Best MFT Programs in Oklahoma

Psychology and counseling students can enter into many types of specializations to narrow their focus on a particular type of therapy or demographic. One type of specialization is marriage and family therapy (MFT). This area of focus specializes in working with families and couples to overcome common challenges that affect their lives. If you’re ready to start your next career move, you’ll first need to graduate from an MFT graduate degree program.

2026 Best MFT Programs in Oklahoma

When it comes to Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) education in Oklahoma, counselingpsychology.org has conducted an extensive analysis to identify the top programs in the state. Our comprehensive rankings consider factors like faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, student outcomes, and research capabilities. Oklahoma offers several standout MFT programs that prepare students for meaningful careers in counseling and therapeutic practice. These programs provide rigorous academic training, hands-on clinical experience, and innovative approaches to understanding family dynamics and mental health interventions. Whether you're a prospective student seeking a quality MFT education or a professional looking to advance your skills, our rankings offer valuable insights into the best educational paths available in Oklahoma. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, OK - Public 4-Year - okstate.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

Oklahoma State University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares passionate professionals to provide transformative, research-informed therapeutic services. The COAMFTE-accredited program equips students with advanced clinical skills, cultural competence, and ethical practice. Graduates are uniquely positioned to sit for national licensing exams, apply for state licensure, and pursue doctoral studies. The program offers comprehensive clinical training through an on-campus clinic, providing hands-on experience serving individuals, couples, and families in the Stillwater community.

• COAMFTE-accredited MS program
• Applications open September 1
• Application deadline December 1
• 8-12 students admitted annually
• On-campus clinical training
• Prepare for national licensing exam
• Faculty with doctoral degrees
• Funding opportunities available
• State-of-art therapy clinic
• Research-informed therapeutic approach

#2

Oklahoma Baptist University

Shawnee, OK - Private 4-year - okbu.edu

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

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Oklahoma Baptist University's Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy provides comprehensive training for aspiring mental health professionals. This rigorous program prepares students for clinical practice through integrated coursework, hands-on experience in a dedicated community clinic, and mentorship from expert faculty. Students benefit from a unique curriculum blending family science and psychology, with opportunities for professional networking and practical training. The program offers an integrated pathway to complete both bachelor's and master's degrees in approximately six years, with substantial scholarship opportunities and affordable tuition.

• Integrated undergraduate-graduate program
• Onsite Marriage and Family clinic
• Faculty mentorship opportunities
• Community practicum experiences
• Professional networking support
• Scholarship opportunities available
• Diverse career preparation
• Christian faith integration
• Small class sizes
• Comprehensive clinical training

#3

Cameron University

Lawton, OK - Public 4-Year - cameron.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Mental Health

Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website

Cameron University's Master of Arts in Mental Health with a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) option provides comprehensive professional training for aspiring therapists. Designed to meet Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure requirements, the program prepares students for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists. Students complete a rigorous 48-credit curriculum combining core mental health coursework with specialized MFT training, developing advanced clinical skills and theoretical knowledge to effectively support diverse client populations and family systems.

• MFT licensure track available
• 48 total credit hours
• Oklahoma state board pre-approved
• 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
• Two distinct counseling options
• 24 credit-hour core curriculum
• 24 additional MFT credits
• Professional practice focus
• Located in Lawton, Oklahoma

Master's - Master of Arts in Mental Health

Concentration: Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website

Cameron University's Master of Arts in Mental Health offers a specialized Marriage and Family Therapy option designed for aspiring licensed marital and family therapists. The comprehensive program provides rigorous academic training with Oklahoma State Board pre-approved curriculum, enabling students to develop critical professional competencies. Graduates can pursue licensure as Licensed Marital and Family Therapists (LMFT), gaining extensive knowledge in mental health counseling and therapeutic interventions. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission and includes a 48-credit comprehensive curriculum focusing on advanced clinical skills and professional practice standards.

• Marriage and Family Therapy Option
• Oklahoma State Board Pre-approved
• 48 Total Credit Hours
• 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
• LMFT Licensure Preparation
• Professional Mental Health Focus
• 24-credit core curriculum
• 24-credit specialized track

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#4

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences

Tulsa, OK - Public 4-Year - medicine.okstate.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science with an option in Marriage and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Oklahoma State University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy offers a comprehensive graduate program preparing students to become skilled, ethical therapists. The COAMFTE-accredited degree equips graduates to provide integrative-systemic therapeutic services across diverse populations. Students gain hands-on clinical training through an on-campus clinic, developing practical skills while serving local community members. Graduates are qualified to take the national licensing exam and pursue professional practice or doctoral studies in the field.

• COAMFTE Accredited Program
• On-campus clinical training clinic
• Doctoral-level expert faculty
• National licensing exam preparation
• Serves individuals, couples, families
• Research-informed therapeutic approach
• Culturally competent training
• Doctoral study pathway available

*NCES, IPEDS 2023 survey, U.S. Department of Education. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

What is an MFT Degree?

An MFT degree, otherwise known as a marriage and family therapy degree, is a psychology or counseling degree that specializes in marriage and family therapy. The degree covers strategies to help families and couples work through common issues such as a death in the family, parenting skills, or a loss of passion in a relationship.

