Best MFT Programs in Illinois

Marriage and family therapists are an important mental health resource to families, couples, and even individuals who are facing unique challenges in their relationships. Marriage and family therapists help these demographics through common situations that they face such as familial trauma, abuse, and violence.

Illinois, like many other states, needs family therapists, especially in rural areas where mental health access is limited or unavailable. If you want to become a marriage and family therapist, the first step is enrolling in an MFT degree program and getting licensed.

2026 Best MFT Programs in Illinois

Counseling Psychology Organization brings you the definitive guide to the best Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Illinois. Our comprehensive analysis evaluates top graduate schools across the state, considering factors like academic excellence, clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. Whether you're a prospective student seeking a transformative educational experience or a professional looking to advance your career, our rankings provide an authoritative roadmap to the most competitive MFT programs. We've carefully examined each institution's curriculum, research capabilities, and professional development resources to help you make an informed decision about your graduate education. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL - Private 4-year - northwestern.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northwestern University's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is a rigorous, licensure-focused program designed for dedicated professionals passionate about helping others. The curriculum, based on the innovative Integrative Systemic Therapy approach, provides comprehensive clinical training through in-person experiences near students' communities. With rolling admissions, flexible start dates, and no GRE requirement, this COAMFTE-accredited program prepares students to become self-reflective, skilled therapists capable of addressing complex relational and systemic client concerns.

• Online and on-campus options
• COAMFTE accredited program
• No GRE required
• Four annual cohort starts
• Integrative Systemic Therapy approach
• In-person clinical training
• Rolling admissions process
• Licensure-focused curriculum

Doctorate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Online Learning - Visit Website

Northwestern University's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares aspiring therapists to work with diverse populations through a comprehensive, research-driven curriculum. The rigorous program offers intensive clinical training, allowing students to complete their degree in as few as 21 months full-time. Designed for professionals seeking licensure, the program features no GRE requirement, flexible online learning, and a supportive environment with small class sizes. Graduates gain advanced therapeutic skills, multicultural competence, and the ability to help individuals, couples, and families thrive.

• Online MFT Master's degree
• 24 months full-time completion
• COAMFTE accredited program
• No GRE required
• 400 hours clinical fieldwork
• 125 relational clinical hours
• 15 students per classroom
• Placement specialists assist
• Integrative systemic therapeutic model
• Immersive experience included

Show 1 More Programs ˅

#2

DePaul University

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - depaul.edu

Master's - Couples and Family Counseling

Campus Based - Visit Website

Dive into DePaul University's transformative Marriage & Family Therapy program, designed for passionate professionals seeking to make meaningful connections. This comprehensive graduate-level experience equips students with advanced counseling skills, multicultural perspectives, and evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Students learn to support diverse families through innovative interventions, developing expertise in systemic approaches and interpersonal dynamics. The program combines rigorous academic training with hands-on clinical experiences, preparing graduates to become licensed counselors who can address complex relationship challenges and promote emotional wellness.

• Graduate-level counseling program
• Multicultural counseling focus
• Practical clinical experiences
• Comprehensive couples/family courses
• Professional supervision included
• Evidence-based intervention training
• CSL 556 Couples/Family Counseling course

#3

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL - Public 4-Year - uis.edu

Master's - M.A. in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling

Concentration: Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Illinois Springfield provides a robust Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling graduate concentration within its Human Development Counseling program. This comprehensive 61-credit-hour master's track prepares students for professional counseling careers by combining core curriculum with specialized coursework in family systems, counseling techniques, and clinical experience. Students develop advanced skills through systematic training, focusing on relational contexts and practical interventions across diverse populations and settings.

• 61 total required credit hours
• 4 specialized concentration courses
• Minimum 120 clinical service hours
• Community agency clinical placements
• Comprehensive core counseling curriculum
• Practicum and internship experiences
• Systemic counseling approach
• Multiple counseling theory courses
• Multicultural counseling emphasis
• Professional experience focus

#4

The Chicago School at Chicago

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - thechicagoschool.edu

Master's - M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Immerse yourself in a transformative Master's in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy that prepares compassionate professionals to make real-world impact. This comprehensive program equips students with advanced diagnostic and therapeutic skills across diverse clinical populations. Accredited by COAMFTE, the program emphasizes systemic, culturally competent approaches to mental health. Students gain hands-on experience through 300 supervised clinical hours, developing expertise in treating individuals, couples, and families. Ideal for those passionate about relational healing and community mental health, the program offers a practitioner-scholar model with competitive admissions and multiple campus locations.

