What you’ll learn in this article…
- Louisiana offers just two primary MFT graduate programs, one COAMFTE accredited and one CACREP accredited with a family therapy concentration.
- LMFT licensure requires a board approved master's degree plus roughly two years of supervised clinical practice under a provisional license.
- The BLS national median wage for marriage and family therapists was approximately $58,510 in 2024, while Louisiana specific figures differ.
- Always verify a program's approval with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners before enrolling, especially for online or out of state options.
Fewer than five graduate programs in Louisiana offer coursework that qualifies candidates for the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist credential, so the program you pick carries outsized weight. A wrong choice, particularly one that lacks board approval, can add semesters of remedial coursework or block licensure entirely.
That narrow field also means meaningful differences in accreditation type, clinical hour structures, tuition, and whether a graduate certificate alone can satisfy the state's education requirements. Each of those variables shapes your timeline to independent practice and your ability to transfer a license across state lines.
Louisiana's LMFT path demands a minimum of a master's degree plus 1,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience, and not every program format counts equally in the board's eyes.
Louisiana's Highest-Rated MFT Programs
Louisiana has a small but focused set of graduate programs that prepare students for family therapy practice. Rather than a sprawling list, you are choosing between two distinctly different pathways: a CACREP-accredited counseling master's degree with a marriage and family specialization, and an MSW-embedded graduate certificate that centers family intervention within social work. That narrow field makes understanding each program's accreditation type, cost structure, and clinical training model especially important. Fit matters more than prestige when the options are this concentrated.
- Net price after financial aid
- Program-level graduate earnings
- Institutional graduation rate
- Accreditation and board approval
- Clinical training structure
- Independent program research
- Internal program database
- College Scorecard graduate earnings — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
University of Holy Cross
University of Holy Cross is a small, private institution in New Orleans with a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a mission rooted in serving a diverse, largely Pell-eligible student body. Its counseling master's program, including the Marriage, Couple, and Family specialization, is CACREP-accredited and built around a primarily online delivery model with two required one-day campus residencies. The program's 60-credit curriculum, 100-hour practicum, and 600-hour internship are designed squarely around Louisiana licensure standards, and its New Orleans clinical partnerships embed students in local mental health and community agencies.
- CACREP-accredited 60-credit curriculum aligned with LA licensure
- Primarily online with two required one-day campus residencies
- Three-year standard completion timeline for online students
- 100-hour practicum plus 600-hour supervised internship
- Clinical placements in New Orleans area community agencies
- Annual published data on licensure exam pass rates and outcomes
- Institutional net price approximately $15,635 (College Scorecard)
- 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports close mentorship
Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage, Couple, and Family Specialization — On-Campus
Tulane University of Louisiana
Tulane University brings its research-university infrastructure to an online MSW program that includes a specialized Graduate Certificate in Mental Health, Addictions, and Family Practice. While this is a social work credential rather than a standalone MFT degree, the certificate's focus on Multisystemic Family Therapy and cognitive-behavioral approaches prepares graduates for family-centered clinical roles. Tulane reports an 87% LCSW exam pass rate and requires 948 field education hours, typically completed through local Louisiana placements. The institution's 86.1% graduation rate and strong post-graduation earnings reflect its broader academic strength, though program-level earnings data for this specific track are not yet available.
- Online delivery with flexible part-time and full-time scheduling
- 948 hours of supervised field education in local communities
- Concentration in Multisystemic Family Therapy and CBT approaches
- 87% LCSW exam pass rate reported by the program
- Cultural sensitivity training for diverse, underserved populations
- Field placements available in students' own Louisiana communities
- Institutional net price approximately $39,949 (College Scorecard)
- Prepares graduates for family roles in justice and child welfare
MSW with Mental Health, Addictions, and the Family Graduate Certificate — Online
Quick Questions About MFT in Louisiana
These are some of the most common questions prospective MFT students in Louisiana ask. The answers are brief by design. For deeper dives on accreditation, licensure steps, and program costs, keep reading the sections below.
