Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Alabama 2025
Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is a growing field in Alabama, offering aspiring therapists a range of accredited programs designed to prepare them for licensure and clinical practice. Whether you’re looking for a master’s in MFT, a post-master’s certificate, or a doctorate (DMFT or PhD) in MFT, Alabama has several programs that provide quality education and clinical training.
This guide explores the best MFT degree programs in Alabama, including the fastest pathways, the most affordable options, and the steps required to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state.
In this guide
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Alabama
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL - Public 4-Year - uwa.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Family Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of West Alabama offers an online Master of Science in Family Counseling that emphasizes understanding family dynamics and relationship challenges through a 33-credit hour curriculum. This flexible program, taught by licensed professionals, allows students to complete coursework in 1-2 years with 8-week courses starting March 17. At $429 per credit hour, it is ranked #38 for affordability and is ideal for licensed professionals, paraprofessionals, and those seeking international practice. The program focuses on advanced family counseling techniques and professional ethics but does not prepare for independent licensure. No entrance exam is required for admission.
- Online Master's in Family Counseling
- 33 total credit hours
- 1-2 years program length
- Next start date March 17
- $429 per credit hour
- 8-week course format
- No independent licensure preparation
- Taught by licensed professionals
- International practice focused
Auburn University
Auburn, AL - Public 4-Year - auburn.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
This intensive COAMFTE-accredited MS-MFT at Auburn University focuses on relational and systemic perspectives, training therapists to work with diverse individuals, couples, and families. The two-year program provides comprehensive clinical experience through on-campus and community internships, requiring over 500 therapy hours with robust supervision. With only six students accepted yearly, it features a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio, full tuition waivers, and no entrance exam, preparing graduates for licensure through diverse clinical placements.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- Six students admitted annually
- Full tuition waiver guaranteed
- Over 500 clinical therapy hours
- Paid internship opportunities
- December 15 application deadline
- Two-year master's program
- 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio
- Diverse clinical placement sites
- Prepares for state licensure
Graduate Certificate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Auburn University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited two-year program that admits only six students annually, offering a highly personalized 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio and guaranteed full tuition waivers. Students complete over 500 therapy hours through paid internships and community partnerships, receiving live clinical supervision to prepare for state licensure. The program emphasizes multicultural, systemic approaches across the human lifespan, with a December 15 application deadline and no entrance exam required.
- COAMFTE accredited program
- Two-year master's degree
- Six students admitted annually
- Full tuition waiver available
- 500+ therapy hours required
- Paid internship opportunities
- December 15 application deadline
- Multicultural clinical training
- 4:1 student-faculty ratio
- Thesis research component
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL - Public 4-Year - ua.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Program
Campus Based - Visit Website
At The University of Alabama, the Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Program offers rigorous master's-level training through systemic therapeutic approaches. This COAMFTE-accredited curriculum meets Alabama licensure requirements and prepares students to address complex individual, couple, and family mental health challenges across diverse populations. With an application deadline of January 7, the program emphasizes professional competency development through coursework and practical experience, enabling graduates to diagnose mental disorders and pursue multiple career paths or PhD preparation. An entrance exam is required for admission to this graduate program.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- Meets Alabama Licensure Requirements
- Application Deadline: January 7
- Mental Health Practitioner Training
- Treats Wide Range Clinical Concerns
- Multiple Career Path Options
- Systemic Therapeutic Approach
- Diagnose Mental Disorders
- Diverse Treatment Populations
- PhD Program Preparation
Graduate Certificate - Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy
Concentration: Marriage and Family Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alabama's Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration provides comprehensive training in systemic approaches to mental health. This COAMFTE-accredited program prepares graduates for Alabama licensure and 50-state eligibility, focusing on diagnosing and treating diverse clinical concerns from depression to relationship issues. With application deadlines on January 7 and interviews for top applicants, students gain practical skills for careers in private practice, community mental health, and specialized treatment centers. The program requires an entrance exam as part of the graduate application process.
- Meets Alabama licensure requirements
- Treats wide range of clinical concerns
- Application deadline January 7
- 50-state licensure eligible
- Multiple career pathway options
- Systemic therapeutic approach
- Interviews for top applicants
- Accredited MFT program
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL - Public 4-Year - montevallo.edu
Master's - M.Ed. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
At University of Montevallo, the M.Ed. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling provides comprehensive CACREP-certified training with a couples and family therapy concentration, preparing students for dynamic mental health counseling roles. This campus program emphasizes practical skills in therapeutic techniques across specializations like clinical mental health, school counseling, and couples and family counseling, supporting transformative approaches for individuals, families, and communities. An entrance exam is required for admission. Highlights include three degree track options, open Fall 2025 applications with a March 2, 2025 deadline, and a military-friendly environment.
