California’s Online MFT Programs
Thinking about becoming a marriage and family therapist in California? There are plenty of online MFT programs that make it easier to get started—especially if you’re juggling work, family, or other responsibilities. These programs are designed to meet California’s licensing requirements, so you’ll be set up to practice once you graduate.
Most programs let you complete classes online, but you’ll still need hands-on experience through in-person clinical hours. Some schools, like Pepperdine, Alliant, and Loma Linda, offer flexible, accredited programs that mix strong academics with real-world training.
With the growing need for mental health professionals, these online MFT options are a great way to start a meaningful career helping people and communities thrive.
Here’s a list of the online or mostly online MFT programs available to California students. We excluded any that had majority in-person with only some online. Let us know if we’ve missed any!
Alliant International University
Alliant International University’s online Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy is a 60-credit program designed to be completed in two years. The curriculum provides comprehensive training in behavioral science and mental health counseling, addressing issues in dysfunctional family interactions. The program offers hands-on experience and exposure to diverse populations, preparing students for licensure and careers as marriage and family therapists.
Antioch University
Antioch University’s online Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy emphasizes a family systems perspective, integrating traditional classroom learning with comprehensive clinical training and onsite internships. The program prepares students for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists, focusing on enhancing the lives and relationships of individuals, couples, and families.
California Institute of Integral Studies
The California Institute of Integral Studies offers a Master’s in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Community Mental Health. This 2.5-year program prepares students for MFT or LPCC licensure, integrating various therapeutic approaches such as psychodynamic, humanistic, and transpersonal psychology. The curriculum emphasizes therapeutic communication, presence, and intention, with experiential components including role-play and simulations.
California Southern University
California Southern University’s online Master of Arts in Psychology, with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, is designed for those pursuing careers as MFTs or LPCCs. The program offers flexibility and affordability, providing students with the knowledge and skills to address emotional, behavioral, mental health, and relationship concerns.
Daybreak University
Daybreak University offers an M.A. in Counseling with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program provides flexible learning options, including online classes via Zoom, face-to-face, and hybrid formats. The curriculum includes COAMFTE-accredited courses, Imago Relationship Therapy, and Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy, catering to diverse student needs and schedules.
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno Pacific University’s MFT program prepares students with the content required for California MFT licensure exams. The program emphasizes critical thinking, compassion, and self-care, integrating theology, theory, personal formation, and professional practice. Students engage in courses ranging from clinical assessment and human development to cross-cultural counseling and discipleship.
Fuller Theological Seminary
Fuller Theological Seminary’s Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSMFT) program integrates Christian faith with clinical training. The curriculum equips students with theoretical and practical resources to address complex family systems, preparing them for licensure as MFTs or LPCCs. The program emphasizes serving others as a Christian vocation of peacemaking.
Golden Gate University
Golden Gate University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology prepares students for licensure as MFTs or LPCCs. The program offers comprehensive and integrative knowledge of counseling psychology, emphasizing ethical standards and cultural humility. Students gain practical experience through clinical training, preparing them for diverse counseling environments.
Hope International University
Hope International University’s Master of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy is a fully online 61-unit program. The curriculum integrates theory and practice grounded in Christian principles, preparing students for careers as LPCCs or MFTs. The program emphasizes sound research skills, theoretical teaching, practical application, and clinical training.
Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences
Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences offers a two-year Master of Science in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy program. The curriculum focuses on educating individuals with diverse identities to promote health and welfare in various communities. The program prepares students for licensure in California as MFTs, emphasizing integrated healthcare settings.
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda University’s online Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy is COAMFTE-accredited and emphasizes whole-person care and interdisciplinary learning. Students progress through the program as an academic cohort, fostering a supportive learning environment. The curriculum integrates a Christ-centered approach to promote wellness for individuals and families.
Meridian University
Meridian University’s hybrid Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology combines online courses with weeklong onsite labs. The program requires 103 credits, including 340 hours of fieldwork and 40 hours of personal psychotherapeutic exploration. The curriculum draws on spiritual traditions, somatic practices, creative arts, and social critique, preparing students for diverse paths in psychology.
National University
National University’s online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is COAMFTE-accredited and offers two specialization options: standard MFT and Combined MFT/LPCC. The program provides a strong foundation in classic and post-modern models, focusing on systemic dynamics within diverse populations. Students engage in theory-based treatment planning and address contemporary issues in the field.
