Edgewood College offers a small-cohort Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy on its Madison, Wisconsin campus. The 48-credit curriculum is COAMFTE-accredited, and students complete supervised clinical hours at the college's own Family Center rather than scrambling to secure outside placements.

Those two features, guaranteed practicum access and recognized accreditation, set the program apart from many competitors. They also come with trade-offs: the degree is fully on-campus with no online option, and cohort sizes limit flexibility in start dates. Students who want an accelerated MFT program or distance-learning format will need to look elsewhere.

For prospective students weighing a private-college price tag against a streamlined path to Wisconsin LMFT licensure, the calculus hinges on whether Edgewood's structured model and integrated clinic offset the higher per-credit cost relative to public alternatives.

Edgewood MFT Quick Facts

Here is a scannable snapshot of the key details for the Edgewood University Marriage and Family Therapy program. Save or bookmark this for quick reference as you compare programs.

Is Edgewood a Good MFT Program?

Edgewood College's Marriage and Family Therapy MS is a strong option for a specific type of student, but it is not the right fit for everyone. Understanding where the program excels and where it falls short will help you decide whether to invest your time and tuition here or look elsewhere.

Who Fits Best

The ideal Edgewood MFT student wants an intimate, relationally focused graduate experience in the Madison, Wisconsin area. If you value small cohort sizes, direct mentorship from faculty, and the ability to begin hands-on clinical work early in your training at an integrated practicum site, this program is designed for you. Students who thrive here tend to be drawn to in-person learning environments and want a program that is tightly aligned with Wisconsin's LMFT licensure pathway.

Program Strengths

• On-site Family Center: Edgewood operates its own training clinic, the Edgewood University Family Center, which gives students immediate access to real client contact without the delays and logistics of securing an external placement. This kind of built-in clinical setting is a significant advantage that not every MFT program can offer.
• Live-observation and video-based supervision: The supervision model incorporates live observation and recorded session review, both considered best practices in MFT training. These methods accelerate clinical skill development and give supervisors a direct window into your therapeutic work.
• Wisconsin LMFT alignment: The curriculum is intentionally structured to meet Wisconsin's licensure requirements, and Edgewood has held full COAMFTE accreditation since 2008.¹ Graduating from a COAMFTE-accredited program simplifies the licensure process not only in Wisconsin but in most other states as well.

Honest Drawbacks

No program is perfect, and Edgewood has a few limitations worth weighing.

• The program is offered on campus only. There is no online or hybrid track, which rules it out if you cannot reliably attend classes in Madison.
• Compared to larger research universities, Edgewood offers fewer elective courses and limited formal specialization tracks. If you already know you want concentrated study in areas like medical family therapy, sex therapy, or forensic family work, a bigger program may give you more depth.
• As a smaller institution, Edgewood's research output and national name recognition are more modest than those of large universities with dedicated MFT doctoral programs.

When to Consider Alternatives

You should look at other programs if you need online or distance-learning flexibility, prefer a university with a wider range of MFT specialization options, or want access to a large research infrastructure with doctoral-level mentorship. For example, programs like the Antioch MFT program online low-residency format may better suit students who cannot relocate to Madison. Students moving out of Wisconsin after graduation should also verify that Edgewood's credit and practicum structure satisfies their target state's licensure requirements, though COAMFTE accreditation generally smooths that process considerably.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Edgewood MFT Tuition, Total Cost, and Financial Aid

Understanding the full cost of an MFT degree is essential before you commit. Edgewood College prices its Marriage and Family Therapy program at the university-wide graduate tuition rate rather than a program-specific rate, so the per-credit figure you see on the school's graduate tuition page applies directly to MFT coursework.¹ Because rates are updated each academic year, you should confirm the current per-credit cost on Edgewood's official tuition and fees page for the most accurate number.

Estimating Your Total Investment

The MFT program requires 48 credit hours to complete.² To estimate total tuition, multiply the published per-credit rate by 48. Keep in mind that this baseline figure does not capture every expense. The graduate catalog may list additional fees tied to practicum placements, technology access, or background checks (a background check is required for all MFT students).² Review the catalog's fee schedule carefully so you are not surprised by line items that do not appear on the general tuition page.

