Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Texas 2025

Abilene Christian University's online Master of Marriage and Family Therapy delivers a comprehensive graduate education for aspiring mental health professionals. This COAMFTE-accredited program provides extensive training in therapeutic techniques across multiple domains including child, adolescent, and family counseling. Students engage in a rigorous 60-credit curriculum completed within 33 months, gaining practical skills through 100+ internship supervision hours. The program offers competitive tuition at $799 per credit hour and prepares graduates for national licensure with flexible online learning. Unique concentrations include Child and Adolescent Therapy, Medical Family Therapy, and Trauma Treatment, ensuring versatile clinical preparation.

• COAMFTE-accredited online program
• 60 credit hours, 33 months
• $799 per credit hour
• 5 unique concentrations
• Prepares for national licensure
• 100+ internship supervision hours
• Christ-centered learning environment
• Flexible online format
• Multiple start dates annually

Specializing in Medical Family Therapy and Trauma Treatment, Abilene Christian University's online master's program offers an advanced approach to mental health intervention. This COAMFTE-accredited curriculum provides in-depth training for professionals seeking specialized skills in complex medical family dynamics. Students explore evidence-based therapeutic strategies specifically addressing trauma and medical system interactions, completing 60 credits through a flexible online format. The program emphasizes practical experience with 100+ hours of supervised internship, preparing graduates for diverse clinical settings including hospitals, clinics, and specialized treatment centers.

• COAMFTE-accredited online program
• 60 credit hours, 33 months minimum
• 5 unique concentration tracks
• $799 per credit hour
• 100+ hours supervised internship
• Prepare for national licensure exam
• Christ-centered learning approach
• Flexible online format
• Multiple start dates available
• Practice settings: clinics, hospitals, agencies

Focused on Child and Adolescent Therapy, Abilene Christian University's online master's program provides targeted training for mental health professionals working with younger populations. This COAMFTE-accredited curriculum offers comprehensive strategies for understanding and treating developmental, familial, and psychological challenges specific to children and adolescents. Students develop advanced therapeutic skills through a 60-credit program emphasizing systemic interventions, diagnostic assessment, and evidence-based treatment approaches. The flexible online format enables working professionals to gain specialized knowledge while preparing for national licensing examinations.

• COAMFTE-accredited online program
• 60 credit hours, 33 months
• Multiple therapy concentrations
• Cost: $799/credit hour
• 100+ internship supervision hours
• Prepares for national licensing exam
• Christ-centered learning environment
• Flexible online format
• Start dates: March, May 2025
• College of Health/Human Services

Designed for professionals serving military families, Abilene Christian University's online master's program offers specialized training in addressing unique psychological challenges faced by service members and their families. This COAMFTE-accredited curriculum provides comprehensive understanding of military culture, deployment stress, trauma, and systemic family dynamics. Students engage in a 60-credit program that combines theoretical knowledge with practical intervention strategies specifically tailored to military family contexts. The flexible online format allows working professionals to develop advanced therapeutic skills while preparing for national licensure.

• 60-credit COAMFTE-accredited program
• Online flexible learning format
• Five specialized concentrations
• $799 per credit hour
• 33-month minimum completion time
• 100+ hours supervised internship
• Prepares for national licensure exam
• Christ-centered educational approach
• Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement

Texas Woman's University offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, a hybrid program designed to equip students with the skills to improve family relationships through a systems perspective. This COAMFTE-accredited program stands out for its emphasis on research and practical experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for licensure and professional practice. With a notable 100% pass rate on national exams and options for thesis research, the program caters to aspiring therapists seeking a blend of academic rigor and hands-on training. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and an on-campus interview, with no GRE needed, making it accessible to a broad range of students.

