Online MFT Programs in Kansas + Campus Degree Options (2024)

If you’re looking to help couples and families health their relationships or navigate difficult situations such as substance abuse, emotional or mental disorders, or trauma, you may be interested in becoming a marriage and family therapist (MFT). This well-respected therapeutic specialization is perfect of students who are looking to make a difference in the lives of couples, families, and individuals.

To become a marriage and family therapist, you’ll need to fulfill specific educational and licensure requirements set forth by the State of Kansas. To learn how to accomplish this, take a look at the sections below.

What is an MFT Degree?

Degrees designed to teach students the fundamentals of marriage and family therapy are often referred to as MFT degrees. These degree programs (most commonly offered at the graduate degree level) are typically utilized by mental health professionals who want to specialize as marriage and family therapists or simply broaden their professional horizons.

MFT Degree Levels in Kansas

Before you begin your search for the perfect MFT degree program, it’s important to get familiar with the various levels of degrees of MFT degrees. While undergraduate degrees such as bachelor’s degrees and associate’s degrees do exist for marriage and family therapy, the most common by far are MFT master’s degrees and doctorate degrees. The reason for this is that licensure is only available at these levels.

The other important thing to understand about MFT degrees is accreditation. If a program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), it means that when a student graduates from it, they will be eligible for licensure. When applying to MFT degree programs (regardless of the level), they will need to be sure that their program is COAMFTE-certified or else they will not be able to become licensed.

Kansas Master's Degree in MFT

As mentioned, MFT master’s degree programs are the lowest educational commitment you’ll need to make in order to become licensed as a marriage and family therapist. MFT master’s degree programs take two years to complete with a 60-credit requirement. Most MFT master’s degree programs cost an average of $32,452 in Kansas. Here are a few MFT master’s degree programs offered in Kansas:

Kansas State University: This Master’s Degree in Human Development and Family Science with a specialization in couple and family therapy offered by Kansas State University is a challenging and immersive program that typically takes students up to three years to complete. Kansas State University utilizes its classrooms, an on-campus therapy room, and the community at large to help foster a wide focus on a diverse range of demographics.

Friends University: Students in the Wichita area can enroll in Friends University’s Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy based on Quaker values and compassionate social justice. Friends University’s program strives to train competent therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals in the most current and up-to-date MFT methods and theory.

Kansas Graduate Certificate in MFT

MFT graduate certificates take about a year to complete and typically only cost between $1,000 and $1,500. While they don’t offer licensure on their own, they are a great option for students who are already licensed in a mental health field and want to add a little extra “something” to their portfolio.

Kansas MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

If you’re looking to expand your marriage and family therapy education to the highest level, a doctorate degree in marriage and family therapy is the obvious choice. These degrees take between four and eight years and typically cost between $35,000 and $300,0000 for the entire tuition.

MFT doctorate degrees come in two different types. The first is a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy. This type focuses on the research and theoretical aspects of marriage and family therapy. The second type is a PsyD, which focuses more on clinical practice. Both are perfectly viable and well-respected degrees, which allows students to pursue a wide range of careers in the mental health field. There is currently one MFT doctorate degree available in Kansas:

Kansas State University: As mentioned earlier, Kansas State University offers an MFT master’s degree program, but they also offer a Couples and Family Therapy Ph.D. program which builds on the former to expand on the most current and effective couples and family therapeutic methods. This degree program is perfect for students who want to go on to become clinicians, educators, and community leaders in this important psychological field.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in Kansas?

Online MFT programs have become increasingly popular in the last several years. Depending on the degree level, they offer some or most of their curriculum online with some in-person requirements that can either be completed on campus or in the community where the student is based.

It’s important to remember that if your goal is licensure, you’ll need to make sure you can commute to where your clinical requirements are held. If your online MFT degree program is based in a state other than Kansas (as of now, this is the only option for Kansas residents), you’ll also need to consider license transferal requirements if you plan on practicing in the state. Here are a few nearby online MFT programs to consider:

Mount Mercy University: Located in Cedar Rapids, IA, this MFT master’s degree program has a strong focus on neuroscience, which sets it apart from many other similar MFT programs. Mount Mercy University also has its very own on-site therapeutic clinic dedicated to treating couples, families, and individuals in the Cedar Rapids community, where students can take part in their required clinical arrangements. Apart from these in-person requirements, the bulk of Mount Mercy’s program is accessible through its online format.

Colorado Christian University: If you’re looking for a biblical approach to marriage and family therapy, you may be interested in Colorado Christian University’s online Master’s in Counseling with a focus on Marriage and Families. Students can complete this program entirely online apart from three in-person clinal sessions located in Lakewood, CO.

Becoming a Licensed MFT in Kansas

The final step to beginning your career as a marriage and family therapist is securing licensure. Each state has its own requirements for doing this. Here’s what you need to do to get your MFT licensure in Kansas:

Education: Obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Ensure your program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Supervised Experience: Complete a period of supervised clinical experience. In Kansas, you typically need to complete at least 4,000 hours of supervised post-graduate clinical work, with at least 1,500 hours in direct client contact.
Examination: Pass the required examination. In Kansas, you must pass the National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy offered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
Application: Submit an application for licensure to the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB). This application will include documentation of your education, supervised experience, and examination scores.
Background Check: Undergo a criminal background check.
Fees: Pay any required application and licensing fees.
Continuing Education: Once licensed, you must fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain your license—40 hours every two years.