MFT Graduate Certificates in Louisiana: What's Actually Available
If you already hold a graduate degree in a behavioral science field and want to add marriage and family therapy training without committing to another full master's, a graduate certificate looks attractive. The catch in Louisiana: standalone MFT certificate options are narrow, and the certificate alone will not get you licensed.
The ULM Graduate Certificate in MFT
The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy (often abbreviated MFTC). Delivery is primarily face-to-face on the Monroe campus, with occasional online classes mixed in, so this is not a fully distance program. Admission runs on a single fall cycle with a February 1 application deadline.
To qualify for admission, applicants need:
- Prior degree: A completed graduate or undergraduate degree.
- GPA: A minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Behavioral science coursework: At least 18 credit hours in behavioral sciences.
- Specific prerequisites: Abnormal Psychology and Personality Theory.
ULM does not publish a fixed total credit count for the certificate on its program matrix, so prospective students should confirm the current required course sequence directly with the ULM Graduate School before applying. The certificate itself is not COAMFTE-accredited; that accreditation in Louisiana sits with ULM's standalone M.A. in MFT, which is a separate program.
Other Louisiana Institutions
Based on currently published catalogs, no other Louisiana university, including University of Holy Cross, Tulane, Loyola University New Orleans, and Northwestern State, advertises a standalone post-master's graduate certificate specifically in marriage and family therapy. Most in-state MFT training is delivered through full master's degrees rather than certificates. Programs and offerings change, so verify directly with any school you are considering.
How the Certificate Maps to LMFT Licensure
This is the part students most often misread. The Louisiana LMFT Licensing Board requires a qualifying master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy (or a closely related field with specific MFT coursework and supervised clinical hours). A graduate certificate by itself does not satisfy that degree requirement.
The ULM certificate is best understood as a supplement, useful for:
- Practicing counselors who want structured MFT coursework without re-enrolling in a full degree.
- LPCs exploring dual licensure who need to evaluate whether MFT is the right next step before committing to a full master's. If you are still weighing the licensed professional counselor pathway, understanding the overlap between LPC and LMFT scopes of practice is a smart first move.
- Career changers sampling the field before applying to ULM's full M.A. in MFT.
If LMFT licensure is your end goal, plan on a qualifying master's degree, not the certificate alone. Students who already hold a counseling degree and want to layer on additional credentials may also find value in related options such as a counseling graduate certificate in a complementary specialty.
Master's vs. Doctorate vs. Graduate Certificate: Which MFT Path Fits You?
Three distinct educational pathways prepare marriage and family therapists in Louisiana, and each serves a different professional goal. The master's degree is the standard route to independent clinical practice, the doctorate is designed for leaders in academia and advanced supervision, and the graduate certificate fills gaps for licensed professionals who want to add MFT competency. Understanding the purpose, time commitment, and cost of each level helps you choose the right path for your career.
Master's Degree: The Standard Entry Point for LMFT Licensure
A master's in marriage and family therapy is the required foundation for licensure as an LMFT in Louisiana. Programs typically require 60 credits and take 24 months of full-time study to complete.1 Tuition ranges from around $25,000 at public universities to $50,000 or more at private institutions. Master's programs blend coursework in systems theory, human development, and couples therapy with at least 500 hours of supervised clinical training. This degree meets the educational requirements for Louisiana's LMFT license and prepares you to sit for the national MFT exam.
The ideal candidate is someone ready to commit two years to graduate study and planning a career in direct clinical practice with couples, families, and individuals.
Doctorate: For Advanced Clinical Roles, Teaching, and Supervision
Doctoral programs in marriage and family therapy typically require 86 credits and take 48 months to complete, often combining advanced clinical training with research, teaching assistantships, and dissertation work.2 Tuition can exceed $80,000 over the full program. A doctorate is not required for Louisiana licensure, but it positions graduates for university faculty roles, supervisory positions in clinics and agencies, and leadership in the profession. Those interested in broader counseling doctoral programs may find that some of those same competencies translate well to MFT-focused research and teaching.
