The University of Louisiana at Monroe is one of only a handful of institutions in Louisiana offering COAMFTE-accredited marriage and family therapy training, with both an M.A. and a Ph.D. track available through its Department of Psychology. For students seeking clinically intensive preparation at public-university pricing, ULM's small cohort sizes and integrated practicum model create a training environment that larger programs often cannot match.

The practical tension is straightforward: affordable, accredited MFT programs with doctoral options are scarce in the Gulf South, and proximity to supervised clinical sites matters more than most applicants realize. ULM's location in Monroe places students in a region with genuine demand for licensed therapists, particularly in underserved rural communities where workforce shortages persist.

ULM MFT Program at a Glance

Before diving into the details, here are the headline numbers you need to know about the marriage and family therapy programs at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. This snapshot covers both the master's and doctoral tracks so you can quickly compare scope, format, and investment.

Is ULM a Good MFT Program?

The most important question prospective students ask is whether a program holds COAMFTE accreditation, the gold standard for marriage and family therapy education. ULM answers that question emphatically. The university's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy has been COAMFTE-accredited since 1986, making it one of the longest-running accredited MFT programs in the Gulf South.¹ The campus-based PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy also carries COAMFTE accreditation, meaning students who want to advance from clinical training to supervision, research, or academic leadership can do so under the same accredited umbrella without transferring institutions.²

Who This Program Is Built For

ULM's MFT program is an especially strong fit if you value affordability at a public university, prefer small cohort sizes with direct faculty mentorship, and plan to practice in Louisiana or the broader Gulf South region. The cohort-based MA is a full-time, two-year track that keeps class sizes small enough for meaningful interaction with licensed MFT faculty and AAMFT-approved supervisors.³ If you are weighing cost against quality, few COAMFTE-accredited programs in the region can match ULM's public-university price point. For comparison, you can see how another affordable public option structures its program by reviewing the Kansas State University MFT program.

Key Strengths

• COAMFTE accreditation at two levels: Both the MA and PhD hold current COAMFTE accreditation, which streamlines your path to LMFT licensure in every U.S. state and territory that requires a COAMFTE-accredited degree.⁴
• In-house training clinic: ULM operates its own Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic, where students provide individual, couple, and family therapy under live supervision. The clinic uses a sliding-scale fee model, giving trainees exposure to diverse client populations from the surrounding community.⁵
• Low public-university tuition: Louisiana residents benefit from some of the most affordable COAMFTE-accredited tuition in the country, and even out-of-state students pay considerably less than they would at many private programs.
• Doctoral pathway on campus: Roughly 15 to 20 percent of MA graduates go on to pursue doctoral work.⁴ Having an accredited PhD at the same institution means you can build on existing faculty relationships and clinical hours without starting over.

Honest Drawbacks to Consider

• Rural location: Monroe is a smaller metro area, so practicum site diversity is narrower than what you would find at programs in cities like Houston, Atlanta, or New Orleans. Students who want exposure to highly specialized clinical settings may need to look further afield for externship placements.
• Smaller alumni network: Compared to flagship state universities or large private programs, ULM's MFT alumni base is more regional. That is fine if you plan to practice locally, but it could matter if you want built-in professional connections in distant markets.
• Limited specialization tracks: The curriculum covers core MFT competencies thoroughly, yet it does not offer formal concentration tracks in areas like sex therapy, medical family therapy, or trauma-focused practice the way some larger programs do.

Consider Alternatives If...

You should look elsewhere if you need a fully online clinical degree (ULM's COAMFTE-accredited programs are predominantly face-to-face), if you are set on a specific subspecialty that requires dedicated coursework, or if practicing in a major metro market is a priority and you want a program embedded in that city's clinical network from day one. For everyone else, especially cost-conscious students who want rigorous, accredited training with a clear licensure pathway, ULM deserves a serious look.

