Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in Minnesota 2025

Minnesota is home to a well-developed mental health network, making it an excellent place to pursue a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree. The state has a growing need for licensed therapists, particularly in rural communities and urban centers like Minneapolis and St. Paul, where mental health resources continue to expand. Many LMFTs in Minnesota work in private practice, community mental health clinics, hospital settings, and telehealth therapy services, allowing them to provide essential counseling to individuals, couples, and families.

MFT programs in Minnesota emphasize family systems theory, trauma-informed care, substance abuse counseling, and child and adolescent therapy. Most programs integrate supervised clinical experience early on, ensuring that students gain real-world training before graduation. Many universities in Minnesota offer both in-person and hybrid learning options, making it possible for working professionals and career changers to complete their degrees while balancing other responsibilities.

Students considering an MFT degree in Minnesota should look for programs that provide strong internship placements, access to faculty mentorship, and licensure preparation support. With the state’s emphasis on mental health accessibility, graduates will find varied career opportunities across different therapy settings.

In this guide

2025 Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Programs in Minnesota

Looking for the best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) programs in Minnesota? At marriagefamilytherapist.org, we've ranked the top options to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student support. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, these programs stand out. We did the research so you don't have to. Check out our full rankings to see which schools made the cut. Learn more about how we ranked these programs here.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN - Public 4-Year - twin-cities.umn.edu

Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple & Family Therapy

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Minnesota's Couple and Family Therapy doctoral program stands at the forefront of mental health education, meticulously designed for licensed clinicians seeking advanced professional development. This comprehensive program distinguishes itself through intensive training in systemic therapeutic approaches, emphasizing multicultural competence and ethical practice. Students engage in rigorous research methodologies, clinical skill enhancement, and leadership development, preparing them for impactful roles in academia, clinical administration, and advanced research. The program's national accreditation underscores its commitment to excellence, offering a transformative educational experience that equips professionals to address complex family dynamics and contribute meaningfully to mental health discourse.

COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited
Requires clinical master's degree
Doctoral students clinically active
Focus on diverse family systems
Leadership and research emphasis

University of St Thomas

Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - stthomas.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

Concentration: Family Psychology Concentration - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of St. Thomas offers a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with a Family Psychology Concentration, designed for those aspiring to become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) in Minnesota. This 66-credit program stands out for its blend of rigorous academic coursework and hands-on clinical training across 90+ practicum sites. With a focus on family psychology, students delve into the intricacies of interpersonal relationships and family systems, preparing them to tackle a wide range of therapeutic challenges. The program is housed on the vibrant Minneapolis campus, offering both Fall and Spring start dates to accommodate students' schedules. Highlights include supervised clinical training, a specialized family psychology curriculum, and opportunities for interprofessional collaboration, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for diverse professional settings.

66 total credit program
Minnesota LMFT licensure track
90+ practicum sites
Minneapolis campus location
Fall and Spring start dates
Supervised clinical training
Specialized family psychology focus
Comprehensive counseling curriculum
Practicum with external agencies
Interprofessional learning opportunities

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Winona, MN - Private 4-year - smumn.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota provides a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy that blends online and in-person learning, ideal for students seeking flexibility. This 48-credit hybrid program is COAMFTE accredited, ensuring high-quality education that meets Minnesota's licensure standards. Students engage in 300 clinical practicum hours, with half dedicated to direct couple and family therapy, fostering hands-on experience. The curriculum covers cultural diversity, ethical practices, and holistic approaches to mental health treatment. Admission does not require a GRE, but a minimum 3.0 GPA is necessary. The program stands out for its focus on contemporary issues and diverse clinical interventions.

COAMFTE Accredited Program
48-credit Master's Degree
300 clinical practicum hours
Blended learning format
Minnesota licensure preparation
No GRE required for admission
3.0 GPA minimum requirement
Multiple contemporary issue courses
Diverse clinical intervention training
Face-to-face and online coursework

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, MN - Public 4-Year - stcloudstate.edu

Master's - Marriage & Family Therapy (M.S.)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Saint Cloud State University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy stands out for its hybrid delivery model, blending online coursework with essential on-campus experiences. This program is designed to foster deep understanding and application of systemic therapy principles, preparing students for licensure and diverse clinical environments. A standout feature is the state-of-the-art training clinic, offering hands-on experience under supervision. The cohort model enhances learning through peer collaboration, while the 5:1 student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized attention. With a 100% internship placement rate, graduates are well-prepared to address the complexities of family and marital relationships in their professional practice.

Master of Science degree
On-campus program
Cohort learning model
State-of-art training clinic
Community internship experience
100% internship placement
5:1 student/teacher ratio
Limited campus attendance
Licensure preparation
Fall application deadline Jan 5

University of Minnesota-Duluth

Duluth, MN - Public 4-Year - d.umn.edu

Doctorate - PhD in Couple and Family Therapy Specialization

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Minnesota-Duluth's PhD in Couple and Family Therapy Specialization is designed for aspiring leaders in mental health, blending advanced research, clinical expertise, and teaching methodologies. This program stands out for its systemic approach to therapy with diverse populations, ensuring graduates are well-versed in multicultural competence and ethical practices. Ideal for those aiming for roles in academia, research, or clinical leadership, it mandates a clinical master's degree and ongoing clinical engagement. Highlights include national accreditation, a strong focus on diversity and inclusion, and a curriculum that fosters leadership in family therapy through a balance of research and clinical training.

