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

The online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy at Abilene Christian University is a COAMFTE-accredited, 60-credit program preparing students for the national licensing exam. Completed in at least 33 months with a 12-month internship, it costs $799 per credit hour plus a $200 resource fee per term. Admissions require a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, purpose statement, three recommendation letters, and an interview. No entrance exam is needed. Concentrations include Child and Adolescent Therapy and Treatment of Trauma.

• 60 credit-hour program.
• 33 months minimum completion.
• 12-month internship required.
• COAMFTE-accredited degree.
• Prepares for licensure exam.
• Online delivery format.
• $799 per credit hour.
• $200 resource fee per term.
• Bachelor's degree required for admission.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.

Abilene Christian University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy offers a concentration in Medical Family Therapy and Treatment of Trauma. This COAMFTE-accredited, 60-credit program costs $799 per credit hour plus a $200 resource fee per term and takes at least 33 months to complete. It includes an internship with over 100 supervision hours and prepares students for licensure. No entrance exam is required. Admissions need a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, and a purpose statement.

• 60 credit hours
• COAMFTE-accredited program
• Online delivery format
• $799 per credit hour
• $200 resource fee per term
• 33 months minimum duration
• Includes internship requirement
• 100-plus supervision hours
• Prepares for licensure exam
• Multiple concentrations available

Abilene Christian University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy features a concentration in Child and Adolescent Therapy. This 60-credit, COAMFTE-accredited program costs $799 per credit hour plus a $200 resource fee per term and requires a minimum of 33 months, including a 12-month internship with over 100 supervision hours. No entrance exam is required. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, purpose statement, and three recommendation letters to prepare for licensure.

• 60 credit hours required.
• Cost: $799 per credit hour.
• $200 resource fee per term.
• Online delivery format.
• 33 months minimum program length.
• 12-month internship included.
• Over 100 supervision hours.
• COAMFTE-accredited program.
• Prepares for licensure exam.
• Admissions require bachelor's degree.

Abilene Christian University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy offers a concentration in Therapy with Military Families. This COAMFTE-accredited, 60-credit program takes at least 33 months and costs $799 per credit hour plus a $200 resource fee per term. It includes a 12-month internship with 100+ supervision hours and prepares students for licensure. No entrance exam is required. Admissions need a bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, purpose statement, three recommendation letters, and an interview.

• Online delivery format.
• 60 credit hours required.
• 33 months minimum program length.
• 12-month internship included.
• COAMFTE-accredited program.
• Prepares for licensure exam.
• Tuition $799 per credit hour.
• $200 resource fee per term.
• Admissions require bachelor's degree.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.

Abilene Christian University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited program designed for working professionals seeking licensure. This 60-credit, 33-month program offers flexible online learning with concentrations in child therapy, trauma treatment, and military family dynamics. At $799 per credit hour, it includes a 100+ hour supervised internship and requires a 3.0 GPA for admission. No entrance exam is required, but applicants must submit a purpose statement, three recommendation letters, and complete an interview.

• COAMFTE-accredited online program
• 60 credit hours, 33 months
• $799 per credit hour
• Five concentration options
• Prepares for national licensing exam
• 100+ hours supervised internship
• Christ-centered curriculum
• Flexible online learning
• Multiple start dates annually
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required

• COAMFTE accredited program
• Two-year master's degree
• 60 total credit hours
• Tuition $1,383 per credit
• 500-hour clinical internship
• Thesis and non-thesis tracks
• Prepares for national licensure exam
• Multiple application deadlines
• Priority deadline January 17
• Multiple interview options

Texas Tech University's Master's Degree in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy provides comprehensive clinical training through hands-on experience at the Family Therapy Clinic. This campus-based program prepares students for LMFT Associate licensure and Chemical Dependency Counselor certification in Texas, with specialized coursework in addiction treatment. Faculty mentorship supports research opportunities, and the program emphasizes a collaborative learning environment. An entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program.

