Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Oklahoma 2025
Oklahoma offers several COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, providing students with high-quality clinical training and preparation for state licensure. As the demand for licensed therapists continues to rise, particularly in rural and underserved areas, Oklahoma remains a strong state for MFT education and career opportunities.
In this guide
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma Baptist University
Shawnee, OK - Private 4-year - okbu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma Baptist University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a hybrid program that integrates Christian faith with comprehensive clinical training. Students gain hands-on experience at the onsite Marriage and Family clinic and benefit from faculty mentorship and small class sizes. The program features an accelerated pathway allowing completion of bachelor's and master's degrees in about six years, with scholarship opportunities and affordable tuition. It does not require an entrance exam and prepares graduates for diverse careers in mental health through community practicum experiences and professional networking support.
- Integrated undergraduate-graduate program
- Onsite Marriage and Family clinic
- Faculty mentorship opportunities
- Community practicum experiences
- Professional networking support
- Scholarship opportunities available
- Diverse career preparation
- Christian faith integration
- Small class sizes
- Comprehensive clinical training
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK - Public 4-Year - okstate.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
At Oklahoma State University, the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited program that admits 8-12 students yearly, with applications accepted from September 1 to December 1. It provides research-informed clinical training in a state-of-the-art on-campus clinic, equipping graduates for national licensing exams and state licensure. Faculty with doctoral degrees guide students in gaining cultural competence and ethical practice, supported by funding opportunities, and no entrance exam is required for admission.
- COAMFTE-accredited MS program
- Applications open September 1
- Application deadline December 1
- 8-12 students admitted annually
- On-campus clinical training
- Prepare for national licensing exam
- Faculty with doctoral degrees
- Funding opportunities available
- State-of-art therapy clinic
- Research-informed therapeutic approach
Graduate Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy, MS
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma State University's COAMFTE-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy MS program requires 60 credit hours of full-time study over two years, emphasizing hands-on clinical training with 400 contact hours at an on-campus clinic. Students benefit from intensive mentorship and a 100% national exam pass rate, preparing them for licensure without a GRE requirement. The program admits 12 students annually with December 1 application deadlines and offers graduate assistantships, focusing on developing advanced skills for healing relationships through supervised practicum.
- COAMFTE-accredited program
- 60-hour comprehensive degree
- Full-time study only
- 2 years (24 months) completion
- 400 clinical contact hours
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Applications due December 1
- 12 students admitted annually
- On-campus MFT Clinic
- 100% national exam pass rate
Cameron University
Lawton, OK - Public 4-Year - cameron.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Mental Health
Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website
Cameron University's Master of Arts in Mental Health with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration provides specialized training for Oklahoma licensure. This 48-credit campus program combines core mental health coursework with advanced MFT clinical skills development. The curriculum is pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health, featuring 24 credits of specialized family therapy training. Students develop expertise in supporting diverse family systems while meeting all state LMFT requirements. The program maintains a 3.0 GPA minimum and does not require entrance exams. Located in Lawton, this military-friendly institution emphasizes professional practice preparation for aspiring marriage and family therapists.
- MFT licensure track available
- 48 total credit hours
- Oklahoma state board pre-approved
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Two distinct counseling options
- 24 credit-hour core curriculum
- 24 additional MFT credits
- Professional practice focus
- Located in Lawton, Oklahoma
Master's - Master of Arts in Mental Health
Concentration: Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website
Cameron University offers a Master of Arts in Mental Health with Counseling concentration that includes Marriage and Family Therapy preparation. This 48-credit campus program features Oklahoma State Board pre-approved curriculum designed for LMFT licensure. Students complete 24 core mental health credits plus 24 specialized counseling credits, developing advanced therapeutic intervention skills. The program emphasizes professional competency development through rigorous academic training without entrance exam requirements. With a 3.0 GPA admission standard, this military-friendly option prepares graduates for successful careers in marital and family therapy while meeting all Oklahoma licensing standards through comprehensive clinical education.
- Marriage and Family Therapy Option
- Oklahoma State Board Pre-approved
- 48 Total Credit Hours
- 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
- LMFT Licensure Preparation
- Professional Mental Health Focus
- 24-credit core curriculum
- 24-credit specialized track
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
Tulsa, OK - Public 4-Year - medicine.okstate.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science with an option in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
At Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, the Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science with a Marriage and Family Therapy option is COAMFTE-accredited. Students receive hands-on clinical training at an on-campus clinic, serving diverse populations with a research-informed, culturally competent approach. The program prepares graduates for the national licensing exam and offers a pathway to doctoral studies, emphasizing integrative-systemic therapeutic services. Faculty are doctoral-level experts, and no entrance exam is specified as required for this master's program.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- On-campus clinical training clinic
- Doctoral-level expert faculty
- National licensing exam preparation
- Serves individuals, couples, families
- Research-informed therapeutic approach
- Culturally competent training
- Doctoral study pathway available
Graduate Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy, MS
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences offers a COAMFTE-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy MS program requiring full-time study. This 60-hour curriculum includes 400 clinical contact hours with advanced supervision and off-campus placements, supported by a state-of-the-art on-campus clinic and doctoral-level faculty. The program maintains a 100% national exam pass rate and provides thesis and non-thesis options, focusing on relationship dynamics and personalized therapeutic approaches. Graduate assistantships are available, and no entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's level program.