Program Cost and Tuition

One of ULM's strongest selling points is affordability. As a public university in Louisiana, the MFT program costs significantly less than most COAMFTE-accredited alternatives at private institutions, where total tuition can easily exceed $60,000 for a master's degree alone. Understanding the exact cost structure will help you budget accurately before you apply.

In-State Graduate Tuition

For Louisiana residents enrolled on campus at a full-time load of 12 credit hours, Spring 2026 tuition is approximately $3,244 per semester, with mandatory fees adding roughly $2,176.¹ That brings the total to about $5,420 per semester. On a per-credit basis, in-state students pay in the range of $270 to $280 per credit hour before fees.

For the MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, which typically requires 60 credit hours, estimated total tuition and fees for a resident student fall in the range of $16,000 to $18,000 across the full program, depending on how many semesters you take to complete. Doctoral students should expect higher totals given the additional coursework and dissertation hours required.

Out-of-State Graduate Tuition

Non-resident students pay the same base tuition rate but face a non-resident fee of roughly $6,050 per semester at a 12-credit load.¹ That pushes the per-semester total to approximately $11,470. Over a 60-credit MA, out-of-state students can expect total costs in the ballpark of $28,000 to $30,000.

Notably, ULM offers a non-resident fee waiver for students who are ULM alumni or the children of ULM alumni, which can cut costs substantially.² If you qualify, confirm eligibility with the bursar's office early in the application process.

Online Tuition Rates

ULM's online graduate rate is a flat $500 per credit hour regardless of residency, and no non-resident fee applies.¹ For students outside Louisiana considering any online-eligible coursework, this creates a straightforward cost calculation. At 60 credits, the online rate totals approximately $30,000, making it comparable to the out-of-state on-campus cost but potentially more convenient.

Financial Aid and Assistantships

MFT students at ULM are eligible for federal student loans and may qualify for institutional scholarships.³ Louisiana's TOPS program generally applies to undergraduate study, so graduate students should not count on that source.

Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive, cohort-dependent basis, and doctoral students in particular should inquire about GA or TA positions that can offset tuition and provide a stipend. These positions are limited, so applying early and discussing options with the program director is strongly recommended.

How This Stacks Up Nationally

Compared to the broader landscape of COAMFTE-accredited programs, ULM's in-state cost is among the lowest you will find. Many comparable programs at private universities charge $800 to $1,200 per credit hour, which means you could pay two to three times more for essentially the same accreditation credential. If you are comparing options across price tiers, our list of cheapest MFT programs provides additional context. For budget-conscious students who either live in Louisiana or are willing to relocate, the math is hard to beat.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Curriculum and Specializations

ULM's MFT curriculum is built around the content areas mandated by COAMFTE, giving students a thorough grounding in the theoretical, clinical, and ethical foundations of the profession. Whether you pursue the M.A. or a doctoral track, expect rigorous coursework paired with substantial hands-on clinical training.

Core Coursework Across All Tracks

Every MFT student at ULM completes foundational courses that align with COAMFTE's required content areas:¹

• Systemic Theory and Family Therapy Models: Courses covering structural, strategic, Bowenian, experiential, narrative, and solution-focused approaches to working with couples and families.
• Ethics and Professional Identity: Examination of the AAMFT Code of Ethics, legal issues in practice, and the professional responsibilities that come with licensure.
• Psychopathology and Diagnosis: Training in clinical assessment, the DSM diagnostic framework, and how mental health disorders present within relational systems.
• Research Methods: Quantitative and qualitative research design, with doctoral students taking this further through dissertation work.
• Human Sexuality: A dedicated course addressing sexual development, dysfunction, and therapeutic interventions within a relational context.

These courses ensure graduates meet the educational benchmarks required by state licensing boards and the national MFT exam.

