North Dakota has no in-state MFT programs, so all aspiring therapists must earn degrees from out-of-state or online schools.
The ND licensing board accepts non-COAMFTE degrees from regionally accredited institutions with documented MFT coursework and practicum hours.
North Dakota MFTs earn a median salary of $58,180, nearly matching the $58,510 national median.
Federal loan forgiveness and state rural practice incentives can significantly offset graduate tuition costs for ND residents.
North Dakota's Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure requires a master's degree with specific MFT coursework and supervised clinical hours, yet no college or university in the state offers an MFT degree program. For the roughly 40 licensed MFTs practicing statewide, and for the rural communities that need many more, that gap matters. The practical path forward runs through best online MFT programs at out-of-state institutions that accept North Dakota residents.
Several of these programs hold COAMFTE accreditation, and tuition ranges from under $9,000 to over $54,000 per year depending on the school. With a state median MFT salary of $58,180 and persistent shortages in rural behavioral health, North Dakota students who earn their degrees remotely can return to a market with real demand and limited competition.
Best Online MFT Programs for North Dakota Students
North Dakota has no in-state MFT degree programs, so as of 2026 the strongest options for residents are out-of-state schools that accept North Dakota students and can be completed without relocating. The programs below are organized with an eye toward licensure fit, clinical training, and cost. Because North Dakota treats COAMFTE-accredited degrees as meeting its educational requirements, those programs tend to offer the smoothest route to LMFT licensure.
Our ranking methodology
What went into the score
Program accreditation and licensure fit
Graduation and retention rates
Net price for out-of-state students
Clinical training and field placement support
Flexibility for remote learners
Where the data comes from
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) — cacrep.org
Our program database of school-reported details
Independent editorial research
IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
BEA Regional Price Parities (state cost of living) — bea.gov
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (earnings and debt) — collegescorecard.ed.gov
Northwestern University
#1
Evanston, IL · $55,000/yr
Best for: Career changers needing a structured path
This private research university offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy built around systemic, evidence-based practice. Students complete 400 hours of supervised clinical fieldwork and 25 graduate-level courses, with placement specialists available to help find local practicum sites. The flexible 24 to 36 month design and no-GRE admission policy make it an especially attractive route for North Dakota residents seeking LMFT licensure.
COAMFTE-accredited marriage and family therapy master's
Completion timeline of 24 to 36 months
No GRE required for admission
400 hours of supervised clinical fieldwork
25 graduate-level courses
Class size capped at 15 students
Placement specialists support practicum planning
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
#2
Winona, MN · $12,000/yr
Best for: Working adults preferring a shorter curriculum
This university offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a 48-credit curriculum and 300 supervised clinical contact hours. The program is explicitly designed to satisfy state board educational requirements that align closely with the expectations of the North Dakota licensing board. For students who want a focused, efficient path to LMFT eligibility rather than a lengthy general counseling degree, this is one of the strongest options in the region.
Conditional admission available for some applicants
University of Oregon
#3
Eugene, OR · ~$19,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Students seeking Spanish language specialization
This public research university offers a COAMFTE-accredited couples and family therapy master's with a 90-credit curriculum and 350 direct client contact hours. Clinical training takes place in an on-campus counseling center and through community externships, and the program admits a small cohort of 22 to 24 students each year. The optional Spanish language specialization is a meaningful advantage for clinicians planning to serve bilingual communities in North Dakota.
This large public university offers a COAMFTE-accredited MFT master's that also prepares graduates for professional clinical counselor licensure. Coursework is organized one class at a time in eight-week terms, allowing completion in under two years. The curriculum covers family therapy theories, ethics, assessment, and clinical intervention, making it a broad clinical training option for North Dakota students.
Curriculum covers ethics, diversity, and assessment
Trains for public, agency, school, and private settings
Year-round scheduling available
Texas Woman's University
#5
Denton, TX · $9,000/yr
Hispanic-Serving Institution
This public university offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy with a curriculum that satisfies state licensure requirements and is broadly aligned with North Dakota's educational standards. Most students finish in about three years, and a thesis option is available for those considering doctoral study. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, a letter of intent, and an on-campus interview.
This public university's marriage, couple, and family counseling master's is accredited by CACREP rather than COAMFTE, which means North Dakota applicants should expect a coursework equivalency review. The curriculum combines academic training with hands-on clinical experience in an on-campus counseling center. It is a solid, affordable option for students who are open to the additional review steps required for LMFT licensure.
