-week terms, with clinical, licensed professional clinical counseling, and non-clinical tracks. The COAMFTE-accredited clinical track includes six practicum courses and 300 supervised client contact hours. The institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 29%.
- COAMFTE-accredited clinical track available
- $525 per credit with locked tuition rate
- 72 total credit hours, 24 courses
- 100% online in 8-week terms
- No entrance exam required
- 300 supervised client contact hours
- Three concentration options
- Transfer up to 12 credits
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
University of Southern California
USC's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a rigorous, cohort-based program completed in 24 months, with 60 units of coursework and supervised fieldwork. The university reports a 98% alumni career effectiveness rate and a 92% clinical exam pass rate, and scholarships from $15,000 to $30,000 offset the $2,354 per unit cost. The program lists both online and on-campus options, so confirm the online path works for your Vermont location. Published out-of-state tuition is about $72,000 per year, and the institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 92%.
- Full-time cohort completed in 24 months
- 60 total program units
- $2,354 per unit tuition
- Scholarships from $15,000 to $30,000
- 98% alumni career effectiveness rate
- 92% clinical exam pass rate
- Online and on-campus options
- Prepares for California MFT licensure
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
Syracuse University
Syracuse University's online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a part-time, cohort-based program built for working professionals, with live evening classes and an optional in-person Syracuse residency. The 60-credit curriculum takes three years and includes a 500-hour clinical practicum completed in students' local communities. Every admitted student receives a 40% tuition scholarship off published out-of-state tuition of about $65,500 per year, and the institution-wide graduation rate of roughly 84% is among the highest in this ranking.
- Part-time, three-year cohort model
- Live synchronous evening classes
- 60-credit curriculum
- 500-hour clinical practicum in local community
- COAMFTE-accredited program
- 40% tuition scholarship for admitted students
- Child therapy and trauma-informed concentrations
- Optional Syracuse residency
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited, Christ-centered program with 60 credit hours and completion in as little as 33 months. Students can choose concentrations in child and adolescent therapy, medical family therapy, treatment of trauma, or therapy with military families, and the curriculum includes a 12-month internship with more than 100 supervision hours. Tuition is $799 per credit hour, with published out-of-state tuition and fees around $44,200 per year. The institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 59%.
- COAMFTE-accredited online program
- 60 credit hours, 33 months minimum
- $799 per credit hour
- Internship with 100-plus supervision hours
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- Christ-centered approach to therapy
- Multiple start dates each year
- Child and adolescent therapy concentration
- 12-month internship in the curriculum
- Medical family therapy and trauma treatment tracks
- $200 resource fee per term
- Therapy with military families concentration
- Coursework includes trauma and family theory
- Capstone project and case study required
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy: Child and Adolescent Therapy — Online
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy: Medical Family Therapy Treatment of Trauma — Online
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy: Therapy with Military Families — Online
University of Massachusetts Global
University of Massachusetts Global offers a flexible online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at $730 per credit, with no GRE requirement and a completion timeline of about 2.5 years. The 60-credit curriculum includes 400 clinical practicum hours, six practicum courses, and community agency placements with practicum support. Graduates are prepared for licensure across multiple states. Published out-of-state tuition is about $12,500 per year, and the institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 43%.
- 60 credit hours, about 2.5 years
- 400 clinical practicum hours required
- $730 per credit tuition
- No GRE required
- Six practicum courses included
- 2.75 minimum GPA
- Community agency placements supported
- 69 credits for combined MFT and PCC track
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- Transfer up to 12 credits
- Covers couples therapy and substance abuse assessment
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy: Combined Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling — Online
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University's online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy is a CACREP-accredited, family-systems-focused program covering counseling theories, ethics, substance use disorders, and specialized MFT coursework across 74 credits. Students complete 700 or more supervised field hours through practicum and internships, with the program running in 8-week online terms at $600 per credit. The caveat: GCU's curriculum is designed for Arizona LAC and LPC licensure rather than marriage and family therapist licensure, so Vermont students pursuing LMFT credentials should verify how this degree transfers. Published out-of-state tuition is about $17,900 per year, and the institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 43%.
- CACREP-accredited program
- 74 total credits
- $600 per credit
- 700-plus supervised field hours
- Online 8-week course terms
- Prepares for LAC and LPC licensure
- Emphasis in marriage and family therapy
- Supervised internship and practicum included
- Curriculum aligned with NBCC standards
- Online program delivery
- Family systems theory focus
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
Master of Science in Professional Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
Capella University
Capella University offers a COAMFTE-accredited online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at $512 per credit, with an estimated total cost of $36,864 to $46,080 depending on transfer credits. The 72-quarter-credit curriculum includes 14 core courses, a practicum, and four internship courses supervised by AAMFT-approved supervisors, but it requires two in-person residencies, so it is not a fully online option. No GRE or application fee is required, and up to 16 credits can transfer. The institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 20%.