- CACREP-certified counseling program
- Three degree track options
- Fall 2025 applications open
- Application deadline March 2, 2025
- Specializations in mental health counseling
- School counseling track available
- Couples and family counseling option
Graduate Certificate - M.Ed. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
University of Montevallo's M.Ed. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling is a CACREP-certified program offering specialized training in couples and family therapy through a rigorous curriculum focused on complex interpersonal dynamics. This campus-based program prepares graduates for meaningful mental health counseling careers, equipping them with advanced therapeutic skills to help individuals, couples, and families navigate relational challenges. The program requires an entrance exam for admission. Key highlights include multiple degree area options, clinical mental health and school counseling concentrations, and graduate scholarships, with Fall 2025 applications open until March 2, 2025.
- CACREP-certified counseling program
- Couples and Family counseling track
- Fall 2025 applications open
- Application deadline March 2, 2025
- Three degree area options available
- Clinical Mental Health concentration
- School counseling concentration
- Graduate scholarships available
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL - Public 4-Year - uab.edu
Graduate Certificate - Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling, Graduate Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a Graduate Certificate in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling that develops specialized expertise for counseling professionals. This 18-credit on-campus program emphasizes family systems theory, human sexuality, and therapeutic methods including play therapy. Students acquire advanced skills to address complex relationship dynamics and interpersonal challenges within couples and families. As a graduate-level certificate, it requires no entrance exam, making it accessible for current or aspiring counselors seeking to enhance their practice with focused training in relationship counseling techniques.
- 18 credit hours total
- On-campus program delivery
- Focuses on couples/family counseling
- Includes play therapy training
- Courses cover relationships and family systems
Other MFT Programs Available in Alabama
Alabama is home to several reputable universities offering COAMFTE-accredited and regionally accredited Marriage and Family Therapy programs. The best MFT programs in Alabama provide comprehensive coursework, supervised clinical experience, and preparation for licensure.
Here are some of the top institutions offering MFT degrees in Alabama:
- Amridge University (Montgomery, AL) – Provides an online Master’s in MFT program, designed for flexibility while meeting state licensure requirements.
Alabama's Quickest MFT Programs
If you’re looking to complete your MFT degree as quickly as possible, several programs in Alabama offer accelerated or flexible formats to help students graduate faster.
|
School
|
Program Length
|
Type
|
|---|---|---|
|
Amridge University
|
~2 years
|
Fully Online
|
|
University of Alabama
|
2-3 years
|
On-Campus
|
|
Auburn University
|
2-3 years
|
Hybrid
|
|
University of Montevallo
|
2-3 years
|
On-Campus
|
Many online programs, like those at Amridge University, allow students to study at their own pace, reducing the time needed to earn their degree. Some programs also offer year-round enrollment, meaning students can take courses in the summer to finish faster.
Alabama's Cheapest MFT Programs
For students seeking an affordable path to becoming an MFT or LMFT, tuition costs can be a major factor. Below are some of the most budget-friendly MFT programs in Alabama:
|
School
|
Estimated Tuition
|
Type
|
|---|---|---|
|
University of Montevallo
|
$25,000
|
On-Campus
|
|
Amridge University
|
$30,000
|
Online
|
|
University of Alabama
|
$35,000
|
On-Campus
|
|
Auburn University
|
$40,000
|
Hybrid
|
Public universities, such as the University of Montevallo, tend to have lower tuition costs for in-state residents, making them a cost-effective option for Alabama students.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Alabama
To become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Alabama, you must follow these steps:
- Earn a COAMFTE-Accredited Master’s Degree in MFT – Alabama requires candidates to complete a master’s program in MFT or a related field with a minimum number of clinical training hours.
- Complete 2,000+ Postgraduate Supervised Clinical Hours – After earning your degree, you must complete at least 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience under a licensed supervisor.
- Pass the National MFT Exam – The exam is administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
- Apply for Alabama State Licensure – Submit all required documents to the Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage and Family Therapy for approval.
- Maintain Continuing Education Credits – Alabama requires LMFTs to complete continuing education (CE) credits to renew their licenses regularly.
For more details on licensing requirements and deadlines, visit the Alabama Board of Examiners in MFT to learn more about upcoming deadlines and license requirements. There are also multiple professional networks in Alabama for Marriage and Family Therapists such as the Alabama Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (ALAMFT).
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Alabama
The job outlook for MFTs in Alabama is promising, with increasing demand for mental health professionals across the state. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that MFT jobs are projected to grow by 16% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.
MFT Salaries in Alabama:
- Entry-Level Salary: ~$42,000 per year
- Median Salary: ~$54,500 per year
- Experienced LMFTs: $80,000+ per year
Factors affecting salary include:
- Work setting: Private practice MFTs typically earn more than those in community clinics.
- Location: Therapists in cities like Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville often earn higher salaries.
- Specializations: MFTs with expertise in trauma, addiction, or family conflict resolution may command higher earnings.
Start Your MFT Journey in Alabama
If you’re considering a career as an MFT in Alabama, now is a great time to explore your options. With accredited programs, affordable tuition, and growing job opportunities, Alabama is an excellent place to begin your journey toward getting your MFT degree.
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