Hawaii has no COAMFTE-accredited campus-based MFT programs, so residents must earn their degrees online from mainland schools.
The state's median LMFT salary is approximately $135,870 per year, far exceeding the national median of about $58,510.
Licensure requires 1,000 supervised clinical hours, which online students can complete at approved Hawaii sites.
Verifying SARA participation before enrolling protects Hawaii residents from authorization and financial aid complications.
Hawaii's median annual wage for licensed marriage and family therapists sits at roughly $135,870, far above the national median, yet the state has no COAMFTE-accredited campus-based MFT program. For residents on Oahu, Maui, or the Big Island, that gap creates a real obstacle: earning a qualifying graduate degree means turning to best online MFT programs offered by mainland universities.
The logistics are workable but require careful planning. Out-of-state tuition, SARA authorization status, clinical placement coordination across island communities, and alignment with Hawaii's specific licensure requirements all factor into the decision. With roughly 220 LMFTs employed statewide and persistent demand for behavioral health providers across the islands, the credential carries strong earning power, but only if the program you choose sets you up for a clean path to licensure.
Best Online MFT Programs for Hawaii Students
Hawaii has no COAMFTE-accredited campus-based MFT programs, which means aspiring licensed marriage and family therapists in the state must look to online and hybrid options offered by mainland universities. The programs below accept students from Hawaii and can be completed remotely, though some require brief on-site intensives or local clinical placements. Because Hawaii residents will pay out-of-state tuition at most public institutions, we include tuition figures that reflect non-resident rates so you can compare costs accurately. Before enrolling, verify with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs that your chosen program's coursework and clinical hours align with the state's specific LMFT education and practicum requirements.
Factors considered
Online delivery and flexibility
Accreditation and licensure alignment
Tuition and net price
Graduation and retention rates
Clinical training structure
Data sources
Independent program research
NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
Best for: Remote learners wanting elite clinical training
Northwestern University delivers a fully online, COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy built around synchronous, small-cohort classes capped at 15 students. The program can be finished in as few as 21 months full-time or stretched to 36 months part-time, and dedicated placement specialists help students locate clinical sites in their home communities. With a 95.1% institutional graduation rate and a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Northwestern combines elite academic resources with genuine distance-learning flexibility, making it one of the strongest online MFT pathways available to Hawaii residents.
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
Best for: Scholarship seekers at a research university
The University of Southern California offers an online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy through its Rossier School of Education, with competitive scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 that can offset its higher sticker price. The 24-month, cohort-based program emphasizes cultural humility and evidence-based practice, reporting a 92% clinical exam pass rate and 98% alumni career effectiveness. USC's curriculum includes telehealth training and extensive supervised fieldwork, both of which are increasingly relevant for therapists serving Hawaii's geographically dispersed island communities.
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
Fully online, 24-month cohort-based format (60 units)
Scholarships of $15,000 to $30,000 available
92% clinical exam pass rate among graduates
Cultural humility and telehealth training embedded in curriculum
No GRE required for admission
3,000 clinical hours of fieldwork completed in student's state
Tuition at $2,354 per unit; institutional graduation rate of 91.8%
California State University-Northridge
#3
Northridge, CA · ~$7,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Budget-minded students needing accelerated completion
California State University, Northridge pairs COAMFTE accreditation with public-university affordability, charging out-of-state students approximately $19,062 per year. The hybrid MS in Marriage and Family Therapy uses an accelerated eight-week, one-course-at-a-time format that can be completed in under two years. Its curriculum features dedicated diversity awareness training, a strength for practitioners who will serve Hawaii's multicultural population, and prepares graduates for both LMFT and LPCC licensure pathways.
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy — Hybrid
Completable in under two years with year-round scheduling
Out-of-state tuition approximately $19,062 per year
Diversity awareness and psychosocial assessment training
Prepares for both LMFT and LPCC licensure
No specific entrance exam required for application
University of South Florida
#4
Tampa, FL · $10,000/yr
The University of South Florida offers a 15-credit hybrid Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy designed for professionals who already hold a mental health license and want specialized MFT training. At roughly $21,126 per year for out-of-state students, USF provides a focused, cost-effective way to add systemic therapy skills without committing to a full master's program. Note that this certificate alone does not meet LMFT licensure requirements, so it is best suited for licensed counselors, social workers, or psychologists seeking to broaden their clinical toolkit.
