Kansas offers three graduate-level MFT programs, including a COAMFTE-accredited option that strengthens interstate license portability.
The Kansas BSRB accepts online MFT degrees as long as coursework and clinical hours meet its specific content requirements.
Nationally, MFTs earned a median salary of $63,780 in 2024, with 13 percent job growth projected over the coming decade.
Post-master's MFT certificates let counseling or social work graduates add the coursework needed for Kansas LMFT licensure.
Kansas licenses marriage and family therapists through the Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB), which sets strict coursework and clinical-hour thresholds that only a handful of in-state graduate programs are built to satisfy. As of 2026, just three Kansas-based institutions offer dedicated MFT or marriage-and-family counseling master's tracks: Friends University in Wichita, MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, and Ottawa University. Only one holds COAMFTE accreditation, a distinction that directly affects interstate license portability.
That small program pool simplifies your search but raises the stakes of each decision. Tuition, clinical placement structure, hybrid scheduling, and accreditation type vary enough across these three options to meaningfully shape your path to licensure, your total cost, and your long-term career flexibility. If you are still weighing whether this profession is right for you, our guide to becoming an MFT outlines every step from enrollment to practice.
Ranked: Best MFT Programs in Kansas
Kansas offers three graduate-level pathways into marriage and family therapy, each with a distinct clinical focus, scheduling model, and accreditation profile. Below, we break down what sets each program apart so you can match your career goals, budget, and lifestyle to the right fit. Note that graduation rates shown are institution-wide figures, not specific to these MFT programs, and program-level earnings and debt data are not yet available for any of the three schools.
NCES-IPEDS federal institutional data — nces.ed.gov
Internal program database
Friends University
#1
Wichita, KS · ~$28,000/yr (est.)
Best for: COAMFTE-focused clinicians in Wichita
Friends University in Wichita stands out as the only Kansas MFT program holding COAMFTE accreditation, a credential that signals rigorous peer review of curriculum and clinical training. Its Master of Science in Family Therapy channels students through a 60-credit, systemic-therapy curriculum with 1,000 clinical training hours, including 500 direct client contact hours, and offers day and evening cohorts at both its Wichita and Lenexa campuses. The institution-wide graduation rate sits at about 43%, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, a median graduate debt of $25,000, and median earnings of roughly $52,100 ten years after enrollment.
Best for: KC metro professionals seeking hybrid flexibility
MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe delivers a CACREP-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling that is purpose-built for dual Kansas and Missouri licensure. The 60-credit program completes in 33 months through a hybrid format with remote attendance options, making it a practical choice for working adults across the Kansas City metro. MNU posts the strongest institutional graduation rate of the three schools at about 54%, the lowest median graduate debt at $15,000, and the highest median earnings at roughly $62,970 ten years out.
Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling — Hybrid
Best for: Career changers wanting diverse counseling concentrations
Ottawa University offers a Master of Arts in Counseling with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration, giving students a broader counseling foundation alongside MFT-specific coursework. The hybrid program requires 900 hours of supervised field placement, a comprehensive exam, and a portfolio, providing structured clinical development. Ottawa's institution-wide graduation rate is lower at about 28%, though its net price of roughly $27,960 and median graduate debt of $21,500 keep it cost-competitive. Students should verify that this concentration meets Kansas-specific MFT licensure requirements, as the program markets broader multi-state alignment.
Master of Arts in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy Concentration — Hybrid
Covers substance abuse, group dynamics, and ethics
12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Comparing Kansas MFT Program Costs
Net price reflects the average annual cost after grants and scholarships are applied and is calculated institution-wide, not specifically for the MFT program. It gives you a more realistic picture of what you will actually pay out of pocket than sticker-price tuition alone. Median debt at completion ranges from $15,000 at MidAmerica Nazarene University to $25,000 at Friends University, so borrowing levels vary meaningfully across these schools.
COAMFTE vs. Non-COAMFTE MFT Programs in Kansas
Understanding the difference between COAMFTE-accredited and non-COAMFTE programs is one of the most important steps you can take before committing to a marriage and family therapy degree in Kansas. Your choice affects not only your education but also the smoothness of your path to licensure.
What COAMFTE Accreditation Means
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) is the specialized accrediting body for MFT programs in the United States and Canada. A COAMFTE-accredited program has been independently reviewed and verified to meet rigorous standards in curriculum design, clinical training, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes. Graduating from one of these programs signals to licensing boards that your coursework and supervised experience already align with national benchmarks for MFT practice. You can browse the full landscape of COAMFTE accredited programs across the country to see how Kansas options compare.
Which Kansas Programs Hold COAMFTE Accreditation?
As of 2026, two programs in Kansas carry COAMFTE accreditation:12
Kansas State University: MS and PhD in Couple and Family Therapy, offered on campus in Manhattan.
