edX Online

About the program

  • Intensive clinical training:

    Work directly with clients for six consecutive quarters during practicum externships.

  • 24 months to complete:

    Earn your MFT master's degree in as few as 24 months full time, or in 36 months part time.Footnote 2

  • Fully accredited program:

    The online MFT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

Featured courses

The 26-credit online MFT curriculum focuses on the Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) approach developed by renowned Northwestern faculty. IST aims to systematically address client concerns from a relational and larger systemic perspective. As a learner in the online program, you will attend live, online class sessions, learn from qualified instructors with therapeutic experience, and gain hands-on training during immersive clinical experiences. You will graduate prepared to address complex issues and develop therapy plans to strengthen and heal families and couples from all walks of life. Featured courses include:

  • Basic Concepts of Systems Therapy:

    Learn the central theoretical underpinnings of systemic family therapy, using a basic framework for assessment of and intervention in the issues clients bring to therapy. 


  • Intimate Relationship 1:

    Study the Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST) approach for working with couples, which involves a focus on sequences of interaction, affective intensity, and subtlety of communication. Learn theoretical models, case conceptualization, and intervention from a cultural perspective by considering the social positioning of both the client(s) and the therapist.

  • Family Therapy with Children and Adolescents:

    Develop the practical skills necessary to work with families, children, and adolescents. Learn to consider the intersections of development and sociocultural systems as part of the assessment and intervention process.

  • Power, Privilege, and Difference — Practicing Cultural Curiosity and Humility in a Multicultural World:

    Gain insight into the influence of race, class, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexuality, religion, nationality, and ability in the practice of marriage and family therapy. Uncover the assumptions, values, and beliefs about yourself and others as a means of working more effectively with diverse populations in the therapeutic process.

Ready to advance your career?

Clinical experiences and immersions

While enrolled in the MFT@Northwestern program, you will gain hands-on experience that will introduce you to the various responsibilities of a professional therapist. 

Clinical practicum: You will complete a total of 500 hours of clinical work —200 of which are relational hours — with clients at approved practicum sites. 

MFT@Northwestern placement specialists will work with you to find a site that aligns with your individual career goals and passions. 

Immersions: You will participate in one in-person immersion experience at the Chicagoland campus or another location, where you will develop your confidence as an MFT and strengthen your relationships with peers and faculty. 

The in-person immersion is part of credit-bearing courses, and financial aid can be used for this experience. Transportation and other travel expenses are not included in the cost of tuition.