Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in North Carolina 2025
North Carolina offers a variety of COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, providing students with a strong foundation in clinical practice, research, and licensure preparation. As the state’s mental health sector continues to expand, LMFTs are in demand across private practices, healthcare organizations, and community-based mental health programs.
In this guide
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in North Carolina
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC - Private 4-year - gardner-webb.edu
Graduate Certificate - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts
Concentration: Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling - Campus Based - Visit Website
Gardner-Webb University's Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling concentration within the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program provides specialized training focused specifically on family dynamics. This 69-credit curriculum prepares students for dual licensure as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors. The program emphasizes holistic therapeutic interventions, multicultural counseling competence, and evidence-based practices through clinical practicum experiences. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's level program. Students complete nine specialized MCFC courses covering advanced theoretical foundations, diagnostic training, and state licensing preparation for diverse client populations.
- 60-69 total credit hours
- Optional MCFC concentration
- Prepares for LMFT/LCMHC
- Clinical practicum included
- Research and diagnostic training
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Advanced theoretical foundations
- State licensing preparation
- 9 additional MCFC courses
Graduate Certificate - Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Master of Arts
Campus Based - Visit Website
Gardner-Webb University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's program offers comprehensive training without requiring a specific concentration. This 69-credit graduate pathway develops advanced theoretical knowledge and practical clinical skills for mental health professionals. The program prepares graduates for competitive positions in the mental health field with dual licensure opportunities as Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. No entrance exam is necessary for admission. Curriculum components include multicultural counseling focus, professional ethics emphasis, research and evaluation training, and extensive clinical experience through practicum and internship requirements for diverse therapeutic interventions.
- Optional MCFC Concentration
- 60-69 total credit hours
- Dual licensure preparation
- Multicultural counseling focus
- Practicum and internship included
- Research and evaluation components
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Theoretical and practical skills
- Professional ethics emphasis
- Advanced diagnostic training
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC - Public 4-Year - appstate.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy: Master of Arts (MA)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Appalachian State University's COAMFTE-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy MA program delivers comprehensive 51-semester-hour clinical training through in-person coursework. Students develop systemic therapeutic skills for diverse populations, with opportunities for addictions counseling certification and LCAS pathway preparation. The program emphasizes professional licensure readiness and offers a GRE waiver for fall 2024 admission applications due February 1, 2024.
- 51 semester hours required
- COAMFTE accredited program
- Fall 2024 admission deadline Feb 1
- In-person clinical training
- GRE waiver available
- Optional Addictions Counseling Certificate
- LCAS certification pathway
- Professional licensure preparation
Montreat College
Montreat, NC - Private 4-year - montreat.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Counseling Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Learning - Visit Website
Montreat College's online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy offers a flexible path to licensure through its 54-credit curriculum, expandable to 60 credits for enhanced clinical training. This program uniquely integrates Christian faith with systemic therapy practices, delivered via eight-week online courses that accommodate working professionals. With strong job market alignment—21.7% national growth and average regional salaries of $54,551—it prepares graduates for diverse counseling roles. The program does not require an entrance exam, emphasizing accessibility through multiple annual start dates and a 3.0 minimum GPA requirement.
- Online graduate degree program
- 54-60 credit hours total
- 8-week course sessions
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Christian faith integration
- Licensed MFT preparation
- Full-time: 6 credit hours/semester
- Optional 60-credit licensure track
- National background check required
- Multiple start dates annually
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC - Public 4-Year - ecu.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, MS
Campus Based - Visit Website
East Carolina University's COAMFTE-accredited Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy is a full-time, two-year campus program requiring 51 semester hours with no thesis. Students gain extensive clinical experience at the on-campus Family Therapy Clinic, focusing on systems theory and diverse therapeutic techniques to support individuals, couples, and families. Admission requires a statement of purpose and three recommendation letters; no entrance exam is mentioned as required for this master's program.
