Marriage & Family Therapy, M.A.

Accredited by COAMFTE

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Whitworth University
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Marriage & Family Therapy, M.A.

The master of arts in marriage & family therapy at Whitworth University unites a foundation of compassion and service with rigorous clinical preparation, empowering graduates to foster healing within relationships, families and communities.

Guided by a mission to educate ethical therapists who promote relational and social well-being, the program cultivates practitioners who are advocates for mental health access and positive change. At Whitworth, you will be prepared not only to practice therapy, but to lead with compassion and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Applications are now open for a summer 2026 start.

Teacher helping a student on a laptop computer

Benefits of the Whitworth Marriage & Family Therapy Program

As Spokane's only M.A. program focused exclusively on marriage and family therapy, Whitworth's MFT program equips you with the knowledge and skills to help individuals, couples and families find meaningful change amid life's challenges – all in just 23 months. MFT Student Handbook

On-site clinical training at Whitworth's Marriage & Family Therapy Center
Supported practicum and internship placement process
Partnerships with varied clinical sites – private practice, community behavioral health and schools
Exceptional job placement and national exam pass rates Program Outcomes

Experienced MFT Faculty

Our faculty brings diverse clinical and research experience in relational systems, trauma-informed care, diversity and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. Many are trained in models such as the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and EMDR, with clinical backgrounds spanning military, community and private-practice settings.

Students benefit from close working relationships with faculty who not only teach but directly supervise through the on-campus therapy clinic and community placements. In this way, our faculty are committed not just to teaching theory, but to modeling professional practice and guiding students’ development into reflective and skilled therapists.

On-Site Therapy Clinic

Whitworth's on-site Marriage & Family Therapy Clinic gives students the opportunity to apply what they learn in real time while making a meaningful impact. The clinic provides free and low-cost services, and students work with a diverse group of clients and a wide range of presenting concerns. Supporting individuals who might not otherwise have access to mental health care helps future therapists develop cultural humility, compassion and adaptability. This unique training environment not only prepares our graduates to enter the field with competence and purpose but also empowers them to serve their communities from day one.

What makes this experience even more exciting is the clinic's use of live and recorded camera technology. Students can observe sessions in real time or review recorded work to deepen their learning and refine their therapeutic skills. This powerful blend of hands-on practice and dynamic observation creates an immersive, engaging training environment that is rare among graduate programs.

Careers in Marriage & Family Therapy

You will graduate prepared to support individuals, couples and families within our region. As a marriage and family therapist, you will play a vital role in addressing relational, emotional and mental-health challenges. You will help clients strengthen communication, navigate life transitions and improve overall family functioning, contributing to healthier communities.

Licensed marriage and family therapists work in agencies and organizations, as well as in independent and private practice.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marriage and family therapists earn an average annual salary of $63,780, and the profession is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.

There is a consistent demand for MFTs in the Spokane area, and the average annual salary for marriage and family therapists in Washington state is $88,179.

Explore MFT Program Courses

Through our 23-month, in-person program, you’ll build a comprehensive set of clinical and relational skills that will position you for success in a meaningful profession. Our dynamic, student-focused curriculum integrates evidence-based therapeutic approaches, collaborative learning opportunities and robust partnerships with clinical sites.

Accreditation Status for the Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy Program

The Whitworth University Marriage & Family Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage & Family Therapy Education 277 S. Washington Street, Suite 210, Alexandria, VA 22314; telephone: 703.838.9808; email: coa@aamft.org; website: https://www.coamfte.org.

Attending a COAMFTE accredited program ensures that students meet the education requirements for licensure in Washington state (and many other states) and are prepared for the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards exam.

Why Students Choose Whitworth MFT

Serving Eastern Washington and North Idaho: As the region’s only MFT-specific master’s program, we offer extensive training opportunities throughout Spokane and North Idaho, including clinical partnerships for students who live in – or plan to practice in – Idaho.

Optional Part-Time Pathway: A flexible three-year track is available for students who need an adjusted pace.

On-Site Therapy Clinic with Live and Recorded Observation: Students gain real-time clinical experience with the option to observe sessions live or review recordings – an immersive learning opportunity rarely available elsewhere.

Hands-On Clinical Training in Under Two Years: Our theory-to-practice model includes a structured 15-month practicum and internship sequence.

Experiential Off-Campus Learning Opportunities: Students train in diverse clinical settings, including private practices, community agencies, schools and behavioral health centers.

Strong Outcomes: Our graduates achieve high job-placement rates and strong performance on the national licensing exam.

Commitment to Service and Access: Our clinic provides free and low-cost counseling services, giving students meaningful opportunities to serve clients who may otherwise lack access to care.

Exceptional Faculty: Our full-time faculty hold doctorates and bring academic backgrounds in marriage and family therapy, psychology, sociology and related fields. Each is also an actively practicing clinician.

COAMFTE-Accredited Program: Accreditation ensures graduates meet educational requirements for licensure in Washington and many other states and are fully prepared for the national licensing exam.

Mission-Driven Training: We emphasize ethical practice, relational well-being, cultural humility and compassionate service to diverse communities, aligned with Whitworth’s mission to honor God, follow Christ and serve humanity.

MFT Student Outcomes
View our graduate achievement data

Admission Requirements for the Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy Program

Our holistic admissions process includes a review of a person's entire application for academic performance and personal attributes that lead to success. This includes performance in prerequisite courses, work experience, extracurricular activities or any other activities that provide experiences to prepare you for success in our MFT program.

Admission Requirements:

Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree (prior to enrollment)
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, or a GPA between 2.7-3.0 with the addition of a GRE score or an exam alternative essay
A minimum of six semester credits in psychology, social work, human services, human development or a related behavioral science field (applicants who have not completed six credits in behavioral sciences may satisfy this requirement by passing CLEP examinations in relevant subjects, or applicants with professional experience in mental health, behavioral health, social work, human services or a related field may petition to waive the six-credit prerequisite based on verified, equivalent life or work experience.
Participation in an admissions interview

Priority application deadline: Jan. 1, 2026

General application deadline: Feb. 1, 2026

Late applications will be considered as space permits.

Get Started on Your Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy Degree

Become part of a learning community that integrates rigorous academic preparation with compassionate, human-centered care. All applicants who apply for financial aid will be considered for our program scholarship.

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Our Mission

The Whitworth University Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy seeks to develop ethically competent marriage and family therapists who work collaboratively from a systemic and relational perspective to meet the mental health and relational needs of individuals, couples and families across multiple dimensions of diversity, addressing client needs from the perspective of both mind and heart. Student Learning Outcomes