Graduate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy — Hybrid
15-credit hybrid program for licensed mental health professionals
6 required core credits plus 9 elective credits
Systemic therapy approach to relationship and family disorders
Out-of-state tuition approximately $21,126 per year
Does not independently qualify graduates for LMFT licensure
Institutional graduation rate of 76.8%; 91% retention rate
University of Oregon
#5
Eugene, OR · ~$22,000/yr (est.)
The University of Oregon's COAMFTE-accredited Couples and Family Therapy program is a rigorous 90-credit hybrid MS that admits a small cohort of 22 to 24 students each year. Students complete 350 direct client contact hours through training at the Center for Healthy Relationships and community externship sites, and a Spanish Language Specialization is available for those planning to serve multilingual communities. Out-of-state tuition runs approximately $33,379 per year, and the program's social justice emphasis complements work with Hawaii's diverse populations.
Master of Science in Couples and Family Therapy — Hybrid
No entrance exam required; bachelor's in any discipline accepted
Live and digital clinical supervision provided
Texas Woman's University
#6
Denton, TX · $12,000/yr
Texas Woman's University delivers a COAMFTE-accredited hybrid MS in Marriage and Family Therapy across campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston, with most students finishing in about three years. Out-of-state tuition is approximately $15,900 per year, placing TWU among the more affordable accredited options for Hawaii residents. Admission does not require GRE scores or letters of recommendation, lowering the application barrier for career changers.
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy — Hybrid
COAMFTE-accredited hybrid program across three Texas campuses
Out-of-state tuition approximately $15,900 per year
Most students complete the degree in about three years
No GRE scores or letters of recommendation required
Thesis option available for research-oriented students
Fall and spring admission cycles offered
Faculty mentoring and real-world clinical experience included
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
#7
Winona, MN · $12,000/yr (net price)
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy in a blended format combining online coursework with face-to-face sessions. The 48-credit program requires at least 300 clinical client contact hours, including 150 hours of direct relational work with couples and families. At $12,474 in tuition regardless of residency, Saint Mary's provides a single flat rate that benefits Hawaii students who would otherwise face out-of-state surcharges.
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy — Hybrid
Flat tuition of $12,474 regardless of state of residence
300 clinical contact hours with 150 relational hours required
No GRE or MAT required for admission
Capstone course, theory of change paper, and oral exam
Conditional admission available for GPAs between 2.75 and 3.0
Courses cover human development, marital studies, and professional issues
Western Kentucky University
#8
Bowling Green, KY · $12,000 – $27,000/yr
Western Kentucky University's CACREP-accredited master's in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling blends online coursework with hands-on clinical training at the Talley Family Counseling Center. Out-of-state tuition is approximately $18,340 per year, and the department offers financial support opportunities. The hybrid format gives Hawaii students flexibility in their didactic work while ensuring supervised, in-person clinical experience.
Master's in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling — Hybrid
Out-of-state tuition approximately $18,340 per year
Clinical training at the on-campus Talley Family Counseling Center
Prepares graduates for marriage and family therapy licensure
Financial support options available through the department
Supervised experience with couples, families, and individuals
Moody Bible Institute
#9
Chicago, IL · $22,000/yr (net price)
Moody Bible Institute offers a hybrid Graduate Certificate in Marriage, Family, and Couples Counseling geared toward already-licensed professionals who want to deepen their specialization. Priced at $539 per credit hour, the 18-credit program integrates biblical perspectives with contemporary clinical techniques. Because it is a post-master's certificate, it does not independently lead to initial LMFT licensure but can enhance the practice of therapists already serving Hawaii's faith communities.
