Lewis & Clark College's Graduate School of Education and Counseling offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy, one of the few programs in Oregon carrying that clinical accreditation. Housed on a wooded campus in southwest Portland, the 60-credit, on-campus program emphasizes direct client contact from the first year, with students accumulating supervised clinical hours at community sites across the metro area.

For prospective students weighing a private-college price tag against clinical training depth, the calculus matters. Tuition runs above most public alternatives, and the program requires full relocation to Portland. Yet COAMFTE accreditation simplifies the LMFT license requirements by state, a practical advantage that programs without it cannot match. In the sections below, you will find detailed breakdowns of tuition, curriculum, admissions criteria, career outcomes, and how Lewis & Clark stacks up against other accredited options.

Lewis & Clark MCFT at a Glance

Before diving into curriculum details, admissions criteria, and career outcomes, here is a scannable snapshot of the Lewis & Clark College Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy (MCFT) program. These verified figures reflect the 2026 program year.

Is Lewis & Clark a Good MFT Program?

Lewis & Clark's Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy MA holds COAMFTE accreditation, the gold standard for MFT education in the United States.¹ That designation, in place since 2008, signals that the program meets rigorous benchmarks for clinical training quality, faculty qualifications, supervised practice hours, and alignment with state licensure requirements.² For prospective students evaluating where to invest three or more years and significant tuition dollars, COAMFTE accreditation is the single most reliable indicator that a program will prepare you for the LMFT credential without regulatory surprises down the road.

Who Thrives Here

The best-fit student for this program is someone drawn to immersive, in-person clinical training in a progressive Pacific Northwest metro. If you value systemic and relational therapy models, want to practice in a city with a strong network of community mental health agencies, and are comfortable with a private-school price tag, Lewis & Clark deserves a close look. The program runs on a cohort model with roughly 45 to 51 students per entering class, which fosters close peer relationships and consistent faculty mentorship across the full 36-month (or 48-month part-time) timeline.²

Concrete Strengths

• COAMFTE accreditation: Ensures the curriculum maps directly onto LMFT licensure requirements in Oregon and most other states, plus eligibility for AAMFT Clinical Membership.¹
• Portland placement network: A 15-month clinical internship draws on Portland's deep bench of community agencies, nonprofit counseling centers, and healthcare systems, giving students diverse, real-world caseloads.¹
• Small cohort sizes: With around 50 students, you receive more individualized supervision and feedback than you would in larger programs.
• Social justice integration: The Graduate School of Education and Counseling weaves equity-focused frameworks throughout the MFT curriculum, preparing graduates to serve diverse populations with cultural humility.

Honest Drawbacks

• Higher tuition: As a private institution, Lewis & Clark costs considerably more per credit than public university alternatives offering COAMFTE-accredited MFT degrees.
• No online or hybrid delivery: All coursework and clinical training take place on campus and at Portland-area sites, so distance learners are out of luck.
• Limited flexibility for working professionals: The program's cohort structure and intensive practicum schedule make it difficult to maintain full-time employment while enrolled.

When to Consider Alternatives

If cost is your primary concern, a COAMFTE-accredited program at a public university will almost certainly be less expensive. If you need online or hybrid delivery because of geography or work obligations, Lewis & Clark cannot accommodate that. And if you are interested in a doctoral pathway at the same institution, note that Lewis & Clark's MCFT offering is a master's-level program only; students seeking a PhD or PsyD in MFT should explore the differences between a DMFT degree and a PhD before committing. For those who can commit to a full-time, on-campus experience in Portland, however, the combination of accreditation, clinical depth, and social justice orientation makes this program a strong contender among recommended MFT degrees.

Program Cost and Tuition for Lewis & Clark's MFT Degree

Understanding the true cost of a graduate degree is essential before you commit. Lewis & Clark College is a private institution, which means every student pays the same tuition rate regardless of residency. There is no in-state versus out-of-state differential, so Oregon residents and out-of-state applicants can plan around a single number.

