Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Oklahoma 2026
Oklahoma offers several COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, providing students with high-quality clinical training and preparation for state licensure. As the demand for licensed therapists continues to rise, particularly in rural and underserved areas, Oklahoma remains a strong state for MFT education and career opportunities.
In this guide
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK - Public 4-Year - okstate.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma State University's COAMFTE-accredited MS in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares 8-12 students annually for licensure and doctoral studies without requiring the GRE. Applications are accepted from September 1 to December 1 for fall admission. The program emphasizes ethical, culturally competent therapy through supervised clinical training at the on-campus clinic, which provides low-cost services to the Stillwater community. Funding opportunities including assistantships, scholarships, and travel support are available to students.
- COAMFTE accredited program.
- Master of Science degree.
- On-campus clinical training.
- Prepares for licensure exam.
- Applications open September 1.
- Applications due December 1.
- Fall semester start.
- 8-12 students admitted.
- Funding opportunities available.
- Assistantships and scholarships offered.
Graduate Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy, MS
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma State University's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy offers a rigorous 60-hour curriculum with no GRE requirement. This full-time program admits 12 students annually and requires applications by December 1. Students complete 400 clinical contact hours through supervised practicum at the on-campus MFT Clinic, benefiting from mentorship by doctoral-level faculty. The program boasts a 100% national exam pass rate and prepares graduates for licensure with thesis and non-thesis options available.
- COAMFTE-accredited program
- 60-hour comprehensive degree
- Full-time study only
- 2 years (24 months) completion
- 400 clinical contact hours
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Applications due December 1
- 12 students admitted annually
- On-campus MFT Clinic
- 100% national exam pass rate
Cameron University
Lawton, OK - Public 4-Year - cameron.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Mental Health (Marriage and Family Therapy)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Cameron University's Master of Arts in Mental Health with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration prepares students for LMFT licensure in Oklahoma. This campus-based program requires a 3.0 GPA for admission and acceptance into graduate studies, but no entrance exam is specified. The curriculum includes a 24-credit-hour core plus 24 additional credits, focusing on developing professional competencies for marriage and family therapy practice. The program is pre-approved by the Oklahoma board, emphasizing licensure preparation and mental health services training.
- Marriage and Family Therapy option
- Prepares for LMFT licensure
- 24 credit-hour core
- 24 additional credit hours
- Admission GPA 3.0 or above
- Acceptance to graduate studies required
- Pre-approved by Oklahoma board
- Focus on mental health services
- Targets licensure preparation
- Professional practice competencies
Master's - Master of Arts in Mental Health (Counseling)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Cameron University offers a Master of Arts in Mental Health with a Counseling concentration, preparing graduates for professional practice in mental health services. This campus program requires a 3.0 GPA and acceptance to graduate studies for admission, with no entrance exam mentioned. The curriculum includes a 24-credit-hour core and 24 additional credits, and is pre-approved by the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health Licensure. The program focuses on counseling training and licensure preparation for those seeking careers in mental health.
- Master of Arts degree
- Marriage and Family Therapy option
- Licensure preparation for LMFT
- Oklahoma State Board pre-approved
- 24 credit-hour core
- 24 additional credit hours
- Admission requires 3.0 GPA
- Admission to graduate studies
- Campus-based program
- Professional practice focus
Oklahoma Baptist University
Shawnee, OK - Private 4-year - okbu.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma Baptist University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy program blends family therapy and psychology courses with a Christian perspective. This hybrid program features an onsite MFT community clinic where students gain supervised clinical experience with real clients. Students can pursue an integrated undergraduate-to-graduate pathway, completing both degrees in approximately six years. The program emphasizes faculty mentorship, professional networking through state organizations, and offers departmental scholarships for upper-class students. No entrance exam is explicitly mentioned as required for this master's level program.
- Master of Science degree.
- Marriage and Family Therapy program.
- Onsite MFT community clinic.
- Supervised clinical experience.
- Integrated undergraduate-to-graduate pathway.
- Approximately six-year completion.
- Separate application required.
- Department scholarships available.
- Upper-class student awards.
- Faculty mentorship provided.
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
Tulsa, OK - Public 4-Year - medicine.okstate.edu
Master's - Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science with an option in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences provides a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science with a Marriage and Family Therapy option. This campus program emphasizes integrative-systemic therapeutic services through hands-on clinical training at an on-campus clinic, serving diverse populations. Doctoral-level faculty guide students in culturally competent, research-informed approaches to therapy for individuals, couples, and families. Graduates are prepared for the national licensing exam and can pursue professional practice or doctoral studies, with no specific entrance exam mentioned as required.
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- On-campus clinical training clinic
- Doctoral-level expert faculty
- National licensing exam preparation
- Serves individuals, couples, families
- Research-informed therapeutic approach
- Culturally competent training
- Doctoral study pathway available
Graduate Certificate - Marriage and Family Therapy, MS
Campus Based - Visit Website
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy that requires 60 credit hours and includes 400 clinical contact hours. This campus-based program features a 100% national exam pass rate and provides hands-on training through an on-campus clinic with advanced supervision. Students can choose between thesis and non-thesis options while developing clinical skills in relationship dynamics. The program requires full-time study and offers graduate assistantships, preparing graduates for licensure as therapists.