This path suits clinicians who want to train the next generation of therapists, conduct research, or lead program development in healthcare and community mental health settings.
Graduate Certificate: A Supplement, Not a Standalone Degree
Graduate certificates in MFT are short, focused programs (usually 15 to 18 credits) designed for professionals who already hold a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field. They add MFT coursework and clinical hours but do not by themselves qualify you for LMFT licensure in Louisiana. The state requires a full master's degree that meets COAMFTE or board-approved standards.
Certificates are best for licensed counselors or social workers who want to incorporate marriage and family therapy techniques into an existing practice, not for someone starting from scratch.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Accreditation in Louisiana: COAMFTE, CACREP, and Board Approval Explained
Your choice of program accreditation shapes two things: how smoothly you'll earn your Louisiana license, and whether that license will open doors in other states. Each pathway (COAMFTE, CACREP, or board-approved) carries different weight with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners and with licensing boards outside Louisiana. Knowing these differences helps you match your education to your long-term career plans.
COAMFTE Accreditation: The Gold Standard for Portability
Only one marriage and family therapy program in Louisiana holds COAMFTE accreditation: the master's track at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Graduating from a COAMFTE program means your degree is presumed to meet the coursework and clinical training requirements for LMFT licensure in nearly every state.2 When the Louisiana board reviews your application, a COAMFTE transcript serves as clear evidence that you've completed the necessary 60 semester hours and supervised experience. More importantly, if you move later, most other states recognize COAMFTE training without demanding additional courses or a lengthy individualized review. For anyone who might practice outside Louisiana, whether for family reasons, a partner's career, or professional opportunity, this accreditation offers the smoothest path to licensure portability. If you're still exploring whether the MFT career path is right for you, our guide on how to become a marriage and family therapist covers the full picture.
CACREP Accreditation: A Familiar Standard with Conditions
Many counseling degrees in Louisiana are CACREP-accredited and offer MFT concentrations or specializations. The state board accepts CACREP degrees on a conditional basis.2 That means your transcript will be evaluated carefully to ensure it includes the specific marriage and family therapy content Louisiana requires: courses in systems theory, family development, and clinical work with couples and families. CACREP programs are built around counseling standards, not family therapy standards, so some MFT coursework gaps can appear. Before enrolling, ask the program whether its curriculum aligns with Louisiana's LMFT educational requirements and whether its graduates routinely obtain LMFT licensure without extra coursework. A CACREP degree can lead to Louisiana licensure, but the process may involve more steps and closer board scrutiny than a COAMFTE degree.
Board-Approved Status: Louisiana's In-State Pathway
Outside the national accrediting bodies, Louisiana allows graduates of regionally accredited programs to seek LMFT licensure if the program has been reviewed and deemed acceptable by the LPC Board of Examiners. These "board-approved" programs meet the state's specific criteria but do not carry the automatic recognition that COAMFTE or even CACREP programs enjoy in other states. Before enrolling in any program that relies on board approval rather than COAMFTE or CACREP status, contact the board directly to confirm that the program is currently recognized. Some programs may be approved for a limited period, and the board's list can change. If you plan to practice only in Louisiana, this pathway can be cost-effective and locally tailored. However, moving across state lines later could require additional verification, supplementary coursework, or even re-examination.
Making Your Decision: Portability vs. Local Licensure
If your career plan is firmly rooted in Louisiana, board approval matters most. A regionally accredited, board-approved program that aligns with Louisiana's licensure requirements will get you to the same LMFT license. But if there is any chance you may relocate, COAMFTE accreditation gives you the widest portability and the least friction when applying out of state. CACREP sits in the middle: it may ease portability to states that accept CACREP for clinical mental health counseling, but its conditional status for MFT licensure means you should double-check both Louisiana's demands and the rules of any state you might target later. Before applying, verify the program's accreditation type and cross-reference it with the Louisiana LPC Board's current accepted pathways. A quick call to the board can save you from costly surprises after graduation.
