Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Arkansas 2025
For students seeking a career in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) in Arkansas, there are several accredited programs to choose from. These programs provide the education and clinical experience needed for licensure as an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) in the state.
Students can pursue master’s, post-master’s certificates, or doctorate degrees in MFT at accredited institutions. Below, we outline Arkansas’s available MFT programs, including the fastest and most affordable options.
In this guide
2025 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Arkansas
Looking for the best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Arkansas? At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we've ranked the top options to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student support. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, our rankings guide you to make an informed choice. Discover which programs stand out and why they made our list. Learn more about how we rank these programs here.
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR - Private 4-year - jbu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
John Brown University's Master of Science in Counseling delivers a transformative Marriage and Family Therapy program uniquely blending academic rigor with faith-based perspectives. The hybrid program's distinctive 60-credit curriculum prepares students comprehensively for professional licensure through immersive clinical training. With CACREP accreditation, students benefit from experienced faculty, flexible evening and weekend classes, and multiple Arkansas campus locations. The program's impressive 97% post-graduation employment rate underscores its commitment to producing highly skilled mental health professionals specialized in marriage and family therapeutic interventions.
- CACREP accredited program
- Marriage & Family Therapy emphasis
- 60 total credit hours
- Multiple campus locations
- Evening/weekend classes
- Minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA
- Individual faculty interview required
- 42 core counseling credits
- 15 clinical requirement credits
- 97% post-graduation employment
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Play Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
John Brown University's Master of Science in Counseling featuring a Play Therapy concentration offers a comprehensive professional training experience integrating clinical expertise with innovative therapeutic approaches. Students engage in a meticulously designed 60-credit program that prepares them for advanced counseling roles through hands-on clinical preparation. With an impressive 87% national exam pass rate and 97% job placement success, the program provides robust support including practicum placement assistance and experienced licensed counselor faculty guidance.
- CACREP Accredited Program
- 60 total credit hours
- Marriage & Family Therapy emphasis
- Three campus locations
- 87% national exam pass rate
- Licensed counselor faculty
- Undergraduate GPA 2.75+ required
- Practicum placement support
- 97% job placement rate
- Evening/weekend classes
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling
Concentration: Adventure Therapy - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
John Brown University's Master of Science in Counseling with an Adventure Therapy concentration offers a groundbreaking approach to mental health professional training. The 60-credit program combines innovative therapeutic techniques with comprehensive clinical preparation, emphasizing experiential learning and personal growth. Students benefit from a face-to-face training model, multiple campus locations, and a remarkable 100% clinical placement rate. The curriculum cultivates advanced counseling skills through an integrative, faith-based perspective, preparing graduates for diverse mental health professional opportunities.
- CACREP Accredited Program
- Marriage & Family Therapy Emphasis
- 60 Total Credit Hours
- Evening/Weekend Classes
- Multiple Campus Locations
- 100% Clinical Placement Rate
- 87% National Exam Pass Rate
- Minimum 2.75 Undergraduate GPA
- Individual Admissions Interview
- Face-to-Face Training Model
Harding University
Searcy, AR - Private 4-year - harding.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
Harding University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling is a CACREP-accredited program designed to equip students with the skills needed for effective mental health practice. This 60-credit program emphasizes systemic therapy to address family dynamics and mental health issues, including family violence and substance abuse. With a requirement of 300 face-to-face client contact hours, students receive hands-on clinical training. The program offers a dual licensure path in professional counseling and marriage and family therapy, enhancing career prospects in various settings. Highlights include a faith-integrated approach, full-time cohort experience, and clinical supervision. The program starts annually in August and is delivered on-ground.
- CACREP-accredited graduate program
- 60 credit hours total
- 2 years average completion time
- Full-time cohort experience
- 300 total client contact hours
- Two licensure paths
- On-ground format
- Annual August program start
- Clinical supervision included
- Faith-integrated therapy approach
Other MFT Programs Available in Arkansas
Arkansas offers high-quality MFT programs accredited by recognized institutions. These programs emphasize clinical training, therapeutic techniques, and the application of psychological principles to family systems.
Some of the top programs in the state include:
- University of Arkansas – Offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, which includes intensive clinical training and research components.