A rough cost checklist looks like this:

• Tuition: Current university-wide graduate per-credit rate multiplied by 48 credits.
• Program fees: Practicum, technology, and background-check fees listed in the graduate catalog.
• Books and materials: Varies by semester; budget a few hundred dollars per term.
• Living expenses: Factor in housing, transportation, and reduced work hours during your 500 to 600 clinical training hours.³

Financial Aid Options

Edgewood MFT students are eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans.¹ These two federal loan programs cover tuition and approved living costs, though they do carry interest. For scholarship and assistantship opportunities specific to MFT students, check the university's financial aid office website first. If listings are unclear or seem limited, contact the MFT program coordinator directly; some departmental awards are not always posted publicly.

Looking Beyond Campus Funding

Professional organizations such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy offer scholarships, fellowships, and minority-focused awards that MFT students at any accredited program can pursue. Employer tuition-reimbursement programs and state-level workforce grants for behavioral health professionals are worth investigating as well. If affordability is a top priority, you may also want to compare cheapest MFT programs nationally before making a final decision.

To gauge whether the total investment makes financial sense, compare your estimated program cost against entry-level MFT salaries in Wisconsin. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes current wage data for marriage and family therapists by state, giving you a concrete benchmark for your cost-benefit analysis. That context, paired with the licensure timeline covered later in this article, will help you decide whether Edgewood's price point aligns with your career and financial goals.

Curriculum and Clinical Training at the Edgewood Family Center

Edgewood College's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is built on a 48-credit curriculum that blends rigorous academic coursework with intensive, supervised clinical practice. Because the program follows a cohort lock-step model, students move through the same sequence of courses together, building strong peer relationships and ensuring every graduate covers the full scope of competencies required for licensure.

Core Coursework and Theory

The academic foundation covers systemic and relational therapy models, family systems theory, human development across the lifespan, psychopathology and diagnosis, professional ethics, and research methods. Students also study cultural diversity and social justice as they apply to therapeutic practice. Core courses are sequenced so that foundational theory comes first, giving students a solid conceptual framework before they begin working with clients.

Elective and specialization options allow students to deepen their knowledge in areas such as couples therapy, child and adolescent treatment, and trauma-informed practice, depending on course availability in a given cycle. While the program does not advertise formal concentration tracks, the clinical training model gives students flexibility to pursue caseloads that align with their professional interests.

Clinical Hour Breakdown

Students complete a total of 500 clinical hours before graduating. That number breaks down into distinct categories, each serving a specific purpose:

• 300 direct client contact hours: Time spent face to face (or screen to screen) providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families.
• 100 relational hours: A subset of the direct hours that must involve work with couples or family units, ensuring graduates are prepared for the relational focus that defines MFT practice.
• 100 supervision hours: Structured meetings with licensed supervisors who review cases, offer feedback, and help students develop clinical judgment.

This distribution aligns with standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education and positions graduates to meet Wisconsin's LMFT supervised clinical hours requirements for the LMFT license.

The Edgewood University Family Center Practicum

One of the program's standout features is the Edgewood University Family Center, an on-site training clinic where students begin seeing real clients under direct supervision. Practicum typically starts after foundational coursework is complete and continues through the remainder of the program. Supervisors observe sessions through live observation and video review, providing immediate, detailed feedback that accelerates skill development.

Because the Family Center serves as the primary practicum site, students avoid the often stressful process of securing external placements on their own. The clinic draws clients from the surrounding Madison community, exposing trainees to a diverse range of presenting concerns and family structures. For a broader look at what clinical placements involve across programs, our guide on MFT clinical internship expectations is a useful companion resource.

External Internship Opportunities

Beyond the Family Center, some students pursue additional clinical hours at external sites such as community mental health agencies, hospitals, or private practices in the greater Madison area. These placements are coordinated with faculty and can broaden a student's clinical range, though they are not required for every student. The combination of a reliable on-site clinic and optional external rotations gives graduates both depth and breadth of clinical experience by the time they complete the program.

Admissions Requirements and Application Deadlines

Edgewood College keeps its MFT admissions process straightforward, with no standardized test requirement and a rolling review cycle that gives you flexibility in when you apply.¹ Here is what you need to prepare.