The LMFT Licensure Pathway in Louisiana
Earning your Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credential in Louisiana follows a structured sequence that typically spans three to four years after you complete your bachelor's degree. During the post-degree supervised phase, you will hold a Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (PLMFT) credential, which is valid for up to six years, giving you a reasonable window to accumulate the required hours while working in the field.
Online and Flexible MFT Programs That Meet Louisiana Licensure Standards
For many aspiring marriage and family therapists in Louisiana, the decision comes down to flexibility versus program approval: online programs offer convenience for working adults, but not all will qualify you for licensure in the state. As of 2026, the good news is that several nationally recognized, COAMFTE-accredited online MFT programs accept Louisiana residents and meet the state's educational requirements. However, in-state online options remain limited, making it essential to verify board approval before enrolling in any out-of-state program.
In-State Online Options Are Limited
The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) hosts Louisiana's only COAMFTE-accredited MFT program, but its delivery is campus-based.2 As of 2025, ULM does not offer a fully online or hybrid MFT track. Other Louisiana schools with MFT programs, such as those with CACREP accreditation, do provide online or hybrid formats, but CACREP alone is not sufficient for LMFT licensure in Louisiana. This means candidates who need online flexibility will need to look beyond state lines.
National Online Programs with COAMFTE Accreditation
Several respected universities offer COAMFTE-accredited MFT degrees that Louisiana residents can complete entirely online. These programs deliver the same rigorous curriculum as their on-campus counterparts and are designed to meet Louisiana's educational prerequisites for LMFT licensure.
- Abilene Christian University Online (MMFT): A faith-based program with a strong clinical emphasis, fully online and COAMFTE-accredited as of 2025.
- Capella University (MS in Marriage and Family Therapy): A competency-based online program that allows for flexible scheduling, with COAMFTE accreditation ensuring it meets Louisiana's standards.
- Loma Linda University (MS and DMFT Online): Offering both a master's and a doctoral program online, Loma Linda's COAMFTE-accredited options provide a path from graduate study to advanced clinical practice.
Part-Time and Evening Schedules for Working Professionals
Even for campus-based programs, flexibility doesn't have to mean fully online. Many MFT programs, including ULM's, structure coursework in the evenings to accommodate students who work during the day. Part-time enrollment is commonly available, extending the timeline but reducing the weekly load. When evaluating any program, ask about evening cohorts, weekend intensives, or hybrid elements that can make balancing work and study more manageable.
Verifying Louisiana Board Approval
Before you commit to any online program, contact the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners (LPC Board) to confirm that the degree will satisfy the state's educational requirements for LMFT licensure. Even COAMFTE-accredited programs may differ in their clinical hour configurations, and only the board can provide a definitive answer. A few minutes on the phone can prevent costly mistakes later.
Finally, keep in mind that not all online MFT programs are COAMFTE-accredited. Some may hold CACREP accreditation, which is valuable for other counseling paths but not recognized by the Louisiana board for LMFT licensure. Stick with COAMFTE if you plan to practice as a marriage and family therapy master's programs graduate in the state.
What MFT Programs Cost in Louisiana, and How to Pay for Them
Program cost varies dramatically across Louisiana MFT programs, and understanding the full financial picture before you apply can save you from surprise debt later. The two programs in our dataset show a wide spread: the University of Holy Cross reports a net price of $15,635 and median graduate debt of $26,995 at completion, while Tulane University's net price sits at $39,949 with a lower median debt of $20,500. Net price represents what students actually pay after institutional grants and scholarships, making it a more realistic planning figure than sticker tuition.
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition
Both University of Holy Cross and Tulane are private institutions, so they charge the same tuition regardless of residency: $15,406 and $69,310 per year, respectively. If you're considering public options such as the University of Louisiana at Monroe, you will see a significant difference between in-state and out-of-state rates. Public in-state tuition in Louisiana typically runs lower than private programs, though exact figures depend on the specific school and whether you qualify for graduate assistantships or other waivers.
