Best MFT Programs in Utah

Marriage and family therapy (MFT) is a well-established but rapidly growing field that focuses on relationships and the common issues that arise in family dynamics. Though marriage and family therapists have been around for over a century, the demand for these highly specialized professionals has never been greater. The State of Utah has a particular need for marriage and family therapists due to the rural landscapes and diverse communities. To learn how you can become a marriage and family therapist, take a look at our guide below, which outlines MFT degrees and the process for getting licensed.

2026 Best MFT Programs in Utah

Navigating the landscape of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Utah can be challenging, but CounselingPsychology.org is here to help. Our comprehensive rankings provide an insightful look into the top MFT programs across the Beehive State. We've carefully evaluated each program based on academic rigor, faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, and student outcomes. Whether you're a prospective student seeking a transformative educational experience or a professional looking to advance your skills, our rankings offer a reliable guide to the best MFT programs Utah has to offer. Our commitment to transparency and thorough research ensures you'll find accurate and up-to-date information to support your academic and career goals. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

Utah State University

Logan, UT - Public 4-Year - usu.edu

Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Utah State University's Marriage and Family Therapy program stands out as a rigorous COAMFTE-accredited training ground for future therapists. Designed to cultivate advanced clinical skills, the program uniquely offers two distinct degree pathways: a research-intensive thesis-based MS and a practice-focused non-thesis MMFT. Students receive comprehensive training in addressing complex family dynamics, emphasizing cultural competence and ethical practice. The curriculum prepares graduates for professional licensure by providing extensive hands-on clinical experiences, specialized coursework, and robust supervision. With strong career development support and multiple specialization opportunities, students are equipped to make meaningful interventions in individuals, couples, and family mental health contexts.

• COAMFTE Accredited Program
• Two Degree Options Available
• Meets Utah Licensure Requirements
• Application Deadline: December 15
• Specialized Training Areas
• Strong Clinical Supervision Focus
• Research and Professional Development
• Comprehensive Therapy Skills Training
• Multiple Career Path Options
• Student-Centric Learning Approach

Master's - Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, MFT Specialization

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

Utah State University's Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with MFT Specialization delivers an innovative approach to therapeutic training. This specialized program integrates advanced clinical skills with targeted coursework in marriage and family therapy, offering students two strategic academic paths. Emphasizing research and practical application, the program provides in-depth training in sex therapy and trauma interventions. Students benefit from COAMFTE accreditation, ensuring high-quality education that meets Utah's licensure requirements. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations with extensive clinical experiences, preparing graduates to navigate complex interpersonal challenges and deliver compassionate, evidence-based therapeutic interventions across diverse populations.

• COAMFTE Accredited Program
• Two Degree Options Available
• Thesis and Non-Thesis Tracks
• Application Deadline: December 15
• Specializations: Sex Therapy, Trauma
• Strong Clinical Training Focus
• Meet Utah Licensure Requirements
• Diverse Practical Experiences
• Research Opportunities Included
• Student-Centered Approach

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#2

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, UT - Public 4-Year - suu.edu

Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy Program

Campus Based - Visit Website

Southern Utah University's Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program emerges as a cutting-edge training platform dedicated to cultivating skilled mental health professionals. Nestled in Cedar City, the program distinguishes itself through comprehensive therapeutic training that emphasizes family dynamics and interpersonal relationship complexities. Students engage in rigorous coursework complemented by professional internships ranging from 10-20 weekly hours, ensuring practical skill development. With a strategic focus on program accreditation and maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, the curriculum prepares graduates to navigate intricate clinical environments with empathy and advanced therapeutic techniques. The Family Life Department provides a robust foundation for aspiring marriage and family therapists seeking transformative professional preparation.

• Emerging MFT graduate program
• Part of Family Life Department
• Professional internship available
• Program in development stage
• Requires 3.0 GPA
• Located in Cedar City, UT
• 10-20 hours internship weekly
• Focus on program accreditation

#3

Utah Valley University

Orem, UT - Public 4-Year - uvu.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

Utah Valley University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy offers a transformative 54-credit program designed to cultivate advanced therapeutic professionals. The curriculum strategically blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical training, enabling students to develop sophisticated intervention skills across individual, couples, and family domains. With a strong emphasis on ethical practice and cultural competence, students gain comprehensive supervised practica experience that prepares them for professional licensure. The program's systemic approach equips graduates to address complex mental health challenges, making meaningful contributions to community wellness while maintaining high academic standards through a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.