• Master's degree program
• Campus-based delivery format
• Strong clinical focus
• Family Therapy Clinic training
• Licensure preparation
• Addiction treatment specialization
• Research opportunities
• Experienced faculty mentors
• Texas state certification
• Collaborative learning environment

Texas Tech University offers a Master's Degree in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy with a concentration in addiction treatment. This campus-based program provides clinical training at the Family Therapy Clinic and prepares students for dual licensure as LMFT Associates and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors. The curriculum integrates specialized addiction treatment coursework with research opportunities under faculty mentorship, meeting Texas state certification requirements. An entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program.

• Master's degree program
• Focus on addiction treatment
• Campus-based delivery
• Clinical training at Family Therapy Clinic
• Prepares for LMFT licensure
• Prepares for LCDC certification
• Research opportunities available
• Meets Texas state certification
• Superior faculty with clinical specializations
• Supportive collaborative environment

This Master's Degree program in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy at Texas Tech University features a concentration in family resiliency during health care crises. Students receive hands-on clinical training at the Family Therapy Clinic while preparing for LMFT licensure and Chemical Dependency Counselor certification. The campus-based program emphasizes practical career development, with faculty mentorship supporting research in specialized areas including addiction treatment and military marriages. An entrance exam is required for admission.

• Master's degree program
• Campus-based delivery format
• Clinical focus with hands-on training
• Family Therapy Clinic experience
• Prepares for LMFT licensure
• Chemical Dependency Counselor certification
• Addiction treatment specialization
• Family resiliency during health crises
• Military marriages specialization
• Domestic violence focus

The Ph.D. program in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy at Texas Tech University combines advanced clinical practice with rigorous research methodology training. Students gain extensive supervised experience at the Family Therapy Clinic while preparing for academic careers, licensure, and clinical leadership. Accredited by COAMFTE since 1981, this campus-based program allows clinical hours to count toward Texas licensure requirements and features interdisciplinary collaboration. An entrance exam is required for admission.

• Ph.D. degree level
• Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy
• Campus-based program
• Strong clinical focus
• Family Therapy Clinic experience
• Faculty supervision provided
• Research methodology training
• Prepares for academic positions
• Licensure exam preparation
• Accredited since 1981

Texas Tech University's Ph.D. program in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy includes a concentration on military marriages, preparing graduates for advanced clinical practice, research, and academic positions. Students complete extensive supervised training at the Family Therapy Clinic, with the COAMFTE-accredited program boasting 100% licensure exam success rates. Clinical hours count toward Texas licensure, and the curriculum covers domestic violence and substance abuse research. An entrance exam is required for admission.

• Ph.D. degree program
• Campus-based delivery format
• Strong clinical focus
• Family Therapy Clinic experience
• Faculty supervision provided
• Research methodology training
• 100% licensure exam success
• Nationally prominent faculty
• Largest graduate faculty in field
• Interdisciplinary collaborative culture

• Ph.D. degree program
• Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy
• Campus-based delivery format
• Substance abuse research focus
• Family Therapy Clinic experience
• Faculty supervision provided
• Research methodology training
• Clinical practice emphasis
• Accredited since 1981
• Hours count toward licensure

Lubbock Christian University's hybrid Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy emphasis provides comprehensive graduate training integrating faith-inspired learning with rigorous academic preparation. This 60-hour program develops advanced therapeutic skills for supporting individuals, couples, and families through complex interpersonal challenges. Students benefit from experienced practitioner faculty, small collaborative class sizes, and extensive clinical internship opportunities that build practical counseling competencies. The holistic approach prepares graduates for diverse roles in community mental health, trauma support, and relationship counseling while emphasizing ethical foundations. No entrance exam is required for admission to this CACREP-accreditation preparation program.

• Faith-integrated counseling education
• Experienced practitioner faculty
• Small collaborative class sizes
• Holistic therapeutic approach
• Extensive clinical internship opportunities
• Requires bachelor's degree
• 60-hour graduate program
• Clinical placement network
• Professional development resources
• CACREP accreditation preparation

Lubbock Christian University's campus-based Master's in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy is a 60-credit hour program preparing students for Texas licensure at $760 per credit hour. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with minimum 3.0 GPA, official transcripts, three recommendation letters, personal statement, and faculty interview—with no GRE/GMAT exam needed. The curriculum integrates faith principles with counseling practice through clinical internships and small class sizes taught by experienced faculty practitioners. Graduates gain skills for community mental health, pastoral counseling, and relationship counseling roles, with rolling admissions offering Fall, Spring, and Summer starts.