• COAMFTE Accredited Program
• 3-Year Typical Completion
• 100% National Exam Pass Rate
• No GRE Required
• Thesis Research Option
• Texas State Licensure Prep
• 3.0 GPA Admission Requirement
• Fall Application Deadline: Jan 15
• Spring Application Deadline: Sept 1
• On-Campus Interview Required

Texas Tech University's Master's in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy provides comprehensive professional training for mental health professionals. The campus-based program offers rigorous clinical preparation through the Family Therapy Clinic, enabling students to develop advanced skills in addiction treatment, military marriage counseling, and family resilience. Graduates gain robust research opportunities, work alongside experienced faculty, and prepare for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists. The program emphasizes practical training, research publication potential, and meets Texas state certification requirements, positioning students for successful careers in clinical therapy and potential doctoral studies.

• Campus-based Master's degree program
• Licensure preparation for LMFT
• Specialized addiction treatment focus
• Research and publication opportunities
• Large, experienced faculty group
• Clinical training in Family Therapy Clinic
• Prepares for doctoral studies
• Meets Texas state certification requirements
• Diverse research specialization options
• Collaborative graduate environment

Texas Tech University's Master's in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy specializes in addiction treatment, providing comprehensive professional training for mental health professionals. This campus-based program prepares students for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists, offering exceptional clinical experiences and targeted research opportunities in substance abuse intervention. Students develop specialized expertise in addiction counseling, military marriages, and family health challenges. With superior faculty, collaborative learning environments, and strong career preparation, the program positions graduates for successful careers in therapeutic practice, counseling, and potential doctoral studies.

• Campus-based Master's degree program
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist preparation
• Unique addiction treatment focus
• Strong clinical training opportunities
• Research publication possibilities
• Large marriage and family therapy faculty
• State certification eligible program
• Specialized research areas available
• Doctoral program pathway
• Practicum and clinical experience included

Texas Tech University's Master's in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy focuses on family resiliency during healthcare crises, preparing students for advanced mental health careers. The program provides exceptional clinical training through the campus Family Therapy Clinic, enabling graduates to become Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists or Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors. Students develop specialized expertise in military marriages, substance abuse, and family resilience while working with distinguished faculty. The curriculum meets state certification requirements, offers robust research opportunities, and emphasizes practical career development.

• Campus-based Master's program
• Strong clinical focus
• Large marriage therapy faculty
• Addictions treatment specialization
• Licensure exam preparation
• Research publication opportunities
• State certification compliant
• Practical career development
• Multiple research focus areas

Texas Tech University's PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy delivers exceptional advanced training for professionals seeking comprehensive clinical and research expertise. This doctoral program prepares students for academic and clinical leadership roles, offering extensive interdisciplinary research opportunities and hands-on therapy experience. Graduates consistently achieve professional licensure and secure faculty positions nationwide, benefiting from a supportive learning environment with renowned faculty. The program's strong clinical focus, nation-leading graduate faculty, and 100% licensure success rate make it a premier destination for aspiring marriage and family therapy professionals.

• Ph.D. program fully accredited
• Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
• 100% professional licensure success
• Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities
• Research spans diverse topics
• Strong clinical practice focus
• Supervised therapy experience
• Prominent national researchers
• Licensure hours count in Texas

Texas Tech University's Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy specializing in military marriages offers prestigious doctoral training for professionals seeking advanced clinical and research expertise. The program prepares graduates for academic and clinical leadership roles, focusing on military family dynamics and counseling. Students develop high-quality research skills and gain extensive clinical experience through campus-based therapy clinics. With a 100% professional licensure examination success rate, nationally prominent faculty, and an interdisciplinary approach, this doctoral program equips students to make significant contributions to marriage and family therapy research and practice.

• Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
• 100% professional licensure success
• Nationally largest graduate faculty
• Accredited since 1981
• Interdisciplinary research opportunities
• Extensive clinical training
• Research covering diverse topics
• Licensure hours in Texas
• Strong academic job market placement

Texas Tech University's Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy concentrating on substance abuse in adults and adolescents provides comprehensive training for aspiring professionals. The program prepares students to conduct high-quality research, provide advanced family counseling services, and pursue university-level teaching careers. With a strong clinical focus on addiction treatment, exceptional faculty, and a 100% professional licensure examination success rate, graduates are positioned for successful academic and professional trajectories. Extensive hands-on clinical training through campus-based facilities ensures students develop advanced skills in addressing substance abuse challenges.

• Ph.D. in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy
• Accredited since 1981
• Campus-based Family Therapy Clinic
• 100% licensure exam success
• Nation's largest graduate-level faculty
• Interdisciplinary research approach
• Licensure hours count in Texas
• Research spans diverse topics
• Strong clinical preparation
• Nationally prominent researchers

Southern Methodist University's M.S. in Counseling with a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) concentration is a 60-credit program designed to equip students with the skills needed for licensure and practice in various settings. It focuses on family systems, couples therapy, and clinical methods, offering hands-on clinical experience and ethical practice. The program can be completed in three years full-time and includes a supervised clinical practicum. Admission requires a personal interview, and while GRE may be required, it offers a licensure preparation track and diverse course offerings.

• 60 total credit hours
• 3-year full-time completion
• Personal interview required
• Multiple specialization areas
• Supervised clinical practicum
• Licensure preparation track
• Diverse course offerings
• Flexible six-year maximum completion
• Internship opportunities included
• GRE may be required

The M.S. in Counseling at Southern Methodist University, with a concentration in Licensed Professional Counselor, is a 60-credit program that prepares students for state licensure. It offers advanced training in therapeutic techniques and family systems, with specializations like play therapy and LGBTQ counseling. The program is designed for completion in three years, includes a supervised clinical practicum, and offers internship opportunities. Admission involves a comprehensive process, including an interview, and GRE is optional for those with a high GPA.

• 60 total credit hours
• Three-year completion option
• State licensure preparation
• Diverse counseling specializations
• Supervised clinical practicum
• Multiple concentration tracks
• Comprehensive admission process
• Interview required for admission
• GRE optional with high GPA
• Internship opportunities included

Southern Methodist University offers an M.S. in Counseling with a School Counselor concentration, a 60-credit program preparing students for licensure. It provides advanced skills in therapy and assessment, with specialized tracks in family systems and couples therapy. The program includes a clinical practicum and can be completed in three years full-time. Admission requires a personal interview, three recommendation letters, and a 250-word personal essay. GRE may be required, and the program offers both on-campus and summer study options.

• 60 total credit hours
• Three-year full-time completion
• Personal interview required
• State licensure preparation
• Specialized counseling tracks
• Clinical practicum included
• Multiple specialization options
• Diverse course offerings
• Three recommendation letters needed
• GRE may be required
• Undergraduate degree prerequisite
• 250-word personal essay
• On-campus and summer study options

Hardin-Simmons University offers a hybrid Master's program in Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy, designed to foster compassionate professionals capable of delivering transformative mental health services. The program stands out for its CACREP accreditation, ensuring high-quality education and training. Students undergo a rigorous curriculum that includes 60 credit hours, 700 clinical experience hours, and a faith-integrated approach, preparing them for LPC and LMFT licensure paths. Admission requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, an interview, and recommends GRE scores. The program emphasizes professional ethics, diverse counseling settings training, and advanced research methods, making it a comprehensive choice for aspiring therapists.

