Best MFT Programs in Oregon

There are many counseling specializations that a student may choose to enter as a career path. One of the more popular and in-demand specializations is marriage and family therapy (MFT). Marriage and family therapy focuses primarily on relationships and the common issues that might arise between couples, family members, children and parents, in-laws, or siblings. If you’re looking to work on a clinical level, there’s only one way to do so in this field — enroll in an MFT degree program.

2026 Best MFT Programs in Oregon

Counseling Psychology Organization presents its comprehensive guide to the Best MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy) Programs in Oregon. Our expert team has carefully evaluated and ranked graduate programs across the state, considering factors like academic rigor, clinical training opportunities, faculty expertise, and student outcomes. Oregon offers several outstanding MFT programs that prepare future therapists to make meaningful differences in individuals' and families' lives. Whether you're seeking a master's degree in Portland, Eugene, or Corvallis, our rankings provide an essential resource for aspiring marriage and family therapists looking to launch their professional careers in this rewarding field. These programs stand out for their innovative approaches to mental health treatment and commitment to developing compassionate, skilled clinicians. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR - Public 4-Year - oit.edu

Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy M.S.

Concentration: Medical Family Therapy, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Integrated Behavioral Healthcare - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Oregon Tech's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program prepares highly skilled therapists specialized in rural mental health, medical family therapy, and substance use disorder treatment. Students develop multicultural competence and trauma-informed approaches, learning advanced counseling techniques that address complex family dynamics. The comprehensive curriculum emphasizes ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, and integrated behavioral healthcare, positioning graduates for impactful careers in mental health services across diverse community settings.

• Multicultural mental health focus
• Rural healthcare specialization
• Trauma-informed training
• Medical Family Therapy concentration
• Substance use disorder expertise
• Ethical practice emphasis
• Integrated behavioral healthcare

Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy M.S.

Concentration: Substance Use Disorder Treatment - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Oregon Tech's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program prepares compassionate, skilled therapists with a unique focus on rural mental health, multicultural competence, and integrated healthcare. Students gain advanced clinical skills, trauma-informed care expertise, and deep understanding of systemic therapy approaches. The program emphasizes cultural sensitivity, ethical practice, and practical training in substance use disorder treatment and medical family therapy, positioning graduates as versatile mental health professionals ready to serve diverse communities.

• Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
• Focuses on rural mental health
• Multicultural therapy training
• Trauma-informed care emphasis
• Integrated behavioral healthcare
• Medical Family Therapy practices
• Substance use disorder treatment
• Culturally responsive approach
• Collaboration with local organizations

Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy M.S.

Concentration: Integrated Behavioral Healthcare - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Oregon Tech's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program prepares compassionate, skilled therapists with specialized expertise in rural mental health, medical family therapy, and substance use disorders. Students develop comprehensive clinical skills through a multicultural lens, learning trauma-informed approaches and integrated behavioral healthcare practices. The rigorous curriculum emphasizes ethical practice, cultural competence, and professional development, positioning graduates to make meaningful impacts in diverse community mental health settings.

• Multicultural mental health focus
• Rural healthcare specialization
• Trauma-informed training
• Medical Family Therapy integration
• Strong local service collaboration
• Culturally responsive curriculum
• Ethical practice emphasis
• Substance use disorder expertise

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#2

University of Oregon

Eugene, OR - Public 4-Year - uoregon.edu

Master's - Couples and Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Embark on a transformative journey in the University of Oregon's Master of Science in Couples and Family Therapy (CFT) program. This nationally-accredited, innovative clinical training experience prepares passionate professionals to provide advanced counseling services for individuals, couples, and families. With a small cohort model, intensive supervision, and hands-on practice at the Center for Healthy Relationships, students gain comprehensive skills for licensure. The 90-credit program emphasizes inclusive learning, diversity, and social justice, offering students direct clinical experience and multiple career pathways in therapeutic settings.

• 90-credit Master of Science
• Nationally accredited program
• Small cohort model (22-24 students)
• COAMFTE accredited curriculum
• Two clinical training sites
• 350 direct client contact hours
• Supports state licensure requirements
• Inclusive learning environment
• Intensive clinical supervision
• Multiple career opportunity settings

Master's - Couples and Family Therapy

Concentration: Spanish Language Specialization - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Embark on a transformative journey in couples and family therapy at the University of Oregon's nationally accredited master's program. This 90-credit MS degree prepares passionate students to become professional therapists, offering intensive clinical training and small cohort learning. Students gain hands-on experience through innovative supervision, live therapy observations, and collaborative practice at the Center for Healthy Relationships. With a commitment to diversity and social justice, the program equips graduates to support individuals, couples, and families across diverse settings.

• 90-credit Master of Science program
• COAMFTE nationally accredited
• 22-24 students admitted annually
• Multiple clinical training sites
• Licensure preparation focus
• Small cohort learning model
• Center for Healthy Relationships
• 350 direct client contact hours
• Multiple career placement options
• Faculty with teaching awards

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#3

George Fox University

Newberg, OR - Private 4-year - georgefox.edu

Master's - Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

George Fox University's Master's in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling is a comprehensive program preparing students for dual licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT). With flexible online and in-person learning options, the 64-credit program offers a holistic approach to therapy, emphasizing systemic perspectives and integrating spiritual understanding. Students benefit from a robust curriculum, hands-on clinical internships, and specialized training centers. The program boasts promising employment prospects, with a projected 16% job growth, making it an excellent choice for those passionate about transforming lives through compassionate, evidence-based counseling.