Practicum, Clinical Hours, and the On-Campus Clinic

Clinical training is central to both the master's and doctoral programs. M.A. students complete a minimum of 300 direct client contact hours across their practicum placements, while Ph.D. students accumulate 500 direct client contact hours, split between 200 practicum hours and 300 internship hours at approved external sites.²

Students begin their clinical work at ULM's on-campus Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic before moving to outside placements.³ The clinic is equipped with one-way mirrors, live observation capabilities, and session recording technology, all designed so faculty supervisors can observe sessions in real time. Supervision follows a layered model that includes individual supervision, group supervision, and direct observation, a structure that COAMFTE programs are expected to maintain and one that strengthens clinical development early in training. For a broader look at how supervised clinical hours for marriage and family therapy vary across states, it is worth understanding these benchmarks before you begin accumulating hours.

Understanding the Doctoral Tracks: A Critical Distinction

One of the most common points of confusion for applicants is the difference between ULM's two doctoral degrees, and getting this wrong can have real consequences for your licensure path.

The Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy (sometimes referred to by its MPHD designation) is a COAMFTE-accredited, clinically focused doctorate. It requires 69 credit hours, 500 direct client contact hours, and prepares graduates for advanced clinical practice, supervision, and teaching.⁴ This is the track you need if your goal is clinical licensure at the doctoral level.

The Ph.D. in Family Systems, by contrast, is a non-clinical, research-oriented degree delivered entirely online. It carries no COAMFTE accreditation, focuses on theoretical and systemic scholarship rather than therapy practice, and does not satisfy the clinical requirements for LMFT licensure on its own.⁵ It is designed for professionals who want to deepen their academic expertise without pursuing a clinical credential.

If you are comparing the two, the simplest rule is this: if you want to practice therapy, pursue the COAMFTE-accredited Ph.D. in MFT. If your interests are purely academic or organizational, the Family Systems degree may be the better fit.

The New DMFC Distance Option: Fall 2026

Starting in Fall 2026, ULM is launching the Doctor of Marriage and Family Counseling (DMFC), a synchronous hybrid doctoral program that carries COAMFTE accreditation. Like the on-campus Ph.D. in MFT, the DMFC requires 69 credit hours, but it is designed for working professionals who need geographic flexibility.⁵ Coursework is delivered through live, synchronous online sessions, while clinical practicum requirements are completed at approved sites in the student's local area. This is a significant addition for applicants who want a COAMFTE-accredited clinical doctorate but cannot relocate to Monroe.

Electives and Research Emphases

While ULM does not advertise formal concentration tracks or standalone certificate add-ons within the MFT program, doctoral students have the opportunity to develop specialized research emphases through elective coursework and their dissertation. Faculty research interests span areas such as trauma-informed family therapy, multicultural considerations in relational work, and supervision models, and students are encouraged to align their scholarship accordingly. M.A. students benefit from a tightly structured 60-credit curriculum that prioritizes breadth and clinical readiness over elective specialization, which is typical of COAMFTE-accredited master's programs nationwide.¹

ULM MFT Degree Tracks Compared

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers three distinct degree tracks in the marriage and family therapy space, each designed for a different stage of professional development.¹ Understanding the differences in accreditation, format, and career trajectory will help you choose the path that matches your goals.

MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is ULM's COAMFTE-accredited clinical degree and the entry point for students pursuing licensure as a marriage and family therapist. Delivered primarily face-to-face with occasional online or hybrid components, this program is built around supervised clinical hours and prepares graduates to meet the academic requirements for LMFT licensure in Louisiana.² Students also have the option of pursuing dual licensure as both an LMFT vs LPC, which broadens employment opportunities. Master's programs in MFT typically require around 60 semester hours and two to three years of full-time study, though exact figures should be confirmed directly with ULM's program office.

PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

ULM's PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy is also COAMFTE-accredited and is a clinical doctoral program.¹ It trains graduates for advanced roles as scholars, educators, clinical supervisors, researchers, and senior clinicians. Instruction is delivered through a combination of face-to-face and synchronous hybrid distance formats, which provides some geographic flexibility while preserving the intensive mentoring a doctorate in marriage and family therapy demands. Because this is a clinical degree, students complete substantial supervised clinical work alongside their research and teaching responsibilities. Doctoral programs of this nature commonly span four to five years beyond the master's degree.

