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
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Arkansas
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 with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration is a CACREP-accredited, 60-credit hybrid program that integrates faith-based perspectives with rigorous clinical training. Students benefit from experienced faculty, low student-to-faculty ratios, and flexible evening/weekend classes across multiple Arkansas locations. The program requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA and an individual faculty interview for admission, with no entrance exam specified. Graduates achieve a 97% employment rate, well-prepared for licensure as marriage and family therapists through hands-on training and 42 core counseling credits plus 15 clinical requirement credits.
- 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
Focusing on Play Therapy, John Brown University's Master of Science in Counseling is a CACREP-accredited hybrid program that blends faith-based approaches with specialized training for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. The 60-credit curriculum includes a 100% practicum placement rate and an 87% national exam pass rate, offered at three campus locations with evening/weekend classes. Admission requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA, with no entrance exam mentioned, and features licensed counselor faculty and strong job placement support, leading to a 97% employment rate for graduates in diverse mental health settings.
- 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 emphasizes experiential learning within a faith-based, CACREP-accredited hybrid framework. This 60-credit program prepares students for licensure through a face-to-face training model, achieving a 100% clinical placement rate and an 87% national exam pass rate. With multiple campus locations and evening/weekend classes, admission requires a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA and an individual interview, without specifying an entrance exam. Graduates gain advanced counseling skills for holistic practice, supported by experienced faculty and a focus on ethical development in mental health careers.
- 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 60-credit CACREP-accredited program that emphasizes systemic therapy for complex family and mental health issues. Students complete 300 client contact hours and can pursue dual licensure in professional counseling and marriage and family therapy. The full-time, cohort-based format integrates faith with clinical training, preparing graduates for roles in private practice, ministry, and community mental health. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.
- 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
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR - Public 4-Year - astate.edu
Graduate Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy, Certificate
Campus Based - Visit Website
Arkansas State University's Graduate Certificate in Marriage & Family Therapy equips counseling professionals with advanced training for LAMFT credentialing in Arkansas. This 12-semester-hour program focuses on systemic therapy, couples counseling, and sexuality issues through four specialized courses, meeting state board requirements. Designed for Clinical Mental Health Counseling students and licensed counselors, it emphasizes practical skills without requiring an entrance exam, making it ideal for career enhancement in therapeutic settings.
- 12 total semester hours
- For licensed counseling professionals
- LAMFT credential preparation
- Four specialized counseling courses
- State board credentialing focus
- Systemic therapy training
- Couples and family counseling emphasis
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.
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