Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Illinois 2025
Becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in Illinois requires completing an accredited graduate degree, gaining supervised clinical experience, and passing a national licensing exam. Illinois has a strong demand for LMFTs, particularly in urban areas where mental health services continue to expand. Rural regions of the state also have a growing need for qualified therapists as behavioral health programs work to increase accessibility to mental health care.
Students pursuing an MFT degree in Illinois will need to complete coursework in clinical practice, family systems therapy, ethics, and trauma-informed care, ensuring they are well-prepared for state licensure and professional practice. Many MFT programs integrate internships and practicums early in the curriculum, allowing students to gain real-world experience in hospitals, private practices, and community mental health centers before they graduate.
For those looking for flexible learning options, hybrid and online MFT programs in Illinois provide greater accessibility to coursework while maintaining in-person clinical training. Some programs cater to working professionals by offering evening or weekend classes, making it easier for students to balance education with other commitments.
In this guide
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Illinois
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL - Private 4-year - northwestern.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern University's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy focuses on licensure preparation through the Integrative Systemic Therapy approach, combining online coursework with in-person clinical training near students' communities. This COAMFTE-accredited program features rolling admissions, four annual cohort starts, and no GRE requirement, allowing dedicated professionals to become self-reflective therapists adept at addressing complex relational issues. The curriculum is designed to build skills for systemic client concerns, offering flexibility and accessibility for those passionate about helping others in diverse settings.
- Online and on-campus options
- COAMFTE accredited program
- No GRE required
- Four annual cohort starts
- Integrative Systemic Therapy approach
- In-person clinical training
- Rolling admissions process
- Licensure-focused curriculum
Graduate Certificate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern University's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy offers a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum that prepares students to serve diverse populations. This COAMFTE-accredited program emphasizes intensive clinical training with 400 hours of fieldwork and an integrative systemic therapeutic framework. Delivered through live online classes with a maximum of 15 students, the flexible program can be completed in 21-36 months. No GRE is required for admission, and graduates develop advanced skills in cultural sensitivity and ethical practice, supported by placement specialists for career success in mental health settings.
- Fully online MFT master's degree
- 24-36 months completion time
- COAMFTE accredited program
- No GRE required
- 400 hours clinical fieldwork
- 25 graduate-level courses
- Live online classroom sessions
- Maximum 15 students per class
- Placement specialists support
- Application deadline: April 14, 2025
Doctorate - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Northwestern University's research-driven online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy provides rigorous clinical training, enabling full-time students to finish in as few as 21 months. Accredited by COAMFTE, the program includes 400 hours of fieldwork and 125 relational clinical hours, fostering multicultural competence and therapeutic skills for individuals, couples, and families. With small class sizes of 15 students and no GRE requirement, it offers a supportive, flexible learning environment tailored for professionals seeking licensure, emphasizing an integrative systemic model to help clients thrive.
- Online MFT Master's degree
- 24 months full-time completion
- COAMFTE accredited program
- No GRE required
- 400 hours clinical fieldwork
- 125 relational clinical hours
- 15 students per classroom
- Placement specialists assist
- Integrative systemic therapeutic model
- Immersive experience included
Moody Bible Institute
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - moody.edu
Graduate Certificate - Certificate in Marriage, Family, and Couples Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Moody Bible Institute's Graduate Certificate in Marriage, Family, and Couples Counseling offers advanced training for master's degree holders seeking specialized expertise. This hybrid program integrates biblical insights with contemporary mental health practices, equipping students with clinical skills for compassionate counseling. The curriculum focuses on transforming communities through faith-based approaches, preparing graduates for diverse professional settings. Admission requires an interview with faculty, with multiple dates available. At $539 per credit hour, it provides practical counseling experience without requiring entrance exams, emphasizing spiritual depth and integrity in family counseling.
- Certificate for licensed professionals
- Campus and online options
- $539 per credit hour
- Specialized family counseling focus
- Clinical mental health training
- Biblical integration approach
- Interview required for admission
- Multiple interview dates available
- Group interview with faculty
- Practical counseling experience
DePaul University
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - depaul.edu
Master's - Couples and Family Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
DePaul University's Marriage & Family Therapy program offers a graduate-level education focused on systemic counseling approaches for couples and families. Emphasizing multicultural perspectives, students gain hands-on clinical experience through supervised practice and evidence-based interventions. The curriculum includes comprehensive courses like CSL 556 Couples/Family Counseling, fostering skills in addressing diverse relationship dynamics. As a master's program, it requires an entrance exam such as the GRE, preparing graduates for licensure and professional roles in emotional wellness support.