Certificate in Marriage, Family, and Couples Counseling — Hybrid
18-credit hybrid certificate at $539 per credit hour
Designed for professionals who already hold a master's degree
Integrates biblical counseling with clinical mental health training
Admissions interview required; no GRE needed
Multiple start dates with campus intensives
Does not independently satisfy initial LMFT licensure requirements
John Brown University
#10
Siloam Springs, AR · $20,000 – $25,000/yr
John Brown University's CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling includes a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration within a 60-credit hybrid curriculum. Over 70% of coursework is completed online or on weekends, and clinical training takes place at JBU's Community Counseling Clinics, which report a 100% placement rate. The program also offers Play Therapy and Adventure Therapy concentrations, giving students distinctive specialization options not widely available elsewhere.
Master of Science in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy Concentration — Hybrid
100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours required
No GRE or application fee required
100% clinical placement rate at community clinics
Classes capped at 24 students for personalized attention
Play Therapy and Adventure Therapy concentrations also available
Why Hawaii Has No In-State COAMFTE-Accredited MFT Programs
If you have searched for a COAMFTE-accredited marriage and family therapy program based in Hawaii, you have probably noticed the options are limited. Understanding why can help you make a confident, well-informed decision about where to earn your degree.
Chaminade University: Hawaii's Local MFT Option
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, and it remains the most prominent in-state pathway.1 The program requires 60 credit hours, runs approximately 33 months, and follows a cohort model with evening classes on 10-week terms. It also includes a 12-month practicum.2 The university holds regional accreditation through WASC, and the program's curriculum is designed to align with COAMFTE educational standards. However, the MSMFT program itself does not carry COAMFTE accreditation. It is recognized by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) for licensure purposes, which matters for students who plan to practice in the state. Still, the absence of specialized COAMFTE accreditation is a meaningful distinction when you are comparing it with nationally accredited online alternatives.
Why Specialized Programs Are Hard to Sustain on the Islands
Hawaii's population hovers around 1.4 million, spread across multiple islands. That relatively small market makes it difficult for universities to maintain the enrollment numbers, clinical training sites, and specialized faculty rosters that COAMFTE accreditation demands. Geographic isolation compounds the challenge: recruiting and retaining doctoral-level MFT faculty in one of the nation's highest cost-of-living states is an ongoing hurdle. These structural realities are not unique to MFT. Many specialized graduate health programs in Hawaii face similar constraints, which is precisely why online education has become so important for island residents.
Online Programs Fill the Gap, and Hawaii's Licensing Board Knows It
Here is the reassurance many prospective students need: completing your MFT degree through an online program based on the mainland does not disqualify you from Hawaii licensure. The Hawaii DCCA evaluates your transcripts and supervised clinical hours on their own merits, not based on where a university is physically located. As long as your program meets the educational and clinical requirements outlined in state licensing rules, your application will be reviewed the same way as that of a Chaminade graduate.
This is not a workaround or a loophole. Online MFT programs have become the norm nationally, not just for students in geographically isolated states. COAMFTE-accredited online MFT programs from established universities across the country now enroll students in every U.S. state and territory, with clinical placements arranged locally. For Hawaii residents, this means you can access COAMFTE-accredited training, complete your supervised hours at agencies and clinics on your home island, and move seamlessly into the licensure process through the DCCA.
The Bottom Line for Hawaii Students
Hawaii's limited in-state options reflect practical realities of population size and geography, not a lack of demand for qualified therapists. Whether you choose Chaminade's locally oriented program or an accredited online degree from a mainland institution, what ultimately matters is that your education and clinical training meet Hawaii's licensure standards. The path you take is less important than making sure it leads to the credential you need.
Most Affordable Online MFT Programs for Hawaii Students
Because Hawaii has no in-state COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, students must look to online and hybrid options offered by mainland institutions. As an out-of-state student, sticker tuition can be misleading. Focus instead on net price, which reflects the actual cost after grants and institutional aid. Some public universities charge a flat online tuition rate regardless of residency, and private institutions like Saint Mary's University of Minnesota set one tuition rate for all students. The five programs below represent the most affordable options currently available to Hawaii residents pursuing an MFT career.