• 60 credit hour program
• $760 per credit hour
• Clinical internship placements
• Small class sizes
• Faith-inspired learning environment
• Experienced faculty practitioners
• Holistic curriculum approach
• Research opportunities available
• Professional development resources
• Bachelor's degree required

Southern Methodist University's Master of Science in Counseling with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist concentration is a 60-credit hour on-campus program designed to prepare students for Texas state licensure as LMFTs. The curriculum includes core courses in human development and ethics, plus specialized training in family systems, couples therapy, and sexual counseling. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, transcripts, three recommendation letters, a personal essay, and an interview. GRE scores may be required for applicants with GPAs below 3.0. The program offers unique study abroad opportunities in locations like Italy and features specializations in play therapy and LGBT counseling.

• Master of Science in Counseling.
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist concentration.
• 60 credit hours required.
• Full-time completion in three years.
• Program length up to six years.
• Courses delivered on campus.
• Modified quarter system.
• Baccalaureate degree required.
• Official transcripts needed.
• Three letters of recommendation.

Southern Methodist University's Master of Science in Counseling with a Licensed Professional Counselor concentration focuses on preparing students for state licensure through a comprehensive 60-credit hour curriculum. The program covers essential topics including family systems, couples therapy, assessment methods, and clinical ethics. Admission requires a bachelor's degree, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a 250-word essay, and a personal interview. GRE scores may be necessary for applicants with GPAs below 3.0. The on-campus program can be completed full-time in approximately three years and includes opportunities for international study experiences in locations like Croatia.

• Master of Science in Counseling.
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist concentration.
• 60 credit hours required.
• Full-time completion in three years.
• Program length up to six years.
• Courses delivered on campus.
• Modified quarter system.
• Baccalaureate degree required for admission.
• Official transcripts required.
• Three letters of recommendation.

Southern Methodist University's Master of Science in Counseling with a School Counselor concentration prepares students for multiple licensure pathways including LMFT, LPC, and school counseling credentials. This 60-credit hour program requires a bachelor's degree for admission along with transcripts, three recommendation letters, a personal essay, and an interview. GRE scores may be required for applicants with GPAs below 3.0. The curriculum combines core counseling courses with concentration-specific training, and the program offers flexible study options including international opportunities in locations like Italy and Croatia under the guidance of program director Gay McAlister.

• 60 credit hours required.
• Master of Science degree.
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist concentration.
• Prepares for state licensure.
• Includes core courses.
• Includes concentration courses.
• Includes elective courses.
• Admission requires bachelor's degree.
• Admission requires official transcripts.
• Admission requires three letters.

At Our Lady of the Lake University's Houston campus, the Master of Science in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy specialization offers a three-year, campus-based program with most courses on alternating Saturdays. This COAMFTE-accredited 60-credit hour program prepares students for Texas LMFT and LPC licensure through collaborative, strengths-based approaches. The cohort model includes weekly small group meetings and focuses on diverse populations. No entrance exam is mentioned as required.

• 60 credit hour program
• Three year completion time
• Most courses on alternating Saturdays
• Houston campus location
• Master of Science degree
• Psychology with MFT specialization
• COAMFTE accreditation
• Prepares for Texas LMFT licensure
• Prepares for Texas LPC licensure
• Strengths-based psychotherapy approach

Our Lady of the Lake University's campus-based Master of Science in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration is offered in San Antonio, RGV, and Houston locations. This 60-semester hour COAMFTE-accredited program prepares students for Texas MFT and Professional Counselor licensure, including AMFTRB exam preparation. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with 2.50 GPA, 12 undergraduate psychology hours including statistics, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and background check. No entrance exam is mentioned as required.

• 60 semester hours program.
• Campus delivery in San Antonio.
• Campus delivery in RGV.
• Campus delivery in Houston.
• Master of Science degree level.
• Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy.
• Prepares for Texas licensure as MFT.
• Prepares for Texas licensure as Professional Counselor.
• COAMFTE accreditation by AAMFT.
• Admission requires bachelor's degree.