Friends University: Master of Science in Family Therapy (MSFT), available on-ground in Wichita and in a blended/hybrid format through the Kansas City/Overland Park location.
All other MFT-related graduate programs available to Kansas residents hold regional accreditation but not COAMFTE designation.
Does the Kansas BSRB Require COAMFTE Accreditation?
No. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) does not mandate COAMFTE accreditation for LMFT or LCMFT licensure. The board accepts graduates of regionally accredited programs, provided the applicant's transcript demonstrates specific coursework thresholds. These include nine semester hours each in human development, marriage and family therapy theory, and assessment and therapy methods, along with three semester hours in research and three in professional ethics. Applicants pursuing the LCMFT credential must also document 15 semester hours in diagnosis and assessment.
This means you can earn your degree from a non-COAMFTE program and still qualify for Kansas licensure, as long as every credit-hour requirement is clearly met.
Practical Advice for Non-COAMFTE Applicants
If you choose a program without COAMFTE accreditation, expect the BSRB application process to require more documentation on your end. You will likely need to submit detailed course descriptions or syllabi so the board can verify that each content area has been covered at the required depth. This can add weeks to your timeline.
A few tips to keep the process manageable:
Request official course descriptions from your program early, ideally before you graduate.
Map each required content area to specific courses on your transcript so the board can verify compliance quickly.
Contact the BSRB directly if any coursework falls into a gray area; getting guidance before you apply is far easier than resolving issues after submission.
Graduates of COAMFTE-accredited programs generally face a simpler review because the accreditation itself serves as evidence that curricular standards have been met. If minimizing administrative hurdles and maximizing portability to other states matters to you, a COAMFTE-accredited program at Kansas State University or Friends University is the most straightforward choice.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do I need a fully online program, or can I attend in-person practicums at a Kansas campus?
Kansas licensure requires supervised clinical hours that almost always involve face-to-face client contact. If you choose an online MFT program, confirm it arranges local practicum placements in Kansas or be prepared to coordinate your own.
Is COAMFTE accreditation a dealbreaker for my licensure goals or future plans to practice in another state?
Kansas does not require COAMFTE accreditation for LMFT licensure, but many other states do streamline reciprocity for graduates of COAMFTE-accredited programs. If you may relocate, accreditation status could save you months of extra paperwork later.
Can I realistically complete 3,000 or more supervised postgraduate clinical hours in my area after graduation?
Kansas requires extensive supervised experience before full licensure. If you live in a rural part of the state, research whether approved supervision sites and board-approved supervisors are accessible nearby, or plan for travel to meet this requirement.
How to Become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Kansas
Earning your LMFT in Kansas is a structured process overseen by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB). From the day you enroll in a qualifying master's program to the moment you hold a full clinical license (LCMFT), expect the journey to take roughly five to six years: two to three years of graduate study followed by at least 24 months of supervised post-degree experience.
Kansas BSRB Licensure Requirements: What Every MFT Student Needs to Know
Earning your master's degree is only the midpoint on the road to practicing as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Kansas. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) sets every requirement you must meet, from specific graduate coursework to post-degree supervised experience and a national exam.1 Here is what the 2025-2026 regulations require at each stage.
Graduate Education Requirements
Kansas requires a master's or doctoral degree from a COAMFTE-accredited program, or an equivalent program that covers five mandated coursework areas:1
Human development and family studies: Foundational knowledge of lifespan development, family systems, and relational dynamics.
Theoretical foundations of MFT: Core therapy models and their application to couples and families.
Assessment and therapy in MFT: Clinical skills in diagnosis, treatment planning, and intervention.
Research: Competence in evaluating and applying research to clinical practice.
Professional studies: Ethics, legal issues, and professional identity in MFT.
Candidates pursuing the Clinical level of licensure (LCMFT) must also complete at least 15 semester hours of coursework in psychopathology.1 During the degree program, students are expected to accumulate a minimum of 500 direct client contact hours and 100 hours of clinical supervision (at least 50 of those in an individual format) through practicum or internship placements.
Post-Degree Supervised Experience
After graduation, aspiring LMFTs must complete 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised experience over a minimum of 24 months.2 At least 1,500 of those hours must involve direct client contact. Supervision itself must total at least 100 hours, with no fewer than 50 conducted individually. Sessions must occur at least twice per month, and group supervision sessions are capped at six supervisees. No more than 50 percent of your total supervision hours may come from group formats.2
Your supervisor must hold board-approved supervisor status through the BSRB, and a formal training plan must be submitted and approved before you begin accruing hours. Kansas offers a temporary license (valid for 24 months, with a $50 fee) so you can practice under supervision while completing this phase. For a broader look at how these steps fit into the national picture, see our guide on LMFT license requirements by state.