• 2-4 year program length
• Dual licensure (LPC/LMFT)
• 64 semester credit hours
• Online and in-person tracks
• CACREP accredited
• 700-hour clinical internship
• $51,328 total tuition
• Day, evening, weekend classes
• Spiritual integration approach
• 16% job growth projection

#4

Portland State University

Portland, OR - Public 4-Year - pdx.edu

Master's - Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Portland State University's Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Master's program provides a comprehensive three-year professional training experience. Students benefit from a cohort-based model with in-person classes in downtown Portland, combining academic coursework and clinical training. The program prepares graduates for state licensure as Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists, with opportunities to work in diverse community settings. Total program credits are 90, with estimated resident costs around $54,020. Unique features include hands-on practicum at the Community Counseling Clinic and structured internship placements with established partner organizations.

• Three-year cohort-based program
• 90 total credit hours
• Resident cost: $54,020
• In-person downtown Portland
• Community Counseling Clinic experience
• Licensure preparation: LPC/LMFT
• Evening class schedules
• 20-30 hour weekly internships
• CACREP accredited program
• Multiple internship partner sites

#5

Western Seminary

Portland, OR - Private 4-year - westernseminary.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Seminary's Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) offers a comprehensive, Christ-centered counseling program designed to prepare skilled professionals for mental health and ministry settings. Students develop advanced clinical skills through an integrative curriculum that combines psychological expertise with biblical foundations. The rigorous 73-credit program prepares graduates for state licensure, equipping them to serve in diverse clinical environments like mental health clinics, treatment programs, and counseling centers. With flexible weekend and evening classes, the program accommodates working professionals seeking advanced therapeutic training.

• 73-credit Master of Arts degree
• Christian worldview integration
• Prepares for state licensure
• Flexible evening/weekend classes
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• 325 practicum clinical hours
• Accredited baccalaureate prerequisite
• Multiple specialization tracks
• Professional ethics training
• Personal counseling requirement

Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling: Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

Campus Based - Visit Website

Western Seminary's Master of Arts in Counseling with a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling concentration offers a comprehensive, integrative approach to professional counseling. Students receive rigorous training blending psychological expertise with biblical foundations, preparing them for licensure and clinical practice. The 71-credit program combines theological insights with advanced counseling techniques, emphasizing both academic excellence and practical skills. Students complete 700 clinical hours, including 280 direct client contact hours, ensuring hands-on preparation for professional counseling roles in various mental health settings.

• 71-credit Master's degree program
• Christian worldview integration
• 700 total clinical hours required
• 280 direct client contact hours
• Weeknight/Saturday class schedules
• Practicum and four internship semesters
• Licensure preparation
• 12:1 student-faculty ratio
• Multiple specialization options

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*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023.

What is an MFT Degree?

An MFT degree program is specifically designed to train marriage and family therapists for the workforce. Graduating from an MFT degree program makes it possible for students to get licensed and work in a variety of clinical settings, such as a private practice therapist, working for the government, or in a hospital or medical center. The curriculum covers many important topics, including:

• Parenting skills
• Communication
• Boundry-setting
• Human development
• Substance abuse
• Trauma

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

As you search for the right educational fit, you’ll also want to double-check each program you apply to to make sure that it’s accredited. Accreditation ensures that the program is current on the required coursework set forth by the state board. Look for programs that are accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or CACREP, the main accrediting bodies for MFT degree programs.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Oregon?

While Oregon may be limited in the diversity of MFT degree levels, as a state, it does provide plenty of options for online learning. This is particularly helpful for MFT students who need more flexibility in their schedules. Below are a few options for online MFT master’s degree programs in Oregon. Keep in mind that because you must fulfill in-person clinical requirements to graduate, you should be prepared to spend some time offline to receive your degree.

Oregon Institute of Technology: This 3-year Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy is a great option for students who want to take their classes primarily online. There is a one-year required in-person practicum in the second year of study. Apart from that, most classes can be taken online or on weekends and evenings, providing a full spectrum of learning options for students with busy schedules. Oregon Institute of Technology also offers further specialization within the marriage and family therapy specialization. You can choose to focus your area of study on Integrated Behavioral Healthcare & Medical Family Therapy, Substance Misuse, Addiction and Recovery, or Rural Mental Healthcare Emphasis.

George Fox University: As mentioned in our MFT master’s degree section, George Fox University offers a fantastic Master’s Degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling that also offers clinical licensure as a counselor or therapist—or both. Students who want to take advantage of online learning can do so in their second year of study once their clinical hours have been completed.

Short Length MFT Programs in Oregon

Not all individuals seeking a career in marriage and family therapy will need or want to get their doctorate. If you’re looking for a fast transition into your new career, a master’s degree is perfectly sufficient. Most MFT master’s degrees will take three to four years, but many can be completed in as little as two years. Below are a few of the shorter master’s degrees based in Oregon.

