Brigham Young University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is one of roughly 130 COAMFTE-accredited master's programs in the United States, and it carries one of the lowest price tags in that group. The full-time, on-campus program in Provo, Utah, combines intensive clinical training with a faith-integrated curriculum rooted in the values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For LDS members, estimated total tuition can land well under half of what comparable accredited programs charge. Non-LDS students pay considerably more, which makes Church membership status the single biggest variable in the program's cost-benefit analysis of an MFT degree. That tuition gap, paired with strong supervised-hours requirements and small cohort sizes, positions BYU as a high-value option for a specific applicant profile and a less obvious fit for others.

BYU MFT Quick Facts

Brigham Young University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited, on-campus program designed for small cohorts and intensive clinical training. Here are the numbers that matter most.

Is BYU a Good MFT Program?

Brigham Young University's Marriage and Family Therapy program holds COAMFTE accreditation at the master's and doctoral levels, placing it among a relatively small group of programs nationwide that meet the Commission's rigorous educational standards. But accreditation alone does not tell the full story. Whether BYU is the right MFT program for you depends on how its distinctive strengths, cultural environment, and training model align with your goals.

Strengths Worth Noting

BYU's MFT faculty are active researchers and clinicians whose work appears regularly in top journals such as the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. The program maintains a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, which translates into meaningful mentorship and closer supervision during clinical hours. For current numbers on faculty size and cohort composition, the program's own website and the COAMFTE accreditation directory are the most reliable sources.

The program also benefits from its integration within a large research university, giving students access to interdisciplinary collaboration, well-funded labs, and a campus clinic that serves a diverse client population. Graduates frequently pursue licensure across multiple states, and the COAMFTE credential is recognized by every U.S. licensing board. Students interested in advanced research careers can explore MFT doctoral programs as a natural extension of BYU's master's degree.

To get a fuller picture of reputation, search AAMFT's website for any program recognitions and read student accounts on forums such as Reddit's r/MFT community. You will find firsthand perspectives on training quality, faculty accessibility, and clinical placement variety.

The Honor Code Factor

Every BYU graduate student, regardless of religious affiliation, must abide by the university's Honor Code. This includes standards related to dress, conduct, and substance use. LDS students are required to maintain an ecclesiastical endorsement from a local Church leader, while non-LDS students obtain their endorsement through a different process outlined by the university's Honor Code Office and Graduate Studies website. If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is worth researching personal accounts from non-LDS students to understand how this requirement works in practice and whether the campus culture feels like a comfortable fit.

What Is Not Always Public

Licensure exam pass rates and post-graduation job placement statistics are not always published on the program's website. If these numbers matter to your decision (and they should), contact the BYU MFT program director directly. COAMFTE-accredited programs track these outcomes as part of their accreditation obligations, and many will share them upon request even when they are not posted online.

When to Consider Alternatives

BYU is a strong choice if you value affordability (especially at LDS tuition rates), a faith-informed academic environment, and access to a well-established clinical training infrastructure. It may be less ideal if you prefer a secular program culture, need a fully online format, or want a curriculum with specific specialty tracks such as sex therapy or medical family therapy that may not be emphasized here. If cost is your primary concern, reviewing affordable online MFT programs can help you weigh BYU's value against other options. Likewise, browsing MFT programs in Utah gives you a sense of the regional alternatives available close to Provo.

Program Cost and Tuition: LDS vs Non-LDS Breakdown

One of BYU's strongest selling points for aspiring marriage and family therapists is affordability, but what you actually pay depends on your membership status in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Understanding how the two tuition tiers work, plus the fees and financial aid layered on top, is essential before you commit.

How BYU's Tuition Subsidy Works

BYU operates on a subsidy model funded by tithes from members of the LDS Church. Tithe-paying Latter-day Saint students receive a substantial discount on tuition, while non-LDS students pay roughly double the LDS rate. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the per-credit graduate rate is approximately $510 for LDS students and $1,020 for non-LDS students.¹ Full-time semester tuition (at least 8.5 credits) lands around $4,336 for LDS students and $8,672 for non-LDS students.¹ BYU announced a 3 percent tuition increase for 2025-2026³, and the 2026-2027 annual rates have risen accordingly to about $8,936 (LDS) and $17,872 (non-LDS).²

Because the MFT master's program typically requires around 60 to 62 credits completed over two years, you can estimate total tuition by multiplying the per-credit rate by the credit requirement.