What You Need to Apply

To be considered for the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, applicants must submit the following:

• Baccalaureate degree: A bachelor's or more advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution is required. There is no restriction on your undergraduate major.
• Minimum GPA: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Official transcripts: From every college or university you have attended.
• Statement of purpose: Edgewood asks for a written statement outlining your interest in marriage and family therapy and your professional goals. Review the program page for any specific prompts the admissions committee provides.
• Letters of recommendation: Two letters from individuals who can speak to your academic ability, professional character, or clinical potential.
• Professional resume: A current resume detailing relevant work, volunteer, or research experience.
• Background check: A Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check is required, reflecting the clinical nature of the program and the populations you will serve during practicum.
• Application fee: A $30 nonrefundable fee.²

International applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or a Duolingo English Test score of 80.²

No GRE Required

Edgewood does not require the GRE for admission to its MFT program.¹ This removes a significant cost and preparation barrier that many competing programs still impose. Programs like the BYU MFT program, for example, maintain standardized testing expectations that can slow down career changers. If your undergraduate GPA and professional experience tell a strong story, you will not need a standardized test score to back it up.

Application Timeline

Admissions operate on a rolling basis. The review window opens each September 1 for the following year's fall cohort. Applications are evaluated as they are completed, so submitting early works in your favor, especially if you want access to the fullest range of financial aid.

The suggested priority deadline for the Fall 2026 cohort is July 31, 2026, with classes beginning on August 24, 2026.² Edgewood admits students for fall entry only, so there is no spring start option.

Interview and Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisite courses listed for admission, which means career changers from non-psychology backgrounds can apply without completing extra undergraduate work first. After the admissions committee reviews your materials, you may be invited for an interview. Not every applicant is interviewed, so treat your written materials as your primary opportunity to make a case for admission.¹

If you hold graduate credits from another COAMFTE-accredited program, Edgewood allows up to 15 transfer credits, potentially shortening your time to degree completion.¹

Online and Flexible Learning Options

No Online or Hybrid Format Available

One of the most common questions prospective students ask is whether Edgewood College offers its MFT program online. The answer is straightforward: this is an on-campus program only. There is no online or hybrid option. All coursework, clinical training, and supervision take place in person at Edgewood's Madison, Wisconsin campus. If you are specifically searching for a remote or distance-learning MFT degree, this program will not be the right fit.

Part-Time Pacing for Working Students

While the program does not offer online flexibility, it does accommodate working adults through part-time enrollment. Full-time students typically complete the degree in two to three years, while part-time students can expect a timeline closer to three to four years depending on their course load. Part-time students generally take six to nine credits per semester, which can make it possible to hold a job while progressing through the program. Evening course scheduling helps working professionals manage their commitments, though practicum hours and supervision sessions require additional time during business hours or early evenings.

Why Most COAMFTE Programs Require In-Person Training

Edgewood's on-campus requirement is not unusual. The vast majority of COAMFTE accredited programs require substantial in-person components because of how marriage and family therapists are trained. Live supervision, where a faculty member observes and coaches you during actual therapy sessions, is a cornerstone of MFT education. Relational and systemic clinical skills are developed through face-to-face interaction with clients, peers, and supervisors. These experiences are difficult, and in many cases impossible, to replicate through a screen. Accreditation standards reflect this reality, which is why even programs that offer some online coursework still require students to complete practicum and supervision in person.

If You Need a Fully Online Option

Fully online COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs do exist at other institutions, and they may be worth exploring if geography or scheduling makes an on-campus program impossible. You can browse COAMFTE accredited online MFT programs to compare your options. Keep in mind that those programs still require you to secure your own local practicum site and arrange live supervision, which can present its own logistical challenges. The convenience of online coursework often comes with added responsibility for finding and coordinating clinical placements in your area. For students who can be present in Madison, Edgewood's built-in clinical training at its on-site Family Center removes much of that burden.

From Edgewood to Licensed: The Wisconsin LMFT Pathway

Earning your master's degree is only the first milestone. Wisconsin requires a structured sequence of supervised practice, two exams, and a training license before you can practice independently as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Here is how each stage connects, starting with your enrollment at Edgewood College.