PhD in Family Systems

The PhD in Family Systems is a fully online, non-clinical doctoral degree that is not COAMFTE-accredited.¹ It is designed specifically for professionals who already hold a clinical license and want to advance into leadership, policy, or academic positions without the clinical training components found in the PhD in MFT. Because it carries no clinical practicum requirements, it can be completed on a more flexible timeline and from anywhere with reliable internet access. However, this track does not independently qualify graduates for clinical licensure.

Key Differences at a Glance

• COAMFTE accreditation: The MA and PhD in MFT are both COAMFTE-accredited; the PhD in Family Systems is not.
• Clinical training: The MA and PhD in MFT include supervised clinical hours; the PhD in Family Systems does not.
• Format: The MA is primarily on campus, the PhD in MFT blends on-campus and synchronous distance learning, and the PhD in Family Systems is fully online.
• Best-fit student: The MA suits aspiring clinicians, the PhD in MFT suits those aiming for academic or supervisory clinical careers, and the PhD in Family Systems suits already-licensed professionals seeking advanced credentials.
• Career outcome: The MA leads to initial LMFT licensure, the PhD in MFT opens doors to teaching, supervision, and senior clinical practice, and the PhD in Family Systems supports leadership and scholarly work outside the clinical pathway.

If your primary goal is to become a licensed marriage and family therapist, the MA is the most direct route. If you envision a career in research, teaching, or approved supervision, the PhD in MFT builds on that clinical foundation. And if you already hold a license and want doctoral-level expertise without repeating clinical training, the PhD in Family Systems offers a streamlined, online alternative. Confirming credit requirements and time-to-completion estimates with ULM's admissions office is always a smart step before applying.

Admissions Requirements

Both the M.A. and Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy at ULM admit students on a fall-only cycle, so planning ahead is essential.¹² Each track has its own criteria, and you must first be admitted to the ULM Graduate School before your materials are forwarded to the MFT program for review.³

M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy

The master's program is designed for applicants who hold a bachelor's degree and want to enter the MFT profession. Key requirements include:

• Minimum GPA: 2.5 cumulative on a 4.0 scale.³
• Prerequisite coursework: At least 18 credit hours in the behavioral sciences, including Abnormal Psychology and Personality Theory. Students who are short on prerequisites may need to complete additional undergraduate courses before enrolling.²
• Application materials: ULM Graduate School application, official transcripts from all institutions attended, a current resume or CV, a letter of intent explaining your interest in marriage and family therapy, and three letters of recommendation.³
• Interview: Applicants who advance past the initial screening are invited for a personal interview with faculty.²
• Priority deadline: February 1 for fall admission. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a space-available basis, but submitting by the priority deadline gives you the strongest chance.²

ULM's M.A. cohort follows what the program describes as a family-style model, meaning you progress through coursework with a small, close-knit group of peers.⁴ Cohort sizes are limited, so admission is competitive even though the minimum GPA threshold is relatively modest. A strong letter of intent, relevant volunteer or work experience, and enthusiastic recommendation letters carry real weight.

Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy

The doctoral program targets experienced clinicians and emerging scholars. If you are exploring MFT doctoral programs more broadly, ULM's Ph.D. stands out for its selective, research-oriented approach. Admissions criteria are notably more selective:

• Minimum GPA: 3.5 on graduate-level coursework.¹
• Prerequisite degree: A master's degree from a COAMFTE-accredited MFT program or a closely related social science discipline. Preference is given to applicants who already hold a license or are in a licensable mental health clinical discipline.¹
• Application materials: ULM Graduate School application and official transcripts. A personal interview with faculty is a required part of the evaluation for finalists.¹
• Priority deadline: February 1 for fall admission.¹

Because the doctoral cohort is small, every seat is competitive. Candidates with meaningful clinical experience, a clearly articulated research interest, and familiarity with systemic or relational frameworks tend to stand out.

