Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Mississippi 2026

Mississippi offers a small but growing selection of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, designed to train students in clinical counseling, relationship dynamics, and mental health assessment. As demand for mental health professionals rises across the state, LMFTs are playing a crucial role in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges.

The need for licensed therapists in Mississippi is particularly strong in rural communities, where mental health access is limited. Many MFT programs in the state focus on community-based therapy, crisis intervention, and behavioral health care, ensuring that graduates are prepared to serve underserved populations.

MFT programs in Mississippi emphasize hands-on clinical training, requiring students to complete internships and supervised practice hours before graduation. Programs vary in format, with some offering hybrid or online coursework, allowing students to balance education with professional and personal responsibilities.

Given Mississippi’s expanding behavioral health services, MFT graduates can pursue careers in private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and school-based counseling programs. Many LMFTs in the state also work in state-funded behavioral health clinics, where they provide therapy services to low-income and at-risk populations.

In this guide

2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Mississippi

Finding the right marriage and family therapy program in Mississippi can make a big difference for your career. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we have carefully reviewed and ranked the best MFT programs in the state to help you choose. Our rankings look at factors like accreditation, faculty experience, and student outcomes to give you reliable information. These programs prepare graduates to support families and couples effectively. You can trust our rankings to guide your decision. Learn more about how we create these rankings at https://www.marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/.

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS - Public 4-Year - usm.edu

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

Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Southern Mississippi's Marriage and Family Therapy, M.S. program requires GRE scores for admission, with a February 15 application deadline. This COAMFTE-accredited 60-credit hour curriculum includes 500 client contact hours and 200 relational therapy hours, with supervised clinical experiences at the University Clinic. Students complete 100 supervision hours, including 50 with raw data. The program integrates theory, research, and clinical practice, preparing graduates for MFT licensure. Full-time students finish in two years, while part-time options take three to four years. Admission requires resume, personal interview, three recommendation letters, goals essay, and official transcripts.

Master of Science degree.
60 credit hour minimum.
Accredited by COAMFTE.
Full-time and part-time tracks.
Two-year full-time completion.
Three to four years part-time.
500 client contact hours required.
200 relational therapy hours.
100 supervision hours required.
50 supervision hours with raw data.

Graduate Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy MS

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Southern Mississippi's COAMFTE-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy MS program provides intensive clinical training with 300 hours of direct therapy services. Students develop expertise across individual, couple, and family therapy settings, supported by a 6:1 student-faculty ratio. This program boasts a 100% national exam pass rate and 96% employment rate within three months of graduation. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA, interview, and priority application by December 1. The curriculum emphasizes ethical practice foundations and self-awareness development, preparing graduates for successful clinical careers in mental health settings.

COAMFTE accredited program
300 hours direct therapy services
100% national exam pass rate
96% employment rate
Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
Priority application deadline: Dec 1
Located in Hattiesburg, MS
6:1 student-faculty ratio
Interview required for admission
Graduate assistantships available

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2024 institutional data.

Other MFT Programs Available in Mississippi

Mississippi has a limited number of accredited MFT programs, but students have access to COAMFTE-accredited degrees and regionally approved counseling programs that align with licensure requirements.

These programs focus on family systems theory, trauma-informed therapy, and evidence-based clinical techniques, ensuring that students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical experience before entering the workforce.

Graduates of Mississippi’s MFT programs often work in family counseling centers, substance abuse treatment facilities, private practice, and teletherapy services, helping to address the growing need for licensed therapists in the state.

Mississippi College – Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Key Strengths: Generalist practice focus, prepares students for Mississippi LMFT licensure.
Considerations: Faith-based approach may not appeal to all; program not COAMFTE-accredited at this time.
Best for: Individuals seeking an MFT education within a Christian framework and plan to practice in Mississippi.

