The exclusive opportunity for higher education in the state of Louisiana that is designated by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) is at the University of Louisiana-Monroe.
They offer a Master’s degree and PhD in MFT that will satisfy the education requirements for licensure in the state. Those that are looking for alternatives for the institution at Monroe can look at other options in surrounding states or the handful of online opportunities available nationally.
In general, students that have completed COAMFTE-accredited degrees will meet the educational requirements for state licensure.
Marriage and Family Therapist Degrees in Louisiana
A MFT program holding COAMFTE accreditation means that the university submitted an application for their program to be reviewed rigorously by the organization’s high standards. They have deemed that the university stands out in terms of high-quality education, experienced faculty, and exemplary clinical practice for their graduates to be well-prepared to work with a variety of patients and deliver the best research-based treatment through their education.
Consider a Featured Online MFT Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements | Course Information | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Walden University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
HLC Accredited
|
✔ Online
|
Advance your impact with a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. Specialize in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling to strengthen research-based practice for couples and families.
|
Learn More |
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Northwestern University
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited
|
✔ Online
GRE Not Required
Bachelor's Required |
Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE is required, but applicants must hold an undergraduate degree.
|
Learn More |
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Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Includes MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling emphases in Marriage & Family Therapy, Christian Counseling, Childhood & Adolescence Disorders, & Trauma.
|
Learn More |
|
Liberty University
MA: Marriage and Family Therapy
SACSCOC
|
✔ Online
Online with required intensives
|
A Liberty University marriage and family therapy master’s program online can prepare you to help individuals, couples, and families find healing through counseling. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971.
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Learn More |
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National University
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited
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✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required
|
Earn your masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited.
|
Learn More |
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National University
Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited
|
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required
|
Earn your Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited.
|
Learn More |
|
Mid-America Christian University (MACU)
Master of Science in Counseling - Marital, Couples, and Family Therapy
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✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required
|
Transform lives with an online, faith-centered MS in Counseling, focused on Marital, Couples, and Family Therapy—one six-week course at a time.
|
Learn More |
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Colorado Christian University
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Marriage & Family Therapy
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree
|
CCU's online CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Marriage & Family Therapy program includes a required 5-day summer residency.
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Learn More |
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Lamar University
Master of Education in Counseling & Development - Marriage Couple & Family Counseling
AAQEP Accredited
|
✔ Online
Minimum 3.0 Undergrad GPA
|
Learn how to diagnose mental and emotional disorders and resolve marriage and family conflicts related to divorce, mediation, child rearing, family violence and more.
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Learn More |
University of Louisiana-Monroe MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
The College of Health Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. Students completing this program will be competent in clinical research, ethical factors when working with clients, and being comfortable working with a diverse group of patients that have struggles with communication or addiction that is affecting the relationships of their loved ones.
The curriculum requires 60 credit hours to complete and students will typically complete the program within two years. Those that are considering further education with a PhD should consider the optional Master’s thesis within the program, but an internship is still required.
Clinical work will require 500 direct client contact hours and can be gained at the Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic on-campus or at affiliated internship clinics in the area. The university also offers a PhD that is accredited by the COAMFTE.
COAMFTE-Accredited Programs in Louisiana
Prospective students that do not have the ability to take either graduate program at the University of Louisiana-Monroe or would prefer an alternative have a few options to go to when still looking for COAMFTE-accredited programs.
There are many programs in neighboring states around Louisiana, including Texas and Mississippi. Another popular institution for MFT programs in Texas that has both a Master of Science and PhD options is Texas Tech University in Lubbock. Completing this program can meet the educational requirements for licensure set by the state of Louisiana.
For those looking for a bit more flexibility in their education, another alternative is the handful of online programs available across the United States.
In Texas, there is one university that provides an online Master’s degree – Our Lady of the Lake University that is hosted at the Rio Grande Valley campus.
When reviewing online options, students should determine if there is an on-campus residency required and what costs the university will cover. Technical requirements will also need to be met in order to have a smooth education process. Typical needs are a modern computer that has a Windows or Mac operating system installed, compatible browser software, and high-speed internet access for video lectures.
LMFT Licensure in Louisiana
Licensure for marriage and family therapy is handled by the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners. Applicants have the opportunity to gain an internship license or the full LMFT. Either way, candidates will need to obtain a Master’s degree or related graduate program within MFT. Completing a program designated by the COAMFTE will meet the educational requirements for the state. Otherwise, applicants will need to determine if their coursework and practicum hours meets the state criteria, such as 60 credit hours within topics like theory, treatment, and professional ethics, and at least 500 direct contact hours with clients. The national examination is also required, and applicants can retake the exam after six months if they did not pass on their prior attempt.
Applying for internship status will give candidates the ability to work in post-graduate supervised practice, which is needed to get full licensure. To get the temporary license, candidates need to submit official transcripts and complete multiple steps of the application process. In order to satisfy the supervised practice requirement, interns will need to collect 3,000 hours of clinical service. A third of this portion must be used directly working with clients. There must also be 200 hours of total supervision, but half of this can be obtained in the graduate program. Internship status will last for a total of seven years before the applicant will need to reapply.
Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners
8631 Summa Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Website
LMFT Licensure:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Marriage and Family Therapy Associate
LMFT Careers and Salaries in Louisiana
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana is one of the smallest states in terms of marriage and family therapy employment.
The annual median salary is around $35,720, which is significantly lower than the national median. There is also not enough information to determine how many people are employed in this field statewide.
However, a handful of job openings are usually available, such as the State of Louisiana, Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services in Ruston, and Horizon Rehabilitation Center in Monroe.
Popular Online MFT Programs
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Campus-Based COAMFTE Accredited Louisiana MFT Degrees

The COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education) is the top accrediting board for MFT programs. Below is a list of COAMFTE accredited MFT programs in Louisiana. You can view online COAMFTE accredited MFT counseling programs or all Louisiana counseling degrees.
- MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
- PhD in MFT
Go to the list of all Louisiana counseling programs.

CACREP Accredited

