Texas is the second most populous state in the country and one of the most diverse demographic-wise. Students interested in becoming marriage and family therapists (MFTs) will find plenty of demand in Texas upon licensure and plenty of opportunities to serve both rural and urban populations across this great state. But before you can start getting licensed, you’ll need to graduate from an MFT degree program. There are many to choose from in Texas — here’s what you need to know to start applying.

2026 Best MFT Programs in Texas

Counseling Psychology is proud to present our comprehensive guide to the Best MFT (Marriage and Family Therapy) Programs in Texas. Our expert team has carefully evaluated and ranked the top marriage and family therapy graduate programs across the state, considering factors like academic reputation, student outcomes, faculty expertise, and clinical training opportunities. Texas offers some of the most robust and innovative MFT education pathways in the United States, with programs that prepare future therapists to address complex family dynamics and relationship challenges. Whether you're a prospective student seeking a high-quality graduate program or a professional looking to advance your counseling career, our rankings provide an authoritative resource for understanding the landscape of MFT education in Texas. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Abilene Christian University

Abilene, TX - Private 4-year - acu.edu

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

Online Learning - Visit Website

Abilene Christian University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy is a comprehensive COAMFTE-accredited program designed for aspiring therapists seeking flexible, advanced training. The 60-credit curriculum, completed in approximately 33 months, prepares students for national licensure with diverse concentration options including Child and Adolescent Therapy, Medical Family Therapy, and Trauma Treatment. Students benefit from competitive $799 per credit tuition, 100+ internship supervision hours, and a Christ-centered learning approach. The program offers multiple annual start dates and equips graduates with practical skills in couple, family, and child therapy across various clinical settings.

  • COAMFTE-accredited online program
  • 60 credit hours, 33 months
  • $799 per credit hour
  • 5 unique concentrations
  • Prepares for national licensure
  • 100+ internship supervision hours
  • Christ-centered learning environment
  • Flexible online format
  • Multiple start dates annually

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

Concentration: Medical Family Therapy Treatment of Trauma - Online Learning - Visit Website

Specializing in Medical Family Therapy Treatment of Trauma, Abilene Christian University's online MMFT program provides advanced mental health training for working professionals. This COAMFTE-accredited degree offers a flexible 60-credit curriculum designed to prepare therapists for complex medical family treatment scenarios. Students engage in comprehensive training with 100+ hours of supervised internship, competitive $799 per credit tuition, and preparation for national licensure. The program emphasizes practical experience, Christ-centered learning, and equips graduates to address intricate trauma-related therapeutic interventions across clinical environments.

  • COAMFTE-accredited online program
  • 60 credit hours, 33 months minimum
  • 5 unique concentration tracks
  • $799 per credit hour
  • 100+ hours supervised internship
  • Prepare for national licensure exam
  • Christ-centered learning approach
  • Flexible online format
  • Multiple start dates available
  • Practice settings: clinics, hospitals, agencies

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

Concentration: Child and Adolescent Therapy - Online Learning - Visit Website

Abilene Christian University's online MMFT program with Child and Adolescent Therapy concentration delivers transformative training for mental health professionals. This COAMFTE-accredited 60-credit degree focuses on developing specialized skills in addressing complex family dynamics and adolescent psychological challenges. Students benefit from flexible online learning, 100+ internship supervision hours, and comprehensive preparation for national licensing exams. With a Christ-centered approach and $799 per credit tuition, the program cultivates compassionate therapists capable of making meaningful interventions in child and family mental health settings.

  • COAMFTE-accredited online program
  • 60 credit hours, 33 months
  • Multiple therapy concentrations
  • Cost: $799/credit hour
  • 100+ internship supervision hours
  • Prepares for national licensing exam
  • Christ-centered learning environment
  • Flexible online format
  • Start dates: March, May 2025
  • College of Health/Human Services

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

Concentration: Therapy with Military Families - Online Learning - Visit Website

Targeting therapeutic support for military families, Abilene Christian University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy offers a specialized 60-credit program. COAMFTE-accredited and designed for working professionals, this degree provides comprehensive training in military family dynamics and therapeutic interventions. Students benefit from flexible online learning, five specialized concentrations, and 100+ hours of supervised internship experience. With a competitive $799 per credit tuition and a Christ-centered educational philosophy, the program prepares graduates to effectively support and counsel military families through evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