Career Outcomes, Salary, and Job Placement

Earning a master's degree in marriage and family therapy is a significant investment, so you need honest numbers before committing. Edgewood College publishes graduate achievement data for its COAMFTE-accredited program, and the broader labor market in Wisconsin offers useful context for what you can realistically expect after graduation.

Program Outcomes Data

COAMFTE-accredited programs are required to track and disclose student achievement metrics, including graduation rates, licensure exam pass rates, and job placement rates. Edgewood's published data shows strong performance across all three benchmarks:¹

• Graduation rate: Reported between 80 and 95 percent across recent cohorts.
• Job placement rate: Reported between 80 and 100 percent, indicating that the vast majority of graduates secure relevant employment within a reasonable timeframe after completing the program.
• Licensure exam pass rate: COAMFTE sets a minimum benchmark of 70 percent for the national MFT licensing examination.² Edgewood's pass rates meet or exceed this threshold based on available disclosures, though you should confirm the most recent figures through the college's MFT achievement data page or the COAMFTE student achievement portal.

These numbers are encouraging, but keep in mind that small cohort sizes, which are common in master's-level MFT programs, can cause rates to fluctuate year to year.

Salary Expectations in Wisconsin and Nationally

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual wage for marriage and family therapists (SOC 21-1013) sits in the low-to-mid $50,000 range. Wisconsin-specific median wages tend to track close to or slightly below the national figure.

Early-career MFTs should plan for salaries in the $45,000 to $55,000 range during the first several years of practice, particularly while accumulating post-degree supervised hours for full LMFT licensure. If you are still weighing whether this field is right for you, our guide to becoming an MFT walks through the full licensure timeline. Mid-career therapists, especially those who move into private practice or supervisory roles, can earn meaningfully more. The field is also projected to grow faster than average, reflecting sustained demand for mental health services.

Where Edgewood Graduates Work

The Madison and southern Wisconsin corridor provides a solid job market for newly licensed therapists. Typical employment settings for Edgewood MFT graduates include:

• Community mental health agencies
• Hospital and health system behavioral health departments
• School-based counseling and intervention programs
• Private practice (usually after achieving full licensure)
• Nonprofit family service organizations

Edgewood's on-site training clinic and local practicum network give students direct connections to employers in the region, which helps explain the program's strong placement figures. Students exploring broader options across the state can also review MFT programs in Wisconsin for additional training pipelines.

Is the Investment Sustainable?

With estimated total tuition in the range outlined earlier in this article, the cost-to-outcome ratio deserves careful thought. MFT salaries are modest compared to some other graduate-level health professions, so loan repayment strategy matters. The good news is that many of the employers hiring Edgewood graduates, including community mental health centers, hospitals, and school systems, qualify under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. If you plan to work in a nonprofit or government setting for at least ten years, PSLF can eliminate your remaining federal loan balance after 120 qualifying payments.

For students who enter private practice sooner, income-driven repayment plans can keep monthly payments manageable while earnings grow. The combination of a COAMFTE-accredited credential, strong placement rates, and access to federal repayment protections makes Edgewood's MFT program a financially defensible choice, provided you go in with realistic salary expectations and a clear repayment plan.

How Edgewood Compares to Other MFT Programs

Choosing an MFT program means weighing accreditation, cost, clinical training quality, and career outcomes against every realistic alternative. Edgewood College occupies a specific niche, and the best way to evaluate it is to benchmark it using publicly available data rather than marketing claims.

Cost in Context

Edgewood's annual tuition of roughly $28,590 places it well below the national average for private MFT programs (approximately $34,680 per year) yet substantially above the national average for public MFT programs (around $7,284 per year).¹² If you are a Wisconsin resident weighing Edgewood against an in-state public option, the sticker price difference over two years can exceed $40,000. That gap narrows when you factor in institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, and the clinical training model Edgewood offers through its on-site Family Center, but it does not disappear. Always compare net cost, not list price.

