Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Utah 2026
Utah presents an excellent opportunity for those pursuing a career in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), with programs that provide strong clinical training and licensure preparation. The state’s expanding mental health sector has created a growing demand for licensed MFTs. As Utah’s population continues to rise, the need for qualified therapists to support individuals, couples, and families has never been greater.
Aspiring LMFTs in Utah can choose from several COAMFTE-accredited programs, ensuring they receive rigorous academic instruction and hands-on clinical experience. These programs emphasize family systems therapy, evidence-based interventions, and trauma-informed care, preparing graduates for careers in private practice, community counseling centers, hospitals, and telehealth services. With flexible learning formats available, including on-campus, hybrid, and online programs, students can find an option that fits their schedule and career goals.
In this guide
2026 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Utah
Utah State University
Logan, UT - Public 4-Year - usu.edu
Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Utah State University's Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) is a full-time, two-year COAMFTE-accredited program at the Logan campus. This in-person program prepares students for Utah licensure with both thesis and non-thesis options, emphasizing clinical training, supervision, and specialized topics like sex therapy and trauma. The December 1 application deadline includes financial assistance opportunities. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.
- Full-time two-year program
- In-person Logan campus only
- COAMFTE accredited
- Meets Utah licensure requirements
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- Application deadline December 1
- Financial assistance available
- Specialized topic training
- Clinical supervision included
- Research opportunities available
Master's - Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, MFT Specialization (Marriage and Family Therapy)
Campus Based - Visit Website
Utah State University offers a Marriage and Family Therapy specialization within its Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies program. This COAMFTE-accredited, two-year campus-based program at Logan provides comprehensive clinical training meeting Utah licensure requirements, with thesis and non-thesis options. The curriculum covers specialized areas including sex therapy, trauma, and addiction, with extensive supervision and research opportunities. Applications are due December 1, and no entrance exam is required for this master's program.
- Full-time two-year program
- In-person Logan campus delivery
- COAMFTE accreditation
- Meets Utah licensure requirements
- Thesis and non-thesis options
- December 1 application deadline
- Clinical supervision included
- Specialized topic training
- Research opportunities available
- Student-centric approach
Brigham Young University
Provo, UT - Private 4-year - byu.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy MS
Campus Based - Visit Website
Brigham Young University's COAMFTE-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy MS program offers a rigorous clinical curriculum requiring 500 direct client hours under faculty supervision. Students complete 61 credits with thesis or clinical project options, supported by research assistantships and half-tuition coverage. This campus-based program emphasizes cultural competency and prepares graduates for licensure, with a 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA required for admission. No entrance exam is specified for this master's level program.
- COAMFTE-accredited program
- 500 direct clinical hours
- Half tuition covered
- 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Research assistantship available
- 61 total credit hours
- Comprehensive clinical training
- Faculty supervision each semester
- Thesis or clinical project required
- Diverse cultural competency focus
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT - Public 4-Year - suu.edu
Master's - Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus Based - Visit Website
Southern Utah University's on-campus Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program emphasizes hands-on clinical training through its on-site clinic and community internships. The program requires a 3.0 GPA, three recommendation letters, and a letter of intent for admission, which occurs once annually in the fall. No entrance exam is specified as required. Coursework includes ethics, couples therapy, trauma intervention, and addiction treatment, with a culturally responsive curriculum that prepares students for direct clinical practice. A capstone project and research methods training round out this comprehensive program designed for those with social science backgrounds.
- On-campus program
- Master's degree level
- 3.0 GPA required
- Three recommendation letters
- Letter of intent needed
- Hands-on clinical experience
- Culturally responsive curriculum
- On-site clinic training
- Community internship opportunities
- Private Practice course included
Utah Tech University
Saint George, UT - Public 4-Year - utahtech.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, MS
Campus Based - Visit Website
Utah Tech University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 51-credit campus program preparing students for MFT licensure. This two-year program emphasizes a systemic perspective with hands-on clinical experience through practicum courses. The curriculum includes specialized training in couples therapy, addiction intervention, and working with children, while maintaining a multicultural focus. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in psychology or related fields, specific prerequisites, a 3.0 GPA on the last 60 credits, three recommendation letters, a personal statement, and an interview. Graduation mandates a 3.2 GPA and completion of a thesis. The program prepares students for the national licensure exam, with no specific entrance exam requirement mentioned.