School
State
Out-of-State Tuition
Net Price
Graduation Rate
Purdue University Northwest
IN
$11,960
$6,079
42.9%
California State University, Northridge
CA
$19,062
$7,021
56.9%
University of South Florida
FL
$21,126
$9,812
76.8%
Western Kentucky University
KY
$18,340
$10,990
55.6%
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
MN
$12,474
$11,704
66.0%
Before enrolling in any mainland online MFT program, Hawaii residents should confirm that the school participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, commonly known as SARA. This agreement determines whether an out-of-state institution can legally offer distance education to students in Hawaii. Enrolling in a non-SARA institution could jeopardize your ability to earn credit or qualify for licensure.
Understanding MFT Accreditation: COAMFTE, CACREP, and MPCAC
Choosing the right MFT program means understanding the accreditation landscape, because the letters after a program's name influence everything from licensure eligibility to career mobility. Three accrediting bodies dominate the marriage and family therapy education space, and each carries different weight depending on your goals.
The Three Accrediting Bodies at a Glance
COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education): This is the gold-standard accreditor dedicated exclusively to MFT programs. COAMFTE-accredited degrees are recognized by every state licensing board in the country, and the curriculum is purpose-built around systems theory, relational therapy, and family dynamics.
CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs): CACREP accredits a broad range of counseling programs, including those with marriage, couple, and family counseling concentrations. Many states accept CACREP-accredited degrees for LMFT licensure, and these programs often give graduates dual flexibility to pursue both LMFT and licensed professional counselor credentials.
MPCAC (Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council): A newer alternative that accredits masters-level programs in psychology and counseling. MPCAC is gaining traction but is less widely recognized by state boards, so Hawaii students considering an MPCAC program should verify acceptance with the state licensing board before enrolling.
What Hawaii Actually Requires
Hawaii's Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs does not mandate COAMFTE accreditation for LMFT licensure.1 The state accepts degrees from regionally or institutionally accredited programs in marriage and family therapy or an allied mental health field, provided the coursework meets specific minimums. Those minimums include at least 33 semester hours distributed across five content areas: nine hours in marriage and family studies, nine in marriage and family therapy studies, nine in human development, three in ethics and professional studies, and three in research.1 Programs must also include a minimum of 300 practicum hours. Both COAMFTE and CACREP-accredited programs typically satisfy these requirements by design, but graduates of regionally accredited programs that are not specifically MFT-accredited can still qualify as long as their transcripts reflect the required distribution.
This flexibility is good news for Hawaii students. It means you are not limited to the relatively small pool of COAMFTE accredited programs and can draw from a wider range of online and hybrid options.
License Portability and Long-Term Planning
If you plan to practice exclusively in Hawaii, a degree from any regionally accredited program with the right coursework will serve you well. However, if there is any chance you will relocate to the mainland, a COAMFTE-accredited degree offers the smoothest path to license transfer. Many states treat COAMFTE accreditation as an automatic qualifier, while graduates of non-COAMFTE programs may need to demonstrate course-by-course equivalency, a process that can delay licensure by weeks or months.
CACREP-accredited programs with an MFT concentration occupy a practical middle ground. They are accepted in most states for LMFT or LPC licensure, giving you options if your career shifts toward general counseling or if you move to a state that favors CACREP credentials. For a deeper look at the distinction between these two license types, see our comparison of LMFT vs LPC.
Practical Takeaway for Hawaii Students
Rank your priorities this way:
If you intend to stay in Hawaii, a regionally accredited program that meets the state's 33-credit, five-area coursework requirement is sufficient and may be the most affordable route.
If you want maximum flexibility across state lines, prioritize COAMFTE accreditation. It eliminates friction when transferring your license.
If you want the option to practice as both an LMFT and a licensed professional counselor, a CACREP-accredited program with an MFT concentration gives you dual-credential potential.