Tips for a Strong Application

Regardless of which track you pursue, a few practical steps can strengthen your candidacy:

• Start early on prerequisites. If your undergraduate transcript lacks Abnormal Psychology or Personality Theory, plan to complete those courses well before the February 1 deadline.
• Tailor your letter of intent to ULM specifically. Faculty want to see that you understand the program's relational and systemic emphasis, not just that you are interested in therapy in general.
• Choose recommenders who can speak to your interpersonal skills, not only your academic record. MFT programs value self-awareness, cultural humility, and the ability to work within relational systems.
• Prepare for the interview by reflecting on why marriage and family therapy, rather than another counseling discipline, aligns with your goals. The interview is your opportunity to demonstrate the self-reflection and relational presence that define strong MFT trainees.

For the most current application instructions, consult ULM's Graduate School and MFT program pages directly, as materials and deadlines can shift from year to year.

Online and Flexible Learning Options

If you are searching for a fully online COAMFTE-accredited MFT degree, it is important to set realistic expectations before you apply. ULM's existing clinical programs are designed around in-person learning, though the university is expanding its distance-friendly options.

The MA and PhD: On-Campus Programs in Monroe

Both the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and the PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy require on-campus attendance in Monroe, Louisiana. This is not a ULM quirk; it is the norm for COAMFTE-accredited clinical programs nationwide. Students must accumulate hundreds of hours of direct client contact under live supervision, meaning a supervisor watches or listens to sessions as they happen. That level of clinical oversight is nearly impossible to replicate in a purely online format. If you are considering either of these degrees, plan to relocate to or commute within the Monroe area for the duration of your studies.

ULM does accommodate working professionals to a degree. Some courses in the MA program are scheduled in late afternoon or evening blocks, and the department works with students to arrange practicum placements that align with employment schedules. Still, the time commitment is substantial, so most students treat the program as a primary obligation rather than something they layer on top of a full-time job.

The DMFC: A Distance-Friendly Doctoral Option Launching Fall 2026

For practitioners who already hold a master's degree and want doctoral-level training without uprooting their lives, ULM's Doctor of Marriage and Family Counseling (DMFC) program is worth watching. Slated to launch in Fall 2026, this degree is designed for licensed or license-eligible clinicians who can complete coursework at a distance while continuing to practice in their home communities. Clinical practicum requirements for the DMFC are expected to be fulfilled at approved sites near the student's location, with supervision coordinated through ULM's faculty.

Because the DMFC is new, prospective applicants should contact ULM's Department of Marriage and Family Therapy directly for the latest details on format, technology requirements, and any brief on-campus residency components.

Why Fully Online COAMFTE Programs Are Rare

COAMFTE's accreditation standards prioritize client safety and clinical competence. The commission requires programs to verify that students can conduct therapy under direct, real-time supervision, which involves observation rooms, live video feeds during sessions, or a supervisor physically present. These requirements make it extraordinarily difficult to run a program that never asks students to show up in person. Programs marketed as "online MFT degrees" typically still require local practicum placements and periodic campus visits. For comparison, the Nova Southeastern MFT online program is one of the few COAMFTE-accredited options with significant distance components, yet it still mandates in-person clinical hours. When evaluating any program that claims full online delivery, confirm whether it holds COAMFTE accreditation, as that credential is what most state licensing boards prefer or require.

For students who need maximum flexibility, the upcoming DMFC may be the best ULM pathway. For everyone else, the MA and PhD programs deliver rigorous clinical training that simply requires your physical presence in northeast Louisiana.

Career Outcomes and Licensure

Completing a COAMFTE-accredited program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe positions you for a well-defined path toward Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) status, but understanding outcomes data and the local job market will help you decide whether this investment is right for you.

Where to Find ULM's Outcomes Data

COAMFTE requires every accredited program to publish key performance metrics, including graduation rates, pass rates on the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) national examination, and job placement rates. Look for these figures on ULM's MFT program outcomes page. If the data is not readily available online, contact the program director directly. Faculty are accustomed to fielding these requests, and current numbers give you a far better picture than outdated or estimated figures.

