Drexel University's COAMFTE-accredited MS in Couple and Family Therapy is a clinically intensive master's program based in Philadelphia, one of the largest metro areas on the East Coast for behavioral health employment. The program uses a two-phase practicum model that places students in supervised client contact earlier than many peers, making it a strong fit for applicants who want dense, hands-on training in an urban setting with diverse clinical populations.

That clinical depth comes at a cost. Drexel is a private institution, and its per-credit tuition sits well above public university alternatives. For prospective students weighing program quality against long-term debt, the calculus depends on factors like financial aid packaging, post-licensure salary expectations in their target state, and whether an on-campus Philadelphia commitment is realistic. If you are still surveying what is available in the state, our directory of MFT programs in Pennsylvania is a useful starting point.

Drexel MFT Quick Facts

Drexel University's MS in Couple and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited master's program built for students who want rigorous clinical training in the Philadelphia metro area. Here are the essential numbers to know before you apply.

Is Drexel a Good MFT Program?

Drexel University's Couple and Family Therapy program holds COAMFTE accreditation, the gold standard credential for marriage and family therapy education in the United States. That distinction matters beyond prestige: graduating from a COAMFTE-accredited program is the most reliable path to licensure portability across states. Many state licensing boards either require or strongly prefer candidates who trained in COAMFTE-accredited programs, which means a Drexel MFT degree positions you to pursue LMFT licensure in virtually any state without needing to petition for course-by-course equivalencies.

Strengths Worth Knowing

Drexel's program carries several advantages that set it apart from the broader pool of COAMFTE-accredited options.

• Philadelphia clinical ecosystem: The city's dense network of hospitals, community mental health agencies, and family service organizations gives students access to remarkably diverse practicum placements, from underserved urban populations to specialized medical settings.
• Two-phase continuous practicum model: Rather than compressing all clinical hours into a single block, Drexel structures practicum across two phases so students build skills progressively and accumulate supervised contact hours throughout their training.
• Trauma and addiction curriculum emphasis: Coursework integrates trauma-informed care and substance use treatment into the core MFT framework, preparing graduates for the clinical realities they will face in practice.
• R1 research university resources: As a Carnegie R1 institution, Drexel offers access to faculty-led research labs, interdisciplinary collaboration, and institutional resources that smaller programs simply cannot match.

Honest Drawbacks

No program is the right fit for everyone, and Drexel comes with trade-offs worth weighing carefully.

• Tuition at a private research university runs significantly higher than comparable programs at public institutions, and the total cost of attendance can be a serious consideration for students managing debt.
• The program offers limited online or hybrid flexibility. Most coursework and clinical training are designed around in-person engagement in Philadelphia, which narrows access for students who cannot relocate.
• Admissions are competitive, and applicants should expect a selective review process that favors strong academic records, clear clinical intent, and relevant experience.

Best-Fit Student

Drexel's MFT program is built for clinically ambitious students who want immersive, practicum-heavy training in a major metropolitan area. If you value urban practicum diversity, want a curriculum that addresses trauma and addiction head-on, and are willing to invest in the premium that comes with a private R1 institution, this program delivers on those priorities. Before committing, it is worth running the numbers; our analysis of return on investment for an MFT degree can help you determine whether the higher tuition pencils out over the course of your career.

When to Consider Alternatives

If affordability is your top concern, a COAMFTE-accredited program at a public university will likely cut your total cost of attendance by a meaningful margin. If you need a fully online format to accommodate work or family obligations, Drexel's in-person model will not flex enough. And if your primary interest lies in a niche specialization track (such as sex therapy or medical family therapy as a formal concentration), you may find programs elsewhere that dedicate more curricular space to those areas. Our MFT program comparison chart can help you weigh Drexel against programs that better match those specific needs.

Drexel MFT Tuition: Cost per Credit and Total Program Cost

Understanding the full cost of a graduate MFT program before you apply is essential, and Drexel's tuition structure is straightforward once you break it down. Because Drexel is a private university, every student pays the same rate regardless of residency, which eliminates the in-state versus out-of-state guesswork that complicates pricing at public institutions.