  • 60-credit COAMFTE-accredited program
  • Online flexible learning format
  • Five specialized concentrations
  • $799 per credit hour
  • 33-month minimum completion time
  • 100+ hours supervised internship
  • Prepares for national licensure exam
  • Christ-centered educational approach
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
Show 3 More Programs ˅
#2

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX - Public 4-Year - ttu.edu

Master's - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Master’s Degree

Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Master's in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy delivers comprehensive clinical training for mental health professionals. The program uniquely prepares students for licensure through an innovative campus-based Family Therapy Clinic, offering immersive hands-on experiences. Students explore specialized domains including addiction treatment, military marriage dynamics, and family resilience. With robust research opportunities and experienced faculty, graduates gain advanced clinical skills, positioning themselves for successful therapeutic careers and potential doctoral advancement. The program emphasizes practical training, ensuring students develop sophisticated counseling techniques and professional competencies.

  • Campus-based Master's degree program
  • Licensure preparation for LMFT
  • Specialized addiction treatment focus
  • Research and publication opportunities
  • Large, experienced faculty group
  • Clinical training in Family Therapy Clinic
  • Prepares for doctoral studies
  • Meets Texas state certification requirements
  • Diverse research specialization options
  • Collaborative graduate environment

Master's - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Master’s Degree

Concentration: Treatment of addictions - Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Master's program in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy offers specialized addiction treatment training. Focusing on comprehensive mental health professional development, the program provides exceptional clinical experiences and research opportunities. Students gain targeted expertise in substance abuse intervention strategies, military marriage counseling, and family health challenges. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, collaborative environments, and robust career preparation. Graduates are well-positioned for licensure, therapeutic practice, and potential doctoral studies, with strong faculty mentorship guiding their professional journey.

  • Campus-based Master's degree program
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist preparation
  • Unique addiction treatment focus
  • Strong clinical training opportunities
  • Research publication possibilities
  • Large marriage and family therapy faculty
  • State certification eligible program
  • Specialized research areas available
  • Doctoral program pathway
  • Practicum and clinical experience included

Master's - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Master’s Degree

Concentration: Family resiliency during health care crises - Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Master's in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy emphasizes family resiliency during healthcare crises. The program equips students with advanced clinical skills, preparing them for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist certification. Through the campus Family Therapy Clinic, students develop specialized competencies in supporting families navigating complex health challenges. Distinguished faculty guide students in exploring nuanced therapeutic approaches, including military marriage support and substance abuse intervention. The comprehensive curriculum meets state certification requirements and provides extensive research and practical training opportunities.

  • Campus-based Master's program
  • Strong clinical focus
  • Large marriage therapy faculty
  • Addictions treatment specialization
  • Licensure exam preparation
  • Research publication opportunities
  • State certification compliant
  • Practical career development
  • Multiple research focus areas

Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.

Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy provides transformative doctoral-level training for aspiring academic and clinical leaders. This comprehensive program cultivates advanced research methodologies and clinical expertise, enabling graduates to excel in professional and academic environments. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach, working alongside prominent national researchers and accessing extensive clinical training opportunities. With a remarkable 100% professional licensure success rate, the program prepares scholars to make significant contributions to marriage and family therapy through rigorous academic preparation and practical experience.

  • Ph.D. program fully accredited
  • Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
  • 100% professional licensure success
  • Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
  • Interdisciplinary research opportunities
  • Research spans diverse topics
  • Strong clinical practice focus
  • Supervised therapy experience
  • Prominent national researchers
  • Licensure hours count in Texas

Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.

Concentration: Military marriages - Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy specializing in military marriages offers cutting-edge doctoral training. This prestigious program prepares professionals for advanced clinical and academic leadership roles, with a unique focus on military family dynamics. Students develop sophisticated research skills through interdisciplinary approaches, gaining extensive clinical experience in campus-based therapy clinics. With a 100% professional licensure examination success rate and nationally prominent faculty, graduates are equipped to make significant contributions to understanding and supporting military families' complex psychological needs.

  • Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
  • 100% professional licensure success
  • Nationally largest graduate faculty
  • Accredited since 1981
  • Interdisciplinary research opportunities
  • Extensive clinical training
  • Research covering diverse topics
  • Licensure hours in Texas
  • Strong academic job market placement

Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.

Concentration: Substance abuse in adults and adolescents - Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Tech University's Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy concentrates on substance abuse treatment for adults and adolescents. The program provides comprehensive training for professionals seeking advanced clinical and research expertise. Students develop high-quality research capabilities and advanced counseling skills, preparing for university-level teaching and clinical leadership. With a strong emphasis on hands-on clinical training and interdisciplinary research, graduates achieve a 100% professional licensure examination success rate. The program positions students for impactful careers in addressing substance abuse through innovative therapeutic interventions.

  • Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy
  • Accredited since 1981
  • Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
  • 100% licensure exam success
  • Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
  • Interdisciplinary research approach
  • Licensure hours count in Texas
  • Research spans diverse topics
  • Strong clinical preparation
  • Nationally prominent researchers
Show 5 More Programs ˅
#3

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX - Private 4-year - smu.edu

Master's - M.S. in Counseling

Concentration: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Methodist University's LMFT concentration provides an intensive 60-credit master's program tailored for future marriage and family therapists. Students dive deep into advanced clinical methodologies, exploring complex family dynamics and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training through supervised clinical practicum, preparing graduates for comprehensive state licensure. Unique program features include diverse population training, specialized coursework in couples therapy, and flexible six-year maximum completion options. Prospective students should note a personal interview is required, and while the GRE may be optional, a competitive application is essential.

  • 60 total credit hours
  • 3-year full-time completion
  • Personal interview required
  • Multiple specialization areas
  • Supervised clinical practicum
  • Licensure preparation track
  • Diverse course offerings
  • Flexible six-year maximum completion
  • Internship opportunities included
  • GRE may be required

Master's - M.S. in Counseling

Concentration: Licensed Professional Counselor - Campus Based - Visit Website

SMU's Licensed Professional Counselor concentration offers a transformative 60-credit master's experience designed for aspiring mental health professionals. The program distinguishes itself through innovative specialization tracks, including play therapy and LGBTQ counseling. Students benefit from comprehensive clinical training, gaining advanced therapeutic skills across diverse populations. Flexible learning pathways allow three-year completion, with robust supervised practicum experiences. Program highlights include state licensure preparation, optional GRE submission for high-performing candidates, and a holistic admission process emphasizing professional potential through comprehensive interviews and evaluations.

  • 60 total credit hours
  • Three-year completion option
  • State licensure preparation
  • Diverse counseling specializations
  • Supervised clinical practicum
  • Multiple concentration tracks
  • Comprehensive admission process
  • Interview required for admission
  • GRE optional with high GPA
  • Internship opportunities included

Master's - M.S. in Counseling

Concentration: School Counselor - Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Methodist University's School Counselor concentration delivers a comprehensive 60-credit master's program targeting future educational mental health professionals. Designed to equip students with advanced psychological assessment and intervention skills, the curriculum provides in-depth training for supporting student well-being. Rigorous coursework combines theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical practice, preparing graduates for state licensure and diverse educational settings. Program strengths include specialized counseling tracks, mandatory clinical practicum, and flexible study options. Admission requires a personal interview, undergraduate degree, three recommendation letters, and a reflective 250-word personal essay.

  • 60 total credit hours
  • Three-year full-time completion
  • Personal interview required
  • State licensure preparation
  • Specialized counseling tracks
  • Clinical practicum included
  • Multiple specialization options
  • Diverse course offerings
  • Three recommendation letters needed
  • GRE may be required
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#4

Hardin-Simmons University

Abilene, TX - Private 4-year - hsutx.edu

Master's - Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Hardin-Simmons University's Marriage and Family Therapy program stands out as a robust, faith-integrated clinical counseling pathway designed to cultivate highly skilled mental health professionals. Students benefit from a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum emphasizing advanced therapeutic techniques across diverse clinical settings. The program's hallmark features include extensive 700-hour clinical experience, dual licensure tracks for LPC and LMFT, and a commitment to professional ethics. With a rigorous admission process requiring a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, interview, and recommended GRE scores, the program prepares graduates to navigate complex psychological interventions. The Baptist-affiliated institution uniquely blends academic excellence with spiritual perspectives, offering fall and spring admission options and a seven-year maximum program completion timeline.