When reviewing the data, compare ULM's metrics against those published by other COAMFTE-accredited programs. This cross-check helps you gauge where ULM stands relative to peer institutions on measures that matter most: whether students finish the degree, whether they pass the licensing exam, and whether they secure employment in the field.

The LMFT Licensure Pathway

After graduating from ULM's program, the typical route to licensure in Louisiana includes:

• Post-degree supervised experience: Louisiana generally requires a period of supervised clinical practice under a board-approved supervisor before you can sit for licensure.
• National MFT examination: You will need to pass the AMFTRB exam, which covers the core competencies taught in COAMFTE-accredited curricula.
• State application: Submit your transcripts, supervision logs, and exam results to the Louisiana LPC Board of Examiners, which oversees MFT licensure in the state.

Because ULM's curriculum is built around COAMFTE standards, coursework and clinical hours are designed to align with these requirements. Graduates who pursue licensure in other states should verify that state's specific hour and exam mandates, as they vary.

Salary and Market Context

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, marriage and family therapists nationally earn a median annual salary in the mid-to-upper $50,000 range. Louisiana's median can differ from the national figure. For the most current state-level data, consult the BLS wage tables filtered for Louisiana (SOC code 21-1013).

Northeast Louisiana's cost of living is notably lower than the national average, which means a salary that looks modest on paper can stretch further in the Monroe area. Combined with in-state tuition at a public university, the debt-to-income ratio for ULM graduates can be quite favorable compared to peers who attend higher-cost private programs. You can explore other affordable online MFT programs to benchmark ULM's value against comparable public options.

Does the Investment Pay Off?

The strongest indicator is not a single salary figure but the combination of low program cost, strong COAMFTE alignment with licensure requirements, and a regional market where behavioral health demand continues to grow. If graduation, exam pass, and placement rates hold up when you check ULM's published data, and if the total cost of attendance aligns with realistic early-career earnings in your target state, ULM's program represents a practical, well-supported pathway into the profession. For a broader view of Louisiana's program landscape, review the best marriage and family therapy schools in Louisiana.

How ULM Compares to Other MFT Programs

Choosing a COAMFTE-accredited MFT program means weighing tuition, format, clinical training quality, and long-term career fit. The comparison below positions ULM against two common archetypes: a lower-cost public university program and a higher-brand private university program. No specific schools are named, but the profiles reflect typical ranges reported across accredited programs nationwide.

Side-by-Side Comparison

• Estimated total tuition: ULM's 60-credit master's program falls in the affordable public-university range, generally well under $30,000 for in-state students.¹ A comparable lower-cost public program may come in slightly below or even with ULM, while a prestigious private program can easily exceed $60,000 to $80,000 for the same credential.
• Delivery format: ULM's program is primarily on-campus in Monroe, Louisiana. Lower-cost public alternatives may also be campus-based in smaller metro or rural settings, whereas higher-brand private programs sometimes offer hybrid or fully online coursework (with local practicum requirements).
• COAMFTE accreditation level: ULM holds COAMFTE accreditation at both the master's and doctoral levels, a distinction that many lower-cost publics lack.² Higher-brand privates often carry the same dual accreditation, but at a dramatically higher price point.
• Cohort size: ULM maintains small cohorts, with internship capacity around six students per cycle. That translates to close faculty mentorship and strong supervisory ratios. Larger public programs may admit bigger cohorts with less individualized attention, while selective privates often keep cohorts small as well.
• Clinical training model: Students at ULM complete a minimum of 300 direct clinical hours through the program's on-campus clinic and community placements.⁴ Lower-cost publics may offer comparable hour totals but with fewer site partnerships, while private programs in major metro areas can provide access to a wider range of specialized clinical settings.
• Best-fit student profile: ULM is ideal for students who want COAMFTE-accredited training at public-university prices and value a tight-knit learning environment with a possible pathway to a doctoral degree. A lower-cost public elsewhere may suit someone prioritizing geography over accreditation prestige. A higher-brand private is worth the premium mainly if employer networks or a specific metro location justify the added cost.