Hands-on clinical training at on-campus family counseling center
Practical experience with couples, families, and individuals
Financial support options may be available
Pathway to marriage and family therapist licensure
John Brown University
#7
Siloam Springs, AR · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
This Christian university offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a marriage and family therapy concentration, accredited by CACREP. The 60-credit program includes 700 combined practicum and internship hours and is designed primarily for LPC or LMHC licensure. North Dakota students pursuing LMFT licensure will likely need to document course equivalency and may need to add relational therapy coursework.
This private research university offers a 60-unit Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy designed to prepare clinicians for state licensure. The curriculum emphasizes cultural humility, social justice, and cohort-based learning, and scholarship support is available. Since the program does not carry COAMFTE accreditation, North Dakota applicants should plan on a course-by-course equivalency review.
Supervised fieldwork and clinical practice included
University of South Florida
#9
Tampa, FL · $10,000/yr
This public university offers a graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy meant for mental health professionals who are already licensed or actively pursuing licensure. The 15-credit curriculum covers systemic approaches but does not lead to licensure on its own. North Dakota practitioners can use the certificate as continuing education or as a specialized supplement to a counseling or social work license.
Systemic approach to relationship and family issues
Not designed for licensure qualification
Useful supplement for social work and counseling graduates
Moody Bible Institute
#10
Chicago, IL · $10,000/yr
This faith-based graduate school offers a graduate certificate in marriage, family, and couples counseling designed for licensed professionals who want to deepen their work with couples and families. The curriculum integrates clinical mental health training with a biblical framework. It is not a licensure pathway, so North Dakota students should treat it as continuing education rather than a route to LMFT credentialing.
Graduate certificate aimed at licensed professionals
$539 per credit hour
Specialized couples and family counseling focus
Integrates biblical framework with clinical training
Interview required for admission
Designed for master's degree holders
North Dakota's small population means no COAMFTE-accredited campus programs exist within the state, but that is not a barrier. The ND Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure accepts degrees from regionally accredited institutions with appropriate MFT coursework, and many respected online programs meet this standard. Online students can typically complete required practicum hours locally in North Dakota under approved supervision, earning the same credential without relocating.
Most Affordable MFT Programs for North Dakota Students
Because North Dakota does not have an in-state MFT program, online and hybrid options from out-of-state schools are the most practical path for aspiring therapists here. The table below ranks five of the most affordable programs by average net price, which reflects what students typically pay after grants and scholarships. Keep in mind that net price figures are institution-wide averages and your individual cost will vary based on financial aid, credit load, and residency status. Several of these schools offer flat-rate or reduced tuition for online and distance learners, which can significantly close the gap between in-state and out-of-state sticker prices. Always confirm distance-learner pricing directly with each program's admissions office.
How to Become a Licensed MFT in North Dakota: Step-By-Step
Earning your full LMFT credential in North Dakota follows a structured ladder that typically spans five to six years from the first day of graduate school to full licensure. Here is the pathway, step by step, based on rules set by the North Dakota Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board.
Will an Online MFT Degree Meet North Dakota Licensure Requirements?
The short answer is yes, an online MFT degree can satisfy North Dakota's licensure requirements, but the details matter. Before you commit tuition dollars to any program, make sure it checks every box the North Dakota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure expects to see.1
COAMFTE Accreditation Is Not Required, but Regional Accreditation Is
North Dakota does not mandate that your MFT program hold COAMFTE accreditation.1 However, if your program is not COAMFTE-accredited, the degree must come from a regionally accredited institution, and the coursework must be substantially equivalent to what a COAMFTE program covers. In practice, this means your transcript needs to reflect the core MFT curriculum areas: family systems theory, human development, ethics, psychopathology, research methods, and clinical practice. Programs from related fields such as counseling or psychology may also qualify if they include equivalent MFT content. If you choose a non-COAMFTE program, expect the Board to review your transcripts more closely, so keep detailed syllabi on hand. To compare accredited and non-accredited options side by side, explore our list of best online MFT programs.
Practicum and Clinical Hours: Know the Conditions
North Dakota requires a minimum of 12 months or 9 semester hours of supervised practicum experience as part of your degree.4 This is where online students need to plan ahead. The Board allows practicum placements to be completed at sites outside North Dakota on a conditional basis, which is helpful because many online students arrange local placements in their own communities.1 Supervision must come from an approved supervisor and can be conducted in individual or group formats. The Board has not published a specific policy permitting or prohibiting tele-supervision for practicum hours, so if your program relies on remote supervision, reach out to the Board directly before you begin accumulating hours.5 Assumptions here can cost you time and money. For a closer look at what clinical training involves, read our guide to MFT clinical internship expectations.
