Prepare for your LMFT licensure with our online MFT program

Begin your mission-driven career helping families and couples improve their relationships and overall well-being. 

  • Earn your LMFT licensure — Our marriage and family therapy program prepares students with the academic requirements to sit for the LMFT licensure exam.
  • 27-month program — Complete your degree in as few as 27 months online.
  • Supported clinical training — Build real-world experience through supported clinical placements and supervised hours required for licensure.

Online LMFT Degree Program Highlights

Prepare for LMFT Licensure with a flexible online format:

  • Designed to prepare California students for LMFT licensure
  • Complete your Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy online
  • Gain the skills to support individuals, couples, and families through evidence-based therapeutic approaches
  • Study through interactive online coursework led by Pepperdine faculty
  • Complete clinical training in or near your own community
  • Program can be completed in as few as 27 months

Through a blend of interactive online coursework and hands-on clinical training in your local community, you’ll be prepared to pursue licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and enter the field with practical, real-world experience.

What Does a Marriage and Family Therapist Do?

Marriage counselors support couples and families in resolving conflict and building healthier, more connected relationships. Each case is different, but therapists frequently help with shared emotional and relational struggles.

As a marriage counselor or family therapist, you may see clients who are:

  • Suffering through depression.
  • Affected by substance abuse of a partner or family member.
  • Affected by the psychological disorders of a partner or family member.
  • Going through marital stress or family conflict caused by grief, emotional pain, fear, anger, guilt, or separating lifestyles.

You will help your clients by:

  • Being an impartial listener.
  • Observing how family members and couples interact with one another.
  • Highlighting problematic relational and behavioral patterns.
  • Evaluating and finding effective and pragmatic resolutions to problems.
  • Helping replace dysfunctional behaviors with healthier alternatives.

LMFT Licensure Requirements

To pursue a career as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), your first step is earning a bachelor’s degree. Aspiring LMFTs come from a range of academic backgrounds, including psychology, sociology, and education. Review Pepperdine’s step-by-step guide on how to become an LMFT to learn more about the education, training, and licensure process.

The Path to Licensure

1. Earn a Master’s or Doctoral Degree From an Accredited Institution

Pepperdine’s MFT track is designed with California licensure requirements in mind, preparing students to meet the state’s educational standards for LMFT licensure and sit for the national MFT exam. This track is primarily intended for students pursuing licensure in California, as requirements vary significantly by state.

If you are located outside of California and are interested in a counseling career path, you may wish to explore the LPC track, which may better align with licensure requirements in other states.

2. Complete Supervised Clinical Hours

Most states require 2,000–4,000 total hours of supervised clinical experience for licensure, a portion of which may be completed during your graduate program, with the remainder accrued after graduation. Pepperdine’s MFT track includes practicum experience to help you begin earning these hours, particularly within California’s licensure framework, while preparing you to complete any remaining post-degree requirements. The broader clinical psychology program can also support alternative pathways, such as professional counseling, depending on state requirements.

3. Pass Required Licensing Examinations

Most states and jurisdictions require candidates to pass the MFT National Exam. Licenses are issued by state licensing boards, not a single national entity, which means licensure requirements vary depending on where you plan to practice. Make sure you review state-specific licensing requirements as early as possible.

4. Apply for LMFT Licensure

After completing all education, fieldwork, and examination requirements, candidates may apply for full LMFT licensure through their state licensing board.

Important Licensure Disclosures

Licensing requirements for marriage and family therapists are established at the state level and may change over time. 

This program leads to a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and is designed to support students in meeting academic requirements for licensure. However, licensure eligibility depends on multiple factors beyond completion of a degree.