Affordable MFT Programs in Oregon

Oregon isn’t the most affordable state to get your MFT graduate degree; on average, master’s degree programs in this state cost around 40,366 which is much more than the national average. However, there are some MFT master’s degree programs in Oregon that are more affordable than others. Here are a few examples:

MFT Degree Levels

As the minimum requirement for MFT licensure is a master’s degree, graduate degrees are the most common MFT degree programs. MFT graduate certificates are also common and are a great alternative for those not seeking licensure or who are already licensed. Below are a few examples.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

Depending on the program, you may need to submit a GRE (Graduate Record Examination) along with your application to show your placement amongst other undergraduates. Not all institutions, however, require this, and in fact, most schools in Oregon do not, such as the University of Oregon. Your admissions department will have guidelines as to whether or not you will be required to submit a GRE or some other type of accompanying document to show your academic merit.

Master's Degree in MFT

As discussed, if you want to work in a clinical setting, you’ll need to have at least an MFT master’s degree. These types of programs are by far the most common. They take about two years to complete and require around 60 credits to graduate. Each credit usually costs 40,366 on average in Oregon. Here are a few options for MFT master’s degrees in Oregon:

University of Oregon: While many MFT master’s degree programs hover around 60 credits, the University of Oregon offers a challenging 90-credit Couples and Family Therapy Master’s Degree program that covers nearly anything you would possibly need to learn before stepping into the workforce as a clinician. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum in addition to an on-site MFT clinic, the Center for Healthy Relationships, where students will spend a minimum of five hours per week fulfilling their supervised clinical hours.

George Fox University: If you’re looking to receive dual licensure, George Fox University offers both Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist licensure within the same program — the Master’s Degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. George Fox University is a historically Quaker school, and thus, the program incorporates a level of spirituality into its curriculum. The program is also incredibly flexible, with the option to go completely online in your second year, and weekend and evening classes also available.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

MFT graduate certificates are a valuable non-degree option for students who have licensure in different mental health fields or simply want to learn more about the field of marriage and family therapy without the pressure of fulfilling licensure requirements. These programs take about a year to complete and cost around $1,000 to $1,500, making them fast and affordable. Currently, no MFT graduate certificates are available in Oregon, but you can find these types of programs widely available online or in nearby states. Here are a few you may be interested in:

Antioch University: Students looking to specialize in marriage and family therapy through a graduate certificate program can do so through Antioch University, which has campuses in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The program is offered primarily online with in-person clinicals to be designated in the city of the student’s choice. Unlike the typical graduate certificate length of around a year, Antioch University’s MFT graduate certificate takes three semesters to complete, which is a great option for students who want a more immersive program.

Seattle Pacific University: If you’re looking to understand the study of relationships and human development through both a therapeutic and medical lens, check out Seattle Pacific University’s Medical Family Therapy Certificate program. The program is designed for those who are enrolled or have graduated from a social work, behavioral science, theology, nursing, or medicine graduate degree program.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

Lastly, MFT doctorate degrees are available for those who want to become experts in the field of marriage and family therapy. Many MFT doctoral degree students become clinicians through a PsyD; others, however, leverage Ph.D. degrees to seek research-focused careers or positions in academia.

MFT doctoral degrees typically take four to eight years to complete and cost between $30,000 and $300,000, both factors depending on if you have completed your master’s degree or are transferring credits. While no MFT doctoral degree programs exist in the State of Oregon, like graduate certificate programs, you can find them nationwide or online. Here are a few to choose from:

Loma Linda University: This Ph.D. in Systems, Families, and Couples offered by Loma Linda University is a gem of MFT education in California. The program offers insight into the theory, research, and practice of family and couples therapy, mental health disorders, substance abuse, and all of the necessary topics associated with this specialization. The program takes four years to complete.

Alliant International University: Another great doctoral MFT program in California is Alliant International University’s PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy. This program focuses on the mental health clinical aspects of marriage and family therapy and offers a hybrid learning option that balances online courses and hands-on experience, allowing for both convenience and immersive expertise.

Becoming an LMFT in Oregon

The final step to becoming a marriage and family therapist is becoming licensed. This is a multi-step process:

• Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Your program should include coursework specifically related to marriage and family therapy.
• Supervised Experience: Complete a certain number of supervised clinical hours. In Oregon, you need to complete 2,400 hours of post-graduate supervised experience, with at least 1,000 hours being direct client contact. This experience must be supervised by an LMFT or another qualified mental health professional.
• Examination: Pass the national licensing exam. In Oregon, this typically involves passing the national examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
• Jurisprudence Exam: Take and pass a jurisprudence exam, which tests your knowledge of Oregon’s laws and regulations related to marriage and family therapy.
• Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (OBLPCT). This includes providing transcripts from your education, documentation of supervised experience, exam scores, and any other required documentation.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
• Continuing Education: To maintain your licensure, you’ll need to complete 40 continuing education hours.

List of MFT Degree Programs in Oregon