• 54 total credit hours
• Professional licensure preparation
• Comprehensive clinical practica
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Systemic therapy approach
• Diverse client population focus
• Practicum hours requirement
• Capstone project completion
• Supervised clinical experience
• Evidence-based practice emphasis

#4

Brigham Young University

Provo, UT - Private 4-year - byu.edu

Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy MS

Campus Based - Visit Website

Brigham Young University's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program offers a comprehensive clinical training experience rooted in the institution's LDS values. Located in Provo, this program prepares graduate students for professional therapeutic practice through rigorous academic coursework and extensive clinical supervision. Students benefit from faculty mentorship, evidence-based training methodologies, and opportunities to develop advanced counseling skills. The program likely requires a graduate entrance exam, though specific details are not provided. With its strong reputation in mental health education, BYU's MFT program emphasizes holistic approaches to family systems therapy and interpersonal dynamics, preparing graduates for licensure and professional practice in diverse therapeutic settings.

• COAMFTE-accredited program
• 500 direct clinical hours
• Half tuition covered
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Research assistantship available
• 61 total credit hours
• Comprehensive clinical training
• Faculty supervision each semester
• Thesis or clinical project required
• Diverse cultural competency focus

#5

Utah Tech University

Saint George, UT - Public 4-Year - utahtech.edu

Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, MS

Campus Based - Visit Website

Utah Tech University's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program offers a robust two-year training pathway for aspiring mental health professionals. Students engage in a 51-credit comprehensive curriculum emphasizing systemic, culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches. The program uniquely focuses on child therapy specialization, providing intensive practicum experiences that develop advanced clinical skills. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, minimum 3.0 GPA, and standardized test scores (GRE or MAT). Graduates are strategically prepared for professional licensure, with a curriculum designed to cultivate multicultural competence, research application, and ethical professional practice. The program's distinctive approach integrates clinical skills development, systemic therapy perspectives, and practical intervention strategies.

• 51-credit comprehensive MFT program
• Two cohort graduation plans
• Practicum experience included
• Bachelor's degree prerequisite
• GRE or MAT score requirement
• 3.0 minimum GPA
• Multicultural therapy focus
• Prepares for licensure exam
• Clinical skills development
• Systemic therapy perspective

*Institutional characteristics data extracted from IPEDS 2023, NCES.

What is an MFT Degree?

An MFT degree program provides all of the necessary training and skills that a marriage and family therapist needs to become a clinical practitioner, educator, researcher, or theorist. These programs include a combination of classroom participation, comprehensive coursework, and supervised practice. They are usually catered to students who want to pursue licensure, though some students enrolled are simply there to learn more about this exciting and growing field of psychological study.

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

One of the most important things to understand about MFT degrees is accreditation. If a program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or CACREP, it means that when a student graduates from it, they will be eligible for licensure. When applying to MFT degree programs (regardless of the level), students must be sure that their program is COAMFTE-certified or CACREP-certified, or else they will not be able to become licensed.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Utah?

Getting your MFT degree online is a great option for students looking for a little extra flexibility in their schedules while enrolled in school. However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when looking at these types of programs.

As of now, Utah does not offer online MFT programs based in the state, which means that if you want to get your MFT degree online, you’ll have to apply to schools outside of Utah. Luckily, many nationally-available online MFT programs exist for those who want the convenience of distance-learning. While you will still need to complete any in-person supervised clinical hours, these can typically be arranged in your local area. Here are a few online MFT options to consider:

Walden University: Walden University offers an online Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling that emphasizes systems-based therapeutic interventions. The program features convenient enrollment options with several entry points annually and allows students to arrange their required field experience and internship hours at approved clinical sites in their geographic area.

Grand Canyon University: Located in Arizona, Grand Canyon University offers a fantastic and affordable graduate certificate program completely online. The program only requires the completion of 15 self-paced credits and it doesn’t require in-person clinicals, so you won’t need to relocate to enroll in this program; you’ll simply need a computer.

