Eastern University Online Counseling & MFT Programs
- CAGS in Professional Counseling
- CAGS in School Counseling
- Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT)
- MA in Counseling Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis Certification concentration (ABA)
- MA in Counseling Psychology – General
- MA in Counseling Psychology – Trauma Studies
- MA in in Marriage & Family Therapy
- MEd in School and Mental Health Counseling
- MEd in School Counseling
- PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy
Eastern University offers a wide range of online and blended counseling and marriage and family therapy programs, including a certificate of advanced graduate studies (CAGS) in professional counseling; a certificate of advanced graduate studies (CAGS) in school counseling; a doctor of marriage and family therapy (DMFT) program; a master of arts (MA) in counseling psychology program with general, trauma studies, and applied behavior analysis certification tracks; MEd programs in school and mental health counseling and school counseling, an MA in marriage and family therapy (MAMFT), and a PhD in marriage and family therapy.
The programs share a strong focus on practical training, professional ethics, research, cultural humility, and faith-based learning. Many of them are offered fully online or in blended formats, with evening and hybrid options also available. Several programs include practicum, internship, and capstone or dissertation requirements, giving students hands-on experience in real settings. Eastern also emphasizes small classes, personalized study plans, and faculty with field experience.
The CAGS in the professional counseling program is designed for students who already hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and want advanced graduate study. It can be completed in as little as one year, depending on the program of study.
The CAGS in the school counseling program is designed for students who want school counseling certification and already hold a related master’s degree. It is offered fully online or in a blended format and is usually completed in 12 to 24 months. Important courses include foundations of school counseling; introduction to child and adolescent counseling; career development theory and practice; and two school counseling internships.
The 60-credit online DMFT is a doctoral program that prepares students for advanced work in marriage and family therapy, theological inquiry, and clinical and pastoral counseling. It emphasizes the integration of psychology and Christianity, self-reflection, and enrichment program development. Important courses include marriage and family theory; trauma and family systems; advanced couples therapy; and doctoral project work.
The 60-credit MA in counseling psychology program is offered online or in evening and blended formats and includes general, trauma studies, and applied behavior analysis certification tracks. It prepares students for licensure as professional counselors in Pennsylvania. Important courses include introduction to counseling theory, personality and practice; psychopathology and diagnosis; techniques of counseling and psychotherapy; and clinical internship and seminar.
The trauma studies track in the MA in counseling psychology program is designed for students who want to understand the effects of trauma and learn evidence-based ways to support traumatized individuals, families, and communities. It is offered fully online or in a blended format and follows the same 60-credit structure as the main counseling psychology program. Important concentration courses include trauma across the lifespan; crisis intervention and trauma treatment methods; grief and loss counseling theory and practice; and substance abuse counseling.
The applied behavior analysis certification track in the MA in counseling psychology program prepares students for work in behavior analysis, school settings, and community settings. It meets educational requirements for Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS) credentials in Pennsylvania. Important concentration courses include principles of applied behavior analysis; verbal behavior assessment; autism and basic applied behavior analysis; and behavior measurement and treatment evaluation.
The MA in marriage and family therapy is a 60-credit online program that prepares students to work with individuals, couples, families, and communities. It focuses on theory, practice, diversity, and faith-based reflection. Important courses include marriage and family theory; treatment and assessment of families in therapy; diversity, equity, and belonging in marriage and family therapy; and spirituality in marriage and family therapy.
The MEd in school and mental health counseling is a 60-credit program available fully online or in a blended format that prepares students for school counseling and mental health counseling roles. It combines school-based and clinical preparation, including practicum and internship experiences. Important courses include foundations of school counseling; school law, ethics, and professional practice; trauma-informed schools; and school counseling internship.
The MEd in school counseling is a 48-credit program that prepares students for PK to 12 school counseling certification in Pennsylvania and is offered fully online or in a blended format. It focuses on students’ academic, social, emotional, and career development. Important courses include foundations of school counseling; introduction to child and adolescent counseling; school counseling practicum, and school counseling internship.
The PhD in marriage and family therapy is a 60-credit online doctoral program that prepares students for leadership roles in academia, research, behavioral health care, and pastoral care. It combines marriage and family therapy study with theological inquiry and advanced research. Important courses include marriage and family theory; qualitative research methodology; quantitative research methodology; and dissertation work.
