Choosing an online Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (MSCP) with a focus on marriage and family therapy is a major decision. It’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about preparing for a career where you’ll help people navigate some of the most personal and emotional aspects of their lives.

It can sometimes be a bit overwhelming to pick the course or program that you have to stick to for a few years. If you’re not sure where to start, then you’ve come to the right place because you’re about to learn about an easy and nifty step-by-step process that you can follow when making your decision. 

Step 1: Understand What You Want From the Program

Before diving into applications or comparing tuition costs, take a step back. Think about what you’re actually hoping to get from the program.

Ask yourself:

• Are you looking to work specifically with couples and families or do you want a broader foundation with the option to specialize later?
• Do you want to work in private practice, clinics or community settings?
• How important is flexibility in your schedule?
• Do you need part-time options or accelerated pathways?

Asking yourself these questions might seem daunting at first but they will really help you in the long run. The more specific you are with your needs, the easier it’ll be to make the right choice.

Step 2: Check the Licensing Requirements in Your State

One of the most important things you can do early on is understand what your state requires for you to become licensed as a marriage and family therapist. Not every online MSCP program is structured to meet every state’s requirements and you don’t want to find that out after graduation. If you’re in the Bay Area, for example, then you might want to focus on MFT programs in the Bay Area as these will likely have the right licensing requirements already, simply out of geographic context. 

Some things to look into:

• Does your state require a certain number of practicum or internship hours?
• Are there specific courses or topics your program must cover?
• Is a post-degree supervised clinical experience required?

You can usually find this information through your state’s licensing board. Once you know what your state expects, you can start looking for programs that align with those standards.

Step 3: Compare Program Structures and Specialization Options

Not all MSCP programs are built the same. Some programs will give you a general psychology background with optional courses in marriage and family therapy, while others are designed to focus deeply on that track from the start.

Pay attention to:

• Whether the program offers a dedicated marriage and family therapy track
• How many clinical hours are built into the curriculum
• Whether there are required residencies or on-campus intensives
• The structure of online learning (live classes, recorded lectures and discussion boards)

Pick a format that matches how you learn best. If you need structure and regular interaction, look for programs with live sessions and group work. If your schedule is unpredictable, self-paced programs might be a better fit.

Step 4: Research Clinical Placement Support

Your clinical hours are one of the most important parts of your training. This is where you get real-world experience and start building confidence in your ability to work with clients. But finding the right placement can be tough, especially if your program doesn’t help.

Make sure the program offers clear guidance on clinical placements, support in finding approved local sites and a network of partner clinics or supervisors.

Some online programs leave you to figure it out on your own, while others walk you through the process. If you’re already busy with work or family responsibilities, you’ll want a program that offers strong placement support.

Step 5: Talk to Admissions or Program Advisors

Once you’ve narrowed your list to a few programs, reach out and ask questions. This step is easy to skip but having a quick conversation with someone who knows the program well can help you figure out if it’s the right fit.

Good questions to ask:

• How long does the average student take to complete the program?
• What kind of support is available during clinical placement?
• Are there any hidden costs or fees beyond tuition?
• How accessible are professors and advisors?

Sometimes, just hearing how someone from the school talks about the program gives you insight into the experience you’ll actually have as a student.

Step 6: Explore the Program’s Culture and Community

Even in an online setting, community matters. You’ll be studying topics that require self-reflection and empathy and having a supportive environment makes a big difference. Try to get a feel for the program’s culture before committing.

Look for signs of active student groups or discussion forums, alumni who stay involved, faculty who have real-world experience in marriage and family therapy and diversity in the student body and curriculum.

A strong, engaged community can help you stay motivated and connected, especially if you’re going through the program while juggling other responsibilities.

Step 7: Consider the Cost but Don’t Let It Be the Only Factor

It’s hard to say that the cost shouldn’t be the main or only factor because for a lot of people, it is. It’s not easy to study when the prices are high and this is simply the realistic side of studying. 

If you feel you have found the perfect program but it’s a bit pricey, then look into financial aid availability, scholarships or tuition discounts, flexible payment plans and graduation rates and job placement data. This step takes a lot of effort but it’s very much worth it. 

And that’s it. Just follow these seven steps and you’ll be well on your way.