  • CACREP Accredited Program
  • 60 Total Credit Hours
  • 700 Clinical Experience Hours
  • LPC and LMFT Licensure Paths
  • 3.0 Undergraduate GPA Required
  • Fall/Spring Admission Options
  • Interview Required for Admission
  • Multiple Mental Health Credentials
  • 12 Psychology Prerequisites
  • GRE Score Recommendations
#5

Texas Wesleyan University

Fort Worth, TX - Private 4-year - txwes.edu

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

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Wesleyan University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy stands out as an innovative hybrid program located in Fort Worth, preparing clinicians for transformative mental health practice. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing advanced therapeutic techniques, research methodologies, and evidence-based interventions. The program offers flexible 6-hour and 9-hour degree plans, ensuring accessibility for diverse student backgrounds. With a strong focus on professional licensure preparation, students engage in critical practicum experiences that develop practical clinical skills. The United Methodist affiliated institution prioritizes compassionate, professional development through rigorous coursework and specialized counseling resources.

  • Master of Science in MFT
  • 6-hour and 9-hour plans
  • Research methods course
  • MFT Practicum included
  • Located in Fort Worth, TX
  • Graduate Counseling Program
  • Professional licensure preparation
#6

Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX - Public 4-Year - twu.edu

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

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Woman's University's Marriage and Family Therapy program delivers a comprehensive, research-driven curriculum designed to cultivate advanced therapeutic professionals. The hybrid program provides students with strategic training in systemic family interventions, emphasizing practical clinical skills and theoretical foundations. With COAMFTE accreditation and a remarkable 100% national exam pass rate, students benefit from a flexible three-year completion track. The program uniquely eliminates GRE requirements and offers thesis research opportunities, making it an attractive option for aspiring marriage and family therapists seeking state licensure preparation and robust academic training.

  • COAMFTE Accredited Program
  • 3-Year Typical Completion
  • 100% National Exam Pass Rate
  • No GRE Required
  • Thesis Research Option
  • Texas State Licensure Prep
  • 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
  • Fall Application Deadline: Jan 15
  • Spring Application Deadline: Sept 1
  • On-Campus Interview Required
#7

Lubbock Christian University

Lubbock, TX - Private 4-year - lcu.edu

Doctorate - Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

Lubbock Christian University's Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy master's program offers a comprehensive 60-hour curriculum that uniquely blends faith-based principles with evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Students receive extensive training in addressing complex family dynamics, relationship challenges, and individual mental health needs. The program emphasizes clinical practice, ethical standards, and systemic family interactions. Graduates benefit from experienced faculty mentorship, diverse clinical placement opportunities, and a holistic approach to counseling. With small class sizes and robust professional development resources, students gain advanced skills preparing them for professional counseling roles across various therapeutic settings.

  • 60-hour master's degree program
  • Faith-inspired therapeutic learning
  • Experienced faculty mentorship
  • Small class sizes
  • Clinical internship opportunities
  • Research engagement possibilities
  • Comprehensive professional development
  • Requires bachelor's degree
  • Diverse clinical placement network
  • Evidence-based counseling approaches
#8

Houston Christian University

Houston, TX - Private 4-year - hc.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Houston Christian University's Marriage and Family Therapy program offers a dynamic 60-hour graduate pathway designed to cultivate skilled counseling professionals. Blending online and residential learning formats, students gain comprehensive clinical training aligned with Texas licensure standards. The curriculum emphasizes research-supported therapeutic techniques and personal growth, preparing graduates to effectively intervene in complex family and relationship dynamics. With a robust 700-hour practicum/internship component, students develop advanced clinical skills applicable across diverse mental health settings including private practices, hospitals, and community agencies. The program's comprehensive approach ensures students are thoroughly prepared for professional counseling challenges and licensure requirements.