Per-Credit Tuition and Estimated Total

For the 2025, 2026 academic year, the Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy (MCFT) MA program charges $1,144 per credit hour.¹ The degree requires 60 credits to complete, which puts estimated total tuition at roughly $68,640. That figure covers tuition alone. It does not include fees, health insurance, textbooks, or costs associated with practicum placements and eventual licensure applications.¹

Fees Beyond Tuition

Graduate programs at Lewis & Clark carry additional mandatory charges that can add several hundred to a few thousand dollars per year to your bill. Expect line items such as a technology fee, student activity fee, and clinical or practicum placement fees assessed during the semesters you are seeing clients at a community site. Because fee schedules can shift from year to year, check the Graduate School's published tuition and costs page for the most current breakdown.¹ When you budget for the full program, plan conservatively and add at least 5 to 10 percent above the tuition total to cover these extras.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

As an accredited graduate program, the MCFT degree qualifies students for federal financial aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans. Lewis & Clark's Graduate School also offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships and graduate assistantships. Some assistantship positions include a tuition reduction in exchange for work within the department or broader campus. Availability is competitive, so applying early in the admissions cycle strengthens your chances.

Beyond campus resources, look into external funding through the AAMFT Foundation, which awards scholarships specifically to students in COAMFTE-accredited programs. State-level behavioral health workforce grants in Oregon may also offset costs. If you are currently employed, ask your employer about tuition reimbursement benefits; many healthcare and social service organizations cover part of an advanced degree that aligns with their mission. Students weighing Lewis & Clark's price tag against more affordable alternatives may find it helpful to compare COAMFTE accredited MFT programs at public universities.

Practical Cost-Reduction Tips

• Apply for assistantships early: Positions fill quickly and can meaningfully reduce your annual tuition bill.
• Pursue external scholarships: The AAMFT Foundation and regional mental health organizations offer awards targeted at MFT students.
• Use employer benefits: Tuition reimbursement programs are common in hospitals, community mental health centers, and school districts.
• Budget for the full picture: Factor in fees, books, liability insurance, and travel to practicum sites so there are no surprises mid-program.

At nearly $69,000 in tuition before fees, the Lewis & Clark MCFT program sits in the upper range for master's-level MFT degrees. That investment reflects the value of a COAMFTE-accredited credential from a well-regarded private college in Portland, but it also means careful financial planning is non-negotiable. The sections ahead on career outcomes and program comparisons will help you weigh whether the return justifies the cost.

Estimated Total Cost of the Lewis & Clark MCFT Degree

Tuition accounts for the vast majority of total program expenses. The figures below reflect published rates for the 2025-2026 academic year and assume completion of the standard 60-credit curriculum without additional electives or extended enrollment.

Curriculum, Specializations, and Clinical Placements

The Lewis & Clark Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy (MCFT) program grounds its curriculum in a systemic and relational therapy lens, meaning every course is designed to help you understand individuals within the context of their relationships, families, and broader social systems. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, the program trains you to assess and intervene at the level of interpersonal patterns, a perspective that distinguishes MFT from most other mental health disciplines.

Core Coursework

The required curriculum spans several foundational domains that align with COAMFTE accreditation educational standards:¹

• Family systems theory: The conceptual backbone of the program, covering classic and contemporary models of systemic therapy.
• Couple therapy: Focused coursework on assessment and intervention with intimate partnerships.
• Psychopathology: Diagnosis and treatment planning through a relational lens.
• Human development: Lifespan development as it intersects with family structure and functioning.
• Ethics and professional practice: Legal, ethical, and multicultural considerations specific to MFT.
• Research methods: Evaluating and applying evidence-based practices in clinical settings.
• Diversity and social justice: Coursework addressing power, privilege, and culturally responsive therapeutic practice.
• Trauma and addictions: Dedicated content in both areas, reflecting the program's commitment to preparing graduates for the realities of community mental health.

Elective Tracks and Customization

Students can tailor their training through elective coursework. The program offers a formal addictions track for those interested in substance use treatment, and additional elective topics include advanced trauma-focused family therapy, LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy, child and adolescent family therapy, and advanced couples therapy.² This flexibility lets you develop a clinical identity that matches your career goals without needing a separate certificate.

Clinical Practicum and Supervised Hours

Practicum begins in the second year of the program. Students are expected to accumulate between 800 and 1,000 total practicum hours, with a minimum of 500 direct client contact hours.² Supervision is rigorous: you receive weekly on-site supervision at your placement as well as weekly group supervision with program faculty. The supervision model incorporates live observation and video review, giving you layered, real-time feedback on your clinical work. For a broader look at what this stage of training involves, see our guide on MFT clinical internship expectations.

Clinical placements draw from the Portland metro area's robust network of training sites. Typical placements include community mental health agencies, school-based counseling programs, and nonprofit counseling centers. The program's location in a mid-sized metropolitan area means strong placement variety, though specific site availability may shift from year to year.