- Graduate-level counseling program
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Practical clinical experiences
- Comprehensive couples/family courses
- Professional supervision included
- Evidence-based intervention training
- CSL 556 Couples/Family Counseling course
University of Illinois Springfield
Springfield, IL - Public 4-Year - uis.edu
Master's - M.A. in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling
Concentration: Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website
The University of Illinois Springfield offers a specialized M.A. in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling as a 61-credit concentration within its Human Development Counseling program. This campus-based master's program requires an entrance exam and emphasizes systemic training through four specialized courses in family systems and counseling techniques. Students gain practical experience with at least 120 clinical hours in community agency placements, focusing on multicultural approaches and diverse populations. The curriculum integrates core counseling theories with relational interventions, preparing graduates for professional roles in marriage and family therapy through practicum and internship components.
- 61 total required credit hours
- 4 specialized concentration courses
- Minimum 120 clinical service hours
- Community agency clinical placements
- Comprehensive core counseling curriculum
- Practicum and internship experiences
- Systemic counseling approach
- Multiple counseling theory courses
- Multicultural counseling emphasis
- Professional experience focus
Adler University
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - adler.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Adler University's Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited, 60-credit program that prepares students for LMFT licensure through a two-year, full-time curriculum. Emphasizing social justice, it includes a 200-hour social justice practicum, hands-on clinical training, and options for specializations like sex therapy. No entrance exam is required for this master's program, making it accessible for aspiring therapists focused on systemic challenges and diverse client populations.
- COAMFTE-accredited program
- 60-credit hour master's degree
- Two-year full-time program
- Social justice focused curriculum
- 200-hour social justice practicum
- Prepares for LMFT licensure
- Multiple specialization options
- Optional sex therapy certificate
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy at Adler University is a COAMFTE-accredited doctoral program spanning 4-7 years full-time, with a 63-credit curriculum focused on social justice and cultural competence. It prepares graduates for leadership in academia, research, and clinical practice, offering advanced systemic therapy training and optional sex therapy certification. No entrance exam is required, and the program is licensure-eligible in Illinois, emphasizing hands-on clinical experiences.
- COAMFTE-accredited Ph.D. program
- 63-credit hour curriculum
- Full-time program, 4-7 years
- Located in Chicago campus
- Licensure eligible in Illinois
- Optional sex therapy certification
- Advanced clinical training
- Social justice focused curriculum
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy
Concentration: Certificate in Sex Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website
Adler University's Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy with a Certificate in Sex Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited program that requires a clinical master's degree and a 3.25+ GPA for admission. This 4-year full-time doctoral path integrates advanced systemic therapy with specialized sex therapy training, focusing on social justice and cultural competence. No entrance exam is needed, and it prepares graduates for Illinois LMFT licensure and careers in therapy, research, or academia.
- COAMFTE-accredited Ph.D. program
- Advanced systemic therapy training
- Social justice focused curriculum
- Clinical and academic career preparation
- Optional sex therapy certificate
- Full-time 4-year program
- GPA requirement 3.25+
- Clinical master's degree required
- Illinois LMFT licensure pathway
Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy
Concentration: Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website
Adler University offers a COAMFTE-accredited Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy with a concentration in Substance Abuse Counseling, designed as a 4-year full-time program. It includes advanced clinical practicums, a dissertation, and a full-time internship, supported by licensed faculty mentorship. No entrance exam is required, and the program emphasizes social justice, preparing doctoral candidates for roles in clinical practice, teaching, and research with specialized substance abuse skills.
- Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy
- COAMFTE-accredited program
- 4-year full-time doctoral program
- Clinical + research focus
- Optional sex therapy certificate
- Licensed faculty mentorship
- Social justice orientation
- Doctoral dissertation required
- Advanced clinical practicum
- Full-time internship included
The Chicago School at Chicago
Chicago, IL - Private 4-year - thechicagoschool.edu
Master's - M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
This COAMFTE-accredited M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program emphasizes systemic, culturally competent approaches to mental health through a practitioner-scholar model. Students complete 60 credit hours and gain 300 supervised clinical hours, developing expertise in treating individuals, couples, and families. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, three recommendation letters, and an interview, with no GRE needed. The program focuses on relational healing and community mental health, offering multiple campus locations for hands-on clinical training in diverse populations.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- 60 credit hours total
- 300 clinical supervised hours
- Multiple campus locations
- No GRE required
- Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
- Interview required for admission
- Three recommendation letters needed
- Practitioner-scholar model
- Systemic therapy approach
Graduate Certificate - M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
The Chicago School's M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program provides comprehensive training through a systemic lens, preparing students to work with diverse populations across developmental stages. This COAMFTE-accredited program spans two to three years and includes 300 clinical training hours with practicum experience. With no GRE requirement and options for both in-person and online learning, students develop advanced therapeutic skills to make meaningful impacts in mental health settings. The program requires a 3.0 GPA and features two in-person residencies, costing $1,409 per credit hour.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- Two-three year duration
- No GRE required
- Multiple campus locations
- Online and in-person options
- 300 clinical training hours
- 3.0 GPA requirement
- $1,409 per credit hour
- Practicum experience included
- Two in-person residencies
MFT Programs in Illinois
Students pursuing an MFT degree in Illinois can choose from accredited programs that meet the state’s licensure requirements, offering clinical experience, faculty mentorship, and a variety of specializations. Some programs focus on traditional in-person learning, while others provide hybrid models that blend online coursework with local practicum experiences.
The curriculum for MFT programs in Illinois typically includes courses in family systems, mental health assessment, couples therapy, and multicultural counseling. These subjects ensure that students develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to work with diverse populations in Illinois’ mental health field. Many programs also emphasize preparing students for the licensing exam, integrating exam review components within their coursework.
Illinois’s Quickest MFT Programs
- Fastest completion time: Some programs allow students to finish their master’s degree in two years with a structured, full-time course load and integrated clinical training.
- Year-round enrollment: Some programs offer summer and accelerated courses, helping students complete coursework at a faster pace than traditional semester-based programs.
- Practicum integration: Certain programs embed clinical training into the first year, allowing students to complete their required hours alongside their coursework rather than waiting until the final year.
- Prior learning credit: Students with a background in psychology, social work, or counseling may be able to transfer relevant credits, reducing the number of courses they need to take.
For students who want to enter the workforce as quickly as possible, choosing a structured MFT program with early clinical placement opportunities can help speed up the path to licensure and professional practice.
Illinois’s Cheapest MFT Programs
- Public universities offer lower tuition rates: In-state students can take advantage of affordable tuition at public institutions, making MFT education more accessible.
- Financial aid and scholarships: Many MFT programs provide scholarships and assistantships to help students reduce costs, with special funding available for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Hybrid and part-time learning options: Online and hybrid programs allow students to work while completing their degree, helping them offset tuition costs through employment.
- Loan forgiveness programs: Therapists who work in underserved areas of Illinois may qualify for student loan forgiveness or tuition reimbursement programs, making the degree a cost-effective investment.
Students concerned about affordability should explore financial aid options, employer tuition assistance, and state-sponsored mental health workforce initiatives that help reduce the overall cost of earning an MFT degree in Illinois.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Illinois
- Earn an accredited graduate degree: Students must complete a COAMFTE-accredited master’s or doctoral degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field.
- Complete supervised clinical experience: Illinois requires 3,000 total supervised hours, with at least 1,000 hours in direct client contact and 200 hours of clinical supervision.
- Pass the National MFT Exam: Applicants must take and pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam, which assesses clinical skills, ethical decision-making, and theoretical knowledge.
- Submit licensure application: Candidates must submit all required documentation, including academic transcripts, proof of supervised experience, and exam results, to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- Maintain continuing education: To keep their license active, LMFTs in Illinois must complete 30 continuing education (CE) credits every two years, including courses on ethics and cultural competence.
The licensing process ensures that LMFTs in Illinois are well-equipped to handle clinical cases, maintain ethical standards, and provide effective therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Illinois
- Average Salary: $62,800 per year
- Top 10% Salary: $95,000+ per year
- Entry-Level Salary: $50,000 per year
- High-Demand Areas: Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, Rockford
- Primary Work Environments: Private practice, community mental health centers, university counseling services, hospital-based therapy
Illinois’ growing mental health sector provides many opportunities for LMFTs, particularly in urban areas like Chicago, where demand for licensed therapists continues to increase. Additionally, rural and suburban areas face shortages of mental health professionals, creating job openings for MFTs willing to work in community-based mental health services.
The rise of teletherapy and digital mental health services has further expanded job options, allowing therapists to work remotely and serve clients across the state. This has been particularly beneficial for rural and underserved communities, where access to in-person therapy may be limited.
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