  • 60-hour graduate coursework
  • 100% online and residential
  • Leads to MFT licensure
  • 700 hours practicum/internship
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Texas licensure compliant
  • Comprehensive exam required
  • National exam preparation
#9

Amberton University

Garland, TX - Private 4-year - amberton.edu

Master's - Master of Arts - Marriage & Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Amberton University's Marriage and Family Therapy master's program distinguishes itself through a flexible hybrid learning model tailored for working professionals. The comprehensive 60-credit curriculum meticulously prepares students for Texas LMFT licensure, emphasizing practical counseling skills, multicultural counseling perspectives, and ethical practice. Strategic coursework integrates classroom and online learning formats, enabling students to balance professional commitments with advanced therapeutic education. With a competitive $300 per credit cost, the program attracts motivated counseling professionals seeking comprehensive training. Requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA, the program offers extensive practicum experiences and diverse counseling electives, positioning graduates for impactful careers in community and social service organizations.

  • 60 total credit hours
  • Classroom and online courses
  • Cost: $300 per credit
  • Texas LMFT licensure preparation
  • Next term starts 3/15/25
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Counseling skills practicum
  • Focused on marriage/family therapy
  • Multiple counseling electives
  • Multicultural counseling emphasis
#10

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Belton, TX - Private 4-year - go.umhb.edu

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

Concentration: Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's Master of Arts in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling offers a robust CACREP-accredited program targeting aspiring mental health professionals. Uniquely structured with 60 total credit hours, the hybrid program provides comprehensive training in multicultural counseling techniques and ethical practice. Students engage in specialized MFT coursework, covering 12 dedicated hours of marriage and family therapy curriculum. The program emphasizes practical clinical experiences through practicum and internship opportunities, strategically preparing graduates for LMFT licensure. With diverse course offerings and intensive clinical instruction, students develop advanced therapeutic skills essential for effective intervention in complex family and child counseling scenarios.

  • CACREP-accredited program
  • 60 total credit hours
  • Counseling core: 36 hours
  • Specialized MFT courses: 12 hours
  • Clinical instruction: 9 hours
  • Comprehensive exam required
  • Prepares for LMFT licensure
  • Multiple specialized counseling courses
  • Practicum and internship experiences
  • Diverse course offerings
*Reference: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 data system.

What is an MFT Degree?

A Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree program is a requirement for all individuals planning on working with families and couples in a clinical mental health setting. These highly intensive programs require several years of study and several hundred clinical hours working firsthand with clients in a supervised setting. Coursework will delve into issues that affect couples and families, such as marital or parenting issues and lack of communication, and work to remedy those challenges.

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

Regardless of what type of MFT program you choose, always make sure that your program is accredited before applying. This ensures that the state board has approved the curriculum and that you will be eligible for licensure upon graduation. The main accrediting bodies for MFT degree programs are the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and CACREP.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Texas?

Online MFT degrees are becoming increasingly common, and these programs are readily available in Texas. National online MFT programs based out-of-state are also available. Keep in mind that while coursework is delivered online, you will still need to fulfill any in-person clinical hour requirements. If you opt for an out-of-state online program, these can usually be arranged in your hometown area. Several options for Texans include:

Abilene Christian University: If you’re looking for faith-based MFT programs, consider Abilene Christian University’s Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program located in Abilene, TX. This online program combines 60 credit hours with over 100 supervision hours to create a full-scope MFT master’s degree program.

Houston Christian University: Another online faith-based MFT degree program in Texas is offered by Houston Christian University. This Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy allows you to complete your 60 credits hours online, and the only in-person requirement is a 16-week intensive that takes place on-campus. All clinical requirements will be completed in this timespan, so you can rely on flexibility for the remainder of the program’s duration.

Short Length MFT Programs in Texas

Some MFT programs take longer than others. Longer programs (such as MFT doctorate degrees) can take as long as 8 years, while shorter programs (such as MFT master’s degree programs) enable students to graduate as early as two years from enrollment and become licensed shortly after. If your plan is to become a marriage and family therapist as soon as possible, this is the route to take. Below are a few examples of the shortest MFT master’s degree programs in the State of Texas.