- 51 semester hours total
- Full-time, two-year program
- COAMFTE accredited since 1992
- On-campus face-to-face format
- Clinical experience at ECU clinic
- 9 semester hours clinical placement
- No thesis required
- Optional Medical Family Therapy Certificate
- Three recommendation letters needed
- Statement of purpose required
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, MS
Concentration: Medical Family Therapy Certificate - Campus Based - Visit Website
East Carolina University offers a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Medical Family Therapy Certificate, emphasizing hands-on clinical training at the ECU clinic in a COAMFTE-accredited, two-year campus program. The 51-semester-hour curriculum builds advanced skills for licensed therapy, integrating theory and practice without a thesis. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose and three recommendation letters; no entrance exam is specified as required for this master's-level program.
- COAMFTE accredited since 1992
- Two-year full-time program
- 51 semester hours required
- On-campus face-to-face format
- 9 semester hours clinical experience
- ECU Family Therapy Clinic training
- Three recommendation letters needed
- Statement of purpose required
- No thesis mandatory
- Medical Family Therapy Certificate available
Other MFT Programs Available in North Carolina
North Carolina has several COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved MFT programs, ensuring students receive high-quality academic training that meets state licensing requirements.
Top Accredited MFT Programs in North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Greensboro – MS in Counseling with MFT Track
- Offers a regionally accredited counseling program with an MFT concentration, ensuring students receive comprehensive training in relationship counseling and mental health assessment.
- Strong partnerships with local mental health organizations provide valuable clinical internship opportunities.
North Carolina’s Quickest MFT Programs
- East Carolina University’s MS in MFT can be completed in two years with full-time enrollment and intensive clinical training.
- Appalachian State University offers a structured 2.5-year MFT program, integrating coursework with supervised clinical experience.
- Online COAMFTE-accredited programs from neighboring states allow students to complete coursework at an accelerated pace while fulfilling clinical training requirements in North Carolina.
- Students with prior graduate-level coursework in psychology or counseling may transfer credits, shortening their degree completion timeline.
For students seeking a fast-track to licensure, enrolling in full-time programs with early clinical placements ensures efficient progress toward graduation and professional practice. Learn about the fastest MFT programs.
North Carolina’s Cheapest MFT Programs
- East Carolina University offers one of the most affordable COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs in the state, making it a top choice for budget-conscious students.
- Appalachian State University and UNC Greensboro provide financial aid, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
- Loan forgiveness programs are available for LMFTs who commit to working in rural or underserved mental health settings, helping students offset tuition costs while gaining valuable experience.
- Online and hybrid programs from accredited institutions may offer lower tuition rates and flexible payment options, making them a viable choice for students balancing work and education.
By exploring state-funded tuition assistance, private scholarships, and employer-based financial aid, students can make MFT education more affordable and accessible.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in North Carolina
Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Complete an MFT or related mental health graduate program that meets North Carolina’s licensure requirements.
- Ensure coursework includes family therapy models, ethics, and clinical assessment training.
Complete 1,500 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
- Gain post-graduate clinical hours, including 750 hours of direct client contact under a licensed MFT supervisor.
- Work in approved therapy settings, such as mental health agencies, hospitals, or private practices.
Pass the National MFT Examination
- Successfully take and pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam.
- Demonstrate competency in therapy interventions, ethics, and clinical assessments.
Apply for Licensure Through the North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board
- Submit official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, and exam scores for licensure approval.
- Complete any additional requirements mandated by the state licensing board.
Maintain Licensure with Continuing Education
- Complete 40 continuing education (CE) hours every two years, including coursework in ethics, trauma-informed care, and advanced therapy techniques.
- Attend workshops, training programs, and online courses to stay up to date with new mental health research.
This structured process ensures a smooth transition from student to licensed LMFT, allowing professionals to work in private practice, school-based mental health services, and teletherapy programs.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in North Carolina
North Carolina’s mental health sector is growing, providing strong job opportunities for LMFTs in private practice, behavioral health organizations, and telehealth services. The average salary for LMFTs in North Carolina is $63,900 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $95,000 annually.
Where LMFTs Work in North Carolina
- Private therapy practices provide higher earning potential and flexible work schedules.
- Hospitals and community mental health centers offer job stability and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
- School-based counseling programs allow LMFTs to work with children and adolescents in educational settings.
- Teletherapy expansion has increased demand for LMFTs providing remote counseling services, allowing therapists to serve clients across North Carolina.
With competitive salaries, high demand for therapists, and diverse career paths, North Carolina remains a top destination for LMFT professionals.
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