Examination and Licensing Fees
Kansas accepts the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination, administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). The exam fee is $365, and you can register through the AMFTRB once you have met the education requirements and received BSRB approval to sit. As of 2026, no changes to the accepted exam have been announced.
Beyond the exam, budget for these BSRB fees:
Application fee: $50
Original LMFT license fee: $150
Biennial renewal: $100 for LMFTs, $125 for LCMFTs
Once licensed, you must complete 40 contact hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your credential.4
Realistic Timeline: Start to Finish
Combining a two-to-three-year master's program with the mandatory 24-month post-degree supervision period and exam preparation, most candidates should expect five to seven years from the first day of graduate school to holding a full LMFT license. Factors that can extend or compress this timeline include part-time enrollment, the pace at which you accumulate direct client hours, and how quickly your training plan is approved by the BSRB. Planning ahead and choosing a program whose curriculum aligns tightly with BSRB coursework requirements can help you avoid delays caused by supplemental coursework.
Can You Complete an Online MFT Program and Get Licensed in Kansas?
Yes, you can earn your MFT degree online and still qualify for licensure in Kansas. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) does not distinguish between online and in-person degrees when evaluating applications. What matters is the content of your coursework, the quality of your clinical training, and whether the program meets the board's educational standards. That said, online learners face a few unique challenges that deserve careful attention before you enroll.
What the Kansas BSRB Requires From Any Program
Kansas accepts graduates of COAMFTE-accredited programs as well as graduates of regionally accredited programs in a related field, provided the coursework aligns with the board's specific semester-hour requirements.2 Those requirements include 9 semester hours each in human development, theoretical foundations, and assessment and therapy, plus 3 semester hours each in research and professional studies. The board does not maintain a preapproved list of universities, so the burden falls on you to confirm your program covers every required content area. An online degree that checks all of these boxes is treated the same as one earned on campus.
Nationally Available Online Programs Worth Researching
Several large online programs enroll students from across the country and are structured to meet MFT licensure requirements in multiple states. Walden University offers a COAMFTE-accredited online MS in Marriage and Family Therapy and is one of the more widely recognized options for distance learners. Liberty University and Northcentral University (now part of National University) also offer online MFT or related counseling degrees. Because Kansas does not publish an approved school list or a problem school list, there is no blanket guarantee for any specific program. You should verify that a program's coursework maps directly onto Kansas requirements before committing tuition dollars. If budget is a primary concern, reviewing affordable online MFT programs can help you narrow the field.
The Practicum Hurdle for Online Students
Even fully online programs require hands-on clinical experience. You will need to complete a practicum or internship involving direct client contact at a site near you, and that placement must meet Kansas BSRB standards. This is where online students sometimes run into trouble. Common issues include:
Non-relational practicum settings: Kansas expects clinical hours grounded in relational and systemic therapy, not solely individual counseling.
Insufficient MFT coursework: Programs heavy on general counseling content may leave gaps in the specific semester hours Kansas mandates.
Degree title mismatch: If your diploma reads "counseling" rather than "marriage and family therapy," you may need to document equivalent coursework in detail.
Inadequate documentation: Some out-of-state programs do not package transcripts and practicum records in the format Kansas reviewers expect.
Securing a quality local placement is your responsibility, so research available clinical sites in your area before you enroll, not after.
Protect Yourself: Contact BSRB Before You Enroll
The single most important step you can take is reaching out to the Kansas BSRB directly to confirm that the specific online program you are considering will satisfy their licensure requirements.2 Board staff can review a program's curriculum outline and flag potential gaps before you invest years of study and thousands of dollars. This five-minute phone call or email could save you from a costly detour. Do not rely solely on a university's marketing materials claiming the degree meets "all state requirements." Kansas licensure is your goal, so get confirmation from the Kansas board itself.
Graduating from a COAMFTE-accredited program is more than a Kansas-specific checkbox. It is career insurance. If you ever relocate, many states require or strongly prefer COAMFTE graduates when evaluating licensure applications. Choosing an accredited program now keeps your options open later, making an interstate move far less complicated from a credentialing standpoint.
MFT Career and Salary Outlook in Kansas
Marriage and family therapists in Kansas can expect competitive compensation, though exact salaries vary by metro area and experience level. Nationally, the median annual wage for MFTs stood at $63,780 as of 2024, with projected job growth of 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, well above the average for all occupations. Kansas-specific metro-level wage breakdowns from the Bureau of Labor Statistics are not currently published for this occupation, likely reflecting the relatively small number of MFTs employed statewide. The table below presents verified national benchmarks; aspiring therapists should consult the Kansas Department of Labor for the most current state and regional figures.