• COAMFTE Accredited Program
• 60 credit hours total
• 300 clinical supervised hours
• Multiple campus locations
• No GRE required
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Interview required for admission
• Three recommendation letters needed
• Practitioner-scholar model
• Systemic therapy approach

#5

Adler University

Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - adler.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University's Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy offers a comprehensive, socially responsible approach to mental health training. This COAMFTE-accredited program prepares students to become expert therapists who can effectively work with couples, families, youth, and individuals across diverse settings. With a unique focus on social justice, the program combines rigorous academic coursework, hands-on clinical training, and a commitment to addressing systemic challenges. Students benefit from a 60-credit curriculum that includes practical experience, specialized electives, and a 200-hour social justice practicum, positioning graduates for successful careers in mental health counseling.

• COAMFTE-accredited program
• 60-credit hour master's degree
• Two-year full-time program
• Social justice focused curriculum
• 200-hour social justice practicum
• Prepares for LMFT licensure
• Multiple specialization options
• Optional sex therapy certificate

Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University's Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy is a comprehensive doctoral program designed for aspiring advanced practitioners, researchers, and educators. Accredited by COAMFTE, this rigorous program prepares socially responsible clinicians with advanced systemic therapy skills, emphasizing cultural competence and social justice. Students develop expertise through specialized coursework, clinical practicums, and a dissertation, positioning graduates for leadership roles in academia, clinical practice, and research. The program offers unique opportunities like sex therapy certification and substantial hands-on training, making it an ideal choice for professionals seeking to elevate their impact in mental health and family systems.

• COAMFTE-accredited Ph.D. program
• 63-credit hour curriculum
• Full-time program, 4-7 years
• Located in Chicago campus
• Licensure eligible in Illinois
• Optional sex therapy certification
• Advanced clinical training
• Social justice focused curriculum

Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy

Concentration: Certificate in Sex Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website

Adler University's Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy is a transformative doctoral program designed for passionate clinicians seeking advanced expertise in systemic therapy. The COAMFTE-accredited program prepares students to become socially responsible practitioners with specialized skills in research, clinical practice, and academic leadership. Students develop a deep understanding of family systems, cultural competence, and social justice principles while gaining comprehensive training in advanced therapeutic techniques. The program offers unique opportunities for professional growth, including specialized certificates, hands-on clinical experiences, and a robust curriculum that prepares graduates for diverse career paths in therapy, academia, and research.

• COAMFTE-accredited Ph.D. program
• Advanced systemic therapy training
• Social justice focused curriculum
• Clinical and academic career preparation
• Optional sex therapy certificate
• Full-time 4-year program
• GPA requirement 3.25+
• Clinical master's degree required
• Illinois LMFT licensure pathway

Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy

Concentration: Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website

Elevate your career in marriage and family therapy with Adler University's COAMFTE-accredited Ph.D. program. Designed for advanced practitioners, this rigorous doctoral journey transforms clinicians into socially responsible leaders. Develop specialized skills in systemic therapy, research, and academia through personalized mentorship from licensed professionals. The program prepares doctoral candidates for roles in clinical practice, teaching, and research, with opportunities to add specialized certificates in sex therapy and substance abuse counseling.

• Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy
• COAMFTE-accredited program
• 4-year full-time doctoral program
• Clinical + research focus
• Optional sex therapy certificate
• Licensed faculty mentorship
• Social justice orientation
• Doctoral dissertation required
• Advanced clinical practicum
• Full-time internship included

Show 3 More Programs ˅

*Credit: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.

What is an MFT Degree?

Marriage and family therapy degrees (or MFT degrees for short) are degrees that train students in the psychological therapeutic methods for working with couples, families, or even individuals to navigate complex situations such as trauma, abuse, psychological disorders, or substance abuse. They can be utilized by mental health professionals looking to specialize in these methods or by anyone with an interest in marriage and family therapy.

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

As you begin your search, one of the more important things to remember is to ensure that the programs you apply to are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or by CACREP. This ensures that the state board approves the program’s curriculum. If it’s not accredited, you will not be able to get licensed.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Illinois?

Online programs have become very popular in the last several years, especially for marriage and family therapy degrees. However, because of the licensure requirements associated with MFT graduate degrees, it’s good to be aware of a couple of key points.

While you can take many MFT courses online, you will most likely have to participate in some in-person training. Most MFT degrees require that their students participate in clinicals to get first-hand experience in the field. These are usually done in the last year of a master’s degree and for all years in a doctorate degree.

Additionally, if you’re planning on applying to out-of-state online MFT degree programs, you’ll need to consider licensure requirements. While your education may be based out of a different state, you must follow the licensure regulations of Illinois if that’s where you intend to practice. Fortunately, there are options for students who want to receive their MFT education online in Illinois:

Northwestern University: Northwestern University offers its Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy online to full-time and part-time students in as little as 21 months or 36 months, respectively. The program is based in Evanston, IL but you can fulfill all coursework and clinical requirements from anywhere in the state.