Regardless of which accreditation path you choose, confirm that the program's curriculum aligns with Hawaii's specific credit-hour distribution before you enroll. A quick review of the program's course map against the state's five content areas can save you from costly surprises at the licensure stage.
How to Become a Licensed MFT in Hawaii: Step-by-Step
The road from your first graduate class to a fully licensed practice in Hawaii typically spans three to four years. Below is the complete credentialing ladder, including the specific benchmarks set by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs under HRS Chapter 451J.
Completing Clinical Hours in Hawaii Through an Online Program
One of the most practical challenges facing Hawaii residents in online MFT programs is securing and completing the supervised clinical hours required for licensure. Because you are physically located in Hawaii while enrolled at an out-of-state institution, you need to be proactive about bridging the gap between your program's requirements and local opportunities. The steps below will help you navigate this process with confidence.
Confirm Telehealth Supervision Rules With the DCCA
Before you commit to any clinical arrangement, contact the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) directly to ask whether telehealth-delivered supervised hours count toward LMFT licensure. Telehealth policies for clinical training vary by state and can change from year to year, so getting a clear, current answer from the licensing board itself is essential. Ask specifically about the percentage of supervision that may be conducted via videoconference versus in person, and whether any restrictions apply to the modality of client sessions during your practicum.
Work With Your Program's Clinical Placement Coordinator
Most accredited online MFT programs provide some level of field placement assistance, and you should take full advantage of it. Chaminade University, for example, offers practicum placement support specifically geared toward students on the neighboring islands of Hawaii.1 Even if your program is headquartered on the mainland, its clinical placement coordinator may already have established relationships with Hawaii agencies or can walk you through the process of self-securing a site. Reach out to this office early, ideally a full semester before your practicum begins, so there is time to vet and formalize a placement agreement. For a broader look at what the practicum process involves, review our guide to the MFT clinical internship.
Connect With Local Professional Networks
The Hawaii Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (HAMFT) is a valuable starting point for identifying training sites. HAMFT maintains information about accredited programs in the state and can point you toward community mental health agencies, private practices, and nonprofit organizations that have a history of accepting practicum students.2 Even agencies that have not previously hosted students from out-of-state online programs may be open to the idea if you present them with your program's affiliation agreement and supervision requirements upfront.
Consider reaching out to:
Community mental health centers: These facilities often need additional clinical support and may welcome supervised trainees.
Federally qualified health centers: Locations on neighbor islands, in particular, tend to have higher demand for behavioral health services.
Private group practices: Some licensed MFTs in private practice are willing to serve as approved supervisors for practicum students.
Cross-Reference Licensing and Accreditation Standards
Finally, review the clinical hour requirements published by both the Hawaii DCCA and your program's accrediting body, whether that is COAMFTE, CACREP, or MPCAC. Your practicum must satisfy both your academic program and your future licensing board, and these requirements do not always align perfectly. Our overview of LMFT license requirements by state breaks down the general framework, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics also provides state-specific pages that outline licensing prerequisites in plain language.
Taking these steps early in your program will save you significant stress later. Hawaii's relatively small pool of training sites makes advance planning not just advisable but necessary.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do you live on Oahu or on a neighbor island?
Clinical placement sites are concentrated in Honolulu and urban Oahu. Students on Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island may need telehealth-friendly practicum arrangements, which not every program supports.
Does your target online program have a track record placing students in Hawaii?
Some programs maintain existing supervisor networks in the state, while others expect you to secure your own site. A program with Hawaii experience can save months of searching.
Are you willing to relocate temporarily for practicum if needed?
If local placements are scarce on your island, a short move to Oahu or even the mainland could keep your timeline on track. Factor housing and travel costs into your overall budget.
LMFT Salary and Job Outlook in Hawaii
Hawaii employs roughly 220 licensed marriage and family therapists statewide, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The state's median annual wage for MFTs is $135,870, which is substantially higher than the national median of approximately $58,510. While this figure is striking, it is important to contextualize it alongside Hawaii's exceptionally high cost of living, which ranks among the highest in the nation. Housing, groceries, and transportation costs in Hawaii can consume a significantly larger share of income than on the mainland, so the elevated wages partly reflect the economic realities of island life rather than pure purchasing power gains. The 75th and 90th percentile wage data for Hawaii MFTs is not currently published by the BLS, which limits a full picture of upper earnings potential. For aspiring therapists completing online MFT programs from Hawaii, these salary figures underscore the strong earning potential available upon licensure in the state.