Our Lady of the Lake University's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration is a 60-credit hour hybrid program designed for working professionals. With evening classes and a two-year completion timeline, it emphasizes cultural competence and strengths-based psychotherapy approaches. Students gain practical experience through university-based clinics and supervised practicum hours. The program prepares graduates for licensure in Texas, with competitive salary potential in a growing field. No entrance exam is mentioned as required.

• 60-credit hour program
• COAMFTE accredited degree
• Two-year full-time completion
• Evening classes offered
• University-based clinic training
• 500 hours supervised practice
• Tuition $2,973 per course
• Multiple campus options
• Cultural competence focus
• February 1 priority deadline

Houston Christian University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit hybrid program designed for Texas licensure preparation. The curriculum emphasizes research-based clinical counseling skills specifically for couples and families, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. Students complete 700 hours of supervised practicum and internships across three semesters, with both residential and online formats available—though online students must attend some on-campus components. Admission involves an interview process and requires a comprehensive exam, but no specific entrance exam is mentioned. The program's Baptist affiliation and military-friendly status provide additional context for prospective students.

• 60 credit hours
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• 700 practicum hours
• Supervised internships required
• Comprehensive exam required
• Texas licensure preparation
• Research-based clinical skills
• Available residential format
• Available online format
• Online includes campus components

Texas Woman's University's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students for Texas licensure through a hybrid format combining online and on-campus coursework. The program requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, a letter of intent, and an on-campus interview, but notably does not require GRE scores or letters of recommendation. Most students complete the degree in approximately three years, with options for a thesis and real-world clinical experience. The program meets Texas state board requirements for licensure exams and operates across campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston.

• Master of Science degree.
• Accredited by COAMFTE.
• Fulfills Texas licensure requirements.
• Most students complete in three years.
• Thesis option available.
• Bachelor's degree required for admission.
• 3.0 GPA on last 60 hours.
• Letter of intent required.
• On-campus interview required.
• No GRE scores required.

Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers a 60-credit Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, preparing graduates for Texas licensure. This on-campus program emphasizes systemic therapeutic techniques, ethical practices, and clinical skills for diverse family systems. Students gain hands-on experience through practicum at the Community Counseling and Family Therapy Center and partner sites. The COAMFTE-accredited program focuses on personal growth, critical consciousness, and collaboration within healthcare systems. With fall, spring, and summer admission cycles, it requires an entrance exam for master's level admission. Graduates pursue careers as licensed therapists, consultants, or researchers.

• 60 credit hour program
• On-campus availability
• COAMFTE accredited program
• Prepares for Texas licensure
• Practicum experience included
• Community Counseling Center training
• Fall, spring, summer admission
• Master of Science degree
• Systemic therapeutic techniques
• Ethical practice training

Hardin-Simmons University's Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family prepares students for dual licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in Texas. This 60-credit hybrid program requires GRE scores for admission, though waivers are available. Students complete 700 clinical hours and coursework integrating counseling theories, family therapy, and ethics. With a Baptist affiliation, the program emphasizes faith-based practice while meeting CACREP accreditation standards. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, 12 undergraduate psychology hours, letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and an interview.

• 60 credit hour program
• 700 clinical experience hours
• Prepares for LPC and LMFT licensure
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
• 12 undergraduate psychology hours required
• GRE scores may be waived
• Three letters of recommendation
• Writing sample required
• Interview required for admission
• CACREP accredited track

Texas A&M University-San Antonio's Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling is a comprehensive 60-credit on-campus program aligned with Texas LPC licensure requirements. This master's-level program emphasizes clinical training through 100 practicum and 200 internship hours while maintaining rigorous academic standards with a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement. Admissions require a bachelor's degree with a 2.60 GPA, statement of purpose, and in-person group interview. International applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. The program includes a $220 fee for lifetime access to the Tevera platform and focuses on professional counseling skills, ethics, and fitness-to-practice standards.

• 60 credit hours required
• Master of Arts degree
• On-campus program delivery
• Meets Texas LPC requirements
• $220 program fee
• Lifetime Tevera platform access
• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum 2.60 GPA
• Statement of purpose needed
• In-person group interview