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
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in South Carolina
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 (MMFT) is South Carolina's only COAMFTE-accredited program, offering rigorous training across two campuses in Spartanburg and Greenville. This two-year, full-time cohort program requires 63 credit hours and features an intensive 15-month clinical practicum at EMERGE Family Therapy Center, where students complete 500 client contact hours. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, and notably, no GRE entrance exam is required. The program emphasizes cultural competence and personalized learning through small cohorts averaging 15 students.
- 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 COAMFTE-accredited Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) with a Play Therapy concentration provides specialized training in therapeutic play techniques within a systemic framework. Students complete 63 credit hours, including a 15-month clinical practicum at EMERGE Family Therapy Center, accumulating 500 client contact hours with diverse populations. This full-time, two-year program at Spartanburg and Greenville campuses admits cohorts of about 15 students, requiring a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA and no GRE entrance exam, fostering hands-on, culturally competent clinical skills.
- 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 an online Postgraduate Certificate in Marriage & Family Counseling designed for professionals seeking advanced training. This program focuses on counseling couples, families, children, and adolescents, with an emphasis on biblical perspectives and practical skills to address diverse family dynamics. It prepares students for state licensing as therapist interns, covering mental health interventions and therapeutic techniques. No entrance exam is required for this postgraduate-level program. Highlights include specialized training for family and couple counseling, licensing preparation, and integration of faith-based approaches in 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.
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