- COAMFTE-accredited program
- 72 quarter credits total
- $512 per credit
- Two in-person residencies required
- Four internship courses with AAMFT-approved supervisors
- No GRE or application fee required
- Transfer up to 16 credits
- GuidedPath weekly assignment format
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
Colorado Christian University
Colorado Christian University's Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration takes a Christ-centered approach, with 69 credit hours and completion in about 30 months. The CACREP-accredited program covers systemic therapy, interpersonal dynamics, and conflict resolution, but students must attend three in-person residencies, so it is not a fully online program. Up to 12 credits can transfer, and the program runs two courses per seven-week block. The institution-wide graduation rate is roughly 64%, and published out-of-state tuition is about $41,300 per year.
- CACREP-accredited program
- 69 total credit hours
- Complete in about 30 months
- Three in-person residencies required
- Christ-centered counseling approach
- Transfer up to 12 credits
- Two courses per seven-week block
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
What Online MFT Programs Cost: A Tuition Comparison
Because Vermont does not currently host an in-state MFT master's program, students will enroll in online programs based elsewhere and typically pay a single published tuition rate regardless of residency. Across the top online options available to Vermont students, annual published tuition ranges from roughly $9,000 to over $26,000, while the institution-wide average net price after financial aid (not program-specific) falls between about $17,956 and $27,061. Remember to budget for practicum and internship travel costs, which can add up if your approved clinical site is not close to home.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Is the program COAMFTE accredited?
Does the schedule fit your life as it is, not as you wish it were?
Can you actually secure a practicum site near home?
Is the school authorized to enroll students who live in Vermont?
How to Choose an Online MFT Program From Vermont
Choosing an online MFT program from Vermont involves more than comparing tuition, and while how to choose a counseling graduate program offers foundational advice, the format of instruction, how clinical hours get arranged, and whether the program can legally enroll you all matter. Here is what to weigh before you apply.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Format
Online MFT programs generally use one of two delivery styles, and some blend both:
- Asynchronous: Lectures, readings, and discussion boards are pre-recorded or self-paced. You log in when it fits your schedule. This is friendlier to working professionals but demands strong self-discipline.
- Synchronous: Classes meet at scheduled times over video, often weekly evenings. You get real-time discussion and role-play practice with faculty and peers, which many MFT programs prefer for clinical skill building.
Most COAMFTE-accredited online MFT programs use a hybrid model: asynchronous coursework paired with synchronous live sessions and occasional in-person residencies. Ask each program to spell out the ratio before you commit.
Practicum Placement in Vermont
For Vermont students in out-of-state online programs, the student typically finds the local practicum or internship site, and the program reviews and approves it.4 Because Vermont is rural, clinical placements are limited, community mental health agencies, private group practices, and school-based counseling programs are the most common options. Start outreach six to nine months before your practicum term.
Supervision at the site must satisfy both program and licensure standards. Vermont licensure ultimately requires 100 hours of supervision over 3,000 post-masters clinical hours1, with at least 50 hours individual, up to 50 group, all face-to-face, and no more than 30 practice hours per supervision hour.2 Programs typically require weekly supervision of mft trainees by an AAMFT Approved Supervisor at a 1:5 supervision to client-contact ratio during practicum.3 Confirm any prospective site has a qualifying supervisor before you sign on.
Accreditation and State Authorization
COAMFTE accreditation is the gold standard and, as covered in the licensure section, aligns with what Vermont's Office of Professional Regulation expects. Vermont is a SARA member state, which lets most out-of-state online programs enroll Vermont residents legally. If a program is not SARA-authorized or lacks Vermont approval, you may be unable to complete practicum in state or sit for licensure. Verify authorization on the program's website before applying.
Completion Timeline
Plan for two to three years full-time or three to four years part-time. Part-time pacing is often the realistic choice for working professionals, but it also stretches out tuition payments and delays licensure eligibility. Match the timeline to your finances and family bandwidth, not just the program's marketing brochure.
Related Articles
Vermont LMFT Licensure Requirements
Vermont requires a qualifying graduate degree, 3,700 total hours of supervised clinical experience, and a passing score on the national MFT exam before you can practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.1 The Vermont Office of Professional Regulation, under the Secretary of State, administers the license, and every step of the application is completed online.4
Education Requirements
Candidates need a graduate degree with at least 60 semester credits in marriage and family therapy coursework.1 A degree from a COAMFTE-accredited program clearly satisfies this standard, and it is the cleanest route because the coursework and internship are pre-vetted. Vermont rules also allow an "acceptable degree" from a non-accredited program if the transcript documents equivalent MFT coursework and a qualifying internship, but you will carry the burden of proving equivalence, so most applicants choose accredited programs to avoid delays.
The internship requirement is 700 supervised clinical hours, with at least 600 of those completed inside the graduate program.1 Building the bulk of your practicum into your degree is not optional in practice: it is how the rule is written.
Post-Degree Supervised Practice
After graduation, Vermont requires 3,000 hours of supervised practice, referred to as LMFT supervision hours, completed over a minimum of two years.1 This is where you transition from student clinician to a candidate developing an independent caseload under oversight. Supervisors should be appropriately credentialed mental health professionals in good standing; confirm current supervisor qualifications directly with the Office of Professional Regulation before you sign a supervision contract, since the specific standards are set by rule and updated periodically.