Wage Percentile
Hawaii MFT Annual Wage
National MFT Median (Reference)
10th Percentile
Not published
$36,850
25th Percentile
$67,320
$43,870
Median (50th Percentile)
$135,870
$58,510
75th Percentile
Not published
$74,840
90th Percentile
Not published
$96,230
Mean (Average)
$145,360
$64,140
Scholarships and Loan Forgiveness for Hawaii MFT Students
Graduate tuition is a real concern for aspiring therapists, but several federal programs and institutional aid options can significantly reduce the cost of earning your MFT degree. Hawaii students who plan ahead can stack multiple forms of assistance to make the mft degree worth it financially.
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment
The NHSC Loan Repayment Program is one of the most valuable financial tools available to licensed marriage and family therapists.1 Hawaii has multiple areas designated as mental health professional shortage areas, which means LMFTs who commit to practicing in an eligible site can qualify for substantial loan relief.2 For the 2026 cycle, full-time participants receive up to $50,000 in loan repayment for an initial two-year service commitment of 32 to 40 hours per week. Half-time participants (16 to 20 hours per week) can receive up to $25,000.3 After completing the initial commitment, you may apply for continuation awards of up to $20,000 per year.3 One important requirement: you must hold full licensure to participate, so factor the timeline from degree completion through supervised practice hours into your planning.4
HRSA Grants and Hawaii Behavioral Health Incentives
Beyond the NHSC program, the Health Resources and Services Administration funds behavioral health workforce development grants that flow to training sites and community organizations. These grants sometimes support stipends for trainees completing clinical placements in underserved communities. Hawaii-based community health centers that receive federal funding may offer paid practicum or internship positions tied to these grants. Check with your program's clinical placement coordinator about placement sites that carry stipend support.
Institutional Aid and Military Discounts
Many of the affordable online MFT programs available to Hawaii residents extend institutional scholarships to out-of-state students, particularly for merit or need-based aid. Given Hawaii's sizable military community, it is also worth noting that several accredited programs offer tuition discounts for active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses. These discounts can reduce per-credit costs by 10 to 25 percent at some institutions.
Your Financial Aid Checklist
Approach funding methodically so you do not leave money on the table:
FAFSA: File early each cycle. Federal loans, grants, and work-study all depend on it.
Program-specific aid: Contact the financial aid office of every school you are considering. Ask about graduate assistantships, diversity scholarships, and any tuition-lock guarantees.
NHSC eligibility: Research qualifying practice sites in Hawaii now, even before you graduate. Understanding the service commitment early lets you align your clinical hours and career plans with repayment eligibility.
Military benefits: If you or a spouse are affiliated with the military, confirm whether the program participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program or offers a dedicated military tuition rate.
Employer sponsorship: Some behavioral health agencies in Hawaii will partially reimburse tuition for employees pursuing a qualifying graduate degree. Ask potential practicum sites about these arrangements.
The path to licensure takes years, so treating financial planning as a parallel track from day one is essential. Start exploring NHSC service sites and institutional scholarships well before your first semester begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About MFT Programs for Hawaii Students
Choosing the right MFT program and understanding Hawaii's licensure process can feel overwhelming. Below are answers to the questions Hawaii students ask most often, drawing on the details covered throughout this guide.
Are there any COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs in Hawaii?
As of 2026, there are no COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs physically located in Hawaii. Students who want a COAMFTE-accredited degree must enroll in an out-of-state or online program that holds that accreditation. Several nationally recognized online programs accept Hawaii residents and allow clinical hours to be completed locally.
