For students considering an online Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program, the decision involves more than just flexibility and convenience. It also requires confidence that the program will deliver the right education, training and preparation needed to pass their licensing exam and succeed in their careers. 

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an online MFT program is COAMFTE accreditation. This accreditation not only validates the quality of the online MFT program but also ensures that you receive education and training that meet national standards. Understanding why COAMFTE accreditation matters can help students make informed decisions, narrow their options, and select a program that supports both their professional goals and long-term success.

What is COAMFTE Accreditation? 

COAMFTE stands for the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy. The main purpose of the COAMFTE organization is to review and revise the qualifications of accredited programs. This is the only accrediting body for master’s, doctoral, post-graduate programs, and clinical training programs for marriage and family therapy in the United States and Canada. 

Because marriage and family therapy is a licensed profession, accreditation plays a critical role in ensuring programs align with the expectations of licensing boards and the broader mental health field. COAMFTE accreditation confirms that an online MFT program meets established standards designed to prepare students for professional practice.

COAMFTE accreditation is highly selective, with only 125 programs holding this accreditation. Abilene Christian University is the largest COAMFTE-accredited program in the state of Texas, holding accreditations for both our online and residential MFT programs.

Why is COAMFTE Accreditation Important for Online MFT Programs? 

Online learning is becoming increasingly popular among adults, as it offers a flexible approach to learning that allows them to balance their careers, families and other responsibilities. Online MFT programs vary widely in structure, curriculum and clinical preparation. Without proper accreditation, students may face challenges related to licensure, career advancement and credit transfer.

Having COAMFTE accreditation as an online MFT program signals to students that they will receive a quality education. Programs accredited by COAMFTE have completed a multi-year application and review process to demonstrate their compliance with standards set by subject matter experts in the MFT field.

COAMFTE Benefits For Online MFT Programs

Pathway to Licensure

COAMFTE accreditation means your degree is aligned with most state licensing requirements, helping you avoid unnecessary delays or extra coursework when applying for licensure. Programs that have accreditation are designed to meet the clinical and academic standards needed to pass state and national licensing exams. 

States base their requirements on national standards, so choosing a program with accreditation can increase your chances of earning your license to practice. 

Career Opportunities

When graduates begin their careers, having earned a degree from an accredited program shows employers that the graduate’s education was in compliance with the national licensing standard. Some employers or organizations may require that those who apply have a graduate degree from a COAMFTE institution. Having this credibility might also matter for students applying to internships or practicum opportunities.

The overall job outlook for marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 13 percent by 2034, resulting in about 8,000 job openings annually. The median salary for a marriage and family therapist is $63,780. 

Ability to Transfer Credits

Students pursuing an online education lead busy lives or may have an emergency that requires them to step away from their programs or transfer programs. With COAMFTE accreditation, students can easily transfer their earned credits from one COAMFTE-accredited program to another. Students won’t lose the progress they’ve already made and will be able to stay on the path, receiving the same education needed to pass their license exam. 

How Do Online MFT Programs Earn Their Accreditation? 

The COAMFTE accreditation process is lengthy and can last up to 2 years, and will require programs to renew their accreditation after a period of time. This process evaluates academic coursework, clinical training, faculty qualifications, student outcomes and institutional support. 

The Commission will publish on the COAMFTE website the list of programs in the United States and Canada that are seeking or renewing accreditation. 

1. Complete the Application Process

Online MFT programs must submit a letter of intent to the COAMFTE accreditation staff explaining why they want their program to be COAMFTE-accredited. The letter must include: 

• The expected submission date for the Eligibility Criteria or Self-Study material. Evidence of support from the institution’s administration and program faculty
• A signature from the program director and the institution’s administrator 

It is recommended by the COAMFTE that programs applying for initial accreditation must review all criteria, materials, policies, and more, as well as have met and discussed with the Director of Accreditation about requirements and deadlines. 

2. Perform a Self-Study Report

The Self-Study Report must be submitted in a PDF format and with the following documents in this order:

• Self-Study Narrative Template Version 12.5
• Distance Education Form 
• Supporting Appendices
• Site Visit Date Request, Conflict of Interest, and Confidentiality Form

Programs that meet eligibility criteria are invited to submit a Self-Study for initial accreditation. Programs renewing accreditation are encouraged to begin the Self-Study process at least two years before submission. This allows time to collect accurate achievement data and implement changes that support program improvement.

The Self-Study process helps programs define goals, assess achievements, identify challenges, and implement change.

3. Review and Accreditation

The COAMFTE accreditation staff will review the Self-Study, Site Visit Report, Program’s Response to the Site Visit Report, and any additional documents submitted by the institution.

Action Letters are sent out to programs within 30 days following the Commission meeting. Reviewer recommendations are submitted to the Commission for a final vote, and the Commission evaluates whether these recommendations are substantiated by the evidence provided by the program. 

4. Maintain Compliance 

Accredited programs must submit regular reports to COAMFTE to demonstrate that they continually meet accreditation standards. 

Programs are also responsible for publishing Graduate Achievement Data (GAD) to their website and it has to match what has been reported to the COAMFTE. Institutions with an MFT program must also receive approval from COAMFTE before making any major changes to their programs. 

Choose The Best COAMFTE Accredited Online MFT Program

Choosing the right online MFT program may be one of the most important decisions a student can make. This decision will shape their marriage and family therapy education and training, pathway to licensure and impact their ability to practice with families, couples and individuals. 

For students seeking flexibility without sacrificing quality, a COAMFTE-accredited online MFT program provides the best of both worlds. It allows students to pursue their calling while balancing work, family and other responsibilities, all while knowing your program has undergone an extensive, multi-year review process. Online MFT programs that have COAMFTE accreditation establish credibility and provide education that aligns with licensure requirements. 

Here at Abilene Christian University we offer a graduate MFT program with coursework that is 100% online paired with in-person training. Our program is career-oriented and combines practical training for couples, families and children battling substance abuse, mental illness, addiction and more. Students can earn their graduate degree with one of five concentrations and gain real-world experience through 300- plus hours of client contact and 100-plus hours of supervision  

For more information about our online Marriage and Family Therapy programs, visit our website.