Marriage, couple and family psychology is the science that looks at how people in family relationships co-exist. Within these settings, certain stress factors can affect the relationship, such as financial difficulties, infidelity, children with problems, illnesses and so on, and these can prove to be difficult for the individuals to manage. As almost half of all marriages currently end in divorce, many psychologists are focusing on trying to help people to rebuild their relationships, rather than abandon them which result into more broken homes.
On the other hand, psychologists also work together with people who are in destructive relationships, such as battered women, where the focus is very much on helping the two parties leave each other and continue with their lives. This all takes a certain degree of knowledge and experience, which can be offered through online marriage/family psychology degree programs. As the world is becoming increasingly virtual, so is education. Hence, it is no longer difficult to find good quality online programs. Do make sure, however, that you choose a program that is fully accredited, so that you can become a licensed practitioner. Let’s take a look at five of the best online marriage, couple and family counseling degree programs available.
#1 Capella University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy
The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy at Capella University is a general degree. It helps you to do your own research and use existing theories in order to help people who require marriage or family therapy. This includes foundational theories such as family and individual theories, relational/systemic theories and more. It prepares students to become clinical practitioners, who are true critical thinkers. They will learn to synthesize, analyze and evaluate the various theories and practical issues they are faced with inside family dynamics.
Tuition
$487 per credit over 92 credits
MA and Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy
The programs at NCU are designed to ensure that students receive the training and education they need in order to make a difference to the field of family and marriage therapy, which is a growing field. They meet all the necessary educational standards and focuses specifically on working adults. The degree plan is personalized to their needs, which means they are fully flexible.
Tuition
The tuition depends entirely on how many credit hours your course will include. Discounts are provided to military students.
Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy
At Liberty University, the online MA in Marriage & Family Therapy degree is designed to help students better understand the principles of counseling and learn about the strategies to become a licensed practitioner in the field, which is an MFT. The courses integrate faith into the practice of counseling while focusing on the legal, professional and ethical issues that surround the profession. The program is ranked among the top 5 in the country.
Tuition
$520 per credit hour and a $25 intensive fee
#4 UMass Online
Master of Science in Family Therapy
This degree is designed to help practitioners build stronger family relationships. Upon completion, students are able to apply for the MFT licenses at the relevant Massachusetts board. It is very important, if you are not a Massachusetts resident, to check whether your state’s licensing board accepts the Massachusetts accreditation. Students will learn to see a family as a unity, and they will teach them how to be more inclusive and collaborative with each other. The mission is for students to be able to work in urban communities, where more disenfranchised people and families tend to reside.
Tuition
The tuition fee is currently $490 per credit and the degree requires 60 completed credits. This means that each course, which is made up of three credits, costs $1,470.
M.S. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
This particular program is designed to work within evidence-based counseling, which is an evolving field of practice. It is gaining in popularity and is one of the most contemporary approaches currently taught. It helps practitioners to diagnose emotional and mental disorders and determine how to resolve these within a family setting. Additionally, it looks at areas such as divorce and mediation, school issues, child rearing, and family violence. The degree was developed by following standards determined by various leading counseling organizations, thereby meeting all the necessary requirements to become a practicing counselor. This includes a focus on multiculturalism and diversity in communities, counties and across the state.
Tuition
The full degree costs $41,850, although this can be reduced to $24,995 with maximum transfer credits.