- COAMFTE accredited program
- 60-hour comprehensive curriculum
- 400 clinical contact hours
- 100% national exam pass rate
- Full-time study required
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- State-of-art on-campus clinic
- Faculty with doctoral degrees
- 15-month clinical training
- Graduate assistantships available
MFT Programs Available in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to several accredited MFT programs, offering students theoretical knowledge, hands-on clinical training, and pathways to licensure.
Top Accredited MFT Programs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University – MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
- COAMFTE-accredited program with a focus on systemic family therapy, clinical research, and trauma-informed care.
- Provides internship placements in community mental health clinics and private therapy practices, ensuring hands-on clinical training.
- Affordable tuition rates for in-state students, making it a top choice for those seeking a cost-effective MFT degree.
University of Central Oklahoma – Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Regionally accredited program designed for students pursuing LMFT licensure in Oklahoma.
- Includes clinical practicum experiences in nonprofit counseling organizations, school-based therapy, and hospital settings.
- Emphasizes evidence-based therapy techniques and ethical clinical practice.
Oklahoma’s Quickest MFT Programs
- Oklahoma State University’s MS in MFT can be completed in two years, integrating coursework and supervised clinical training to expedite licensure preparation.
- The University of Central Oklahoma’s MFT program offers a structured two-year path, including internship placements during the second year.
- Online COAMFTE-accredited programs from other states allow Oklahoma students to complete coursework quickly, while fulfilling supervised experience requirements in their local communities.
- Students with prior psychology or counseling coursework may transfer credits, shortening their degree completion time.
For students looking to graduate as quickly as possible, selecting full-time programs with early clinical placements ensures an efficient path to licensure.
Oklahoma’s Cheapest MFT Programs
- Oklahoma State University offers one of the most affordable COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, making it a top choice for cost-conscious students.
- University of Central Oklahoma provides tuition assistance and financial aid, helping reduce overall program costs.
- Loan forgiveness programs for LMFTs working in underserved areas help students manage student debt while gaining professional experience.
- Hybrid and online MFT programs offer flexible payment options and lower tuition rates for Oklahoma residents.
For students seeking the most affordable route to an MFT degree, applying for scholarships, assistant-ships, and employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement programs can help reduce educational expenses.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Oklahoma
1. Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Complete an MFT or related mental health graduate program that meets Oklahoma’s licensure requirements.
- Ensure coursework includes family therapy models, mental health assessment, ethical practices, and clinical intervention techniques.
2. Complete 3,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
- Gain post-graduate clinical hours, with 1,000 hours of direct client contact under a licensed MFT supervisor.
- Work in approved therapy settings, such as mental health agencies, hospitals, or private practice clinics.
3. 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, ethical standards, and client treatment plans.
4. Apply for Licensure Through the Oklahoma State Board of Behavioral Health
- Submit official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, and national exam scores for licensure approval.
- Complete any additional licensing requirements, such as background checks and ethics training.
5. Maintain Licensure with Continuing Education
- Complete 40 continuing education (CE) hours every two years, including coursework in ethics, trauma-informed therapy, and advanced clinical training.
- Attend professional workshops and online training programs to stay updated on best practices in family therapy.
Following this structured process ensures a smooth transition from student to licensed LMFT, qualifying professionals to work in private practice, behavioral health organizations, and teletherapy programs.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Oklahoma
Oklahoma offers strong career opportunities for LMFTs, with demand increasing in hospitals, school counseling, and outpatient behavioral health clinics. The average salary for LMFTs in Oklahoma is $59,400 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $90,000 annually.
Where LMFTs Work in Oklahoma
- Private therapy practices provide higher earning potential and flexible scheduling for LMFTs.
- Hospitals and behavioral health agencies employ LMFTs for integrated treatment programs.
- School-based mental health services allow LMFTs to work with children, adolescents, and families in educational settings.
- Teletherapy services are expanding, giving LMFTs the ability to work remotely while serving underserved communities.
With competitive salaries, diverse career opportunities, and expanding mental health programs, Oklahoma is a strong market for LMFT professionals.
Oklahoma offers several high-quality MFT programs, structured licensure pathways, and growing job opportunities for licensed therapists. With affordable tuition rates, flexible program options, and financial incentives for therapists working in rural areas, Oklahoma remains a great location for aspiring LMFTs.
For students seeking a well-rounded, cost-effective, and career-driven MFT education, Oklahoma’s programs provide the clinical training, licensure preparation, and real-world experience necessary to succeed in private practice, community counseling, and behavioral health settings. Whether working in urban therapy centers or supporting rural mental health initiatives, LMFTs in Oklahoma play a critical role in strengthening family relationships and improving mental health care across the state.
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