MFT Degrees, Schools, and Careers in New Hampshire
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Despite New Hampshire's status as one of the smaller states in the country, there are actually three graduate-level programs in marriage and family therapy (MFT) within the state that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). The state also has two schools that are accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). However, the programs accredited by CACREP are not MFT-specific programs and thus it is important to check with the school or program coordinator and make sure it will still help you work towards your MFT goal.
Antioch University in Keene has two accredited degree programs, although the MFT program comes with stipulations. The reason the accreditation comes with stipulations is because the MFT program has only recently been accredited by the COAMFTE. The self-study on the program was due in April of 2016 and the Commission awarded initial accreditation that will be be granted for a period not to exceed five years. A program with deficiencies may be awarded accreditation with stipulations provided they can be corrected within a specified period of time. COAMFTE will specify "stipulations" that must be addressed in an interim report. They also have a PhD program in marriage and family therapy that was accredited around the same time. In the PhD program, students receive up to 1,000 clinical hours (half of which can come from an MFT program) and the program will take two additional years to complete.
The state's flagship university, the University of New Hampshire, also offers an MFT degree program with longer standing accreditation. The program includes 500 clinical hours and generally takes two years to complete. Students have the opportunity to work at an internship in the community in their second year and the program is expected to train students for licensure. The program also has a sterling reputation with employers across the state and has a great track record of success when it comes to placing students in locations.
Online MFT Degrees in New Hampshire
There are currently no programs based in New Hampshire that offer online-only MFT graduate education. However that does not mean students interested in online MFT degrees are completely out of options. Those seeking greater flexibility in pursuing their masters or doctorate in MFT can do so through national programs, such as Capella University, which offers a masters-level program, and Northcentral University, which offers both a Master's degree in MFT and a PhD in the subject as well. Although there is a wealth of other online MFT programs, Capella University and Northcentral University are the only two online programs accredited by COAMFTE. This is important because accreditation is the key to licensure in New Hampshire and most other states as well.
Read more about an online MFT program.
MFT Accreditation in New Hampshire
It is important for students looking for the right school to consider the accreditation status of the programs that they are applying to. Accreditation refers to the process through which an educational program is vetted and given a sort of stamp of approval, indicating the program meets certain minimum requirements outlined by that organization. Within the field of marital and family therapy, 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. New Hampshire is no exception. In fact, New Hampshire explicitly states that in order to qualify for licensure, applicants must first earn a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy that is accredited by COAMFTE or another regional accrediting body. Individuals must also complete 1,000 of post-graduate supervised clinical work, and pass the MFT examination.
Career Opportunities for MFTs in New Hampshire
The small population belies the burgeoning MFT presence across New Hampshire. According to regional data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 260 professional marriage and family therapists working in New Hampshire and these MFTs make an annual average salary of $56,630 as of May of 2022. Also, the number of jobs within the profession is projected to grow 14% through 2031. Moreover, surveys of those currently working within the profession indicate high job satisfaction and flexibility. Learn more about NH 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.
Marriage and Family Therapists Salary in New Hampshire
| Location | 10% | 25% | Median | 75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $33,140 | $39,130 | $51,340 | $68,020 | $92,930 |
| New Hampshire | $41,330 | $43,960 | $48,340 | $56,980 | $78,410 |
| Rochester-Dover, NH-ME | $31,900 | $34,850 | $41,940 | $65,360 | $76,000 |
Table data taken from 2020 BLS (http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211013.htm)
Featured New Hampshire Schools with MFT Degree Programs
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