Nationally accredited program
Clinical master's degree required
Emphasizes diversity and inclusion
Prepares leaders in family therapy
Research and clinical focus

*Data derived from the 2023 IPEDS survey conducted by NCES.

MFT Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota offers a range of COAMFTE-accredited and regionally accredited MFT programs, ensuring that students receive rigorous training that meets state and national licensing standards.

These programs focus on clinical skills, ethical considerations, and cultural competency, helping students develop the expertise needed to provide therapy in diverse communities. Many programs also include practicum and internship opportunities, allowing students to complete required supervised clinical hours while earning their degree.

Graduates from Minnesota MFT programs often find employment in hospitals, nonprofit mental health organizations, private counseling practices, and school-based therapy programs. The state’s emphasis on mental health expansion ensures that newly licensed LMFTs have ample career opportunities upon completing their education.

Minnesota’s Quickest MFT Programs

For students looking to complete their degree efficiently, Minnesota offers accelerated pathways that allow candidates to earn their MFT degree in as little as two years. These programs typically embed supervised training early, allowing students to gain clinical experience while completing coursework.

Several universities in the state provide year-round enrollment, summer courses, and hybrid models, enabling students to fast-track their path to licensure. Those with previous coursework in psychology, counseling, or social work may also be able to transfer credits, reducing the total time required for degree completion.

Because Minnesota has a well-established mental health sector, students have access to numerous practicum sites, including hospital-based counseling services, school therapy programs, and nonprofit behavioral health centers, ensuring they can complete their clinical hours efficiently.

Minnesota’s Cheapest MFT Programs

The cost of obtaining an MFT degree in Minnesota varies by program type, institution, and available financial aid options. Public universities in Minnesota typically offer lower tuition rates for in-state residents, making them an affordable choice for many students.

Many universities offer scholarships, assistantships, and grants, allowing students to offset tuition costs through merit-based and need-based financial aid. Online and hybrid programs can also reduce expenses by minimizing relocation and commuting costs, making education more accessible to students across the state.

For those pursuing careers in rural or high-demand mental health settings, Minnesota provides loan forgiveness programs and tuition reimbursement incentives through state and federal mental health workforce initiatives. These programs help new LMFTs manage student loan debt while contributing to underserved communities in need of mental health services.

How to Become Licensed as an LMFT in Minnesota

Step 1: Earn a Master’s or Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy
The first step toward licensure is obtaining a master’s or doctoral degree from a COAMFTE-accredited or regionally accredited MFT program. Coursework must include family therapy techniques, ethics, clinical assessment, and multicultural counseling.

Step 2: Complete 4,000 Hours of Supervised Experience
Minnesota requires LMFT candidates to complete 4,000 hours of supervised post-graduate experience, with at least 1,000 hours dedicated to direct client interaction. This clinical experience must be supervised by a licensed LMFT or equivalent mental health professional.

Step 3: Pass the National MFT Examination
Candidates must pass the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Exam, which assesses clinical knowledge, ethical judgment, and therapy intervention techniques.

This exam ensures that new therapists meet professional standards and can effectively support clients dealing with relational and psychological challenges.

Step 4: Apply for Licensure Through the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy
Once all requirements are met, applicants must submit their official transcripts, proof of supervised hours, and exam scores to the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy. After review and approval, candidates receive their official LMFT license, granting them permission to practice independently.

Step 5: Maintain Licensure Through Continuing Education
To renew their license, LMFTs in Minnesota must complete 40 continuing education (CE) hours every two years, with required coursework in ethics, professional development, and specialized therapy training.

These educational updates help therapists stay current on best practices, emerging therapy methods, and evolving regulations in the field of mental health.

LMFT Career & Salary Outlook in Minnesota

Minnesota’s mental health sector is growing, with LMFTs playing a critical role in providing therapy services across the state. The average salary for LMFTs in Minnesota is $65,200 per year, with experienced professionals earning upwards of $92,000 annually.

Salaries vary by location, experience, and specialization. LMFTs in Minneapolis and St. Paul tend to earn higher salaries due to greater demand for mental health services, while those in rural areas often qualify for state-funded loan repayment programs that make practicing in these regions more financially viable.

The rise of teletherapy services has further increased job opportunities, allowing LMFTs to expand their client base beyond in-person settings. With mental health awareness growing, the demand for qualified marriage and family therapists in Minnesota remains strong.

Minnesota provides excellent opportunities for students pursuing a career in Marriage and Family Therapy, offering accredited programs, structured pathways to licensure, and growing job prospects. With diverse educational formats, financial aid availability, and strong employer demand, the state is a great place to train and establish a successful LMFT career.

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