New findings from AAMFT’s 2025 MFT Industry Workforce Study highlight a continuation of a concerning trend first identified in 2022: a steady decline in the number of Marriage and Family Therapists pursuing doctoral education. This trend has potential long-term implications for the future of research, leadership, and academic growth within the profession.
Fewer MFTs Are Pursuing Doctoral Degrees
Among currently practicing MFTs surveyed in 2025:
- 56% neither hold nor plan to pursue a PhD
- 20% say they may consider pursuing one in the future
- 19% already hold a doctoral degree
- 5% are currently enrolled in a program
The data show that a clear majority of clinicians are opting out of doctoral pathways altogether—and this sentiment is even stronger among students and pre-licensed professionals, more than half of whom report no plans to pursue a PhD.
Why Interest Is Declining
Among those who do not plan to pursue a doctoral degree, several themes emerge:
- 40% say a doctorate is not necessary for their career goals
- 34% question the return on investment, citing uncertainty about whether a PhD will meaningfully advance their careers
- 29% identify the cost of doctoral education as the primary barrier
These findings reflect the increasingly complex economic and professional landscape facing emerging therapists. With many prioritizing financial stability, clinical experience, or non-academic career trajectories, doctoral education is becoming less central—and less accessible—for a growing segment of the workforce.
Interested in more insights about the profession? Over the coming months, AAMFT+ will highlight key insights from the 2025 MFT Workforce Study, examining trends shaping the future of the profession. You can access the full study, presented in two companion reports, at www.aamft.org/workforcestudy.