Verify Your Program Before You Enroll
This step cannot be overstated. Even if a program markets itself as meeting licensure requirements in all 50 states, North Dakota's Board makes the final determination. Contact the Board before enrolling to confirm your chosen program's coursework and practicum structure will be accepted.
Required exams: You will need to pass both the National MFT Examination and the North Dakota Jurisprudence Exam after completing your degree and supervised experience.1
Supervision post-degree: An approved supervisor must oversee your post-degree clinical hours before you can earn full LMFT status.1
A 15-minute phone call or email exchange with the Board now can save you from discovering a gap after you have already graduated. We recommend treating Board verification as the very first step in your program search, not the last.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Does my target program help arrange practicum placements in North Dakota, or will I need to secure my own?
Some online programs have established clinical site networks, while others expect you to locate and negotiate placements independently. In a rural state like North Dakota, finding approved sites can take months, so programs with placement support save significant time and stress.
Is the program COAMFTE accredited, and if not, does its coursework satisfy North Dakota Board requirements?
COAMFTE accreditation streamlines the licensing process, but non-accredited programs can still qualify if their curriculum aligns with the North Dakota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners' specific course and clock-hour requirements. Verify alignment before you enroll, not after.
Can I access qualified MFT supervisors in my part of North Dakota for the post-degree supervised practice hours I will need?
North Dakota requires supervised clinical experience after graduation before you can earn full LMFT licensure. Approved supervisors can be scarce outside Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks, so confirming supervisor availability in your area early prevents costly delays in your licensing timeline.
COAMFTE Vs. Non-Coamfte Programs: What North Dakota Students Need to Know
North Dakota does not require graduation from a COAMFTE-accredited program to qualify for MFT licensure. The state licensing board accepts master's degrees from CHEA-accredited (regionally accredited) institutions, provided applicants document specific MFT coursework and supervised practicum hours. This flexibility opens the door to a wider range of programs, but each pathway comes with distinct trade-offs worth weighing before you enroll.
Advantages
COAMFTE programs are automatically recognized as board-approved in North Dakota, eliminating the need for course-by-course transcript review.
Standardized clinical training hours in COAMFTE curricula satisfy licensure requirements in nearly every state, simplifying future relocations.
Employers and insurance panels widely recognize COAMFTE credentials, which can strengthen your professional credibility from day one.
Non-COAMFTE, regionally accredited programs offer more options and often lower tuition, giving North Dakota students greater flexibility.
Many non-COAMFTE programs feature asynchronous or hybrid schedules that accommodate working adults in rural parts of the state.
North Dakota's multiple educational pathways allow graduates of counseling, psychology, or social work programs to pursue MFT licensure with equivalent coursework.
Drawbacks
No COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs exist within North Dakota, so students pursuing that credential must look out of state or online.
COAMFTE programs sometimes carry higher tuition and may require in-person residency or immersion weekends that add travel costs.
Non-COAMFTE graduates must submit detailed documentation proving their coursework meets North Dakota's equivalency standards, which can slow the licensing timeline.
Graduates of non-COAMFTE programs may face complications when seeking licensure in other states, since some boards only accept COAMFTE credentials.
Applicants from related mental health fields must demonstrate substantially equivalent MFT coursework, adding extra steps to the application process.
Fewer standardized benchmarks in non-COAMFTE programs mean students must carefully verify that practicum hours and course content align with North Dakota board expectations.
MFT Salary and Job Outlook in North Dakota
North Dakota's marriage and family therapists earn a median annual wage of $58,180, which is nearly identical to the national median of $58,510. However, the state's total reported MFT employment sits at roughly 40 professionals, a figure that reflects both North Dakota's small population and the significant unmet demand for mental health services, particularly in rural western communities. Metro areas like Fargo and Bismarck do not have separately reported MFT wage data due to low sample sizes, but therapists practicing in these population centers generally command salaries closer to or above the state median, while practitioners in remote rural areas may earn less in base pay yet benefit from reduced cost of living and, in some cases, rural practice incentives. For North Dakota students considering an online MFT program, these numbers underscore a real opportunity: a small workforce paired with persistent demand means new graduates can enter a market with relatively little competition.