Per-Credit Rate and Estimated Total Tuition

For the 2025-2026 academic year, Drexel's MFT program charges $1,423 per credit hour.¹ The master's degree requires roughly 48 to 60 credits depending on the track you follow and any transfer credits you bring in. That puts estimated tuition alone in the range of approximately $68,304 to $85,380 before fees. If you land closer to the 48-credit minimum, you save meaningfully, so ask the admissions team exactly which courses apply to your background during the application process.

Mandatory Fees Beyond Tuition

Tuition is not the only line item on your bill. Drexel adds a per-term student fee: $280 per term for full-time students or $140 per term for those enrolled part time.¹ Students in the online or hybrid format also pay a $125 online program fee each term.² Over a two-to-three-year enrollment period spanning six to nine terms, those fees can add roughly $1,680 to $3,645 to your total bill. Practicum-related costs such as liability insurance, background checks, and transportation to clinical sites are additional out-of-pocket expenses that vary by placement but typically run a few hundred dollars per year.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Options

Drexel MFT students are eligible for federal graduate loans, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans. The university also offers merit-based scholarships and limited graduate assistantship positions within the College of Nursing and Health Professions. If you currently work for an employer that partners with Drexel or offers tuition reimbursement, that benefit can offset a significant portion of the cost. Check with Drexel's financial aid office about any program-specific funding opportunities, because dedicated MFT scholarships tend to be competitive and require early applications.

Debt-Load Context: How Drexel Stacks Up

Private-university MFT programs across the country commonly run between $60,000 and $100,000 in total tuition. Drexel sits squarely in that range. By comparison, COAMFTE-accredited programs at public universities often come in between $25,000 and $50,000 for in-state students. If cost is your primary concern, our directory of the cheapest MFT programs can help you identify lower-cost alternatives. If you are borrowing the full amount, a realistic debt load for Drexel's MFT degree falls in the $70,000 to $90,000 range after fees and living expenses, which is typical for private graduate programs but worth weighing carefully against projected post-licensure earnings in your state.³

The bottom line: Drexel's MFT tuition is transparent and consistent across all students, but the total price tag demands a clear-eyed financial plan. Factor in every fee, exhaust scholarship and assistantship options first, and model your expected monthly loan payments against the salary range in the market where you plan to practice.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Curriculum, Specializations, and Practicum Model

Drexel's Couple and Family Therapy curriculum is built on the foundational competencies COAMFTE accreditation requires, but the program layers in distinctive emphases and a clinical training structure that sets it apart from many peers.¹

Core Coursework

The academic sequence covers the topics you would expect from any COAMFTE-accredited program: systems theory, psychopathology, professional ethics, human development across the lifespan, and research methods. Where Drexel diverges is in how the coursework is sequenced. Students complete a clinical readiness seminar before entering practicum, ensuring they have grounding in assessment and therapeutic frameworks before seeing their first client. This gated approach means classroom theory and clinical practice stay tightly connected rather than running on parallel, disconnected tracks.

Trauma and Addiction Emphasis

One of Drexel's clearest differentiators is the depth of elective coursework in trauma-informed care and addiction treatment. Students who want to specialize in these areas can build a focused course of study that goes well beyond a single survey class. Given Philadelphia's ongoing need for clinicians trained in substance use and complex trauma, this emphasis is both academically rigorous and professionally strategic. It positions graduates to step into high-demand clinical roles immediately after licensure.

Two-Phase Practicum Model

Clinical training follows a two-phase continuous practicum design that maps directly to COAMFTE's requirement of at least 500 direct client-contact hours, including a minimum of 250 hours with couples and families.¹ If you are unfamiliar with what the clinical portion of an MFT degree typically involves, a closer look at MFT practicum requirements can provide useful context.

• Phase 1 (nine months): Students begin seeing clients in Drexel's on-campus training clinic under close faculty supervision. This controlled environment allows for real-time feedback and a gradual ramp-up in caseload complexity.
• Phase 2 (twelve months): Students transition to external community sites across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, all within 30 miles of campus. Typical placements include community mental health centers, hospitals, schools, addiction treatment facilities, inpatient and outpatient behavioral health agencies, juvenile justice programs, and family-based or forensic family therapy settings.