When evaluating your path to licensure, consider the following:

  • Educational Structure Requirements:
    States may define specific credit totals, subject areas, and practicum components required within a qualifying degree. It is important to confirm that your program’s curriculum aligns with these expectations.
  • Accreditation Considerations
    Pepperdine University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Some states may also require programmatic accreditation specific to marriage and family therapy.
  • Pre-Degree Clinical Training
    Many states require completion of supervised practicum or internship hours during the degree program. Minimum hour requirements and documentation standards vary.
  • Post-Graduate Supervision
    In addition to academic preparation, states typically require post-degree supervised clinical experience. These hours must be completed under approved supervision and may be subject to time and setting restrictions.
  • Associate or Provisional Licensure
    Some states require graduates to first obtain a provisional or associate-level credential before pursuing full licensure, with additional supervision and reporting requirements during this phase.
  • Examination Requirements
    Licensure often requires passing one or more examinations. Eligibility timelines and exam types differ by state.
  • Additional Coursework
    Certain states may require coursework in specific areas such as ethics, law, or cultural competency beyond what is included in a standard curriculum.
  • Mode of Instruction
    States may evaluate online, hybrid, or out-of-state programs differently when determining whether educational requirements have been met.
  • License Portability
    Licensure is not automatically transferable between states. Relocating may require additional coursework, supervised experience, or examinations.
  • Individual Eligibility
    Final licensure determinations are made by state licensing boards and may depend on factors such as prior education, residency, and professional background.

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review the most current requirements from their state licensing board to determine the appropriate licensure pathway.

Curriculum: Build the Skills to Become an LMFT

Pepperdine’s online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology is designed to prepare you with the academic knowledge and clinical training required to pursue licensure as a marriage and family therapist. Rooted in a tradition of purpose, service, and leadership since 1971, the curriculum blends theory, hands-on practice, and real-world application.

What You’ll Study

The curriculum is structured to give you a strong foundation in clinical psychology while allowing you to specialize in marriage and family therapy (MFT). Core coursework includes topics such as:

  • Psychopathology and diagnosis
  • Theories of counseling and psychotherapy
  • Ethics and law for mental health professionals
  • Multicultural counseling and diverse populations
  • Research methods and evaluation
  • Substance abuse treatment and psychopharmacology

As you progress, you’ll move into more specialized and applied topics, including:

  • Couple and family therapy
  • Human sexuality and intimacy
  • Trauma in diverse populations
  • Clinical interventions with children and adolescents
  • Mental health systems, advocacy, and practice

Core Counseling Coursework

Pepperdine’s online MFT program includes a structured sequence of required counseling courses designed to prepare students for work with individuals, couples, families, and diverse communities. Throughout the program, students build practical clinical skills while exploring culturally responsive approaches to care.

MFT-focused courses include:

  • Multicultural Counseling
    Examine how culture, identity, and lived experience shape the counseling relationship. This course helps students develop culturally responsive strategies for supporting clients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Clinical Interventions with Children and Adolescents
    Learn developmentally appropriate therapeutic techniques to support younger clients within family and relational systems.
  • Trauma in Diverse Populations
    Explore how trauma impacts individuals, families, and communities across cultural contexts while developing responsive treatment approaches grounded in empathy and clinical awareness..

Hands-On Clinical Training

In addition to coursework, you’ll complete multiple practicum placements where you gain supervised, direct experience working with clients.

You’ll complete supervised practicum experiences that provide direct, hands-on clinical training in professional settings. Across multiple terms, these placements are designed to help you begin building the clinical hours required for licensure while developing practical skills in client care.

Because licensure requirements vary by state, the hours completed during the program may count differently depending on where you intend to practice. Students are encouraged to review their state’s requirements to understand how pre-degree practicum hours apply within their licensure pathway.

A dedicated clinical placement team partners with you throughout this process, helping you identify potential sites, navigate application requirements, and prepare for placement. This collaborative approach is designed to make the placement experience more structured, supported, and aligned with your long-term professional goals.

Program Length and Flexibility

Your progress through the program is guided by a structured timeline that balances coursework with required clinical training.

Most students complete the program in approximately 27 months, which includes both coursework and required fieldwork. This timeline reflects a typical pace of about 6 units per term, as well as the time needed to fulfill supervised clinical training, which cannot be accelerated.

While it is possible to work while enrolled, the combined demands of coursework and practicum can be significant. Some students opt to reduce their course load and extend their program timeline to better balance professional and personal responsibilities.

This flexibility allows you to pursue your degree while managing work, family, and other responsibilities.

