Description: A Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) prepares students to work with individuals, couples, and families to address relational and systemic issues. An MA focuses on theory and personal and professional growth, includes clinical work and supervision, and prepares students to counsel individuals, couples, and families. An MS focuses on research, offers more specializations than an MA, and includes coursework and training for licensure. For both the MA and MS in MFT, coursework may include Models of therapy, Treatment planning, Theory and practice, and Clinical practice. This degree prepares students to work with individuals, couples, and families to address relational and systemic issues. The curriculum typically emphasizes systemic theory and therapeutic techniques tailored to family dynamics.

Program Duration: 2-3 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes may be available to support working adults. Often requires at least 500 hours of client contact and 100 hours of direct supervision. Traditionally, programs are full-time with classes during the day. However, evening and hybrid classes may be available to accommodate working professionals. 

Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree.

Certification and Licensure: Graduates of an MA or MS in MFT are eligible to receive licensure as an MFT, and later as an IMFT and IMFT-S, from the Ohio Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Programs accredited by the Commission On Accreditation Of Marriage And Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) at the time of the applicant's degree conferral are automatically approved, and those applicants may apply to take the licensing exam during the final semester of their degree program.

Description: A Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degree in Counseling prepares students to provide individual and group counseling including the diagnosis and treatment mental health disorders to individuals across the lifespan. An MA or MS in Counseling prepares graduates to attain LPC licensure and practice as a counselor (therapist).

Program Duration: 2-3 years (full-time) or longer for part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes may be available to support working adults. This program often requires a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship.

Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree. 

Certification & Licensure: Look for a CACREP-accredited degree program, which means that the program meets the standards set by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). After graduating, individuals are eligible to apply to become a  Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and later, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), both through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.

Description: A Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is a graduate degree that prepares individuals for careers in counseling, research, and academic work. The coursework typically includes core and specialization courses, practicum, and dissertation. Completing a Psy.D. program in MFT also may require completing an APA-accredited internship, completing a post-doctoral residence or one year of supervised postdoc practice, and additional specialty education in couple and family psychology.

Duration: 3 to 5 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes may be available to support working adults. 

Prerequisites: MA or MS in MFT. 

Certification & Licensure: Graduates with a Psy.D. in MFT are eligible to receive licensure as an MFT, and later as an IMFT and IMFT-S, from the Ohio Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.

Description: The Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT), a doctoral degree, prepares graduates for careers in counseling, teaching, research, and private practice.The coursework typically includes advanced work in MFT, behavioral science, couples therapy, and more. Students also complete a supervision course and a dissertation. 

Program Duration: 4 to 6 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes may be available to support working adults. Earning a MA or MS in Marriage and Family Therapy before entering the doctoral program may shorten the length of the doctoral program. 

Prerequisites: Master's degree from an accredited institution or a bachelor's degree and relevant work experience. 

Certification & Licensure: Graduates with a DMFT are eligible to receive licensure as an MFT, and later as an IMFT and IMFT-S, from the Ohio Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.

Description: A Ph.D. in Counselor Education is a doctoral degree that prepares individuals for leadership roles in the counseling profession, including teaching, supervision, research, and administration. It builds upon a master's degree in counseling and focuses on advanced theory, practice, and research in the field. Graduates often become faculty in counselor education programs, conduct research, and provide leadership in counseling settings.

Program Duration: 3 to 5 years (full-time), or longer for part-time. Evening, weekend, online, or part-time classes may be available to support working adults. 

Prerequisites: Master's degree in counseling or a closely related field. 

Certification & Licensure: After graduating, individuals are eligible to apply to become a  Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and later, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), both through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board.