During practicum, students spend 16 to 20 hours per week on site, with 8 to 10 of those hours dedicated to direct client contact. Students are responsible for their own transportation, and practicum schedules cannot conflict with class times.¹

Supervision Structure

Students accumulate a minimum of 100 supervision hours across both phases, delivered through a mix of individual and group formats. At least 50 of those hours involve observable supervision, meaning a supervisor watches live sessions or reviews recorded sessions. Of that total, at least 25 hours focus specifically on the individual student's clinical work rather than a peer's case. This layered supervision model ensures that every student receives sustained, personalized feedback on their therapeutic skills, not just general group discussion.

The combination of a structured on-campus start, diverse external placements, and rigorous supervision makes Drexel's practicum model one of the more comprehensive training pipelines you will find among COAMFTE-accredited master's programs.

Drexel MFT Admissions Requirements and Deadlines

Getting into Drexel's Master of Family Therapy program requires a focused application, but the process is straightforward if you know what to prepare. Here is a breakdown of every requirement, the current testing policy, and the deadlines you need to hit.

What You Need to Apply

Drexel expects applicants to present a well-rounded file. The core requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree: A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is required. No specific major is mandated, though backgrounds in psychology, human development, sociology, or related behavioral sciences tend to strengthen an application.¹
• Minimum GPA: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is the published threshold.¹
• Official transcripts: From every post-secondary institution you have attended.
• Statement of purpose: A personal essay explaining your interest in marriage and family therapy, your career goals, and why Drexel is the right fit.
• Letters of recommendation: Typically two or three letters from academic or professional references who can speak to your readiness for graduate-level clinical training.
• Resume or CV: Documenting relevant work, volunteer, and research experience.
• English-language proficiency (international applicants): Minimum scores of 90 on the TOEFL, 6.5 on the IELTS, 61 on the PTE, or 110 on the Duolingo English Test.¹

Applicants with coursework in developmental psychology, family systems, or research methods may have a slight edge, so consider highlighting those courses in your materials.

GRE Policy: What Current Evidence Shows

Drexel does not require the GRE or MAT for the Master of Family Therapy program.¹ Some third-party directories still list the GRE as required, likely reflecting outdated catalog data. The university's own program pages and graduate catalog confirm no standardized entrance exam is necessary.² Drexel is one of many MFT programs without GRE requirements, a trend that has accelerated in recent years. That said, testing policies can shift from one admissions cycle to the next, so verify directly with Drexel's College of Nursing and Health Professions before you finalize your application.

Application Deadlines

The program operates on a rolling admissions model after the priority date, so applying early is a smart strategy:

• Priority deadline: January 1. Submitting by this date gives you the best chance at available seats and any merit-based funding.
• Final deadline: August 1. Applications received between January and August are reviewed on a rolling basis until the cohort is full.¹

Because COAMFTE-accredited online MFT programs and on-campus tracks typically admit smaller cohorts, often between 15 and 25 students, spots can fill well before the final deadline. Applying by the January priority window is the most reliable path to securing your place.

Selectivity and Cohort Size

Drexel does not publicly disclose an acceptance rate or applicant-to-seat ratio for the Master of Family Therapy program. This is common among COAMFTE-accredited programs, which prioritize fit and clinical readiness over raw selectivity metrics. Expect a competitive but not cutthroat process: a solid GPA, a compelling statement of purpose, and demonstrated interest in relational or systems-oriented therapy will position you well.

If your GPA falls slightly below 3.0, do not automatically rule yourself out. A strong personal statement, relevant professional experience, and enthusiastic recommendation letters can help offset a borderline transcript. Contact the admissions team directly to ask whether conditional admission or prerequisite coursework might be an option.

Online and Hybrid Learning Options at Drexel

One of the most common questions prospective students ask is whether Drexel's MFT program can be completed online. The short answer: it cannot. Drexel's COAMFTE-accredited Couple and Family Therapy program is designed as an on-campus experience based at the university's Philadelphia campus. Understanding what that means for your schedule and lifestyle is essential before you commit.

Is Any Coursework Available Online?

While the program is primarily delivered in person, Drexel does leverage its broader university infrastructure to offer select course components through its learning management system. Some readings, discussion boards, and supplementary materials may be accessed remotely. However, the core didactic courses, clinical skills labs, and supervision sessions require physical attendance. Drexel has historically offered some evening course scheduling, which can be helpful for students juggling outside responsibilities, but you should not expect a fully flexible or asynchronous experience.

