Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in South Carolina 2025
South Carolina provides several COAMFTE-accredited and regionally approved Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) programs, offering students high-quality clinical training and state-approved pathways to licensure. With a rising demand for mental health professionals, particularly in Charleston, Columbia, and rural regions, LMFTs play a critical role in improving family and relationship therapy services across the state.
In this guide
2025 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in South Carolina
Finding the right Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) program in South Carolina matters. At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we've ranked the best options to help you choose. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student success. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, our rankings guide you to the top programs. We make it easy to find a program that fits your goals. Learn how we rank these programs https://marriagefamilytherapist.org/rankings-methodology/.
Converse University
Spartanburg, SC - Private 4-year - converse.edu
Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Converse University's Master of Marriage and Family Therapy prepares aspiring therapists through an intensive two-year COAMFTE-accredited program. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum spanning 63 credit hours, including a transformative 15-month clinical practicum at EMERGE Family Therapy Center. The program distinguishes itself by providing students with extensive hands-on experience, requiring 500 client contact hours across diverse therapeutic settings. Located in two South Carolina campuses, the program maintains a small cohort model with approximately 15 students, ensuring personalized mentorship and individualized professional development. Full-time students can complete the degree within two years, with a maximum five-year completion timeline.
- Only COAMFTE-accredited MFT program in SC
- Two campus locations: Spartanburg/Greenville
- 63 total credit hours
- 15-month clinical practicum
- 500 client contact hours required
- Full-time program only
- No GRE required
- Fall semester start only
- Cohort model
- Average 15 students per cohort
Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT)
Concentration: Play Therapy - Campus Based - Visit Website
Converse University's Master of Marriage and Family Therapy with Play Therapy concentration offers specialized training for clinicians interested in child-centered therapeutic approaches. The program integrates systemic and developmental perspectives, preparing students to effectively work with children and families through advanced therapeutic techniques. Students complete a robust curriculum emphasizing play therapy interventions, cultural competence, and comprehensive clinical skills. The 63-credit hour program includes an extensive 15-month clinical practicum, allowing students to gain profound practical experience in supporting child psychological development and family dynamics through innovative play-based therapeutic strategies.
- COAMFTE-accredited program
- Two campus locations: Spartanburg, Greenville
- 63 total credit hours
- 15-month clinical practicum
- 500 client contact hours
- Full-time program only
- No GRE required
- Fall semester start
- Limited assistantships available
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
Columbia International University
Columbia, SC - Private 4-year - ciu.edu
Master's - Postgraduate Certificate in Marriage & Family Counseling
Online Learning - Visit Website
Columbia International University offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Marriage & Family Counseling, designed for professionals seeking to enhance their therapeutic skills in a faith-based context. This online program delves into advanced counseling techniques tailored for couples, families, and individuals across the lifespan. It emphasizes a biblical approach to therapy, equipping students with the knowledge to address complex family dynamics and mental health issues. Graduates are well-prepared for state licensure as therapist interns, ready to serve in various counseling settings. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring a holistic understanding of marriage and family therapy.
- Postgraduate Certificate Available
- Advanced Counseling Training
- State Licensing Preparation
- Focuses on Families/Couples
- Biblical Counseling Perspective
South Carolina’s Quickest MFT Programs
Since South Carolina has limited in-state MFT programs, students seeking the quickest route to LMFT licensure should consider accelerated program options and structured pathways that allow them to complete their degree efficiently.
Ways to Earn an MFT Degree Faster
- Enroll in Converse University’s full-time MMFT program, which can be completed in approximately two years with intensive coursework and supervised clinical training.
- Choose an Online COAMFTE-Accredited MFT Program, which may offer accelerated coursework, allowing students to complete required credits more quickly.
- Gain Supervised Clinical Experience While Completing Coursework, as some programs allow students to begin internship hours in their second year, expediting licensure requirements.
- Transfer Graduate Credits from Related Fields, such as psychology or counseling, to reduce the total number of required courses.
For students looking for a fast track to LMFT licensure, enrolling in a structured program with early clinical placements and full-time study options is the most efficient approach.
South Carolina’s Cheapest MFT Programs
Earning an MFT degree in South Carolina can be affordable with the right planning, as students can explore tuition assistance programs, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities.
Ways to Reduce MFT Education Costs
- Choose Converse University’s MMFT program, as it is the only in-state COAMFTE-accredited program, making it a more affordable option for South Carolina residents.
- Apply for South Carolina State Grants & Scholarships, including need-based and merit-based financial aid for graduate students pursuing mental health degrees.
- Consider Online MFT Programs with Lower Tuition Rates, as some out-of-state universities offer competitive tuition for South Carolina students.
- Utilize Employer Tuition Reimbursement, as many hospitals, mental health agencies, and schools offer tuition assistance for employees pursuing advanced degrees.
- Seek Loan Forgiveness for LMFTs in High-Need Areas, as South Carolina provides loan repayment programs for therapists working in underserved mental health facilities.
By exploring state-funded tuition assistance, private scholarships, and employer-sponsored education benefits, students can make earning an MFT degree more affordable.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in South Carolina
1. Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Complete Converse University’s MMFT program or an online COAMFTE-accredited program that meets South Carolina’s licensure standards.
- Ensure coursework covers family therapy theories, ethics, trauma-informed care, and clinical intervention strategies.
2. Complete 1,500 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
- Gain post-graduate clinical hours, with 500 hours dedicated to direct client contact under a licensed MFT supervisor.
- Work in approved therapy settings, such as mental health clinics, hospitals, private practices, or school counseling programs.
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 relationship counseling, ethical decision-making, and therapy techniques.
4. Apply for Licensure Through the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psycho-Educational Specialists
- Submit official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, and passing exam scores for licensure approval.
- Complete any additional state-specific licensing requirements, such as background checks and ethics training.
5. Maintain Licensure with Continuing Education
- Complete 40 continuing education (CE) hours every renewal cycle, including coursework in professional ethics, trauma-informed care, and specialized therapy techniques.
- Participate in workshops, professional conferences, and online training programs to stay updated on best practices in family therapy.
Becoming a licensed marriage & family therapist qualifies professionals to work in private practice, behavioral health clinics, and school-based therapy programs.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in South Carolina
South Carolina offers strong career opportunities for LMFTs, with demand increasing in private practices, school-based counseling programs, and behavioral health organizations. The average salary for LMFTs in South Carolina is $62,300 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $90,000 annually.
Where LMFTs Work in South Carolina
- Private therapy practices offer high earning potential and flexible work schedules.
- Hospitals and behavioral health organizations employ LMFTs for crisis intervention and integrated care.
- School-based therapy programs allow LMFTs to support children, adolescents, and families in academic settings.
- Teletherapy services are expanding, increasing remote work opportunities for LMFTs.
With competitive salaries, high job demand, and diverse career opportunities, South Carolina is a great state for LMFT professionals.
Related Articles
- From Student to Therapist: What to Expect in Your MFT Clinical Internship
- The ROI of an MFT Degree: Analyzing the Financial Investment in Your Therapy Career
- Who Will You Treat as a Marriage & Family Therapist? A Career Guide for Aspiring MFTs
- MFT Doctorate Degrees: DMFT vs PhD – Who Should Pursue Each Path?
- LMFT vs MFT: Is Licensure Necessary for Your Therapy Career?