- 51 credit program
- Master of Science degree
- Prepares for MFT licensure
- Clinical practicum courses
- Focus on working with children
- Systemic perspective emphasis
- Bachelor's degree required
- 3.0 GPA admission requirement
- Three recommendation letters
- Personal statement required
Utah Valley University
Orem, UT - Public 4-Year - uvu.edu
Master's - Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A.
Campus Based - Visit Website
Utah Valley University's campus-based Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy provides comprehensive training in systemic theories and clinical skills for diverse populations. This 54-credit program requires a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, and supplemental materials for admission. Students complete supervised clinical practica and coursework covering ethical issues, research methodology, and developmental topics. Graduates are eligible for Utah licensure as Associate Marriage and Family Therapists. The program does not require an entrance exam.
- Master of Arts degree.
- 54 credit hours required.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- 3.0 undergraduate GPA.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Supplemental materials needed.
- Supervised clinical practica.
- Eligible for Utah licensure.
- Systemic theories training.
Other MFT Programs Available in Utah
Utah provides several accredited MFT programs, ensuring students receive rigorous academic training and practical clinical experience to meet licensure requirements.
Top Accredited MFT Programs in Utah
Brigham Young University – Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
- COAMFTE-accredited program that prepares students for LMFT licensure in Utah.
- Provides advanced training in systemic therapy, trauma-informed care, and couples counseling.
- Students gain clinical experience through internships in community clinics, private practices, and mental health agencies.
Utah State University – Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
- COAMFTE-accredited program focused on evidence-based therapy, ethical practice, and clinical research.
- Offers internship opportunities in hospitals, outpatient therapy centers, and private counseling practices.
- Provides a strong foundation in relationship therapy, mental health disorders, and family intervention techniques.
University of Utah – Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
- COAMFTE-accredited program emphasizing systemic family therapy, trauma counseling, and relational interventions.
- Includes internships and practicum experiences, allowing students to gain real-world therapy experience before graduation.
- Offers faculty mentorship and career support, ensuring students are fully prepared for LMFT licensure.
Utah’s Quickest MFT Programs
- Brigham Young University’s MFT program can be completed in two years, with structured coursework and internship placements.
- Utah State University offers a 2.5-year MFT program, integrating supervised clinical training and coursework.
- Online COAMFTE-accredited programs from other states allow Utah students to accelerate coursework while completing clinical hours locally.
- Students with prior psychology or counseling coursework may qualify for transfer credits, reducing program length.
For students seeking a fast-track to LMFT licensure, enrolling in a structured program with full-time study options and early internship placements is the best strategy.
Utah’s Cheapest MFT Programs
- Brigham Young University offers one of the most affordable COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs, making it an excellent choice for students seeking affordability and accreditation.
- Utah State University provides financial aid, graduate assistantships, and tuition assistance programs, helping students reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs.
- Loan forgiveness programs for LMFTs working in underserved areas allow students to offset tuition expenses while gaining clinical experience.
- Online and hybrid MFT programs may offer lower tuition rates, giving students financial flexibility and convenient learning options.
For students prioritizing affordability, exploring state-funded tuition assistance, employer tuition reimbursement, and loan repayment programs can help minimize financial burdens. Find cheap MFT programs here.
How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Utah
1. Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Complete a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited MFT program that meets Utah’s licensure requirements.
- Ensure coursework covers family therapy models, ethics, trauma-informed care, and mental health assessments.
2. Complete 4,000 Hours of Supervised Clinical Experience
- Gain post-graduate clinical hours, including 1,000 hours of direct client contact under a licensed MFT supervisor.
- Work in approved therapy settings, such as mental health agencies, 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 therapy interventions, ethical decision-making, and relationship counseling techniques.
4. Apply for Licensure Through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL)
- Submit official transcripts, proof of supervised clinical hours, and passing exam scores for licensure approval.
- Complete any state-specific licensing requirements, including background checks and ethics training.
5. Maintain Licensure with Continuing Education
- Complete 40 continuing education (CE) hours every renewal cycle, including coursework in ethics, trauma-informed care, and specialized therapy techniques.
- Attend professional workshops, conferences, and online training programs to stay updated on best practices in family therapy.
Following these steps ensures a smooth transition from student to licensed LMFT, qualifying professionals to work in private practice, behavioral health organizations, and school-based therapy programs. Here is a full guide to becoming an LMFT.
LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Utah
Utah 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 Utah is $63,900 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $95,000 annually.
Where LMFTs Work in Utah
- 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, Utah is a great state for LMFT professionals.
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