Why COAMFTE Limits Fully Online Delivery

Every COAMFTE-accredited MFT program must include a substantial number of direct client contact hours completed under approved clinical supervision. These practicum and internship requirements are inherently face-to-face activities. Even programs marketed as "online" must arrange local practicum placements and live supervision, which means no MFT program accredited by COAMFTE is truly 100 percent remote. At Drexel, practicum sites are concentrated in the greater Philadelphia area, and students participate in on-site supervision at university-affiliated clinics. This model ensures rigorous clinical training but ties you geographically to the region.

Can You Work While Enrolled?

Drexel's program is intensive. Between coursework, practicum placements, and supervision meetings, students should expect a near full-time commitment. Some students do maintain part-time employment, particularly during the earlier semesters before practicum hours ramp up. Once clinical placements begin, your weekly schedule will include client sessions, supervision, and documentation on top of regular classes. Holding more than a modest part-time job becomes difficult. If you need to work full-time to support yourself, plan your finances carefully and speak with the program director about realistic scheduling. Students who need a compressed timeline may also want to explore accelerated MFT programs that front-load coursework differently.

When a Fully Online Program Makes More Sense

If geographic flexibility is a non-negotiable priority, Drexel's on-campus model may not align with your needs. Several other COAMFTE-accredited programs around the country offer hybrid or predominantly online delivery that requires only periodic campus residencies alongside locally arranged practicum hours. You can explore those accredited online MFT programs to compare formats, costs, and clinical placement support. There is no shame in choosing a program that fits your life; the best MFT program is one you can actually complete with the depth of training the profession demands.

Drexel MFT Licensure Path and Career Outcomes

Earning your LMFT license after graduating from Drexel's COAMFTE-accredited Master of Family Therapy program follows a structured, multi-year pathway. Pennsylvania requires candidates to complete post-degree supervised experience and pass a national licensing exam before practicing independently. COAMFTE-accredited programs like Drexel's are expected to publish outcome data including program completion rates, licensure exam pass rates, and job placement rates; prospective students should verify the most current figures directly with the program.

Career Outcomes, Salary Context, and ROI

Investing in a graduate MFT program is a significant financial decision, and understanding the earning potential on the other side is essential. Here is what the data tells us about the career landscape for licensed marriage and family therapists and how Drexel's program cost fits into that picture.

National and Regional Salary Benchmarks

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was $63,780 as of May 2024.¹ Salaries in the Philadelphia metro area tend to track slightly above the national median, though exact local figures vary by employer type and years of experience. Therapists in private practice who build a steady caseload can eventually earn well above the median, but it typically takes several years post-licensure to reach that point.

Where MFTs Work

Drexel graduates enter a range of employment settings, reflecting the breadth of the field:

• Private practice: Solo or group practices, often the long-term goal for many clinicians.
• Community mental health agencies: High-demand settings that frequently offer loan repayment incentives.
• Hospitals and integrated care systems: Medical family therapy roles in behavioral health departments.
• School-based programs: Counseling positions within K-12 or university systems.
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs): Short-term counseling and referral services offered through employers.

Philadelphia's large healthcare and social services sector provides a robust local job pipeline for new graduates, which is a practical advantage of training in this region. For a broader look at where the profession can take you, explore our overview of MFT career paths.

Honest ROI Assessment

With estimated total program costs that can exceed $80,000 at Drexel, prospective students should be clear-eyed: marriage and family therapy is a modest-salary profession relative to many other graduate-level fields. At the national median wage, a graduate might need roughly five to eight years of disciplined repayment to recoup the investment, depending on loan terms and living expenses. Students who secure assistantships, scholarships, or employer tuition benefits can shorten that timeline meaningfully.

Exam Preparation and Job Growth

Drexel's curriculum is built around COAMFTE standards, which align closely with the content domains tested on the AMFTRB national licensing examination. The program's coursework and supervised clinical hours are designed to prepare graduates for licensure exams, though students should confirm whether supplemental exam review resources are offered each academic year. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the credentialing process, see our guide to becoming an LMFT.