SchoolDegree LevelLengthAttendance
Our Lady of the Lake UniversityMaster’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy2 YearsFull time
St. Mary’s UniversityMaster’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy2 YearsFull time
Abilene Christian UniversityMaster’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy2 YearsFull time

Affordable MFT Programs in Texas

If you’re trying to save a little money on your MFT education, you’re in luck — Texas is one of the most affordable states in the country to get your MFT graduate degree with a wide variety of programs to choose from. MFT master’s degrees tend to be the most affordable option with the average cost of tuition costing around $26,353. Still, there are many MFT master’s degree programs that cost less than this in Texas. Here are a few affordable options in the state:

SchoolDegreeTuition & Fees
Texas Tech UniversityMaster of Science in Marriage and Family TherapyDetails
Texas Women’s UniversityMaster’s Degree in Marriage and Family TherapyDetails
Texas State UniversityMaster’s Degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family TherapyDetails

MFT Degree Levels

There are several different types of MFT degrees available, but the most common by far are graduate degrees. If you are unlicensed, you will need to graduate from one of these types of programs. Conversely, if you do not plan on getting licensed or you are already licensed in a different clinical mental health degree, you may want to settle for a graduate certificate instead.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

It depends on the program. Some schools prefer going with the traditional GRE (Graduate Record Examination) route to measure an applicant’s academic success, while others (such as Texas Tech) have moved to more alternative routes. To find out if you will need to submit a GRE with your application, check out your program’s admissions requirements.

Master's Degree in MFT

There are many MFT master’s degree programs to choose from in Texas. These programs last approximately two years and require the completion of 60 credit hours along with a number of in-person clinical hours. On average, you can expect to pay an average of $26,353. Here are a few examples:

Texas A&M: Students located in Central Texas can take advantage of Texas A&M’s well-respected and challenging 60-credit Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. This program offers an in-depth look at the problems that couples and families face today and gives students the resources to develop therapeutic strategies to remedy these problems in their communities. The clinical portion of this program is conducted at the university’s on-site Community Counseling and Family Therapy Center, where students will be given structured, supervised learning opportunities to work firsthand with clients in Central Texas.

Texas State University: Students looking to become licensed and certified in a variety of mental health areas should take a look at Texas State University’s Master’s Degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family concentration. This unique program allows students to receive dual licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and as a Licensed Professional Counselor. It also allows students to work towards their registration as a Registered Play Therapist. All of these will assert your value as a mental health clinician upon graduation.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

MFT graduate certificates, while not degrees, may be a more appropriate option for certain students. These programs last about a year and usually cost between $1,000 and $1,500, providing a quick and affordable option for students who are already licensed in a clinical mental health field or have professional goals outside of licensure. There is currently one option for MFT graduate certificates based in Texas:

Sam Houston State University: If you’re already trained as a counselor but would like to designate a focus on marriage and family systems, you may be interested in Sam Houston State University’s Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Graduate Certificate program. The curriculum offered by SHSU is also catered towards any graduate student who is on track to graduate from or is interested in any mental health practice degree.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

The final option for MFT degree programs is the MFT doctoral degree. There are two different types: a Ph.D., which prepares students for careers in education or research, and a PsyD, which focuses primarily on clinical aspects of the field. MFT doctoral degrees cost an average of $187,092 in Texas and last between four and eight years. Here are a few options to choose from in Texas:

Texas Tech University: The Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D. 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 their MFT doctoral program have had a 100% success rate on the licensure exam for the last seven years.

Texas Woman’s University: The Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Texas Woman’s University offers a comprehensive and fast-paced track to earning your MFT doctorate degree and entering the field as a researcher or clinician. The program only requires 54-semester credits and a minimum of three years of study and has no additional clinical hours beyond what is required in the master’s degree program.