What You’ll Be Prepared to Do

By completing the MFT pathway, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to:

  • Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders
  • Apply evidence-based therapy techniques with individuals, couples, and families
  • Understand and address relationship dynamics and systemic issues
  • Provide culturally responsive and ethical care across diverse populations
  • Navigate legal, ethical, and professional standards in clinical practice
  • Communicate effectively with clients and other healthcare professionals

Clinical Placement

Hands-on clinical training is a core part of your journey toward becoming a marriage and family therapist. In addition to your online coursework, you’ll complete supervised field experience that allows you to apply your skills in real-world settings.

How Clinical Placement Works

Clinical placement is an essential part of your training, allowing you to gain supervised, hands-on experience while completing required practicum hours. From exploring potential sites to securing final approval, you’ll receive structured support throughout the process.

Throughout your placement journey, you’ll work with a dedicated placement team to:

  • Explore a range of clinical environments, including community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, and private practices.
  • Locate practicum opportunities that are accessible within your local area.
  • Align your placement options with your interests, career goals, and state requirements.
  • Complete the approval process for a site that meets program and licensure standards.

While support is provided, we expect students to remain actively involved in the process to help secure a site that aligns with their career goals.

Why Placement Matters

Your practicum experience is where theory becomes practice. It’s an opportunity to:

  • Build confidence working with real clients
  • Explore different populations and settings
  • Begin developing a professional identity as a therapist
  • Gain experience that may support post-graduate licensure hours (varies by state)

Clinical Hours and Practicum Requirements

As part of the MFT track, you will complete approximately 700 hours of supervised clinical experience during your program.

These hours typically include:

  • Direct client contact (working with individuals, couples, and families)
  • Supervision by qualified, licensed professionals
  • Related clinical activities such as documentation and case consultation

Important:

While the 700-hour practicum is a key component of the program, it is intended to meet academic requirements rather than complete the full licensure process. Most states require significantly more. 

Earn Your Master’s. Help People Thrive.

Learn more about Pepperdine’s online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program today.

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Faculty Spotlight

Princess Walsh

Clinical Assistant Professor II

Assistant Director of the GSEP Psychology Online Programs

Online Psychology Division, Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Biography

Princess Walsh is a licensed clinical psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, and licensed professional clinical counselor in California. She received her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and has experience teaching internationally. 

Dr. Walsh has completed her Doctor of Psychology in Organizational Psychology from Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology.

Dr. Walsh has experience working in both clinical and administrative roles in residential treatment centers and intensive outpatient centers, treating both adolescents and adults. 

She is trained in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and specializes in solution-focused and CBT therapies for the treatment of depression, eating disorders, personality disorders, anxiety, and other co-occurring disorders. 

Learn more on the GSEP Meet Our Faculty page.

Careers in Marriage and Family Therapy

A master’s in clinical psychology with a specialization in marriage and family therapy can open the door to a wide range of meaningful, people-centered careers. Whether you’re interested in clinical practice, community work, or specialized populations, this degree prepares you to pursue roles that support mental health and relational well-being.

Possible LMFT Career Paths

Graduates of an MFT-focused clinical psychology program may pursue roles such as:

Career PathDescription
Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT or equivalent, after licensure)
Licensed clinicians providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) / Pre-licensed Therapist
Supervised clinicians completing required post-graduate clinical hours.
Mental Health Counselor
Professionals supporting clients with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.
Behavioral Health Therapist

Clinicians focused on behavioral and emotional wellness interventions.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Specialists supporting individuals dealing with addiction and recovery.
Child and Adolescent Therapist
Therapists working specifically with children and teens.
School-Based Counselor or Therapist
Mental health professionals working in K–12 or educational settings.
Case Manager / Clinical Case Coordinator
Professionals coordinating client care and connecting individuals with services.
Crisis Intervention Specialist

Specialists supporting individuals in acute mental health crises.
Community Mental Health Practitioner
Clinicians working in community-based mental health services.
Related Roles (Nonprofit / Advocacy / Program Development)
Graduates may also work in program development, advocacy, or nonprofit mental health roles depending on experience and interests.

Some graduates may also pursue related roles in nonprofit organizations, advocacy, or program development, depending on their interests and experience.