Northcentral University
Northcentral University’s Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy aims to qualify students for licensure as MFTs. The program recognizes the mobility of today’s professionals and offers a curriculum designed to meet licensure requirements across various states. Students develop skills and personal growth necessary for careers in marriage and family therapy.
Pacifica Graduate Institute
Pacifica Graduate Institute’s Master’s in Counseling Psychology emphasizes theoretical understanding and experiential training for licensure as MFTs and LPCCs. The 2.5-year program includes interdisciplinary courses in literature, mythology, religion, and culture, deepening students’ abilities to link collective systems and archetypal themes to sociopolitical issues.
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling. The program prepares students for licensure as MFTs in California, focusing on evidence-based practices and cultural competence. The curriculum includes supervised clinical training and courses in human development, psychopathology, and counseling techniques.
Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University’s online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students for licensure in California. The program integrates spiritual and ethical considerations with clinical training, emphasizing multicultural competence and evidence-based practices. Students engage in supervised practicum experiences to develop clinical skills.
Rhombus University
Rhombus University offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, focusing on integrating Christian faith with clinical practice. The program prepares students for licensure as MFTs, emphasizing biblical counseling principles and ethical standards. The curriculum includes courses in human development, psychopathology, and counseling techniques.
Sentio University
Sentio University’s online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is designed to prepare students for licensure as MFTs. The program emphasizes cultural competence, ethical practice, and evidence-based interventions. Students engage in supervised clinical training and coursework in human development, psychopathology, and systemic therapy approaches.
Sofia University
Sofia University’s online Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy integrates transpersonal psychology with clinical training. The program prepares students for licensure as MFTs, emphasizing holistic approaches to mental health. The curriculum includes courses in human development, psychopathology, and counseling techniques.
Southern California Seminary
Southern California Seminary offers a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program integrates biblical principles with clinical training, preparing students for licensure as MFTs. The curriculum includes courses in human development, psychopathology, and counseling techniques, emphasizing ethical and spiritual considerations.
Touro University Worldwide
Touro University Worldwide offers an online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy designed for working professionals. The program emphasizes clinical competence, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practice, preparing students for licensure as MFTs. With flexible scheduling and no residency requirements, TUW provides a convenient pathway for those seeking to advance their careers in mental health counseling. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application to address diverse client needs.
UMass Global (formerly Brandman University)
UMass Global’s online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program prepares students for licensure as MFTs in California. The curriculum combines academic rigor with practical experience, including supervised clinical hours. Courses cover topics such as human development, counseling theories, and ethical practices. Designed for working adults, the program offers flexible scheduling and support services to facilitate student success in the field of mental health.(LinkedIn)
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy. This program is designed to prepare students for licensure as MFTs in California. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices, ethical standards, and cultural competence. With flexible online courses and support services, students can balance their education with personal and professional commitments while pursuing a career in mental health counseling.
Vanguard University of Southern California
Vanguard University’s Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy is designed to prepare students for licensure in California. The program integrates Christian values with clinical training, emphasizing ethical practice and cultural sensitivity. Courses cover topics such as human development, psychopathology, and counseling techniques. Students gain practical experience through supervised clinical placements, equipping them to serve diverse populations effectively.
Weimar University
Weimar University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. The program integrates a holistic approach, emphasizing the development of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Grounded in Christian principles, the curriculum covers counseling theories, human development, and ethical practices. Students engage in supervised clinical experiences, preparing them to address the mental health needs of individuals and families within diverse communities.
Western Institute for Social Research (WISR)
The Western Institute for Social Research offers a Master of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program emphasizes learner-centered education, social justice, and multicultural competence. Students engage in individualized study plans, integrating academic learning with practical application. The curriculum prepares students for licensure as MFTs in California, focusing on ethical practice and community engagement to address diverse client needs.
William Jessup University
William Jessup University’s Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students for licensure in California. The program integrates Christian faith with clinical training, emphasizing ethical practice and cultural sensitivity. Courses cover topics such as human development, counseling theories, and psychopathology. Students gain practical experience through supervised clinical placements, equipping them to serve individuals, couples, and families effectively.