MFT Degree Levels

Before you begin your search for the perfect MFT degree program, it’s important to get familiar with the various levels of degrees of MFT degrees. While undergraduate degrees such as bachelor’s degrees and associate’s degrees do exist for marriage and family therapy, the most common by far are MFT master’s degrees and doctorate degrees. The reason for this is that licensure is only available at these levels. MFT graduate certificates exist, however, for students who are already licensed or who don’t plan on getting licensed.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

Some schools measure their applicant’s graduate placement through an exam called the Graduate Record Examination, or GRE for short. However, this requirement isn’t necessary for some institutions. The best way to find out if you’ll be required to submit a GRE with your application is to check your school’s admissions page.

Master's Degree in MFT

MFT master’s degree programs typically run for two years. They usually require the completion of around 60 credits and cost between $400 and $800 per credit. Upon graduation from an MFT master’s degree, you’ll be eligible to become licensed and sit for the exam. There are several MFT master’s degree programs located in Utah:

Utah Valley University: The Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by Utah Valley University is a comprehensive 57-credit program designed to equip students with the latest therapeutic methods as they apply to couples and families. Students will take courses such as Couples Therapy, Working with Diversity, Group Therapy, and Child Development. Clinical practicums take place at a variety of institutions located within the Provo community.

Utah State University: There are two degree options offered by Utah State University for students who want to become marriage and family therapists. The first is the Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, which is primarily focused on MFT training. The second is the MS in Human Development and Family Studies, MFT Specialization, which allows students to focus their studies on human development and supplement their understanding of marriage and family therapy through a thesis option. Both options lead to MFT licensure.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

MFT graduate certificates are one-year non-degree programs typically geared toward mental health professionals who may lack training in marriage and family therapy or for anyone who wants to better understand the field. These programs don’t provide a track to licensure, but they are quick, effective, and affordable at only $1,000 to $1,500 per program (on average). Utah does not currently host MFT graduate certificates in the state, but you can find them online or in nearby states:

Denver Family Institute: The Denver Family Institute offers a fully accredited two-year MFT graduate certificate focusing on the intersectionality and diversity of relationships and community. Students who have obtained a counseling graduate degree or are currently enrolled in a counseling graduate degree program will be eligible to apply.

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.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

An MFT doctorate degree is the highest level of education a marriage and family therapist can obtain. Having a doctorate degree in marriage and family therapy opens up students to a wide range of esteemed careers in research, clinical practice, or education. MFT doctorate degrees take between four and eight years to complete and can cost anywhere from $35,000 on the low end to $150,000+ on the high end in tuition. For many, the investment is well worth it.

There are two different types of MFT doctorate degrees. The first (and more common) is a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy. This type of degree is focused on the research and theoretical aspects of marriage and family therapy. The other is a PsyD, which is more clinical-focused. There is currently one MFT doctoral degree available in Utah:

Brigham Young University: The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Marriage and Family Therapy program offered by Brigham Young University is a fantastic choice for MFT students looking to expand their education to not only better understand topics relating to marriage and family therapy but also other therapeutic methods relating to clinical psychology, speech and language disorders, audiology, and social work through their on-campus Comprehensive Clinic. One unique aspect that sets Brigham Young University’s program apart is the generous $22,500 per year research stipend offered to all enrolled students.

Becoming an LMFT in Utah

The last thing you’ll need to accomplish before setting off to find marriage and family therapist positions is securing licensure. These are the steps you’ll need to complete to become licensed in the State of Utah:

• Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or a regionally accredited institution.
• Supervised Experience: Accumulate postgraduate supervised clinical experience. In Utah, this typically involves completing 2 years (4,000 hours) of supervised clinical experience, with at least 1,000 hours of direct client contact.
• Examination: Pass the national licensure examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
• Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). This usually involves providing documentation of your education, supervised experience, and examination results, along with any other required forms and fees.
• Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
• Continuing Education: After receiving your licensure, you’ll need to maintain it by completing 40 hours of continuing education credits every two years.

List of MFT Degree Programs in Utah