Short Length MFT Programs in Illinois

There are many MFT degree programs to choose from in Illinois, but not all of them are exactly succinct if you’re on a tight time frame. Furthermore, shorter MFT programs like master’s degree programs are more affordable since you’ll be technically paying for less education. Below are a few examples of Illinois’ shortest MFT degree programs:

Affordable MFT Programs in Illinois

There is quite a range in tuition costs when it comes to MFT degree programs. If you’re aiming to go with a more affordable option, you’ll probably want to go with a master’s degree, which usually only costs between $400 and $800 per credit on average. Below are some of Illinois’ most affordable MFT master’s degree programs:

MFT Degree Levels

There are many different types of MFT degree levels available in Illinois. The most common are master’s degrees, doctorate degrees, and graduate certificates. Master’s degrees and doctorate degrees allow MFT students to become licensed marriage and family therapists, while graduate certificates are more geared toward individuals who are already licensed.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

You might. A GRE (Graduate Record Examination) may be a requirement depending on the MFT program you’re applying to. This type of assessment measures your ability in certain academic areas to ensure a smooth transition into a graduate program. Not all schools require this, however. Some schools, such as Northern Illinois University, use other methods to gauge these academic areas. To find out if the program you’re applying to requires a GRE, you can check the admissions section of your school’s website.

Master's Degree in MFT

To become licensed as a marriage and family therapist, you’ll need to have a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at the very least. These types of degrees take about two years to complete following a bachelor’s degree program and usually require the completion of 60 credits, which introduce the student to more nuanced and complex topics surrounding marriage and family therapy.

MFT master’s degrees cost an average of $49,726 in tuition in Illinois and can be found nationwide. Here are just a few that are available in the State of Illinois:

Northern Illinois University: While most MFT master’s degree programs require the completion of 60 credits or more, Northern Illinois University’s M.S. in Applied Human Development and Family Sciences with a Specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy allows students to complete their fully accredited master’s degree program with only 54 credits.

Northeastern Illinois University: If you’re looking to get your Associate’s Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (ALMFT) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Illinois, Northeastern Illinois University’s Couple and Family Counseling, M.A might be the right choice for you.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

As previously mentioned, MFT graduate certificates are not technically degrees; they’re more geared toward graduates who already have licensure in psychology or counseling but want to achieve a more balanced educational background in marriage and family therapy.

Graduate certificates typically take a year or less to complete and cost an average of $7129 in tuition in Illinois. There are several MFT graduate certificates available in Illinois. Here are two good options:

Governers State University: The Post-Master's Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Certificate offered by Governers State University allows licensed mental health professionals to add additional value to their CVs, increasing their marketability when seeking professional roles, but more importantly, providing a more holistic approach to their practice.

Wheaton College: The Marriage and Family Therapy Certificate offered by Wheaton College provides a Christian-based approach to marriage and family therapy, perfect for students who want to seek careers in biblical counseling, become clergy members, or expand their practice to reach individuals who prefer a Christian-based clinician.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

If you want to become an expert in marriage and family therapy, a doctorate is the way to go. You’ll be receiving the highest level of education that you could possibly receive with an MFT doctorate degree. There are two different types of MFT doctorate degrees — a Ph.D. and a PsyD. A Ph.D. is typically reserved for students who want to focus their careers on research, theory, and education, while a PsyD is typically more clinician-focused.

MFT doctorate degrees can range between $35,000 and $350,000 in tuition, depending on the program. They usually take between 4 and 8 years to complete. Here are a few MFT doctorate degrees available in Illinois:

Adler University: The Ph.D. in Couples and Family Therapy offered by Adler University not only prepares students for specialized practice as a marriage and family therapist but also offers students the option to further sub-specialize in either substance abuse counseling or sex therapy for additional credits. The program also communicates a strong focus on diversity, recognizing the various dimensions of culture.

The Chicago School: Currently the only PsyD in Marital and Family Therapy offered in the State of Illinois, The Chicago School’s program focuses on the clinical aspects of marriage and family therapy. It also allows students to seek careers in grant writing and education in addition to clinical work. Students can complete this degree program in three years following their master’s degree and can become licensed upon graduation.

Becoming an LMFT in Illinois

Obtaining MFT licensure is arguably the most important step to ensuring a successful marriage and family therapist career. Licensure ensures that you can legally practice as a therapist and gives you credibility as a mental health professional. Here’s what you need to know about MFT licensure in Illinois:

• Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution. Ensure that your program is recognized by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or an equivalent accrediting body.
• Supervised Experience: Complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours. In Illinois, you usually need to accumulate around 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience, with at least 1,000 hours in direct client contact, 350 going towards couples and families, and 350 towards individual therapy. These hours must be completed over a period of at least 2 years.
• Examination: Pass the National MFT Examination, administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). This exam assesses your knowledge of marriage and family therapy concepts and practices.
• Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). This typically includes providing transcripts, proof of supervised experience, exam scores, and any other required documentation.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
• Fees: Pay the required application and licensing fees.
• Continuing Education: After obtaining licensure, you will need to fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain your license. You will need to take part in at least 30 continuing education hours every 2 years before February 28th of every odd-numbered year.

List of MFT Degree Programs in Illinois