The broader job outlook is encouraging. The BLS projects 13 percent employment growth for marriage and family therapists from 2024 to 2034, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.¹ An estimated 7,700 openings are expected annually during that period, driven by growing recognition of mental health needs and expanded insurance coverage for therapy services.¹ Demand is particularly strong in underserved communities and integrated healthcare settings, both of which are well represented in the Philadelphia area.

How Drexel Compares to Other MFT Programs

Choosing an MFT program is easier when you can see how schools stack up across the dimensions that matter most: cost, format, clinical training depth, accreditation, and flexibility. Below, Drexel's Master of Family Therapy is placed alongside two common program archetypes, a lower-cost public university and a higher-brand private institution, to help you gauge where it fits.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Where Drexel Stands Out

Drexel's 90-credit, 22-month curriculum is more intensive than many master's-level MFT programs, which commonly require 48 to 60 credits.¹ That additional coursework translates into deeper clinical preparation and more practicum hours before you graduate. Philadelphia's density of hospitals, community mental health agencies, schools, and private practices gives students access to a wide range of supervised training environments that smaller metro areas simply cannot match.²

COAMFTE accreditation also streamlines the licensure path in Pennsylvania and most other states, saving graduates the headache of proving course-by-course equivalency.

Where Drexel May Fall Short

The program's full-time, on-campus format is a real constraint for working adults or anyone who cannot relocate to Philadelphia. If flexibility is your top priority, an online or hybrid COAMFTE-accredited alternative will serve you better. Cost is the other honest trade-off: a public university MFT program can deliver a COAMFTE-accredited degree for a fraction of the price, particularly if you qualify for in-state tuition. Browsing COAMFTE-accredited programs side by side is the fastest way to identify options that match your budget and schedule.

The Bottom Line

Drexel occupies a middle lane: more clinically rigorous and urban-connected than most public options, yet less prestigious (and less expensive) than a handful of elite private programs. It is a strong pick for students who value hands-on training intensity and plan to practice in the mid-Atlantic region, but it may not pencil out for those who can access a quality public program closer to home.

Should You Apply to Drexel's MFT Program?

Choosing the right MFT program means weighing clinical training quality, cost, format, and career fit. Here is a straightforward verdict to help you decide whether Drexel belongs on your shortlist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drexel's MFT Program

Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about Drexel University's Couple and Family Therapy program. For the most current details on deadlines and tuition rates, always confirm directly with Drexel's College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Is Drexel's MFT program COAMFTE accredited?

Yes. Drexel's Master of Family Therapy (MFT) program holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). This accreditation confirms the curriculum meets national standards for clinical training and is widely recognized by state licensing boards, which can simplify the path to LMFT licensure after graduation.

How much does Drexel's MFT program cost in total?

Drexel charges roughly $1,107 per credit for graduate coursework, and the MFT program requires approximately 60 to 66 credits. That puts the estimated total tuition in the range of $66,000 to $73,000 before fees and living expenses. Financial aid, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition benefits can reduce out of pocket costs significantly.

Can you complete Drexel's MFT program fully online?

Drexel's MFT program is not offered in a fully online format. Coursework follows a hybrid or on campus structure, and clinical practicum hours must be completed in person at approved sites. Because COAMFTE accreditation requires direct, supervised client contact, distance only completion is not possible for this degree.

How long does the Drexel MFT program take to complete?

Most full time students complete the program in approximately two to three years, depending on practicum scheduling and course sequencing. Part time options may extend the timeline. The practicum and internship components, which involve supervised clinical hours at community sites, often determine whether a student finishes closer to two years or three.

Does Drexel require the GRE for MFT admissions?

Drexel does not require GRE scores for admission to the MFT program. The admissions committee evaluates applicants based on undergraduate transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and relevant professional or volunteer experience. This GRE optional policy removes a common barrier for working adults returning to graduate school.

Does Drexel's MFT program prepare you for LMFT licensure?

Yes. The COAMFTE accredited curriculum is designed to meet the educational requirements for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credentials in most states. Graduates are also prepared to sit for the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards national examination. Specific post degree supervised hours vary by state, so verify your state board's requirements.

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

Drexel does not publicly publish an acceptance rate specific to the MFT program. The university's overall graduate acceptance rates suggest a moderately selective process. Strong applicants typically present a GPA of 3.0 or higher, meaningful clinical or human services experience, and a clear statement connecting their goals to the field of couple and family therapy.