MFT Degrees, Schools, and Careers in Montana

Unfortunately, there are no graduate-level programs in marriage and family therapy (MFT) within the state of Montana that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) as of yet. However, the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) also is a recognized accrediting body in the space and it has accredited one MFT degree program, the one at Montana State University.

Montana State actually boasts an accredited program in MFT, School Counseling and Mental Health Counseling. The other school which boasts accredited programs in the University of Montana. However, it does not specifically have an MFT track within its program, so it is important to check with the school and program coordinators to see if there is overlapping curriculum and if the program is designed to prepare students for MFT licensure. The program at Montana State offers a number of experiential learning courses which are designed to foster students' personal development, relationship skills and professional orientation. The school also explicitly states that graduates from the program will be adequately prepared to take the MFT licensure exam.

Online MFT Degrees in Montana

As one might expect in a less populous state with few higher education options and only one accredited MFT degree program, there are currently no online MFT programs offered by Montana-specific schools. However, students specifically interested in online graduate degrees in marriage and family therapy still have options available. There are two nationally-based programs that are accredited by COAMFTE. Capella University offers a masters-level program and Northcentral University, which offers both masters- and PhD programs. Although there is a wealth of other online MFT programs, Capella University and Northcentral University are the only two online programs accredited by COAMFTE.

Learn more about an MFT online degree.

MFT Accreditation in Montana

It is always important to consider the accreditation status of the programs that they are applying to. Accreditation is the process through which an external organization provides an educational program with a stamp of approval after serious vetting. The approval indicates to other schools, the state and potential employers that the program meets certain minimum educational requirements. The main accreditation body is the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

Other accreditation bodies exist, such as the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), albeit other organization are oftentimes involved with accreditation of other counseling programs, in addition to MFT programs. Accreditation is important because many states use a program’s accreditation status in determining whether a given individual meets the educational requirements for licensure. Within the state of Montana, individuals applying for licensure must attend a program accredited by COAMFTE or another regionally accredited university.

Career Opportunities for MFTs in Montana

Montana's MFT population is so small that the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't track employment numbers or salary data for the profession in the state. However, the national average salary for an MFT is $63,300 and the number of jobs within the profession is projected to grow 14% over the next decade. Moreover, surveys of those currently working within the profession indicate high job satisfaction and flexibility. Learn more about the MT MFT license requirements.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures for marriage and family therapists are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2023.

Featured Montana Schools with MFT Degree Programs