These programs equip students with the skills needed to work with diverse populations, handle complex family dynamics, and provide effective mental health interventions.
Arkansas's Quickest MFT Programs
For students who want to complete their MFT degree quickly, some programs offer accelerated coursework, condensed semesters, and flexible online learning options.
Factors that can help students finish their MFT program faster include:
- Year-Round Enrollment – Some universities allow students to take courses in summer and winter sessions.
- Accelerated Coursework – Certain schools offer intensive, shorter classes that cover material at a faster pace.
- Online or Hybrid Learning – Online MFT programs enable students to complete coursework at their own pace.
Here are some of the fastest MFT programs in Arkansas:
|
School
|
Program Length
|
Type
|
|---|---|---|
|
2 years
|
Campus
|
|
|
2.5 years
|
Hybrid
|
|
|
2.5 years
|
Campus
|
These programs allow students to graduate quickly while maintaining a rigorous academic and clinical training experience.
Arkansas's Cheapest MFT Programs
For students looking for affordable options, Arkansas has several cost-effective MFT programs that help reduce tuition expenses while still offering high-quality education.
Ways to minimize tuition costs:
- Apply for Scholarships & Financial Aid – Many schools provide funding for MFT students.
- Look for In-State Tuition Benefits – Arkansas residents may qualify for lower tuition rates.
- Consider Online or Hybrid Programs – Reducing costs related to housing and commuting can make education more affordable.
Below are some of the most affordable MFT programs in Arkansas:
|
School
|
Estimated Tuition
|
Type
|
|---|---|---|
|
$11,000 per year
|
Campus
|
|
|
$9,800 per year
|
Campus
|
|
|
$10,200 per year
|
Hybrid
|
Choosing an affordable program can help students graduate with less debt while still receiving quality clinical training.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Arkansas
To practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Arkansas, students must meet specific education and clinical training requirements.
Steps to Become an LMFT in Arkansas:
- Earn an MFT Degree – Complete a master’s or doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited institution.
- Gain Supervised Clinical Experience – Complete 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical work, with at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact.
- Pass the National MFT Exam – Take and pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) Examination.
- Apply for State Licensure – Submit an application, background check, and supervision documentation to the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling and Marriage & Family Therapy.
- Complete Continuing Education (CE) Requirements – Licensed LMFTs must participate in ongoing training and education to maintain their licensure.
For detailed licensing information, visit the Arkansas Board of Examiners in Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy website.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Arkansas
The demand for Marriage and Family Therapists is increasing in Arkansas as more individuals and families seek mental health support.
Key Job Market Insights for LMFTs in Arkansas:
- Average Salary: $50,200 per year
- Top 10% Salary: Over $75,000 per year
Top Work Environments for LMFTs in Arkansas:
- Private Practice – Many LMFTs operate independent therapy offices.
- Community Mental Health Centers – Providing therapy services to underserved populations.
- Hospitals & Healthcare Clinics – Collaborating with medical professionals to provide integrated care.
- Educational Institutions – Supporting students and families through school counseling programs.
With a growing mental health sector, LMFTs in Arkansas have numerous career opportunities across various professional settings.
Arkansas offers high-quality, accredited MFT programs with flexible learning options and strong career prospects. Here’s why students should consider pursuing an MFT degree in the state:
- Accredited Programs – MFT degrees in Arkansas meet licensing and professional standards.
- Flexible Learning Formats – Students can choose from on-campus, hybrid, or online programs.
- Affordable Tuition – Arkansas offers some of the most cost-effective MFT programs in the region.
- Growing Job Market – Increased awareness of mental health services is driving demand for qualified LMFTs.
For those passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges, a career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Arkansas is a great choice.
Related Articles
- From Student to Therapist: What to Expect in Your MFT Clinical Internship
- Who Will You Treat as a Marriage & Family Therapist? A Career Guide for Aspiring MFTs
- MFT Doctorate Degrees: DMFT vs PhD – Who Should Pursue Each Path?
- The ROI of an MFT Degree: Analyzing the Financial Investment in Your Therapy Career
- LMFT vs MFT: Is Licensure Necessary for Your Therapy Career?