Estimated Two-Year Tuition

• LDS students: Roughly $30,600 to $31,600 in tuition alone across the full program, based on the current per-credit rate and a 60-to-62-credit curriculum.
• Non-LDS students: Roughly $61,200 to $63,200 under the same calculation.

These figures do not include mandatory fees. BYU charges student service fees, technology fees, and in some cases program-specific fees each semester. While exact fee totals vary by semester and enrollment level, budgeting an additional $1,000 to $2,000 per year for fees is a reasonable baseline. That brings estimated two-year totals (tuition plus fees) into the range of roughly $32,000 to $35,000 for LDS students and $63,000 to $67,000 for non-LDS students. Living expenses in Provo are not included in those numbers but are generally lower than costs in many metropolitan university towns.

Financial Aid and Assistantships

BYU's graduate programs offer several avenues to offset costs:

• Graduate assistantships and RA/TA positions: Many MFT students secure research or teaching assistantships that provide a modest stipend and, in some cases, partial tuition remission. Availability is competitive, so early inquiry with the department is wise.
• Federal student loans: BYU participates in federal financial aid programs, so eligible students can borrow through Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans.
• Scholarships and tuition waivers: The university and the School of Family Life periodically offer merit-based scholarships. Some MFT-specific awards may also be available through professional organizations or external foundations.

For LDS students, BYU's MFT program is one of the most affordable COAMFTE-accredited options in the country. Non-LDS applicants still benefit from a well-resourced program, though the doubled tuition rate puts BYU closer to mid-range public university pricing. In either case, comparing total cost against projected earning potential and licensure timelines is a step worth taking before you apply. Our ROI analysis of the MFT degree can help you weigh whether the investment makes financial sense for your situation.

BYU MFT Tuition: LDS vs Non-LDS Estimated Total Cost

BYU's tuition structure creates a dramatic cost difference depending on Church membership. Below is a side-by-side look at estimated total program costs for LDS (Church-member) and non-LDS students, covering tuition and mandatory fees across the full master's degree.

Curriculum and Clinical Training

BYU's COAMFTE-accredited MFT master's program is built around a rigorous, clinically immersive curriculum that puts you in front of real clients from your very first semester.¹ The program offers two distinct tracks: a Clinical Track (60 to 61 credits) designed for students headed straight into licensure and practice, and a Research Track (66 credits) for those aiming toward doctoral study or academic careers. Both tracks can be completed in approximately 24 months.

Core Coursework

The curriculum covers every foundational area required by COAMFTE accreditation standards. Expect concentrated coursework in:

• Systemic and relational theory: The theoretical backbone of MFT practice, covering family systems models and evidence-based relational interventions.
• Human development: Lifespan and family development across individual, couple, and family contexts.
• Research methods: Quantitative and qualitative approaches to therapy research, with deeper emphasis for students on the Research Track.
• Professional ethics: Legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks governing MFT practice.
• Diversity and social justice: Culturally responsive therapy, intersectionality, and equitable clinical practice.

BYU's location within the School of Family Life also positions students to explore elective and research emphasis areas such as religious and spiritual issues in therapy, a natural fit given the university's mission and community.

Clinical Training Structure

What sets this program apart from many competitors is how early and intensively clinical training begins. Practicum starts in the first semester, meaning you are not spending an entire year in the classroom before seeing clients.¹ Over the course of the program, students must complete a minimum of 500 direct client contact hours, with at least 251 of those hours involving relational (couple or family) cases.² If you are unsure what that hands-on experience looks like day to day, our guide on what to expect in an MFT clinical internship walks through the typical trainee workflow.

Supervision follows a layered model designed to accelerate clinical skill development:

• Live supervision: Faculty observe sessions in real time through one-way mirrors or live video feeds, offering immediate feedback.
• Group supervision: Cohort-based case consultation sessions where peers and supervisors collaborate on treatment planning and clinical reflection.
• Individual supervision: One-on-one meetings with an AAMFT Approved Supervisor or equivalently credentialed faculty member.²

This combination of live, group, and individual supervision is considered a gold standard in MFT training and exceeds what many programs provide. For a broader look at how post-graduate LMFT supervised clinical hours requirements vary, our state-by-state breakdown is a useful reference.

Clinical Placement Sites

The BYU Comprehensive Clinic serves as the primary training site, offering a controlled environment with built-in supervision infrastructure.² Students also rotate through external community partner sites, which broaden exposure to diverse client populations and presenting concerns beyond the university setting. This dual-site model helps graduates feel prepared for the range of cases they will encounter in post-licensure practice.