Can I complete an online MFT program and get licensed in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii does not require that your degree come from a program located in the state. You can earn your master's in marriage and family therapy through an accredited online program, complete supervised clinical hours in Hawaii, and then apply for LMFT licensure through the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
How many supervised clinical hours are required for LMFT licensure in Hawaii?
Hawaii requires a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised clinical experience for LMFT licensure. These hours must be completed under the direct supervision of a qualified licensed professional. Many online MFT programs help students identify approved clinical sites, though the availability of placements in Hawaii can vary.
Is Chaminade University's MFT program accredited by COAMFTE?
No. Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, but the program does not hold COAMFTE accreditation. It is regionally accredited through the university's institutional accreditor. Students considering Chaminade should verify that the degree meets Hawaii's current licensure requirements before enrolling.
What is the average salary for an LMFT in Hawaii?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for marriage and family therapists in Hawaii is approximately $53,800 as of the most recent data. Salaries can vary based on practice setting, years of experience, and location within the state. Honolulu tends to offer the highest concentration of positions.
Do online MFT programs help arrange clinical placements in Hawaii?
Some online programs maintain clinical placement networks that extend to Hawaii, while others require students to secure their own sites. Before enrolling, ask each program specifically about its support for Hawaii-based placements. Programs with a larger national footprint or COAMFTE accreditation often have more established connections with local agencies and clinics.
How long does it take to become a licensed MFT in Hawaii?
The typical timeline is four to five years. A master's degree in marriage and family therapy generally takes two to three years, followed by the completion of 1,000 supervised clinical hours, which can take an additional one to two years depending on your schedule. You must also pass the required licensing examination before receiving your LMFT credential.
Additional Online MFT Programs Available to Hawaii Students
Beyond our top ten picks, here are additional accredited online MFT programs that welcome Hawaii students. These programs offer flexible delivery formats and are well worth exploring as you plan your path to licensure.
This hybrid M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy offers concentrations in Medical Family Therapy, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, with a focus on rural mental health and multicultural competence.
Prescott College offers a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling with a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling concentration. This hybrid program includes a three-day campus residency and emphasizes social justice.
Mercy University's hybrid MS in Marriage and Family Therapy includes 300 direct client contact hours and prepares students for licensure. The curriculum addresses diverse issues like substance abuse and relationship dynamics.
Western Michigan University's hybrid M.A. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling blends online coursework with on-campus clinical training. The 60-credit program includes practicum and internship hours at on-campus clinics.
Carson-Newman's 60-credit hybrid Master of Science in Counseling with a Marriage & Family Therapy concentration is CACREP-accredited. It offers hands-on clinical experience through multiple internship sites.
Purdue Northwest's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy is a hybrid program requiring 500 client contact hours and a thesis. Small cohorts emphasize cultural competence and ethical practice.
CCSU's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a hybrid program with evening classes. The 63-credit curriculum includes practicum and internship components, with no GRE required.
Syracuse's online M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy is COAMFTE-accredited and part-time, with live evening classes. Students complete a 500-hour clinical practicum locally, and a 40% tuition scholarship is available.
California Lutheran's hybrid MS in Counseling Psychology with an MFT concentration meets California BBS requirements. The cohort-based program includes a 12-month practicum at an on-site counseling center.
Drexel's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Family Therapy focuses on trauma and addiction. This hybrid program requires 500 direct client hours and emphasizes systemic/relational approaches.
Regis University's COAMFTE-accredited M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy is a hybrid program with evening and weekend classes. The 60-credit program includes a practicum at the Regis Center for Counseling.
Lancaster Bible College's hybrid Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling integrates biblical principles with evidence-based practice. The 60-credit program includes 800 hours of clinical experience.
Manhattan College's hybrid Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60-credit state-registered program. It blends online synchronous and in-person courses, with a focus on cultural and systemic perspectives.
OLLU's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration is a hybrid program. The 60-credit curriculum includes 500 hours of supervised practice and evening classes.
Regent University's hybrid Graduate Certificate in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling is a 12-credit program focusing on couples therapy, sexual dysfunction, and addiction counseling. It offers multiple start dates.
