Build Resilient, Healthy Communities with an Online Master’s Degree from The Family Institute at Northwestern University
Online Master’s Degrees from The Family Institute at Northwestern UniversityOnline Master’s Degrees from The Family Institute at Northwestern UniversityOnline Master’s Degrees from The Family Institute at Northwestern University

The Family Institute at Northwestern University offers both the Master of Arts in Counseling and the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy programs in two modalities, on-ground and online. Each site is dedicated to developing well-qualified, compassionate clinicians.
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
Counseling@Northwestern is the online site of the CACREP accredited M.A. in Counseling program that prepares students to become self-reflective clinical mental health counselors. With a rigorous curriculum focused on theories and evidence-based practices, Counseling@Northwestern blends live classes and asynchronous activities with clinical field placements at faculty-approved sites.
Students with an undergraduate degree in psychology may enter the Standard Program, while those without previous clinical experience or a psychology degree begin the Bridge to Counseling Program, which introduces foundational concepts in introductory classes.
Curriculum Highlights
200 hour practicum
600 hour internship
In-person immersions
Child and adolescent Specialization available
Program Outcomes
As a student, you will enjoy a unique educational journey, training alongside expert counselors in an experimental learning environment. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career focused on strengthening and healing families from all walks of life.
Explore Counseling@Northwestern admissions and application requirements.

Online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
MFT@Northwestern is a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy program offered by The Family Institute, combining online learning with innovative therapeutic methods and in-person clinical experiences. Aspiring therapists are encouraged to consider relationships, the larger system, and social justice, applying a multicultural lens as they develop client treatment plans.

Curriculum Highlights
500 hour clinical practicum, including 200 relational hours
250 hours of group and individual supervision
In-person immersions
Full- and part-time options
Program Outcomes
As a student, you will enjoy a unique educational journey, training alongside expert therapists in an experimental learning environment. You will gain the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career focused on strengthening and healing families from all walks of life.
Explore MFT@Northwestern admissions and application requirements.
About The Family Institute
As a national leader in behavioral health, The Family Institute is focused on strengthening and healing children, couples, families, and individuals across the lifespan. Students within our programs have access to top-tier research, education, and clinical services, advancing their passion for relationship-based behavioral therapy. Above all else, The Family Institute is committed to educating the behavioral health leaders of tomorrow.