Program Duration

Full-time students generally complete the degree, including all clinical hours, in 30 to 36 months.¹ This timeline accounts for coursework, practicum sequencing, and the accumulation of supervised hours needed to meet both degree and future licensure requirements. If you are planning toward LMFT licensure, the clinical hours earned during the program give you a significant head start on the post-degree supervised experience most states require.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Admissions Requirements for the Lewis & Clark MFT Program

Getting into Lewis & Clark's Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy program requires a thoughtful, well-prepared application. The admissions process is competitive but transparent, and no standardized test scores are needed.¹ Here is what you should expect.

Application Components

All applicants submit materials through the college's online application portal.² The required components include:

• Official transcripts: From every college or university attended. A completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required before enrollment.
• Prerequisite coursework: You must have completed at least 12 semester units in human behavior (developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, sociology, or similar courses). If you are short on prerequisites, contact the program to discuss options before applying.
• Statement of purpose: A written essay that explains your motivation for pursuing marriage and family therapy, your relevant life or professional experiences, and how the program aligns with your goals.
• Three letters of recommendation: Ideally drawn from academic faculty, clinical supervisors, or professional mentors who can speak to your interpersonal skills, readiness for graduate-level work, and potential as a therapist.
• Professional resume: Highlighting education, work history, volunteer experience, and any exposure to counseling, social services, or community-based work.
• Application fee: A $50 fee accompanies your submission, though fee waivers are available for qualifying applicants.²
• English proficiency scores: Required for international applicants only.

GRE Policy

Lewis & Clark does not require the GRE or any other standardized exam for admission to the MCFT program.¹ This is a frequently asked question, and the answer is straightforward: your application is evaluated holistically based on your academic record, personal statement, recommendations, and relevant experience.

Deadlines for the 2026, 2027 Cycle

Applications open on October 1, 2025, for fall 2026 entry. The priority consideration deadline is January 15, 2026.¹ Submitting by this date gives you the strongest chance for admission and financial aid consideration. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a space-available basis, so applying early is strongly recommended.

Interview Process

Lewis & Clark may invite select finalists for an interview, but interviews are not universally required.¹ If the admissions committee wants to learn more about you after reviewing your written materials, you may receive an invitation. Treat this as a positive signal and prepare to discuss your clinical interests, your understanding of systemic therapy, and why Portland and Lewis & Clark are the right fit.

What a Successful Applicant Looks Like

While the program does not publish a strict minimum GPA cutoff, admitted students typically hold solid undergraduate records and demonstrate genuine engagement with the field. Common undergraduate backgrounds include psychology, social work, education, and human development, though no specific major is required. What the admissions committee values most is evidence of self-awareness, emotional maturity, and commitment to working with couples and families. Volunteer work at crisis lines, experience in social services, or time spent in community mental health settings can significantly strengthen your candidacy. Your personal statement should go beyond listing accomplishments and instead reveal how your experiences have shaped your desire to practice relational therapy.

Online and Flexible Learning Options at Lewis & Clark

The Lewis & Clark MCFT Program Is On Campus Only

Lewis & Clark's Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy program is delivered entirely on campus at the graduate school in Portland, Oregon. It is not available in an online or hybrid format. If you have encountered the program while searching COAMFTE directories or browsing search results that mix online and on-campus listings, be aware that this can create confusion. The MCFT degree requires your physical presence in Portland for coursework, clinical training, and supervision throughout the program.

Why Most COAMFTE Programs Are Not Fully Online

COAMFTE accreditation holds programs to rigorous standards around clinical skill development, and those standards are difficult to meet through a screen. Three components in particular keep most accredited MFT programs rooted in face-to-face delivery:

• Live supervision: Faculty observe therapy sessions in real time, often from behind a one-way mirror, and intervene with coaching. Replicating that feedback loop virtually introduces significant logistical and ethical hurdles.
• In-person role-play and experiential learning: MFT training relies heavily on simulated sessions where students practice therapeutic techniques with immediate peer and instructor feedback.
• Clinical practicum placements: Students see real clients at approved sites, and supervisors must be able to observe and guide that work closely. Coordinating this across state lines or time zones is a regulatory challenge that few programs have solved at scale.

These requirements are a core reason the MCFT degree at Lewis & Clark, like most COAMFTE-accredited programs, remains an in-person experience.

Scheduling Accommodations for Working Students

While full online delivery is off the table, the program does build in some scheduling flexibility. Classes are typically held in the evening, and the cohort model allows students to plan their course load well in advance. Some students manage part-time work alongside coursework, especially in the first year before practicum hours intensify. That said, the clinical training demands of the second and third years make full-time employment very difficult to sustain.

