Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in North Carolina 2026

East Carolina University's MS in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 51-credit, two-year full-time program accredited by COAMFTE since 1992. The on-campus curriculum emphasizes systems theory and diverse clinical orientations, preparing students for LMFT licensure through clinical experience at the ECU Family Therapy Clinic and community placements. Admission requires official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and may include a personal interview or video response. No entrance exam is specified as required.

• 51 semester hours required
• Full-time study over two years
• On-campus, face-to-face format
• COAMFTE accredited since 1992
• Clinical experience at ECU Family Therapy Clinic
• Off-campus placements available
• Admission requires application form
• Official transcripts needed
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose required

East Carolina University offers an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy with a Medical Family Therapy Certificate, requiring 51 credits over two years of full-time study. This COAMFTE-accredited program focuses on applying systems theory within medical contexts, featuring clinical training at the Family Therapy Clinic with live faculty supervision. Students develop personalized therapeutic approaches through didactic coursework and hands-on practice. Admission requires official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, with no entrance exam specified as required.

• 51 semester hours required
• Two-year full-time program
• COAMFTE accredited since 1992
• On-campus face-to-face format
• Clinical experience at Family Therapy Clinic
• Live supervision from faculty
• Three letters of recommendation required
• Official transcripts needed
• Statement of purpose required
• Personal interview may be required

Gardner-Webb University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master of Arts program features a specialized Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling concentration that prepares students for dual LMFT and LCMHC licensure. This 69-credit campus-based program requires an entrance exam and provides comprehensive training in family dynamics assessment, multicultural counseling, and evidence-based interventions. The Southern Baptist-affiliated institution offers military-friendly policies and emphasizes holistic therapeutic approaches through clinical practicum and advanced theoretical coursework.

• 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

Gardner-Webb University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master of Arts program offers comprehensive training for aspiring therapists, with potential dual licensure as LCMHC and LMFT. This campus-based 69-credit program requires an entrance exam and emphasizes multicultural competence, evidence-based interventions, and professional ethics. The Southern Baptist-affiliated university provides military-friendly policies and includes clinical practicum, diagnostic training, and research components to prepare graduates for diverse mental health settings.

• 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's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 51-credit in-person program preparing students for clinical practice with individuals, couples, and families. Admission requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and two academic references, with five years of relevant work experience accepted as an alternative. No GRE is required for entry. The program offers an optional Addictions Counseling Certificate that can lead to LCAS eligibility. Applications for the fall cohort are due by February 1.

• Master of Arts degree
• 51 semester hours required
• In-person program delivery
• COAMFTE-accredited program
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• No GRE requirement
• Two reference letters needed
• Work experience alternative
• Fall cohort admission
• February 1 deadline

Montreat College offers an online Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy focus. This Interdenominational program provides flexibility for working professionals and is military-friendly. The curriculum integrates psychological principles with clinical training for family systems. An entrance exam like the GRE may be required for admission, though applicants should verify current requirements directly with the institution. The program emphasizes practical skills through supervised experience, preparing graduates for licensure in North Carolina and beyond.

• Master of Science degree.
• Counseling Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy.
• Online program delivery.
• 54-60 credit hours required.
• 6-8 semesters completion time.
• Eight-week course sessions.
• Six start dates yearly.
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement.
• Resume submission needed.
• Official transcripts required.