Financial Aid: Assistantships, TOPS, and Federal Loans
Graduate assistantships remain the most valuable funding source for MFT students. ULM and other public universities often offer assistantships that cover tuition and provide a modest stipend in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative work. Apply early: most programs allocate these positions on a rolling basis.
Louisiana's TOPS scholarship, generous at the undergraduate level, does not extend to graduate students. You will need to rely on federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $20,500 per year) and Grad PLUS loans for the balance. Some MFT students secure employer tuition reimbursement if they already work in clinical or social-service settings; confirm your employer's policy before enrolling. Students who discover they want additional credentials after completing their MFT degree may also explore a master's degree in psychology or related program to broaden their clinical scope.
Total Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimate
A Louisiana MFT master's degree typically requires 60 credit hours over two years. At the lower end, a program like Holy Cross runs approximately $30,000 to $35,000 in total tuition and fees. Mid-tier public programs fall in the $20,000 to $30,000 range for in-state students. High-cost private programs such as Tulane can exceed $140,000 for the full degree. When you add living expenses, books, liability insurance, and practicum travel, budget an additional $20,000 to $30,000 over two years.
If you graduate with the median debt reported at Holy Cross ($26,995), your estimated monthly federal loan payment on a standard ten-year plan would be around $310. At Tulane's lower median debt of $20,500, monthly payments drop to approximately $235. Keep these figures in mind as you weigh program prestige against long-term affordability.
MFT Salary and Job Outlook Across Louisiana
National data and state-level snapshots tell two different stories when it comes to what marriage and family therapists earn in Louisiana.
National and Louisiana Median Wages
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that marriage and family therapists nationwide earn a median annual wage of $58,510 as of 2023, reflecting a 9 percent annual wage growth rate between 2023 and 2024. To place that figure in context, mental health counselors earn a national median of $63,700 (2024), and licensed clinical social workers earn $64,400 (2024).2 While the BLS publishes state-level data through its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, Louisiana-specific wages for MFTs are not consistently available every survey cycle. When published, you can search by SOC code 21-1013 on the BLS site and filter by Louisiana or its metropolitan statistical areas, including New Orleans-Metairie, Baton Rouge, Shreveport-Bossier City, and Lafayette. Checking the same source for mental health counselors (SOC 21-1014) and social workers (SOC 21-1021/1022) in Louisiana provides a useful pay comparison and helps you understand where MFT compensation sits relative to allied professions in the state.
How to Find Localized Salary Data
Universities offering MFT programs in Louisiana sometimes publish graduate outcomes or placement reports that include starting salaries, employer types, and job titles. These reports are more granular than BLS aggregates and can reveal how graduates fare in specific practice settings, whether community mental health centers, private practice, or hospital-based family services. Reach out to program directors or career services offices if outcomes are not posted publicly.
The Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Therapy may conduct periodic compensation surveys among members or share employer hiring data not captured in federal statistics. The state licensing board, while primarily regulatory, can sometimes point you toward workforce studies or regional salary benchmarks. Neither agency is required to publish this information, so direct contact is often necessary.
Job Growth and Demand
The broader occupational outlook for marriage and family therapists remains strong. Rising insurance reimbursement parity for MFTs, growing recognition of systemic and relational approaches to mental health, and expanding Medicaid provider networks in Louisiana all contribute to steady demand. Those interested in the wider landscape of clinical careers may also want to explore how to become a mental health counselor, since the two professions share overlapping employer pools. Metropolitan areas with teaching hospitals and integrated behavioral health systems typically offer more positions and higher starting salaries than rural parishes, though telehealth roles are beginning to flatten geographic disparities.
Before you enroll in any MFT program, verify its approval status with the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners. Even affordable, convenient, or nationally accredited programs may not meet Louisiana licensure standards. Visit the board's website or call directly for the current approved list; choosing an unapproved program means starting your education over from scratch.