Possible LMFT Employers

Marriage and family therapy professionals work in a variety of settings, including:

Employer TypeDescription
Private Practice (after licensure)
Independent or group therapy practices serving clients directly.
Hospitals & Healthcare Systems
Medical settings providing integrated behavioral health care.
Community Mental Health Centers
Public or nonprofit clinics serving diverse populations.
Schools & Educational Institutions
K–12 schools, colleges, and university counseling centers.
Government & Social Service Agencies
State and local agencies providing mental health and social services.
Nonprofit & Faith-Based Organizations
Mission-driven organizations offering counseling and support services.
Residential Treatment Centers
Inpatient or residential facilities for mental health or substance use treatment.

Many professionals choose to specialize in populations such as couples, families, children, veterans, or underserved communities.

MFT Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 13% from 2024–203411, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

As of the most recent BLS data:

  • Median annual salary: $63,780– $67,00022 per year
  • Top earners: +$109,34033 or more depending on experience, location, and setting

Salaries can vary based on factors such as licensure status, years of experience, geographic location, and whether you work in a private practice, healthcare, or community organization.

Start Your LMFT Path at Pepperdine

You want to help families build stronger relationships, and Pepperdine has empowered students to do just that since 1971. Join us—we’re just getting started.

Access Your Application

Now is the time. Advance your career with Pepperdine. Take the next step today.

Apply Now

FAQs About Our Online LMFT Program

  • For many people, yes—it can be a deeply rewarding path. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, you get the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives by helping individuals, couples, and families work through challenges and build healthier relationships.

    An MFT degree is a practical choice because the demand for counseling professionals continues to grow, which means solid job prospects and a level of career stability.

    If you’re passionate about supporting others and interested in mental health, an MFT degree can open the door to meaningful and lasting work.

  • The main difference comes down to licensing. An MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist) is someone who has completed their degree and gained supervised clinical experience. At this stage, they’re still working under the guidance of a licensed professional.

    An LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), on the other hand, has completed all required supervised hours, passed their licensing exams, and is approved by their state to practice independently.

    In short, an LMFT has reached the final step in the process, giving them more autonomy, responsibility, and professional recognition.

  • Yes, absolutely. It’s a common myth that Marriage and Family Therapists only work with couples or families but that’s not always the case.

    LMFTs are fully trained to work with individual clients as well. While their expertise includes understanding relationships and family dynamics, they also help individuals navigate personal challenges like stress, anxiety, and life transitions.

    What sets them apart is their ability to look at those challenges in the context of your relationships and support system, offering a more well-rounded approach to mental health.

  • Yes. Once licensed, LMFTs are trained and authorized to assess and diagnose mental health and substance use disorders on their own.

    Through their education and clinical experience, they learn how to evaluate symptoms, understand what a client is going through, and provide a formal diagnosis when appropriate. They can also use that diagnosis to guide treatment and support the client’s overall care plan.

  • LMFTs have a wide range of career options and can work in many different settings depending on their interests. You’ll find them in places like outpatient clinics, hospitals, residential treatment centers, schools, and community or social service organizations.

    Some LMFTs also choose to open their own private practice, which gives them more flexibility and control over their schedule and the clients they work with.

  • Yes. LMFTs are in strong demand and the field is expected to keep growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for marriage and family therapists is projected to be much faster than average compared to other occupations.

    This increase is largely due to greater awareness of mental health and more people seeking therapy than in the past. As a result, LMFTs play an important role in helping individuals, couples, and families work through challenges in a variety of settings.

  • In the U.S., the median annual salary for marriage and family therapists is about $63,780, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.44 This figure can serve as a general benchmark, though entry-level salaries may start lower.

    That said, pay can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and work setting. Over time, LMFTs, particularly those in private practice or specialized roles, may earn significantly more.

  • The main difference is their training focus. LMFTs are specially trained to look at mental health through a “family systems” lens, meaning they consider how relationships; like family, couples, and close connections, affect a person’s well-being.

    LPCs (Licensed Professional Counselors), on the other hand, are trained more broadly to support individuals with a wide range of mental health concerns.

    Both LMFTs and LPCs help people work through similar challenges, but they approach treatment a little differently based on their areas of specialization.

  • No, it does not. Your diploma from Pepperdine University’s online LMFT program will look the same as one earned through an on-campus program.