Jackson State University- Master of Science in Counselor Education

Key Strengths: HBCU (Historically Black College and University), strong focus on culturally responsive counseling, option for students to specialize in areas that support families.
Considerations: Not a dedicated MFT program, coursework must be carefully selected to align with licensure as a LLMFT.
Best for: Aspiring counselors interested in working with diverse populations and who wish to work in Jackson, Mississippi.

Mississippi’s Quickest MFT Programs

For students looking to complete their degree efficiently, some Mississippi universities offer accelerated pathways that allow candidates to earn their MFT degree in as little as two years. These programs typically incorporate clinical experience early, so students can start accumulating supervised hours while completing coursework.

School	Program Length	Type
University of Southern Mississippi	2 years	Campus
Mississippi College	2.5 years	Hybrid
Jackson State University	2.5 years	Campus

Many programs provide year-round enrollment options, allowing students to take summer and winter courses to expedite completion. Some schools also allow transfer credits from previous psychology or counseling coursework, reducing the total number of credits required for graduation.

Mississippi’s strong network of healthcare providers and mental health organizations makes it easier for students to find practicum and internship placements, ensuring that they gain practical experience while completing their education.

Mississippi’s Cheapest MFT Programs

Mississippi offers affordable MFT education options, particularly at public universities, where in-state tuition rates make earning an advanced degree more accessible.

Public universities in Mississippi offer some of the lowest tuition rates in the region, making them an excellent option for students looking to minimize student loan debt. Additionally, students can take advantage of scholarships, grants, and graduate assistantship programs, which provide financial aid opportunities.

For students pursuing careers in underserved areas, Mississippi also offers state and federal loan forgiveness programs for LMFTs who commit to working in rural or high-need mental health facilities after graduation.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Mississippi

Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
To qualify for licensure in Mississippi, students must complete a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited institution. Programs must include coursework in clinical assessment, family systems therapy, ethics, and mental health treatment techniques.

Step 2: Complete 1,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
LMFT candidates in Mississippi must complete 1,000 hours of supervised post-graduate clinical experience, with at least 500 hours of direct client contact. Supervised hours must be obtained under the guidance of a licensed MFT or equivalent mental health professional.

Step 3: Pass the National MFT Examination
All candidates must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam, which assesses clinical knowledge, ethical judgment, and therapy intervention techniques. The exam ensures that therapists meet national standards for professional practice.

Step 4: Apply for Licensure Through the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors
Once all requirements are met, candidates must submit their official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, and national exam scores to the Mississippi Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors. A background check and licensure fee are also required.

Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
To renew their LMFT license, therapists in Mississippi must complete 24 continuing education (CE) hours every two years, including coursework in ethics, professional development, and specialized therapy training. CE credits help ensure that therapists stay updated on new research, treatment approaches, and changes in licensing regulations.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Mississippi

Marriage and Family Therapists in Mississippi work in a variety of clinical and community settings, providing therapy services to individuals, couples, and families. The average salary for LMFTs in Mississippi is $54,700 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $80,000 annually.

Salaries vary based on specialization, location, and work setting. LMFTs working in Jackson and Gulfport tend to earn higher salaries due to greater demand for mental health services, while those practicing in rural areas may qualify for state-funded loan repayment programs.

Mississippi’s expanding teletherapy industry has also created new job opportunities for LMFTs, allowing therapists to provide remote counseling services to clients across the state. With the continued growth of mental health initiatives and behavioral health funding, LMFTs in Mississippi can expect strong job prospects and career stability.

Mississippi provides a supportive environment for students pursuing careers in Marriage and Family Therapy, offering affordable education options, structured licensure pathways, and diverse job opportunities. With an emphasis on expanding mental health services in underserved areas, graduates will find various career paths in private practice, community counseling, and hospital-based therapy.

For students seeking a cost-effective, flexible, and career-driven education, Mississippi’s MFT programs prepare graduates with the skills, experience, and credentials necessary to provide relationship-based mental health counseling and family therapy. Whether working in rural behavioral health programs, school-based therapy, or private practice, LMFTs in Mississippi play an essential role in strengthening communities and improving mental health care across the state.

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