• CACREP Accredited Program
• 60 Total Credit Hours
• 700 Clinical Experience Hours
• LPC and LMFT Licensure Paths
• 3.0 Undergraduate GPA Required
• Fall/Spring Admission Options
• Interview Required for Admission
• Multiple Mental Health Credentials
• 12 Psychology Prerequisites
• GRE Score Recommendations
• Seven-Year Program Completion
• Faith-Integrated Curriculum
• Professional Ethics Focus
• Diverse Counseling Settings Training
• Advanced Research Methods

Amberton University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy stands out for its hybrid learning model, blending online and classroom instruction to accommodate working professionals. This 60-credit program is meticulously designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for Texas LMFT licensure. Emphasizing ethical practices, multicultural counseling, and life span development, the curriculum includes a counseling skills practicum for hands-on experience. With a cost-effective tuition rate of $300 per credit and a focus on marriage and family therapy, Amberton prepares graduates for impactful careers in mental health. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission, with the next term commencing on 3/15/25.

• 60 total credit hours
• Classroom and online courses
• Cost: $300 per credit
• Texas LMFT licensure preparation
• Next term starts 3/15/25
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Counseling skills practicum
• Focused on marriage/family therapy
• Multiple counseling electives
• Multicultural counseling emphasis

Texas A&M University-Central Texas offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy that stands out for its commitment to fostering skilled therapists ready to address the complexities of family dynamics. This 60-credit, COAMFTE-accredited program blends rigorous academic coursework with hands-on practicum experiences in community settings, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for licensure and professional practice. With a focus on systemic therapy approaches, students are equipped to support diverse populations through life's challenges. The program features multiple admission cycles, allowing flexibility for prospective students. A dedicated faculty and a curriculum designed for real-world application make this program a top choice for aspiring MFT professionals in Texas.

• On-campus program
• 60 credit hours total
• COAMFTE accredited
• Fall admission July 1st
• Spring admission November 1st
• Summer admission April 1st
• Practicum in community settings
• Prepares for MFT licensure
• Diverse faculty team
• Career opportunities in therapy

Texas A&M University-San Antonio's Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling is a 60-hour program tailored to equip students with the expertise needed for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. Emphasizing a blend of theory and hands-on practice, the curriculum is designed to address the counseling needs of diverse populations within the San Antonio community. With a requirement of 100 clinical hours, students engage in practicums and internships, gaining invaluable real-world experience. Admission criteria include a minimum 3.0 GPA and a group interview, ensuring a cohort of dedicated and capable future counselors. The program stands out for its focus on professional ethics and a wide array of counseling techniques.

• 60-hour counseling degree program
• Meets LPC academic requirements
• Serves San Antonio community
• Diverse population counseling focus
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• 100 hours clinical experience
• Practicum and internship included
• Professional ethics emphasis
• Multiple counseling technique courses
• Group interview admission requirement

Houston Christian University offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) designed for those aiming to become licensed marriage and family therapists in Texas. This 60-credit hybrid program blends online and residential learning, ensuring flexibility for students. It emphasizes the development of clinical skills through coursework and a 700-hour practicum/internship, preparing graduates for diverse professional settings. The program adheres to Texas licensure requirements, includes a comprehensive exam, and prepares students for the national exam. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission. Focused on research-supported techniques, it aims to foster personal growth and effective therapeutic interventions.

• 60-hour graduate coursework
• 100% online and residential
• Leads to MFT licensure
• 700 hours practicum/internship
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Texas licensure compliant
• Comprehensive exam required
• National exam preparation

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor's Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling stands out for its hybrid format, blending online and in-person learning. This CACREP-accredited program is meticulously designed to foster advanced therapeutic skills, emphasizing multicultural competencies and ethical practices. With a curriculum spanning 60 credit hours, including 36 hours of counseling core, 12 hours of specialized MFT courses, and 9 hours of clinical instruction, students are well-prepared for LMFT licensure. The program's comprehensive approach includes a practicum and internship, ensuring graduates are ready to make a significant impact in the field of marriage and family therapy.

• CACREP-accredited program
• 60 total credit hours
• Counseling core: 36 hours
• Specialized MFT courses: 12 hours
• Clinical instruction: 9 hours
• Comprehensive exam required
• Prepares for LMFT licensure
• Multiple specialized counseling courses
• Practicum and internship experiences
• Diverse course offerings