Wage Measure
North Dakota (2024)
United States (2023)
10th Percentile
$35,090
$39,090
25th Percentile
$43,150
$45,250
Median
$58,180
$58,510
75th Percentile
$90,600
$78,440
90th Percentile
$113,040
$104,710
Mean
$70,330
$68,730
Total Employment
~40
63,340
North Dakota Scholarships, Loan Forgiveness, and Rural Practice Incentives for MFT Students
Paying for a graduate degree is a serious investment, and North Dakota students pursuing marriage and family therapy should explore every available avenue for financial relief. Several federal, state, and tribal programs can significantly reduce the burden, especially for graduates willing to practice in underserved or rural communities. Before you begin, consider whether choosing one of the cheapest MFT programs available could lower your total debt from the outset.
Federal Loan Repayment Through the National Health Service Corps
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) offers one of the most substantial loan repayment opportunities for licensed marriage and family therapists. If you commit to working in an approved Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), you may qualify for up to $50,000 or more in loan repayment over a two-year service period, with options to extend. North Dakota has multiple designated HPSAs, particularly in rural western and tribal regions. Visit nhsc.hrsa.gov to review current eligibility requirements and application cycles. Because NHSC awards are competitive, it pays to apply early and confirm that your intended practice site holds active HPSA designation.
North Dakota State Workforce Initiatives
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services maintains workforce programs aimed at recruiting behavioral health professionals to underserved parts of the state. These initiatives shift periodically, so check www.hhs.nd.gov and search for terms like "behavioral health loan repayment" or "rural health incentives." Programs may appear under sections devoted to health resources or professional development. State-funded incentives can sometimes be stacked with federal programs, amplifying your total financial benefit.
Tribal Health and Indian Health Service Opportunities
North Dakota is home to several tribal nations, and the Indian Health Service (IHS) actively recruits behavioral health clinicians for facilities on or near reservations. IHS offers its own loan repayment program for eligible providers, and individual tribal health departments may provide additional signing bonuses or housing stipends. Browse the IHS workforce page at www.ihs.gov/jobs, and reach out directly to tribal health facilities in the state. Positions at these sites may simultaneously qualify for NHSC benefits.
Professional Associations and University Financial Aid
Do not overlook smaller, targeted funding sources. The North Dakota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (NDAMFT) and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) periodically share scholarship announcements and state-specific job boards that include positions with loan repayment perks. Additionally, review financial aid pages at institutions you are considering, including schools like NDSU and the University of Mary. Some universities maintain their own grant or loan forgiveness databases tailored to graduate students in the behavioral health fields. Exploring broader MFT career paths can also help you identify which positions are most likely to carry repayment incentives.
Putting It All Together
The smartest strategy combines multiple sources of support. A graduate who secures a modest university scholarship, then commits to an NHSC-eligible rural site after licensure, could see tens of thousands of dollars in student debt erased within a few years. Start researching these programs before you enroll so you can factor potential loan forgiveness into your total cost calculations from day one.
MFT Program ROI: What North Dakota Graduates Can Expect to Earn Vs. What They'll Pay
Program-level earnings and debt figures are not yet published for these MFT programs in College Scorecard, so the chart below uses each school's institution-wide median graduate debt alongside median earnings ten years after enrollment. These broader institutional figures give North Dakota students a useful starting point for comparing long-term return on investment across the top online MFT programs available to them.
Frequently Asked Questions About MFT Programs for North Dakota Students
North Dakota has specific licensure rules that every aspiring marriage and family therapist should understand before choosing a degree program. The answers below draw on current state administrative code and board guidance to help you plan your path from enrollment through licensed practice.
What are the requirements to become a licensed MFT in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires a master's or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy (or a closely related field), completion of 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience with at least 300 total supervision hours (150 of which must be individual supervision), and a passing score on the AMFTRB National MFT Exam. Up to 500 practicum hours earned during your graduate program may count toward the 2,000 hour total.
Can I get an MFT degree online and still get licensed in North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota does not require your degree to come from a COAMFTE accredited program, so graduates of regionally accredited online MFT programs can qualify for licensure. The key is that your program must meet the state's coursework and practicum standards. You will still need to complete supervised clinical hours, and your practicum or internship component typically requires in person client contact.
How much does an MFT degree cost for North Dakota students?
