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

Lee University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy delivers a comprehensive graduate program meticulously designed to transform aspiring therapists. Over two or three years, students develop advanced counseling competencies through an integrated curriculum blending theoretical frameworks with extensive clinical practice. The program emphasizes systemic, relational therapeutic approaches, providing students with 500 direct client service hours and 100 professional supervision hours. Graduates emerge thoroughly prepared for professional licensure, equipped with profound skills in working with diverse populations and grounded in a distinctive Christian perspective.

• Two/three-year tracks available
• Minimum 60 semester hours
• 500 hours direct client services
• 100 hours professional supervision
• AAMFT conference attendance required
• Comprehensive exam mandatory
• Christian perspective integrated
• Diverse clinical placements
• Licensure exam preparation
• Faculty with real-world experience

Lee University's pioneering PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy represents an advanced educational pathway for mental health professionals seeking transformative leadership roles. Launched in fall 2020, this innovative doctoral program cultivates clinicians, educators, supervisors, and researchers dedicated to serving underserved communities through Christian organizational frameworks. Students engage in comprehensive training that transcends traditional clinical boundaries, developing sophisticated skills in systemic approaches, complex psychological interventions, and pragmatic research methodologies. The program uniquely prepares graduates to address intricate mental health challenges with compassion and professional expertise.

• First MFT doctoral graduates
• Christian organizational focus
• Launched fall 2020
• Serves underserved communities
• Develops innovative clinicians

Lee University's PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Racial Trauma and Cultural Competence provides a groundbreaking educational experience for advanced mental health professionals. This specialized doctoral program integrates systemic therapeutic approaches with deep cultural understanding, preparing students to address complex psychological challenges within diverse community contexts. Graduates develop sophisticated skills in trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, and innovative clinical interventions. The program's unique framework emphasizes transformative practice, research skills, and leadership training, positioning students to make meaningful impacts in mental health service and community healing.

• First MFT doctoral graduates
• Christian organizational focus
• Launched fall 2020
• Clinical leadership training
• Trauma and systemic approach

Lee University's PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy focused on Trauma and PTSD offers an advanced doctoral pathway for mental health professionals seeking specialized expertise. This comprehensive program cultivates clinicians capable of addressing complex psychological trauma through sophisticated, systemic interventions. Students receive rigorous academic training integrating Christian values with practical clinical skills, preparing them for leadership roles in counseling, research, and community service. The curriculum emphasizes developing innovative practitioners who can effectively support individuals and communities experiencing complex traumatic experiences, with a particular focus on evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

• First MFT doctoral graduates
• Christian-centered approach
• Launched fall 2020
• Focus on serving underserved communities
• Develops innovative clinicians
• Prepares systemic supervisors
• Trains pragmatic researchers
• Community-focused program

Lipscomb University offers a Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT) program designed to equip students with the skills to address relational and emotional challenges through systemic therapy. The 60-credit, COAMFTE-accredited curriculum blends academic rigor with 300 hours of hands-on clinical training, ensuring graduates are prepared for licensure and diverse practice settings. Located in Nashville, TN, the program fosters cultural competence and offers specialization options to tailor your education. With a cohort model, students benefit from a supportive learning environment. Financial aid opportunities, including assistantships, are available to eligible candidates. Admission requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, with a deadline of March 1 for Fall 2025 enrollment. The program emphasizes practical experience and theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for impactful careers in therapy.

• 60-credit hour comprehensive curriculum
• COAMFTE accredited program
• 300 hours clinical training
• Two-year cohort model
• $962 per credit hour
• Nashville, Tennessee location
• Specialization options available
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Fall 2025 deadline: March 1
• Assistantships available

Trevecca Nazarene University offers a Master of Marriage and Family Counseling, a 60-credit CACREP accredited program designed for those aiming to become licensed professional counselors. This on-campus program emphasizes hands-on learning with small class sizes and internships at over 60 partner agencies, preparing students for LPC-MHSP/LMFT licensure. The curriculum focuses on counseling diverse populations and family systems using evidence-based interventions. With a tuition of $775 per credit hour and a total cost of $46,500, it's an affordable option for graduate education. A minimum GPA of 2.7 is required, and a GRE score of 290 is recommended. Admissions occur three times a year.

• 60-credit CACREP accredited program
• Prepares for LPC-MHSP/LMFT licensure
• $775 per credit hour
• Total tuition: $46,500
• On-campus face-to-face format
• 60+ internship agency partners
• Small class collaborative learning
• 2.7 GPA minimum requirement
• GRE score of 290 recommended
• Three annual admission cycles

East Tennessee State University offers a hybrid Marriage and Family Therapy program designed for those seeking to make a difference in the lives of couples and families. This CACREP-accredited program stands out for its small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention with courses capped at 20 students. It provides a solid foundation for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), with flexible full-time and part-time study options to accommodate diverse schedules. The program emphasizes practical experience through its Community Counseling Clinic and prepares students for the National Counseling Exam. Graduate assistantships and scholarships are available to help manage tuition costs. Requires GRE.

• CACREP-accredited counseling program
• Courses capped at 20 students
• Multiple licensure pathways
• Full and part-time study options
• Community Counseling Clinic available
• Summer courses offered
• National Counseling Exam preparation

Carson-Newman University's Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling stands out for its hybrid learning format, blending online coursework with essential on-campus experiences. This CACREP-accredited program is designed for aspiring therapists seeking licensure, offering a 60-credit curriculum that includes hands-on clinical training. With a focus on preparing graduates for diverse counseling settings, the program boasts a high post-graduation placement rate. Affordable at $475 per credit hour, it requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA for admission. The program's flexibility and comprehensive training make it a top choice for students aiming to specialize in marriage and family therapy within clinical mental health contexts.

• 60 credit hour program
• Hybrid online/onsite format
• CACREP accredited program
• $475 per credit hour
• Fall/Spring enrollment
• 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
• Professional licensure preparation
• Nearly 100% post-graduation placement
• Multiple specialization options
• Clinical field experience included