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

In order to become licensed as a marriage and family therapist, the program you graduate from must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or CACREP (in cases where the degree is considered a counseling degree). This ensures that the program meets the state board’s requirements for licensure.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Oklahoma?

Online programs have become increasingly popular among the next generation of marriage and family therapists. Online MFT programs usually provide most or some of their curriculum online and allow students to take classes and complete coursework in their spare time.

There are many nationally-available online MFT programs for Oklahoma students to consider. A few options include:

Liberty University: Liberty University offers an online Master of Arts in Professional Counseling with a Marriage and Family Therapy specialization that integrates Christian principles with evidence-based therapeutic practices. The program is designed for flexibility with asynchronous online classes and allows students to complete their required clinical hours at approved sites in their local communities.

Walden University: Walden University provides an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling specialization that focuses on systemic approaches to therapy. The program offers flexible scheduling with multiple start dates throughout the year and requires students to complete practicum and internship experiences at field sites within their local communities.

MFT Degree Levels

There are several different levels of degrees that focus on marriage and family therapy. While MFT undergraduate degrees are offered to students, you must graduate from either a master’s or doctorate degree program to become licensed as a marriage and family therapist. Some schools also offer a graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy, but these are typically reserved for students who already have a graduate degree in a clinical mental health area.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

You may. Many MFT degree programs require that applicants complete an assessment known as a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) to gauge their pre-graduate education. However, this style of assessment is becoming less and less common. Schools like Oklahoma State University do not require students to submit a GRE, and instead, focus on a holistic review of applicants’ qualifications and experiences. Your prospective program will have information on whether or not you will be required to complete a GRE to apply on their admissions page.

Master's Degree in MFT

If you’re looking to get licensed as a marriage and family therapist in the quickest amount of time, you’ll probably want to go with an MFT master’s degree program. These types of programs only last around two years with around 60 credits to graduate. In terms of cost, you’ll be paying an average of $19,380 for your master’s degree program in Oklahoma. Oklahoma has many options for MFT master’s degrees available in the state. Here are a few to consider:

Oklahoma State University: Located in Stillwater, Oklahoma State University offers an expansive Master’s of Human Development and Family Sciences with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. This program trains students on everything they need to know to become licensed as marriage and family therapists and become successful in the field. The program requires 60 credit hours along with 400 in-person clinical hours to be completed at their on-campus clinic. Part-time students will not be admitted.

University of Central Oklahoma: The University of Central Oklahoma offers a Master’s Degree in Family and Child Studies with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy. This program is designated to guide students to MFT licensure, but it also gives them a wide range of context in the study of interpersonal relationships and family dynamics.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

For some, MFT graduate certificates are a viable option for their specific career or educational goals. These non-degree programs are usually geared toward those who already have a master’s or doctorate degree and who are already licensed in a clinical mental health practice, as they don’t offer licensure on their own. One of the many benefits of MFT graduate certificate programs is that they only take a year to complete and cost between $1,000 and 1,500. There is currently one option available in Oklahoma:

Oklahoma Baptist University: If you’re interested in exploring the unique relationship between medical practice and therapeutic family practice, Oklahoma Baptist University offers a Medical Family Therapy Certificate. The program is open to any student currently enrolled in a marriage and family therapy graduate degree program or a master’s-level clinician.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

If you want to go beyond the initial training that comes with becoming a marriage and family therapist, consider enrolling in an MFT doctorate degree program. These degrees usually last between 4 and 8 years and come in two different types — a PsyD, which focuses on clinical practice, and a Ph.D., which is more geared towards researchers and educators. On average, you can expect to pay between $30,000 and $300,000 for your MFT doctorate education.

As of now, there are no MFT doctorate degree programs based in Oklahoma; however, you can find these programs available online or in nearby states. Here are a few MFT doctorate programs in close proximity to Oklahoma:

Texas Tech University: The Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy PhD offered by Texas Tech University is a fully accredited program located in Lubbock, TX, that offers an affordable and expansive doctoral experience for MFT-focused students. Texas Tech’s program speaks for itself: Students who graduated from its MFT doctoral program have had a 100% success rate on the licensure exam for the last seven years.

Kansas State University: Kansas State University offers a Couples and Family Therapy Ph.D. program, which builds on the education students received in their MFT master’s degree program to expand on the most current and effective couples and family therapeutic methods. This degree program is perfect for students who want to go on to become clinicians, educators, and community leaders in this important psychological field.

Becoming an LMFT in Oklahoma

Following the completion of your MFT degree program, you’ll also need to seek licensure if your plan is to practice in a clinical setting. Here’s what you’ll need to know about licensure in Oklahoma:

• Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or a regionally accredited institution.
• Supervised Experience: Complete the required supervised clinical experience. In Oklahoma, this typically involves accumulating 1,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical experience, with at least 200 hours of direct client contact.
• Examination: Pass the National Examination in Marriage and Family Therapy administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). You will also need to pass the jurisprudence exam which tests your knowledge of state regulations.
• Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health (OSBBH). This may include providing documentation of your education, supervised experience, examination scores, and any other required materials.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
• Fees: Pay the required application and licensure fees.
• Continuing Education: After obtaining licensure, you’ll need to keep up to date with the latest MFT methods to maintain your licensure. This will require taking at least 20 hours of continuing education hours every year.

List of MFT Degree Programs in Oklahoma