Tuition for online master's programs in marriage and family therapy generally ranges from roughly $25,000 to over $70,000 depending on the institution. Because no in state MFT program currently exists in North Dakota, students should compare out of state online options carefully. Some universities offer flat rate or reduced tuition for distance learners regardless of residency, which can significantly lower total cost.
How long does it take to become an LMFT in North Dakota?
Most students complete a master's degree in two to three years, followed by a postgraduate supervised practice period to accumulate the remaining clinical hours. In total, expect the process to take approximately four to six years from the start of your graduate program through full LMFT licensure. Factors such as part time enrollment or limited access to supervision can extend the timeline.
Does North Dakota require COAMFTE accreditation for MFT licensure?
No. COAMFTE accreditation is not mandatory for licensure in North Dakota. Graduates of COAMFTE accredited programs are automatically accepted, but graduates of non COAMFTE programs also qualify as long as their institution holds recognized regional or national accreditation and the program meets the state's practicum and coursework standards outlined in administrative code.
What is the average salary for a marriage and family therapist in North Dakota?
Salary data specific to marriage and family therapists in North Dakota is limited because of the state's small workforce in this specialty. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage in the low to mid $50,000s for MFTs. North Dakota practitioners in rural or underserved areas may also qualify for loan repayment programs that effectively boost overall compensation.
Are there MFT practicum sites available in rural North Dakota?
Practicum placements in rural North Dakota are not guaranteed. The state's low population density and limited number of licensed MFT supervisors can make securing a rural site challenging. Students enrolled in online programs should begin identifying potential sites early, coordinate with their program's clinical placement office, and consider community mental health centers, tribal health facilities, or telehealth enabled practices as possible options.
More Online MFT Programs Available to North Dakota Students
Beyond the programs highlighted in our ranking, North Dakota students have access to a wide range of additional online and hybrid MFT programs from regionally accredited universities across the country. The following directory provides an alphabetical listing of these programs, all of which accept applicants nationwide and can be completed primarily from a distance.
Offers a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration. This hybrid program meets California's educational requirements and aligns with AAMFT core competencies. Out-of-state tuition is approximately $52,560 per year.
Provides a Master of Science in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration. This CACREP-accredited hybrid program emphasizes hands-on experience with multiple internship sites. Out-of-state tuition is $34,700 per year.
Features a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy delivered in a hybrid format. The 63-credit program includes practicum and internship with flexible evening schedules. Out-of-state tuition is $16,550 per year.
Offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Family Therapy with a concentration in Trauma and Addiction. This hybrid program requires 500 direct client hours and emphasizes systemic approaches. Out-of-state tuition is $62,412 per year.
Provides a Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling through a hybrid format. The 60-credit program integrates biblical principles with evidence-based counseling and includes 800 clinical hours. Out-of-state tuition is $29,990 per year.
Offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, a 60-credit state-registered program with a blended learning format. Students complete 500 internship hours. Out-of-state tuition is $53,400 per year.
Provides a 60-credit Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy in a hybrid format. The program emphasizes clinical practice with 300 direct client contact hours and addresses diverse issues. Out-of-state tuition is $22,880 per year.
Offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy with concentrations in Medical Family Therapy, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and Integrated Behavioral Healthcare. This hybrid program focuses on rural mental health. Out-of-state tuition is $37,196 per year.
Features a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration. This hybrid program can be completed in two years with evening classes and 500 supervised practice hours. Out-of-state tuition is $32,106 per year.
Provides a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling with a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling concentration. This hybrid program includes a three-day campus residency and emphasizes social justice. Out-of-state tuition is $35,685 per year.
Offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy delivered in a hybrid format. The 67-credit program requires 500 client contact hours and a thesis. Out-of-state tuition is $16,094 per year.
Provides a Graduate Certificate in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling designed for mental health professionals. This hybrid program focuses on couples therapy and addiction counseling. Out-of-state tuition is $21,650 per year.
Features a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy delivered in a hybrid format. The 60-credit program includes experiential learning and an on-campus practicum. Out-of-state tuition is $46,340 per year.
Offers a COAMFTE-accredited online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. This part-time program includes live evening classes and a 500-hour clinical practicum. Out-of-state tuition is $65,528 per year.
Provides a hybrid Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling. The 60-credit program includes 100 practicum and 600 internship hours at on-campus clinics. Out-of-state tuition is $19,034 per year.