If You Need Online or Hybrid Flexibility

If relocating to Portland or attending evening classes in person is not realistic for your situation, other COAMFTE-accredited programs do offer hybrid or distance-friendly formats. These programs typically still require some on-campus residencies and local practicum placements, but they provide more geographic flexibility. Our directory of COAMFTE accredited online MFT programs allows you to filter by delivery format, which is the most reliable way to identify accredited options that fit a remote or hybrid learning preference. You can also browse MFT programs in Oregon if staying in the region matters but you want to compare other accredited options side by side.

Career Outcomes and LMFT Licensure Pathways

Earning your degree is a major milestone, but the real goal is licensure and a sustainable career. Lewis & Clark's MCFT program is built to satisfy Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists requirements, which means the curriculum, practicum structure, and supervision model align directly with what you need to become an LMFT in Oregon.

The Oregon LMFT Licensure Pathway

After completing the MCFT degree, the road to full LMFT licensure in Oregon follows a clear sequence:

• Register as an associate: Oregon requires you to register with the Board before accumulating post-master's supervised experience.¹
• Complete supervised hours: You must log at least 1,900 direct client contact hours, including a minimum of 750 hours specifically with couples and families, over a period of up to 36 months. Supervision must come from a Board-qualified, systemically trained supervisor.²
• Pass two exams: Oregon requires the AMFTRB Marital and Family Therapy National Examination plus an Oregon Law and Rules Examination.¹

Up to 400 practicum hours earned during your degree may count toward the post-master's total, giving Lewis & Clark graduates a head start.²

Multi-State Licensure Portability

Because Lewis & Clark holds COAMFTE accreditation, the degree is recognized broadly across state licensing boards.³ The AMFTRB national exam is accepted in most states. However, post-master's supervised hour requirements vary considerably:

• Washington: 3,000 supervised direct client hours, plus the AMFTRB national exam and a state jurisprudence requirement.³
• California: 3,000 supervised direct client hours, plus California-specific law and ethics and clinical exams (not the AMFTRB).
• Colorado: 2,000 supervised direct client hours, plus the AMFTRB exam and a state jurisprudence exam.³

If you plan to practice outside Oregon, research your target state's requirements early so you can structure your post-graduate supervision accordingly. Our guide to becoming an MFT covers LMFT license requirements by state in greater detail.

Salary Context for LMFTs

According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the national median annual wage for marriage and family therapists is approximately $56,570. In Oregon, the median is higher at roughly $62,000, reflecting the Portland metro area's stronger demand and cost of living. Private practice earnings can diverge significantly from these medians: clinicians who build a full caseload and accept a mix of insurance and private-pay clients sometimes earn well above the state median, while those in agency or nonprofit settings may earn less.

Program-Reported Outcomes

Lewis & Clark does not currently publish detailed employment rates or AMFTRB pass-rate data for its MCFT graduates in an easily accessible public format. This is not unusual among smaller COAMFTE-accredited programs, but it does mean applicants should ask the admissions team directly for the most recent outcome figures.

Does the Investment Pencil Out?

Private-school tuition is a real consideration when median LMFT salaries sit in the mid-$50,000 to low-$60,000 range nationally. Whether the cost makes sense depends on several factors:

• Practice setting: Private practice offers a higher earnings ceiling than agency work, but it takes time and business acumen to build.
• Specialization: Clinicians who develop niche expertise in areas like trauma, sex therapy, or medical family therapy can command higher fees.
• Geography: Portland's market is competitive but growing. LMFTs in metro areas with higher demand often reach higher earnings sooner.
• Loan burden vs. timeline: If you can offset tuition with scholarships, assistantships, or employer tuition benefits, the equation improves substantially.

The honest bottom line: a Lewis & Clark MCFT degree will equip you for licensure and open doors across multiple states, but prospective students should run realistic budget projections against expected starting salaries before committing. For many graduates, the combination of COAMFTE accreditation, strong clinical training, and Portland's active therapy market makes the investment defensible, especially for those who plan to pursue private practice over the long term.

How Lewis & Clark's MFT Program Compares

Choosing a COAMFTE-accredited MFT program means weighing cost, clinical immersion, cohort culture, and how well each school positions you for licensure. Below is a side-by-side look at Lewis & Clark against two common program archetypes: a lower-cost public university option and a higher-brand private institution.