How the Timeline Maps Out

Within the 24-month structure, the first year blends foundational coursework with early practicum experience, while the second year shifts heavily toward clinical hours, advanced electives, and (for Research Track students) thesis work. This front-loaded clinical design means graduates leave with substantial hands-on experience, not just classroom knowledge, making the transition to post-graduate supervised practice for LMFT licensure considerably smoother.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Admissions Requirements and How to Get Into BYU's MFT Program

Getting into BYU's COAMFTE-accredited MFT program is competitive, and the admissions process includes several components that are distinctive to this university. Because requirements and deadlines can shift from cycle to cycle, the most reliable strategy is to go straight to official sources rather than relying solely on third-party directories.

What BYU Typically Requires

BYU's MFT program generally asks applicants to submit the following:

• Transcripts: An undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, with a strong GPA. The program historically favors applicants in the mid-to-upper 3.0 range and above, though the exact average GPA of admitted students can vary by cohort.
• Essays and video responses: BYU's application includes written personal statements as well as recorded video responses to prompts. These components allow the admissions committee to evaluate communication skills, self-awareness, and fit with the program's clinical philosophy.
• Letters of recommendation: Typically two or three letters from academic or professional references who can speak to your aptitude for graduate-level clinical work.
• Ecclesiastical endorsement: As a university operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BYU requires all students to obtain an ecclesiastical endorsement, regardless of religious affiliation. This is a non-negotiable part of the admissions and enrollment process.
• GRE policy: BYU's GRE requirement has been subject to change in recent years. Some graduate programs at the university have moved to GRE-optional or waived the exam entirely. Visit BYU Graduate Studies' official admissions page to confirm the current policy for the MFT program before you apply. If you prefer to sidestep the exam altogether, a number of MFT programs without GRE requirements exist at other COAMFTE-accredited schools.

Where to Find Reliable Admissions Data

Third-party directories such as Peterson's aggregate applicant data and can give you a rough sense of cohort size, acceptance rates, and average test scores. However, these figures may lag behind the most recent admissions cycle. For the most current and program-specific numbers, check two sources directly:

• COAMFTE's program disclosure data, which includes standardized statistics that BYU's MFT program is required to report, such as cohort size and completion rates.
• BYU's own Graduate Studies admissions page, which lists current deadlines, required materials, and any recent policy updates.

If you want detail that is not published online, such as the average GPA of the most recently admitted cohort or changes to the interview process, contact the BYU MFT program coordinator by email or phone. Program staff are typically responsive and can clarify gray areas that neither COAMFTE disclosures nor third-party directories address.

Application Deadlines

BYU's MFT program typically admits one cohort per year for a fall start. Deadlines often fall in the winter months preceding the intended start term, but the exact date changes. Confirm the current deadline on the BYU Graduate Studies website well in advance, as late applications are generally not reviewed. Planning to have all materials, including your ecclesiastical endorsement, finalized at least a few weeks before the posted deadline is a smart safeguard against last-minute delays. Applicants who are still weighing their options may also want to compare BYU against the broader landscape of the best master's in marriage and family therapy to ensure the program aligns with their goals.

BYU MFT Admissions at a Glance

Admission to BYU's COAMFTE-accredited MFT program is competitive. Understanding each stage of the process helps you prepare a stronger application and avoid last-minute surprises.

Online and Flexible Learning Options

No Online Degree Option

BYU does not offer an online MFT degree. The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is delivered entirely on campus in Provo, Utah. If you are searching for a program you can complete remotely, this is not it. Every course, clinical training component, and supervision session takes place in person.

Scheduling Format and Full-Time Expectations

The program operates on a full-time-only basis. Coursework is scheduled primarily during daytime hours, and students should expect to be on campus most of the week. Clinical practicum rotations add evening and weekend hours depending on client availability at training sites. Summer terms are typically part of the sequence, meaning there is little downtime between semesters.

For students with families or those who need part-time employment to get by, the full-time commitment is a real consideration. The good news is that Provo's cost of living sits well below national averages for college towns, which makes stretching a modest budget more feasible. Affordable housing, lower grocery costs, and a family-friendly community help offset the fact that you will not have time for a demanding outside job while enrolled.

Why Most Top MFT Programs Stay On Campus

COAMFTE accreditation standards require a substantial number of supervised direct-client-contact hours. These hours demand face-to-face therapeutic work, live observation or recorded sessions reviewed with an approved supervisor, and structured feedback loops that are difficult to replicate in a fully online environment. That is the primary reason BYU and many other highly regarded MFT programs have not moved to a distance format. The clinical training model simply works best when students, supervisors, and clients are in the same physical space.