- COAMFTE accredited program
- 60-hour comprehensive curriculum
- 400 clinical contact hours
- 100% national exam pass rate
- Full-time study required
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- State-of-art on-campus clinic
- Faculty with doctoral degrees
- 15-month clinical training
- Graduate assistantships available
MFT Programs Available in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to several accredited MFT programs, offering students theoretical knowledge, hands-on clinical training, and pathways to licensure.
Top Accredited MFT Programs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University – MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
- COAMFTE-accredited program with a focus on systemic family therapy, clinical research, and trauma-informed care.
- Provides internship placements in community mental health clinics and private therapy practices, ensuring hands-on clinical training.
- Affordable tuition rates for in-state students, making it a top choice for those seeking a cost-effective MFT degree.
University of Central Oklahoma – Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Regionally accredited program designed for students pursuing LMFT licensure in Oklahoma.
- Includes clinical practicum experiences in nonprofit counseling organizations, school-based therapy, and hospital settings.
- Emphasizes evidence-based therapy techniques and ethical clinical practice.
Oklahoma’s Quickest MFT Programs
- Oklahoma State University’s MS in MFT can be completed in two years, integrating coursework and supervised clinical training to expedite licensure preparation.
- The University of Central Oklahoma’s MFT program offers a structured two-year path, including internship placements during the second year.
- Online COAMFTE-accredited programs from other states allow Oklahoma students to complete coursework quickly, while fulfilling supervised experience requirements in their local communities.
- Students with prior psychology or counseling coursework may transfer credits, shortening their degree completion time.
For students looking to graduate as quickly as possible, selecting full-time programs with early clinical placements ensures an efficient path to licensure.
Oklahoma’s Cheapest MFT Programs
- Oklahoma State University offers one of the most affordable COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, making it a top choice for cost-conscious students.
- University of Central Oklahoma provides tuition assistance and financial aid, helping reduce overall program costs.
- Loan forgiveness programs for LMFTs working in underserved areas help students manage student debt while gaining professional experience.
- Hybrid and online MFT programs offer flexible payment options and lower tuition rates for Oklahoma residents.
For students seeking the most affordable route to an MFT degree, applying for scholarships, assistant-ships, and employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement programs can help reduce educational expenses.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Oklahoma
1. Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Complete an MFT or related mental health graduate program that meets Oklahoma’s licensure requirements.
- Ensure coursework includes family therapy models, mental health assessment, ethical practices, and clinical intervention techniques.
2. Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
- Gain post-graduate clinical hours, with 1,000 hours of direct client contact under a licensed MFT supervisor.
- Work in approved therapy settings, such as mental health agencies, hospitals, or private practice clinics.
3. Pass the National MFT Examination
- Successfully take and pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam.
- Demonstrate competency in therapy interventions, ethical standards, and client treatment plans.
4. Apply for Licensure Through the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health
- Submit official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, and national exam scores for licensure approval.
- Complete any additional licensing requirements, such as background checks and ethics training.
5. Maintain Licensure with Continuing Education
- Complete 40 continuing education (CE) hours every two years, including coursework in ethics, trauma-informed therapy, and advanced clinical training.
- Attend professional workshops and online training programs to stay updated on best practices in family therapy.
Following this structured process ensures a smooth transition from student to licensed LMFT, qualifying professionals to work in private practice, behavioral health organizations, and teletherapy programs.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Oklahoma
Oklahoma offers strong career opportunities for LMFTs, with demand increasing in hospitals, school counseling, and outpatient behavioral health clinics. The average salary for LMFTs in Oklahoma is $59,400 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $90,000 annually.
Where LMFTs Work in Oklahoma
- Private therapy practices provide higher earning potential and flexible scheduling for LMFTs.
- Hospitals and behavioral health agencies employ LMFTs for integrated treatment programs.
- School-based mental health services allow LMFTs to work with children, adolescents, and families in educational settings.
- Teletherapy services are expanding, giving LMFTs the ability to work remotely while serving underserved communities.
With competitive salaries, diverse career opportunities, and expanding mental health programs, Oklahoma is a strong market for LMFT professionals.
Oklahoma offers several high-quality MFT programs, structured licensure pathways, and growing job opportunities for licensed therapists. With affordable tuition rates, flexible program options, and financial incentives for therapists working in rural areas, Oklahoma remains a great location for aspiring LMFTs.
For students seeking a well-rounded, cost-effective, and career-driven MFT education, Oklahoma’s programs provide the clinical training, licensure preparation, and real-world experience necessary to succeed in private practice, community counseling, and behavioral health settings. Whether working in urban therapy centers or supporting rural mental health initiatives, LMFTs in Oklahoma play a critical role in strengthening family relationships and improving mental health care across the state.
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