Where to Find Reliable Comparison Data

Rather than relying on rankings alone, dig into primary sources that let you compare programs on your own terms:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov): Review salary and employment projections for marriage and family therapists alongside related occupations like clinical social work and mental health counseling. This helps you gauge whether tuition at any program makes sense relative to realistic earning potential in your target region.
• IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System): Access campus-level completion and retention rates for specific MFT programs. A program with a low graduation rate may signal structural problems that no glossy brochure will mention.
• COAMFTE Accreditation Reports: Many accredited programs, including Edgewood, publish outcome data such as graduation rates, licensure exam pass rates, and job placement figures as part of their accreditation obligations. Compare these numbers side by side when narrowing your list.
• AAMFT (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy): Look for employer-perception studies and workforce trend reports. These publications can tell you how hiring managers view graduates from COAMFTE-accredited programs versus non-accredited alternatives.

What the Numbers Cannot Tell You

Statistics are essential, but they do not capture everything. Edgewood's small cohort size and integrated training clinic create a mentorship-heavy experience that larger programs may not replicate. If hands-on clinical hours in a structured, faculty-supervised environment matter more to you than the lowest possible tuition, that qualitative difference deserves weight in your decision. For those still mapping the full journey from coursework to practice, our guide to becoming an MFT breaks down each milestone.

The strongest comparison strategy combines hard data from IPEDS and BLS with a candid look at each program's clinical training model, faculty accessibility, and alignment with your LMFT license requirements by state. Use the tools above before committing to any program, Edgewood included.

Should You Apply to Edgewood's MFT Program?

Choosing the right MFT program means weighing your clinical goals, learning style, budget, and career plans against what a school actually delivers. Here is a straightforward verdict on whether Edgewood College belongs on your short list.

Frequently Asked Questions About Edgewood's MFT Program

Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about Edgewood College's Marriage and Family Therapy program. Each answer draws on the program details, costs, and outcomes covered throughout this guide.

Is Edgewood's MFT program COAMFTE accredited?

Yes. Edgewood College's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy holds 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, and faculty meet rigorous national benchmarks. Graduating from a COAMFTE-accredited program streamlines the licensure process in Wisconsin and most other states.

How much does the Edgewood MFT program cost in total?

Edgewood's MFT tuition is approximately $810 per credit. With roughly 60 credits required, students should estimate a total tuition cost near $48,600 before fees. Actual expenses vary depending on the pace of enrollment and any applicable fee adjustments. Graduate assistantships, scholarships, and federal financial aid can reduce out-of-pocket costs significantly. Contact Edgewood's financial aid office for the most current figures.

Does Edgewood offer an online MFT degree?

Edgewood's MFT program is delivered primarily on campus in Madison, Wisconsin. Because COAMFTE-accredited programs require extensive face-to-face clinical training, a fully online option is not available. However, some didactic coursework may incorporate hybrid or flexible scheduling elements. Students should plan for regular in-person attendance, especially during practicum and internship semesters at the Edgewood University Family Center.

How long does it take to complete the Edgewood MFT program?

Most students complete the program in approximately two and a half to three years of full-time study. This timeline includes coursework, practicum hours at the on-site training clinic, and an off-site internship placement. Part-time enrollment may extend the timeline, so prospective students should discuss scheduling options with the program director during the admissions process.

Does the Edgewood MFT program require the GRE?

Edgewood does not require GRE scores for admission to the MFT program. The admissions committee evaluates applicants holistically, weighing undergraduate GPA, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and relevant professional or volunteer experience. Removing the GRE requirement lowers a common barrier to entry and makes the program more accessible to career changers and nontraditional students.

Does the Edgewood MFT program prepare you for LMFT licensure in Wisconsin?

Absolutely. The curriculum is designed to align with Wisconsin's Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) requirements, including the academic coursework, supervised clinical hours, and preparation for the national MFT licensing examination administered through the AMFTRB. Graduates are well positioned to meet Wisconsin's post-degree supervised practice requirements and apply for full LMFT licensure.

What is the Edgewood University Family Center?

The Edgewood University Family Center is the program's on-site training clinic where MFT students complete a significant portion of their required clinical hours. Under direct faculty supervision, students provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families from the surrounding community. This hands-on setting offers real-time observation, live supervision, and immediate feedback, giving students a structured bridge between classroom theory and independent clinical practice.