If You Need Flexibility

If relocating to Provo or committing to a full-time, on-campus schedule is not realistic, you still have strong options. A growing number of COAMFTE-accredited online MFT programs offer hybrid or distance-friendly formats that pair online coursework with regional clinical placements. These programs let you complete didactic requirements remotely while fulfilling practicum hours at approved sites near your home, giving you credential quality without sacrificing the scheduling flexibility you need.

Career Outcomes and Licensure Pathway

Earning your degree from BYU is only the first milestone. Understanding the full path to licensure, along with realistic salary expectations, will help you gauge whether the investment makes sense for your goals.

LMFT Licensure Steps in Utah

Utah's Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) requires a clear sequence before you can practice independently as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. For a comprehensive overview of Utah LMFT requirements, review the state-specific steps below:

• Complete a qualifying degree: A master's or doctoral program in marriage and family therapy that meets DOPL's educational standards. BYU's COAMFTE-accredited MS satisfies this requirement.
• Pass the national MFT exam: The Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) administers the licensing examination accepted in Utah and most other states.
• Accumulate supervised post-graduate hours: Utah requires at least 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after graduation (with a minimum of 1,000 direct client-contact hours), completed under an approved supervisor.
• Apply through DOPL: Once education, exam, and supervised hours are all documented, you submit your application for the full LMFT credential.

The supervised-hours phase typically takes two to three years of full-time clinical work, so plan on that runway between commencement and independent licensure.

BYU's Outcome Data

COAMFTE requires accredited programs to publish key achievement metrics, including licensure exam pass rates, job placement rates, and program completion rates.¹ BYU reports a 100 percent pass rate on the AMFTRB national exam for its graduates, a figure that stands well above the roughly 70 percent first-time national pass rate and the 40 to 50 percent range commonly seen among repeat test-takers.²³ That exam performance signals strong curricular preparation and clinical training.

Detailed placement and completion statistics are available through BYU's published graduate achievement data.⁴ Prospective students should review those disclosures directly for the most current figures, as the program updates them periodically to maintain COAMFTE compliance.

Salary Expectations and ROI

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual wage for marriage and family therapists (SOC 21-1013) was approximately $58,510 as of the most recently published data. Utah's median tends to track close to or slightly below the national figure, reflecting the state's generally lower cost of living.

Those numbers are modest compared to some other clinical and counseling credentials. However, at LDS tuition rates, BYU's total program cost can come in well under $20,000, which makes the return on investment notably favorable. Even non-LDS students, who pay higher tuition, face a total cost that remains competitive with many public university MFT programs. The math becomes even more attractive if you factor in the program's strong exam pass rate and the relatively steady demand for licensed therapists across healthcare and community settings. If you are weighing MFT against a social work credential, our comparison of LMFT and LCSW breaks down earning potential and scope of practice side by side.

Where BYU Graduates Work

BYU MFT alumni find employment across a range of settings, including:

• Community mental health agencies throughout Utah and the Intermountain West
• LDS Family Services, which historically draws BYU-trained clinicians
• Hospital systems and integrated behavioral health teams
• Private practice, either as associates working toward full licensure or as independently licensed therapists

The program's clinical training network and its reputation within faith-based and community organizations create a solid pipeline into these roles. For students who plan to practice in Utah or surrounding states, BYU's local connections are a genuine career advantage. If you are targeting a market far from the Intermountain region, the COAMFTE accreditation ensures your degree is recognized nationally, though you will need to confirm the specific licensure requirements of your destination state.

How BYU Compares to Other MFT Programs

Choosing an MFT program is a significant financial and professional decision, so it pays to compare BYU against the broader landscape before you commit. Here is a structured approach to evaluating how BYU stacks up.

Use Federal Salary and Occupation Data

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) publishes detailed wage data for Marriage and Family Therapists under SOC code 21-1013. As of the most recent release, the national median annual wage for MFTs sits near $58,000, with top earners in certain states and settings exceeding $80,000. Compare this figure to related occupations such as clinical social workers and mental health counselors to gauge where MFT salaries fall on the spectrum. For a broader look at the marriage and family therapy career outlook, salary data is only one piece of the puzzle. BYU graduates who practice in Utah should note that the state's cost of living is lower than the national average, which can make moderate MFT salaries stretch further, but it also means that local pay may trail high-cost markets like California or the Northeast.

