COAMFTE-Accredited Programs in Iowa
University of Iowa
Those seeking higher-level graduate education may consider the PhD in Couple and Family Therapy through the College of Education. The majority of the curriculum is reserved for academic research with some clinical practicum. Students will pursue researching topics in qualitative research methods, intermediate statistical methods, and counseling research.
The program culminates with a comprehensive exam, dissertation, and a defense of the dissertation. To get into the program, students should have at least a Bachelor's degree from an accredited school, the Master's degree should be within marriage and family therapy, and the undergraduate and graduate GPA should be 3.0 or higher. Prospective students chosen in this process will then complete an on-campus interview.
Consider a Featured Online MFT Program
School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
---|---|---|
Pepperdine University
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees
LPC/MFT emphases available. |
✔ Online
No GRE Required. Bachelor's Degree Required. |
Choose your path at Pepperdine: pursue licensure as either an LMFT or LPC and serve diverse clients with our online master’s in clinical psychology. GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. Take the next step toward creating a positive social impact today. 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. Learn More |
University of Wisconsin – Superior
MSE Counseling - Marriage & Family Therapy Track
|
✔ Online
100% Online, No GRE Required |
Aligned to state law and accreditation standards, our programs equip you with the academic and professional development that will prepare you for the Wisconsin and/or Minnesota counseling licensure exams. Expand your expertise in three major areas: the prevention of personal and interpersonal problems, fostering optimal human development, and addressing existing social-emotional-developmental concerns that affect individuals as well as their families. Learn More |
National University
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
Earn your masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited. Learn More |
Colorado Christian University
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A. - Marriage & Family Therapy
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✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree |
Taught by Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), preparing you for licensure as a LMFT in a clinical environment. Required to attend a five-day on-campus residency held each summer of the program. Learn More |
Capella University
MS in Marriage and Family Therapy
COAMFTE Accredited. |
✔ Online
No GMAT or GRE Required |
Our COAMFTE-accredited MS in Marriage and Family Therapy features a combination of online education and in-person learning experiences that focus on assessment, diagnosis, treatment, intervention and clinical training. Learn More |
University of West Alabama
Online MS in Family Counseling
|
✔ Online
Flexible online environment |
Programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Guidance and Counseling Learn More |
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 |
Mount Mercy University's MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
Students can pursue the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Mount Mercy in Cedar Rapids. This is a 60-credit hour curriculum with classes that are completed in 5-week or 10-week blocks, and the entire program can be finished within two years.
Students will be also be completing clinical practicum sessions and will be prepared to take and pass the national exam for MFT professionals. Example courses include Models of Couples Therapy, Psychopathology and the Family, and Neuroscience for Marriage and Family Therapy.
A number of employers have partnered with the school to give students a 10 percent discount on the program, including nationally recognized companies like US Bank, Tax Act, Toyota, and PepsiCo.
LMFT Licensure in Iowa
In order to gain licensure in marriage and family therapy in the state of Iowa, students must have a Master’s degree in the field and the practicum should have at least 300 hours of clinical work.
MFT Licensure Requirements
Those that took a program accredited by the COAMFTE will satisfy all educational requirements, otherwise the graduate will need to review if the course they have taken meet the state criteria. After completing higher education, graduates can gain a temporary license and take the national exam. Post-graduate work should consist of 3,000 total hours of experience with half of that including direct client contact. At least 200 hours of supervision is required.
Iowa Board of Behavioral Science Examiners
Iowa Dept. Public Health
Prof Licensing Lucas State Office Bldg., 5th floor
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
Website
LMFT Licensure:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?
Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.LMFT Careers and Salaries in Iowa
There are over 680 jobs in the field of marriage and family therapy in the state of Iowa according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a modest number compared to other states across the United States and matches a number of locations around Iowa, such as Wisconsin and Illinois.
Median pay sits around $49,410 annually, which is a bit smaller than the national average, but that number can grow to above $87,900 in the 90th percentile.
Job opportunities in the state can be found at the Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration in Des Moines, Heartland Family Services in Council Bluffs, and UnityPoint Health in various locations.
Popular Online MFT Programs
Liberty University 🗹 Online
University of Wisconsin – Superior 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Campus-Based COAMFTE Accredited Iowa 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 Iowa. You can view online COAMFTE accredited MFT counseling programs or all Iowa counseling degrees.
- MA in Marriage and Family Therapy
- PhD in MFT