MFT Degrees, Schools, and Careers in Texas

There are a number of well-known educational facilities in Texas for individuals hoping to pursue a career in marriage and family therapy (MFT). Conveniently, these programs are located across the state and offers a wide range of opportunities for those seeking education within the MFT field. For students hoping to pursue a career as a licensed therapy provider, it is generally important to pay attention to the accreditation status of a given program. If MFT programs are accredited, it is through the Commission on Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas is listed as accredited by the COAMFTE for education within MFT. However, they are not currently accepting applications for the 54-credit Master’s of Arts or Doctor of Philosophy in MFT programs at this time.

Our Lady of the Lake University, with two program locations in San Antonio and Houston, offers a Master’s of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Family, Couple, and Individual Psychotherapy (FCIP). These programs, although not officially titled “marriage and family therapy,” meet all requirements for accreditation by COAMFTE (see below). Students take 60 credits of coursework and pursue local clinical opportunities; if interested, students have the opportunity to complete the program while working part-time.

Abilene Christian University in Abeline, Texas offers a 2-year, 60 credit program in MFT. The program’s site provided detailed descriptions of clinical opportunities that students can pursue while enrolled. Students that hope to serve Christian populations as an MFT can choose to pursue graduate study in ministry within a MFT/theology specific training track.

Texas Tech University, in Lubbock, Texas, offers both Master’s (60-66 credits) and Doctoral degrees (78 credits) that prepare students for careers in a variety of settings. Uniquely, the programs allow students to specialize in a number of areas, such as military marriages, domestic violence, substance abuse, family residency during health care crises, living with disabled family members, and mindfulness in marriage. Students in both programs are encouraged to take advantage of the excellent research conducted by the faculty within the department through projects such as an elective Master’s thesis project and dissertation. Additionally, students will have a number of clinical opportunities, such as those provided through the university’s MFT clinic on-site.

Texas Woman’s University offers both a Master’s of Science and Doctoral degree in MFT; however, it is important to note that only the M.S. program is accredited by COAMFTE. This program is comprised of 57 credits of coursework and a year-long practicum (300 clinical hours); if they are interested in pursuing a career in research, students can choose to complete a research project, in which they are closely supervised by the faculty and have the project count for 6 credits.

Finally, the University of Houston in Clear Lake offers a Master’s of Arts in MFT. The 60-credit, 400 clinical hour program can be completed on a part-time basis if students choose to continue to work and is generally completed within 3-5 years total.

There are also three MFT programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The Masters in Counseling degree at Texas A&M Corpus Christi offers a specialization in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling that will meet LMFT requirements in the state. Texas State University offers a similar specialization within its Masters in Counseling degree and the program also meets requirements for both LMFT and LPC in Texas. The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor offers a nearly identical program to the aforementioned two also accredited by CACREP. It too prepares graduates for licensure as an LMFT.

Online MFT Degrees in Texas

There are no online-only MFT degree programs based in Texas. If an individual is seeking to receive a master’s or doctorate degree in MFT within a completely online program, they are recommended to investigate nationally-based online-only programs that have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Capella University and Northcentral University are both accredited by the COAMFTE and while Capella only offers an online Master's MFT degree, Northcentral offers two programs, a Master’s degree program and a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. Both of the programs are accredited.

Learn more about an online MFT degree.

MFT Accreditation in Texas

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists require that a given individual has completed a set of educational requirements prior to applying to licensure in the state. These requirements stipulate that individuals must either attend programs that are (1) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or (2) have a Master’s or PhD accredited by the Counsel for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and have completed a practicum of a stipulated length or (3) have a degree in a related field (e.g., social work) and have completed a series of courses in MFT.

Career Opportunities for MFTs in Texas

As is the case in other states, individuals who get licensed in the state of Texas have a number of options when it comes to employment: individuals with their MFT who are licensed can work in private practice, within a hospital setting, within the government, in schools, within childcare, and with the elderly, among others. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 14% growth in jobs for MFTs over the next decade, which means that the number of opportunities available for aspiring MFTs will only increase! There are currently about 650 professional MFTs employed across Texas, making it one of the most populous states in the country for MFTs. Those professionals can expect to make a mean salary of around $66,280, although the specifics of salary will depend on the setting in which an MFT is employed—some may make more, some may make less. Read up on TX 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 Texas Schools with MFT Degree Programs