Compare Program-Level Data Directly

Visit individual program websites to examine completion rates, total credits, and tuition. COAMFTE-accredited programs are required to publish student achievement data, including completion and job-placement metrics. BYU's relatively low tuition, especially at the LDS-member rate, gives it a cost advantage over many private COAMFTE-accredited alternatives, where total program costs can exceed $60,000 to $80,000. Public universities sometimes match or beat BYU on in-state pricing, but few combine that affordability with a nationally recognized COAMFTE credential in the way BYU does.

Review Professional Association and Employer Insights

Reports from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and employer surveys on platforms like LinkedIn consistently show that COAMFTE accreditation is a differentiator in hiring. Employers and licensing boards in most states prefer, and in some cases require, graduates of COAMFTE-accredited programs. BYU's long-standing accreditation at the master's and doctoral levels signals program quality that hiring managers recognize.

Check State Licensing Board Outcomes

State licensing boards often track national exam pass rates by program. Searching your target state's board website can reveal how BYU graduates perform on the AMFTRB national examination relative to peers from other schools. Strong pass rates are one of the most objective indicators of program rigor, and they directly affect how quickly you can move from graduation to independent practice.

A Quick Comparison Framework

• Lower-cost public alternative: May offer comparable in-state tuition but could lack COAMFTE accreditation or the integrated clinical training model BYU provides.
• Higher-brand private alternative: Often carries a price tag two to three times BYU's LDS rate, with salary outcomes that rarely justify the premium.
• BYU's sweet spot: COAMFTE accreditation, competitive tuition (especially for LDS members), strong clinical training, and a supportive faith-based community, all bundled into an on-campus experience in Provo.

The bottom line is straightforward: gather data from the BLS, COAMFTE achievement disclosures, AAMFT resources, and state licensing boards before making your final decision. On most of those benchmarks, BYU competes favorably with programs that cost considerably more.

Should You Apply to BYU's MFT Program?

Choosing the right MFT program means weighing affordability, clinical rigor, format, and personal fit. BYU's COAMFTE-accredited program delivers exceptional value for a specific type of student, but its structure and institutional requirements are not for everyone. Use the breakdown below to decide whether this program belongs on your shortlist.

Frequently Asked Questions About BYU's MFT Program

Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about Brigham Young University's marriage and family therapy program. For a deeper look at costs, admissions, and career outcomes, explore the full sections above on marriagefamilytherapist.org.

Is BYU's MFT program COAMFTE accredited?

Yes. BYU's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy holds full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). This is the gold-standard credential for MFT programs and signals that the curriculum, clinical training hours, and faculty meet rigorous national benchmarks recognized by licensing boards in every U.S. state.

How much does BYU's MFT program cost for LDS and non-LDS students?

LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) members pay roughly half the tuition rate of non-LDS students, making the program exceptionally affordable by graduate-school standards. LDS tuition runs approximately $4,000 per semester, while non-member tuition is roughly $8,000 per semester. Total estimated program costs, including fees, range from around $24,000 for LDS students to approximately $48,000 for non-LDS students over the full course of study.

What GPA and GRE scores do you need for BYU's MFT program?

BYU typically expects a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, though competitive applicants often present higher. The program has historically required GRE scores, so applicants should check the latest admissions page for the current GRE policy. Strong letters of recommendation, a compelling personal statement, and relevant experience also weigh heavily in the selection process.

How long is the MFT program at BYU?

The master's program is designed to be completed in approximately two years of full-time study. This includes core coursework, electives, and the supervised clinical practicum. Some students may take slightly longer depending on their clinical placement schedule or individual circumstances, but the standard timeline is six semesters (including summers).

Does BYU offer an online MFT degree?

No. BYU's MFT program is delivered entirely on campus in Provo, Utah. COAMFTE-accredited programs require intensive, in-person clinical training, and BYU fulfills that requirement through its on-site clinic and local practicum partnerships. Students should plan to relocate to the Provo area for the duration of the program.

What is the acceptance rate for BYU's MFT program?

BYU's MFT program is highly selective. Exact acceptance rates are not publicly published each year, but the program admits a small cohort, typically around 12 to 15 students per cycle. Competition is strong, so applicants benefit from solid academic records, relevant clinical or volunteer experience, and well-crafted application materials.

Can BYU MFT graduates get licensed as LMFTs outside of Utah?

Yes. Because the program is COAMFTE accredited, graduates meet the educational requirements for LMFT licensure in all 50 states. Most states also require passing the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) national exam and completing post-degree supervised clinical hours. Specific hour counts and supervision rules vary by state, so graduates should verify their target state's licensing board requirements.