Where ULM Stands Out

ULM's core value proposition is straightforward: it pairs affordable public tuition with one of the longest-running COAMFTE-accredited programs in the country (accredited at the master's level since 1986).² The program reports a 100 percent job placement rate and a 100 percent licensure exam pass rate, both of which exceed the national COAMFTE program averages of roughly 80 to 95 percent.¹ An estimated 15 to 20 percent of graduates continue into doctoral study, a meaningful pipeline for students considering academic or advanced clinical careers. For those weighing whether the financial commitment pays off, a broader return on investment MFT degree analysis can help contextualize ULM's affordability advantage. Students exploring the DMFT vs PhD question will also appreciate that ULM's doctoral pathway keeps that option within reach without requiring a program transfer.

The Trade-Offs

Monroe, Louisiana, is not a major metropolitan hub. Students who want access to large hospital systems, diverse urban populations, or nationally prominent research centers during training may find the clinical landscape more limited. Brand recognition outside the Gulf South region is also modest compared to private programs with national reputations. For many aspiring therapists, however, the combination of accreditation strength, affordability, and strong outcome data makes those trade-offs well worth accepting.

Should You Apply to ULM's MFT Program?

Choosing the right MFT program means weighing your career goals, budget, and learning preferences against what each school realistically offers. Here is a clear breakdown to help you decide whether ULM belongs on your shortlist or whether a different program would serve you better.

Frequently Asked Questions About ULM's MFT Program

Below are answers to some of the most common questions prospective students ask about the marriage and family therapy programs at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. For the most current details, confirm directly with ULM's graduate admissions office.

Is ULM's MFT program COAMFTE accredited?

Yes. ULM's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). This accreditation signals that the program meets nationally recognized standards for MFT training, which can simplify the licensure process in most states and is often preferred or required by licensing boards.

Does ULM offer an online MFT degree?

ULM's MFT master's program is primarily delivered on campus in Monroe, Louisiana. While some coursework may incorporate flexible or hybrid elements, clinical training and practicum requirements are completed in person at approved sites. Students should plan to be in the northeast Louisiana area for the duration of the program.

How much does ULM's MFT program cost?

As a public university, ULM offers competitive tuition rates, particularly for Louisiana residents. In-state graduate tuition is significantly lower than what most private institutions charge. Out-of-state students pay a higher rate but may qualify for regional tuition agreements or graduate assistantships that reduce costs. Contact ULM's graduate school for the latest per-credit figures and fee schedules.

What are the admission requirements for ULM's MFT program?

Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, a competitive undergraduate GPA, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a current resume. Additional requirements may include an interview with program faculty. Prospective students should check with the department for specific GPA thresholds and any supplementary materials.

How many clinical hours are required in ULM's MFT program?

ULM's COAMFTE-accredited master's program requires students to complete a minimum of 500 clinical contact hours, which aligns with COAMFTE standards. These hours are earned through practicum and internship placements at approved community sites, clinics, and agency settings in the region, all under qualified supervision.

What is the difference between ULM's PhD in MFT and PhD in Family Systems?

ULM offers doctoral-level work in both marriage and family therapy and family systems. The PhD in MFT is designed for students seeking advanced clinical expertise and potential licensure at a doctoral level. The PhD in Family Systems takes a broader, more research-oriented approach to studying family dynamics. Students should review each program's curriculum and career outcomes to determine the best fit.

Does ULM's MFT program require the GRE?

GRE requirements can vary by program level and may be subject to change. Some ULM graduate programs have moved toward test-optional admissions in recent years. Prospective MFT students should verify the current GRE policy directly with ULM's Department of Psychology or the graduate admissions office, as policies may differ between master's and doctoral tracks.