    Accredited universities like Pepperdine typically issue identical diplomas regardless of how you completed your coursework. Your diploma will show your degree, the university name, and sometimes the school within the university but it won’t indicate whether you studied online or in-person.

  • The LMFT program can be completed in as few as 27 months online.

  • Yes. The online LMFT program at Pepperdine is designed with working professionals in mind, so many students do continue working full-time while studying.

    That said, it can be demanding. Along with coursework, you’ll also complete required clinical practicum hours, so good time management is important to balance school, work, and training responsibilities.

  • The online program combines flexibility with a structured, interactive learning experience designed for working professionals. Here’s how it works:

    • Live weekly classes (Zoom): You’ll attend scheduled, face-to-face sessions each week to engage with faculty and classmates in real time and build strong professional connections.
    • Small class sizes: Classes are kept intentionally small (around 20 students) so you receive more personalized attention and support.
    • Online learning platform (Canvas): You’ll access lectures, coursework, readings, and case studies through a virtual campus, along with student resources like advising and career services.
    • Hands-on clinical training: You’ll complete required practicum hours at approved sites in your local area, with support from the placement team to help you find a setting that aligns with your goals.

  • Yes. The program includes a required clinical training experience as part of your degree. This hands-on component, often called a practicum or field placement, gives you real-world experience working with clients under supervision.

    You’ll complete your training at an approved site near your community, and a dedicated support team will help you find and secure a placement that fits your goals.

    In total, students complete about 700 clinical hours, which are required for licensure as an LMFT.

  • The main difference is how you take classes, not the degree you earn. Both online and on-campus students complete the same curriculum through the Graduate School of Education and Psychology and receive the same diploma.

    • Flexibility: The online program is built for working professionals and typically takes about 27 months to complete. The on-campus program offers full-time options, including daytime, evening, and weekend schedules, and can often be completed in about 2 years.
    • Location: Online students can complete their coursework from anywhere in the U.S. and do their clinical training locally. On-campus students attend in-person classes in Southern California.

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)  all provide mental health care, but they each approach treatment from a slightly different perspective:

    • LMFTs (Relational focus): LMFTs look at mental health through the lens of relationships. They focus on how family dynamics, couples, and close connections influence a person’s well-being.
    • LPCs (Individual focus): LPCs primarily work with individuals, helping clients manage personal challenges, improve mental health, and work toward individual goals.
    • LCSWs (Systems and support focus): LCSWs consider both mental health and the broader social environment. They often connect clients with community resources and may also advocate for support services when needed.

    While their approaches differ, all three roles share the same goal: helping people improve their mental health and quality of life.

  • To complete the LMFT program at Pepperdine, you’ll need to finish about 700 total clinical placement hours.

    Most students complete these hours during the final four semesters of the 27-month program. This includes at least 225–240 hours working directly with clients, giving you hands-on experience that prepares you for licensure and real-world practice.

  • Yes. Some of the clinical training hours you complete during the Pepperdine University online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MACLP) program can count toward the 3,000 hours required for LMFT licensure in California.

    • Hours that count: Typically, up to 500 practicum hours—including direct client work—may be applied toward the licensure requirement.
    • Direct client experience: For the LMFT track, you’ll complete at least 225 hours working directly with clients during your practicum, and these hours can count toward the 3,000 total.

    This means you can begin building licensure-ready experience while you’re still in the program.

  • Yes. The program is designed to meet California’s LMFT and LPCC licensure requirements, which are among the most rigorous in the U.S.

    Licensing requirements vary by state, so eligibility outside California depends on your state’s specific rules and is not guaranteed. We recommend confirming requirements with your state licensing board, and our team can help guide you through that process.

Pepperdine University partners with 2U to support the delivery of these online programs. Pepperdine University has full control over the programs, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.

  1. Community and Social Service: Marriage and Family Therapists. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May, 2026. ↩︎
  2. 25 Best Psychology Careers. (2026). Masters in Psychology Guide. Retrieved May 2026.  ↩︎
  3. Marriage and Family Therapists: Occupational Outlook and Wage Data. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May 2026.  ↩︎
  4. Community and Social Service: Marriage and Family Therapists. (2025). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved May, 2026. ↩︎