Metric
Value
Source Year
National Median Annual Wage
$63,780
2024
National Median Hourly Wage
$30.66
2024
National Mean Annual Wage
$68,730
2023
Projected National Job Growth Rate
13%
2024 to 2034
Post-Master's MFT Certificate and Bridge Options for Kansas
A post-master's graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy is designed for professionals who already hold a master's degree in a related field, such as counseling, social work, or psychology, and want to add the coursework needed to pursue LMFT licensure. Rather than completing an entirely new master's degree, a post-master's certificate in marriage and family therapy fills gaps in MFT-specific content so candidates can meet state education requirements more efficiently.
Who Benefits Most
This pathway is ideal for licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers, or psychologists who want to expand their scope of practice into couple and family therapy. If you already hold a graduate degree and significant clinical experience, a certificate program can save you considerable time and tuition compared to starting a second master's degree from scratch.
Kansas-Based Options and Out-of-State Alternatives
As of 2026, no Kansas-based institution offers a dedicated post-master's MFT certificate. The state's two COAMFTE-accredited programs, Kansas State University's MS in Couple and Family Therapy and Friends University's MS in Family Therapy, award full master's degrees rather than certificate credentials.2 Candidates looking for a certificate pathway typically turn to online or out-of-state providers. National University offers a fully online Post-Master's Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy that can be completed in roughly 12 to 18 months.3 Northcentral University (now part of National University) has offered an 18-credit post-master's MFT certificate as well.4 The Council for Relationships also provides a postgraduate certificate in MFT, though availability and format vary.5 Note that some programs, such as Regent University's Certificate of Graduate Studies in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling, are designed as supplemental credentials and are not intended for initial licensure.6
How Kansas BSRB Evaluates Certificate Credentials
The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board does not recognize a post-master's certificate as an independent degree track for LMFT licensure.7 However, the Board evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis under K.A.R. 102-5-3.7 In practice, this means a certificate can supplement your existing master's degree if the combined coursework satisfies all required content areas: MFT theory, ethics, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, research methods, and diversity. Your transcript package must also document at least 500 graduate-level client contact hours and 100 hours of clinical supervision.
Beyond education, Kansas requires 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience before full licensure, regardless of whether your qualifying coursework came from a master's degree alone or a master's-plus-certificate combination.7
A Practical Recommendation
If you already hold a related master's degree and want to pursue LMFT licensure, start by requesting a preliminary transcript review from the BSRB. Identify exactly which coursework gaps exist, then select a certificate program that fills those gaps with courses the Board will accept. This targeted approach can shave years off your timeline and keep costs manageable compared to enrolling in a full second degree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas MFT Programs
Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about marriage and family therapy programs and licensure in Kansas. For deeper coverage of any topic, refer to the relevant section of this guide.
What is the best MFT program in Kansas?
The best program depends on your priorities, including cost, format, accreditation, and clinical placement options. Kansas State University and Friends University are frequently cited for their strong MFT curricula. Programs holding COAMFTE accreditation generally offer the most streamlined path to licensure. See the full ranking section above for a detailed comparison.
Are there COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas State University offers a COAMFTE-accredited master's program in marriage and family therapy. COAMFTE accreditation signals that a program meets rigorous national standards for clinical training and coursework, which can simplify the licensure process both in Kansas and in other states. Non-accredited programs may still qualify, but students should verify curriculum alignment with BSRB requirements.
How long does it take to become an LMFT in Kansas?
Most candidates need roughly four to six years after completing a bachelor's degree. A master's program typically takes two to three years, followed by a supervised postgraduate experience of at least 3,000 hours (with a minimum of 1,500 direct client contact hours). The supervised practice phase usually takes an additional two years, depending on your caseload and work setting.
What are the Kansas BSRB requirements for marriage and family therapist licensure?
The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB) requires a qualifying graduate degree, completion of specified MFT coursework, 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical experience, and a passing score on the MFT national licensing examination. Applicants must also pass a jurisprudence exam. Full details are outlined in the licensure requirements section of this article.
Can I get licensed as an MFT in Kansas with an online degree?
Yes, Kansas does not prohibit online degrees for LMFT licensure. However, the program must meet BSRB educational requirements, including supervised clinical practicum hours completed in person. COAMFTE-accredited online programs or those specifically designed to meet Kansas standards are the safest choice. Always confirm with the BSRB before enrolling.
What is the average salary for a marriage and family therapist in Kansas?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marriage and family therapists in Kansas earn a median annual salary that generally falls below the national median of approximately $58,510. Actual earnings vary by employer type, geographic area, and years of experience. The salary and career outlook section of this guide provides a more detailed breakdown.
Is there a post-master's MFT certificate option for Kansas licensure?
Yes. Several universities offer post-master's certificate programs in marriage and family therapy designed for licensed mental health professionals who hold a qualifying master's degree but need additional MFT-specific coursework. These bridge programs can help candidates meet BSRB educational requirements without completing an entirely new degree. See the post-master's certificate section above for available options.