Becoming an LMFT in Texas

Earning your licensure is the final requirement to becoming a marriage and family therapist in Texas. This is a multi-step process set forth by the state’s board:

  • Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy 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 Texas, this usually involves accumulating 3,000 hours of post-graduate supervised clinical experience, with at least 1,500 hours in direct client contact. This experience must be supervised by a licensed mental health professional.
  • Examination: Pass the National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy, administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). This exam assesses your knowledge and competency in marriage and family therapy.
  • Jurisprudence Exam: Complete a jurisprudence exam, which assesses your knowledge of the laws and regulations governing marriage and family therapy practice in Texas.
  • Apply for Licensure: Submit an application for licensure to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists. This application typically includes providing documentation of your education, supervised experience, examination scores, and any other required materials.
  • Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
  • Continuing Education: After obtaining licensure, you’ll need to maintain it by fulfilling 30 continuing education requirements every two years.

List of MFT Degree Programs in Texas

Jump to City:

Abilene, TX

Abilene Christian University

  • Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

    Online Learning - Website

    • COAMFTE-accredited online program
    • 60 credit hours, 33 months
    • $799 per credit hour
    • 5 unique concentrations
    • Prepares for national licensure
    • 100+ internship supervision hours
    • Christ-centered learning environment
    • Flexible online format
  • Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Child and Adolescent Therapy - Online Learning - Website

    • COAMFTE-accredited online program
    • 60 credit hours, 33 months
    • Multiple therapy concentrations
    • Cost: $799/credit hour
    • 100+ internship supervision hours
    • Prepares for national licensing exam
    • Christ-centered learning environment
    • Flexible online format
  • Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Medical Family Therapy Treatment of Trauma - Online Learning - Website

    • COAMFTE-accredited online program
    • 60 credit hours, 33 months minimum
    • 5 unique concentration tracks
    • $799 per credit hour
    • 100+ hours supervised internship
    • Prepare for national licensure exam
    • Christ-centered learning approach
    • Flexible online format
  • Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Therapy with Military Families - Online Learning - Website

    • 60-credit COAMFTE-accredited program
    • Online flexible learning format
    • Five specialized concentrations
    • $799 per credit hour
    • 33-month minimum completion time
    • 100+ hours supervised internship
    • Prepares for national licensure exam
    • Christ-centered educational approach

Hardin-Simmons University

  • Master's - Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP Accredited Program
    • 60 Total Credit Hours
    • 700 Clinical Experience Hours
    • LPC and LMFT Licensure Paths
    • 3.0 Undergraduate GPA Required
    • Fall/Spring Admission Options
    • Interview Required for Admission
    • Multiple Mental Health Credentials

Belton, TX

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling - Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling

    Concentration: Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CACREP-accredited program
    • 60 total credit hours
    • Counseling core: 36 hours
    • Specialized MFT courses: 12 hours
    • Clinical instruction: 9 hours
    • Comprehensive exam required
    • Prepares for LMFT licensure
    • Multiple specialized counseling courses

Dallas, TX

Southern Methodist University

  • Master's - M.S. in Counseling

    Concentration: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - Campus Based - Website

    • 60 total credit hours
    • 3-year full-time completion
    • Personal interview required
    • Multiple specialization areas
    • Supervised clinical practicum
    • Licensure preparation track
    • Diverse course offerings
    • Flexible six-year maximum completion
  • Master's - M.S. in Counseling

    Concentration: Licensed Professional Counselor - Campus Based - Website

    • 60 total credit hours
    • Three-year completion option
    • State licensure preparation
    • Diverse counseling specializations
    • Supervised clinical practicum
    • Multiple concentration tracks
    • Comprehensive admission process
    • Interview required for admission
  • Master's - M.S. in Counseling

    Concentration: School Counselor - Campus Based - Website

    • 60 total credit hours
    • Three-year full-time completion
    • Personal interview required
    • State licensure preparation
    • Specialized counseling tracks
    • Clinical practicum included
    • Multiple specialization options
    • Diverse course offerings

Denton, TX

Texas Woman's University

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

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • COAMFTE Accredited Program
    • 3-Year Typical Completion
    • 100% National Exam Pass Rate
    • No GRE Required
    • Thesis Research Option
    • Texas State Licensure Prep
    • 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
    • Fall Application Deadline: Jan 15

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Wesleyan University

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

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Master of Science in MFT
    • 6-hour and 9-hour plans
    • Research methods course
    • MFT Practicum included
    • Located in Fort Worth, TX
    • Graduate Counseling Program
    • Professional licensure preparation