Most programs require a completed and signed application, identity verification, official transcripts, a current resume, recommendations, and additional essays or interviews, depending on the program. The CAGS and counseling psychology programs require a bachelor’s degree, and some programs require a related master’s degree, minimum GPA standards, and behavioral science coursework. The MAMFT, DMFT, and PhD programs also require essays, interviews, and, in some cases, specific degree backgrounds and recommendation letters. Several programs note that applicants with lower GPAs may submit GRE or MAT scores, and some allow transcript review or transfer evaluation before final admission decisions.
Eastern University is located near Philadelphia in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. It is a private, Christian, co-educational university accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and the master of arts in counseling psychology programs are accredited by the Master’s in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). The marriage and family therapy programs do not have program-specific accreditation at present.
When you click on a sponsoring school or program advertised on our site, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
CAGS in Professional Counseling
CAGS in School Counseling
Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT)
MA in Counseling Psychology – Applied Behavior Analysis Certification concentration (ABA)
MA in Counseling Psychology – General
MA in Counseling Psychology – Trauma Studies
MA in in Marriage & Family Therapy
MEd in School and Mental Health Counseling
MEd in School Counseling
PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy
1300 Eagle RdSt Davids, Pennsylvania
Program Essentials
Post-Master's Certificate
Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
12 or more
August, January, May
Complete in as little as 1 year
Program Admissions
No – GRE not required, may be submitted if GPA <2.80
2.8
AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, HI, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NC, OH, UT, WY, PR, DC
Program Tuition
12 or more
$790.00
$9,480.00
$790.00
$9,480.00
Program Essentials
Post-Master's Certificate
Counseling: School Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
12 or more
August, January, May, June
Complete in as little as 1 year
Program Admissions
No – GRE not required, may be submitted if GPA <2.80
2.8
AL, AK, AR, CO, ID, IN, MI, MN, NY, OR, SD, UT
Program Tuition
12 or more
$790.00
$9,480.00
$790.00
$9,480.00
Program Essentials
Doctoral Degree
Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
60
Fall
Can be completed in 4-6 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$450.00
$27,000.00
$450.00
$27,000.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling Psychology
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
60
August, January, May
Can be completed in 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time
Program Admissions
No – GRE not required, may be submitted if GPA <2.80
2.8
AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, IN, KS, KY, MN, MO, NY, NC, OH, UT, WY, PR, DC
Program Tuition
60
$790.00
$47,400.00
$790.00
$47,400.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling Psychology
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
60
August, January, May
Can be completed in 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time
Program Admissions
No – GRE not required, may be submitted if GPA <2.80
2.8
AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, IN, KS, KY, MN, MO, NY, NC, OH, UT, WY, PR, DC
Program Tuition
60
$790.00
$47,400.00
$790.00
$47,400.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling Psychology, Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
60
August, January, May
Can be completed in 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time
Program Admissions
No – GRE not required, may be submitted if GPA <2.80
2.8
AL, AR, CA, FL, GA, IN, KS, KY, MN, MO, NY, NC, OH, UT, WY, PR, DC
Program Tuition
60
$790.00
$47,400.00
$790.00
$47,400.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
60
August
Can be completed in 2 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
2.80 or higher
CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, KS, MS, NV, NH, NY, NC, ND, OK, OR, RI, UT, WA, WY, PR, DC
Program Tuition
60
$450.00
$27,000.00
$450.00
$27,000.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: School Counseling, Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
60
August, January
Can be completed in as few as 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time
Program Admissions
No – GRE not required, may be submitted if GPA <2.80
2.80 or higher
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$790.00
$47,400.00
$790.00
$47,400.00
Program Essentials
Master's Degree
Counseling: School Counseling
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
48
August, January
Can be completed in 2 years full-time or 3 years part-time
Program Admissions
No – GRE not required, may be submitted if GPA <2.80
2.80 or higher
AL, AK, AR, CO, ID, IN, MI, MN, NY, OR, SD, UT
Program Tuition
48
$790.00
$37,920.00
$790.00
$37,920.00
Program Essentials
Doctoral Degree
Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy
Yes
0 – No required campus visits
60
Fall
Can be completed in 4-6 years
Program Admissions
No GRE required
3.0
No state restrictions
Program Tuition
60
$450.00
$27,000.00
$450.00
$27,000.00
Tuition is calculated based on credits, at the published tuition rate. Rates may change, so please check here for the latest tuition information. For programs with variable tuition rates, we use the rates for part-time students. “Resident” and “non-resident” refer to the student’s school-recognized state residency status. Tuition number represents the cost of tuition for the entire program, not per semester or year. Estimated total tuition does not include additional fees.
Farheen Gani
WriterFarheen Gani has researched degree programs and salaries in counseling since 2020. She has written about topics such as genetic counselor salaries and family and human development bachelor’s degrees. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.