Examination
Vermont uses the national LMFT exam, administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).2 Most candidates prepare with commercial study guides and practice-exam banks; the AMFTRB publishes a content outline that should anchor your study plan.
Fees, Renewal, and Reciprocity
Application is submitted through the state's online licensing portal, and a non-refundable application fee applies. Licenses renew every two years, and you must complete 20 hours of continuing education during each two-year cycle to renew.3
If you are already licensed as an MFT in another state, Vermont evaluates endorsement applications case by case. You will typically need to document that your original license was based on requirements substantially equivalent to Vermont's, along with verification of good standing and any post-licensure clinical experience.
As of mid-2026, Vermont has 15 active mental health Health Professional Shortage Area designations, according to federal HRSA data. That level of shortage signals strong demand for licensed marriage and family therapists across the state, particularly in rural communities where access to behavioral health providers remains limited.
MFT Salary and Job Outlook in Vermont
Vermont marriage and family therapists earn a median annual salary that outpaces the national median by roughly $2,500, offering a competitive starting point for newly licensed clinicians in the state. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2023), approximately 110 MFTs were employed in Vermont. While the state's employment base is small, it reflects the broader reality of a rural New England market where demand for licensed mental health professionals, including MFTs, continues to grow as communities invest in expanded behavioral health access. Nationally, BLS projects above average growth for this occupation, and Vermont's higher than average median wage suggests that employers are willing to pay competitively to attract qualified therapists.
| Wage Measure | Vermont | National |
|---|---|---|
| Total Employment | 110 | 63,340 |
| Median Annual Wage | $61,060 | $58,510 |
| Mean Annual Wage | $66,260 | $68,730 |
| 25th Percentile Annual Wage | $55,310 | $45,250 |
| 75th Percentile Annual Wage | $72,360 | $78,440 |
| 10th Percentile Annual Wage | Not reported | $39,090 |
| 90th Percentile Annual Wage | Not reported | $104,710 |
Frequently Asked Questions About MFT Programs for Vermont Students
Choosing an MFT program from Vermont comes with unique considerations, from limited in-state options to specific licensure rules. Below are answers to the questions Vermont students ask most often, drawn from current state requirements and program data.
- Are there any MFT programs physically located in Vermont?
- As of 2026, no colleges or universities in Vermont offer a dedicated marriage and family therapy degree program. The University of Vermont1 and Vermont State University2 both have counseling programs in Vermont, but neither is an MFT track. Vermont students who want to pursue MFT training typically enroll in accredited online programs offered by institutions in other states, many of which accept students nationwide.
- Does Vermont require COAMFTE accreditation for LMFT licensure?
- No. Vermont does not mandate that your MFT degree come from a COAMFTE-accredited program.3 State statute allows graduates of regionally or nationally accredited institutions to qualify, provided the degree and coursework meet Board-approved standards. That said, choosing a COAMFTE-accredited program can simplify the credential-review process and may strengthen your application for licensure in other states as well.
- Can you complete an MFT degree fully online without any campus visits?
- Several COAMFTE-accredited programs, such as those at Touro University Worldwide4, are delivered 100% online with no required campus visits. However, policies vary by school. Some programs include brief on-campus intensives or residency weekends. Always verify a program's in-person requirements before enrolling, especially if travel to an out-of-state campus would be a barrier.
- How long does it take to become a licensed marriage and family therapist in Vermont?
- Plan for a minimum of roughly four to five years total to become a licensed marriage and family therapist in Vermont. The master's degree itself can take two to three years, with some accelerated programs finishing in as few as 21 months. After graduation, Vermont requires approximately 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience (including at least 2,000 direct client contact hours and 100 hours of face-to-face supervision)4, which generally takes about two years. You must also pass a national licensing exam.
- How much do online MFT programs typically cost?
- Tuition for online MFT programs varies widely. Out-of-state tuition at many schools falls in the range of roughly $12,000 to $19,000 per year, though some programs advertise annual costs closer to $14,000 after aid. Net prices for certain hybrid, COAMFTE-accredited options can drop to about $6,000 to $7,000 per year depending on financial aid, residency agreements, and institutional scholarships. Always compare total program cost, not just per-credit rates.
More Online MFT Programs Available to Vermont Students
These additional online MFT and MFT related programs accept students from Vermont and can be completed remotely. They are presented as a directory of options beyond the programs ranked above, not as a ranked list. Vermont students should check each program's state authorization and compare the curriculum with Vermont LMFT licensure requirements before applying.
- MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Master of Science in Counseling Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy
- Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Marriage and Family Therapy)
- MSW with a Mental Health, Addictions, and the Family focus (Cognitive-behavioral and Multisystemic Family Therapy)
- Master of Science in Counseling - Marriage, Family and Child Therapy
- Master of Arts in Counseling with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy
