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Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

Next start:

April 2026

Format:

Online

Total Courses:

16 (71 credit hours)

Tuition:

$710 per credit
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Fostering Healthy Relationships for Couples and Families

The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program at CityU of Seattle is designed to prepare students to become exceptional therapists who are deeply self-aware, culturally attuned, and ethically grounded. By fostering both professional expertise and personal growth, our program ensures that graduates are not only skilled therapists but also reflective practitioners who can adapt to the unique needs of each client and community they serve. 

Key features of our MFT program include: 

  • Self-Reflective Practice: A hallmark of our program is its emphasis on cultivating self-reflective practice. Students are guided to explore how their firsthand experiences, emotional responses, and family dynamics influence their therapeutic approach. This practice not only enhances self-awareness but also empowers students to build stronger, more empathetic connections with clients.
  • Social Justice Emphasis: A core focus on systemic factors, such as race, socioeconomic status, and cultural identity, equips our graduates to advocate for equitable mental health care.
  • Practical Training: With 12 credits of internship experience supervised by AAMFT-approved supervisors, students gain hands-on clinical skills in real-world settings.
  • Integration of Theory and Practice: Students bridge systemic theories with practical interventions, preparing them for diverse roles in clinical practice, research, and community advocacy.
  • Capstone Project: Each student completes a capstone project synthesizing academic knowledge and clinical experience to address a real-world mental health challenge. 

Speak with your enrollment advisor about MFT-specific scholarship opportunities.

Join an MFT information session on November 12th at 5:30pm PST to learn more!

Register Here!

This program is designed to cater to both fresh graduates and seasoned professionals seeking to deepen their expertise or pivot to a career in marriage and family therapy. The flexibility of online coursework combined with required on-site internships ensures that students can balance personal and professional responsibilities while pursuing their educational goals.

Note: Licensing requirements vary by state. It is advisable for students relocating or living outside Washington to consult local licensing boards prior to enrollment to ensure state-specific requirements are met.  

The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program at City University of Seattle serves dedicated aspiring therapists to create healthier families and stronger communities. Our mission is to prepare compassionate, culturally responsive, and ethically grounded systemic clinicians who promote relational and mental well-being within diverse populations. By integrating systemic theory, self-reflective practice, and social justice principles, the program empowers students to combine personal growth with professional excellence. Through rigorous academic training and hands-on experiential learning, we develop therapists who are equipped to address the complexities of modern mental health challenges, advance equity and inclusion, and foster resilience in individuals, families, and communities. This mission reflects City University’s commitment to transforming lives through accessible, high-quality education that inspires lifelong learning and positive social impact. 

Throughout this program, students will gain competency in:

  1. Clinical Competence in Marriage and Family Therapy: Demonstrate advanced clinical skills in assessing, diagnosing, and treating a diverse range of clients within relational contexts. 
  2. Ethical and Professional Behavior: Consistently exhibit ethical and professional behavior in line with current legal and professional standards set by American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) in the code of Ethics. 
  3. Self-Reflective Practice and Personal Development: Demonstrate the ability to engage in self-reflective practices, effectively using firsthand experiences and emotional responses to enhance therapeutic relationships and outcomes. 
  4. Therapist in Community: Understand how individual, family, and community well-being are interconnected. They will actively participate in advocacy and initiatives that aim to improve social justice and community health. 
  5. Professional Development: Establish a commitment to professional development through continuing education, clinical supervision, self-reflection, and consultation with peers. 
  6. Research: Locate and critically evaluate research related to core areas of marriage and family therapy (MFT) practice. 

In addition to CityU’s graduate admission requirements, found in the catalog, students enrolling in the MFT program must also meet the requirements listed below: 

  1. Must hold a bachelor’s degree preferably in psychology, family studies, or a related field, with demonstrated professional experience.  
  2. Submit two to three (3) professional references. 
  3. Submit a two-page essay, please share your journey toward pursuing a career in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). 
  4. Submit an updated CV/resume. 
  5. Interview with MFT faculty. The interview will determine if minimum qualifications have been met for admission to the program. 
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