Comparison at a Glance

Where Lewis & Clark Stands Out

Lewis & Clark occupies a mid-to-premium tier. Its Portland location gives students access to a diverse metropolitan population and a broad network of community mental health agencies, hospitals, and private practices for clinical placements. Smaller cohort sizes translate into closer faculty mentorship during practicum, which can accelerate clinical competency. The COAMFTE accreditation at the master's level streamlines the path to LMFT licensure in most states, a credential that roughly 3,538 new graduates nationwide pursue each year.

Where the Trade-Offs Appear

The clearest trade-off is cost. At an estimated $128,000 for the full degree, Lewis & Clark's price tag lands well above what most public COAMFTE programs charge, though it may come in slightly below certain elite private competitors.² Students who are primarily cost-sensitive and less concerned with cohort size or geographic placement network may find a public program delivers a comparable education at less than half the expense. To see whether the investment pencils out for your situation, review the return on investment of an MFT degree before committing. Conversely, those drawn to a nationally recognized private institution may gain broader alumni reach, though often at a still higher price without a meaningfully different licensure outcome.

Bottom Line

If you value hands-on clinical training within a smaller learning community, want direct access to Portland's mental health ecosystem, and can manage or finance the tuition investment, Lewis & Clark offers a compelling middle path. For applicants whose primary concern is affordability, a COAMFTE-accredited public program will meet the same accreditation standard at a fraction of the cost. You can browse COAMFTE accredited programs to compare options side by side. For those chasing institutional prestige above all else, a higher-brand private program may edge ahead on name recognition, though the licensure destination is ultimately the same.

Should You Apply to Lewis & Clark's MFT Program?

Choosing an MFT program is a significant investment of time and money, so the decision should align with your clinical goals, learning style, and life circumstances. Here is a clear breakdown to help you decide whether Lewis & Clark's MCFT program is the right fit.

Lewis & Clark MFT Program: Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about the Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy program at Lewis & Clark College. If you need details beyond what is covered here, marriagefamilytherapist.org offers additional comparison tools and state licensing guides.

Is Lewis & Clark's MFT program COAMFTE accredited?

Yes. The Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy (MCFT) at Lewis & Clark College holds accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). This accreditation confirms the program meets national standards for MFT training, which can simplify the licensure process in most U.S. states and territories.

How much does the Lewis & Clark MFT program cost in total?

As a private institution, Lewis & Clark charges the same tuition regardless of residency. Based on the program's per credit rate and the required credit hours (typically around 60 semester credits), the estimated total tuition falls in the range commonly seen at private graduate programs in the Pacific Northwest. Students should also budget for fees, books, and liability insurance for clinical placements. Contact the admissions office for the most current tuition schedule.

Does Lewis & Clark require the GRE for MFT admissions?

Lewis & Clark does not require GRE scores for admission to the MCFT program. The admissions review focuses on your personal statement, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and relevant professional or volunteer experience. This test optional policy removes a common barrier for applicants who bring strong clinical potential but prefer not to take a standardized exam.

Does Lewis & Clark offer an online MFT program?

No. The MCFT program is delivered on campus at Lewis & Clark's Graduate School of Education and Counseling in Portland, Oregon. Because COAMFTE accredited programs require extensive in person clinical training, practicum supervision, and experiential coursework, the program uses a primarily face to face format. Students who need a fully online option should explore other COAMFTE accredited programs that offer hybrid or distance models.

How long does it take to complete the Lewis & Clark MCFT degree?

Most students complete the program in approximately three years of full time study. The timeline includes coursework, a practicum sequence, and a culminating internship that fulfills a significant portion of the supervised clinical hours required for licensure. Part time options may extend the timeline, so discuss scheduling flexibility with the program coordinator during the admissions process.

Can I get licensed as an LMFT in other states with a Lewis & Clark degree?

In most cases, yes. Graduating from a COAMFTE accredited program satisfies the educational requirements for LMFT licensure in the majority of states. However, each state sets its own post degree supervised experience hours, examination requirements, and additional criteria. Before relocating, verify your target state's specific licensing rules through its professional licensing board or through the comparison tools on marriagefamilytherapist.org.

What is the LMFT licensure pass rate for Lewis & Clark graduates?

Lewis & Clark does not widely publish a standalone pass rate for the national MFT licensing examination (administered by the AMFTRB). COAMFTE accredited programs are required to track and report outcome data, including exam performance, to the accrediting body. Prospective students can request the most recent outcome data directly from the program or review published COAMFTE annual reports for aggregated results.