Garland, TX

Amberton University

  • Master's - Master of Arts - Marriage & Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60 total credit hours
    • Classroom and online courses
    • Cost: $300 per credit
    • Texas LMFT licensure preparation
    • Next term starts 3/15/25
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Counseling skills practicum
    • Focused on marriage/family therapy

Houston, TX

Houston Christian University

  • Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 60-hour graduate coursework
    • 100% online and residential
    • Leads to MFT licensure
    • 700 hours practicum/internship
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Texas licensure compliant
    • Comprehensive exam required
    • National exam preparation

Killeen, TX

Texas A&M University-Central Texas

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

    Campus Based - Website

    • On-campus program
    • 60 credit hours total
    • COAMFTE accredited
    • Fall admission July 1st
    • Spring admission November 1st
    • Summer admission April 1st
    • Practicum in community settings
    • Prepares for MFT licensure

Lubbock, TX

Lubbock Christian University

  • Doctorate - Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy

    Campus Based - Website

    • 60-hour master's degree program
    • Faith-inspired therapeutic learning
    • Experienced faculty mentorship
    • Small class sizes
    • Clinical internship opportunities
    • Research engagement possibilities
    • Comprehensive professional development
    • Requires bachelor's degree

Texas Tech University

  • Master's - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Master’s Degree

    Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based Master's degree program
    • Licensure preparation for LMFT
    • Specialized addiction treatment focus
    • Research and publication opportunities
    • Large, experienced faculty group
    • Clinical training in Family Therapy Clinic
    • Prepares for doctoral studies
    • Meets Texas state certification requirements
  • Master's - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Master’s Degree

    Concentration: Family resiliency during health care crises - Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based Master's program
    • Strong clinical focus
    • Large marriage therapy faculty
    • Addictions treatment specialization
    • Licensure exam preparation
    • Research publication opportunities
    • State certification compliant
    • Practical career development
  • Master's - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Master’s Degree

    Concentration: Treatment of addictions - Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based Master's degree program
    • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist preparation
    • Unique addiction treatment focus
    • Strong clinical training opportunities
    • Research publication possibilities
    • Large marriage and family therapy faculty
    • State certification eligible program
    • Specialized research areas available
  • Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.

    Campus Based - Website

    • Ph.D. program fully accredited
    • Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
    • 100% professional licensure success
    • Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
    • Interdisciplinary research opportunities
    • Research spans diverse topics
    • Strong clinical practice focus
    • Supervised therapy experience
  • Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.

    Concentration: Military marriages - Campus Based - Website

    • Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
    • 100% professional licensure success
    • Nationally largest graduate faculty
    • Accredited since 1981
    • Interdisciplinary research opportunities
    • Extensive clinical training
    • Research covering diverse topics
    • Licensure hours in Texas
  • Doctorate - Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Ph.D.

    Concentration: Substance abuse in adults and adolescents - Campus Based - Website

    • Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy
    • Accredited since 1981
    • Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
    • 100% licensure exam success
    • Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
    • Interdisciplinary research approach
    • Licensure hours count in Texas
    • Research spans diverse topics

San Antonio, TX

Our Lady of the Lake University

  • Master's - Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Website

    • 60 semester hour program
    • COAMFTE accredited concentration
    • Multiple campus locations: San Antonio, RGV, Houston
    • Meets Texas MFT licensure requirements
    • GPA requirement: 2.50 overall or 3.00 last 60 hours
    • 12 psychology undergraduate hours prerequisite
    • Fall admission deadline: April 1st
    • Criminal background check required
  • Master's - Master of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy

    Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit hour program
    • Three-year completion time
    • COAMFTE accredited
    • Meets LMFT licensure requirements
    • Saturday course schedule
    • Small group learning pods
    • Strengths-based therapy approach
    • Multiple therapy model training

Texas A&M University-San Antonio

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

    Campus Based - Website

    • 60-hour counseling degree program
    • Meets LPC academic requirements
    • Serves San Antonio community
    • Diverse population counseling focus
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • 100 hours clinical experience
    • Practicum and internship included
    • Professional ethics emphasis
*The data used in this analysis come from NCES's IPEDS 2023 survey.

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