The 100% online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy (60 credits) is specially designed for people looking to expand their hearts and minds while developing skills to meet the challenges of 21st Century life. Research and study in counseling theories and practice are integrated with theological inquiry in this vibrant doctoral program.
You may also be interested in: Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy.
Program Details
- Delivery: 100% Online
- Note: Internship placements will be in-person at a location near you.
- Length: 60 credits; typically completed in 4-6 years
- Additional credits required until the completion of dissertation
- Additional credits may also be required if interested in pursuing state license
- Enrolling New Students: August (View application deadlines).
- Cost: $450/credit for tuition plus $30/credit in fees
- $28,800 total in tuition & fees for the full 60-credit program (2024-2025)
- Additional credits & cost may be required if pursuing a state license outside of PA.
- Financial Aid: Explore our federal financial aid options that may be available to you.
100% Online. Flexible. Affordable.
Program Goals and Distinctives:
- Integration of Psychology & Christianity: Students assess individuals, couples, families, and congregations from an integrated point of view, incorporating theological issues with Marriage and Family systems theory and pertinent psychological perspectives in pastoral or clinical settings.
- Broad Audience: Students demonstrate advanced counseling skills appropriate to meet the needs of individuals, couples, families, and congregations seeking mental health services and programs.
- Self-Reflection: Students practice in-depth self-reflection to enhance their ongoing personal and professional development.
- Significant Research Project: Students create and present a significant research project resulting in a dissertation that contributes to the field of marriage and family therapy.
- Enrichment Programs: Students create and deliver integrated psychological and spiritual enrichment programs. Examples of previous enrichment programs created by Eastern doctoral students include workshops for individuals, couples, and families, as well as seminars offered on special topics in a clinical or church setting.
“The most excellent aspect of this degree program has been the unconditional support and encouragement from my professors and my peers. I cannot recall another academic or professional environment in which I was so supported, encouraged and unconditionally loved as I have been in this program. The lectures, open discussions, meetings, and more that I have experienced often brought me to tears out of sheer gratitude.”
Our Mission
The PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy trains students in professional mental health and pastoral counseling fields to be skilled scholar/practitioners in marriage and family therapy who apply their minds and hearts to promoting processes of change and growth in individuals, couples, families, and communities. This scholar/practitioner research program prepares students for leadership roles in academia, research, behavioral healthcare, and pastoral care.
State Authorizations
Please check the State Authorizations page to determine if Eastern University’s program fulfills your state credentialing requirements. Students who seek similar credentialing in states other than Pennsylvania are advised to contact the appropriate credentialing agency within their home state to seek information and additional guidance about credentialing in your state of residence. Additional state or local requirements may exist for field placements or practica in this state. Out-of-state student placements/practica cannot be guaranteed by the program or the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Students are responsible for following all state and local requirements and regulations for their field placement/practica coursework.