Only a handful of COAMFTE-accredited master's programs in the mid-Atlantic region sit inside a School of Public Health, and the University of Maryland's M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy is one of them. Housed in the Department of Family Science on the College Park campus, the program runs 48 to 51 credits and funnels students into supervised clinical work at the Center for Healthy Families.

The on-campus format and public-university tuition structure make it a strong value proposition for Maryland residents, but out-of-state applicants face a steeper cost calculus. Adding to the complexity, the program's credit total falls short of the 60 graduate credits Maryland requires for LCMFT licensure, a gap every applicant should factor into their timeline and budget.

UMD Couple and Family Therapy at a Glance

Before diving into the details, here is a snapshot of the key facts about the University of Maryland's M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy. Use this as your quick-reference card, then read on for the full breakdown of costs, curriculum, and career outcomes.

Is the University of Maryland a Good MFT Program?

The short answer is yes, with a few caveats worth understanding before you apply. UMD's MS in Couple and Family Therapy holds COAMFTE accreditation, which is the gold standard for marriage and family therapy education in the United States.¹ That accreditation matters for two practical reasons: it confirms that the curriculum and clinical training meet rigorous national standards, and it smooths the path to licensure in virtually every state. If you ever relocate after earning your degree, a COAMFTE-accredited credential is the most portable foundation you can carry.

Who Thrives in This Program

The ideal UMD candidate wants a research-informed, systemic therapy education embedded inside a flagship R1 public university. You will benefit most if you plan to pursue LCMFT licensure in Maryland or a neighboring mid-Atlantic state, value access to a diverse, metro-area client population through the Washington, D.C. corridor, and appreciate learning alongside faculty whose scholarship centers on health disparities and culturally responsive practice. Students who are drawn to empirical rigor rather than a single therapeutic brand tend to find the program's integrative orientation especially appealing.

Concrete Strengths

• Integrated training clinic: The Center for Healthy Families operates as an on-site clinic where students begin seeing clients in their first semester.² Supervision modalities include one-way mirror observation, live supervision, video review, and co-therapy, giving you layered feedback from day one.³
• Faculty expertise: Program leadership and faculty conduct research in areas such as economic stress and couples, health disparities, and culturally responsive intervention, topics that translate directly into clinical skill.
• R1 university resources: As a student in the School of Public Health, you have access to interdisciplinary research centers, large library systems, and graduate assistantships that can offset costs.¹
• Relative affordability: In-state tuition at a public flagship is notably lower than what most private COAMFTE-accredited programs charge, making the degree a strong value proposition for Maryland residents.

Honest Drawbacks

• Credit gap: The program requires roughly 45 to 51 credits, but Maryland's LCMFT license demands 60 graduate credits.⁴ That means you will likely need to complete additional coursework after graduation before you can apply for full licensure.
• No online option: Coursework and clinical training are delivered on campus in College Park. If you need a flexible or distance-friendly format, this program cannot accommodate that.
• Smaller cohort: A tighter cohort fosters close mentorship, but it can also limit elective variety and scheduling flexibility compared to larger programs.

When to Look Elsewhere

Consider other COAMFTE-accredited options if you require a fully online or hybrid format, if completing a 60-credit program from the start is a priority so you can move directly into licensure without extra courses, or if you are specifically seeking a named specialization track (such as sex therapy or medical family therapy) that is not formally offered at UMD. Programs like the Purdue MFT program or Northwestern MFT program illustrate the range of alternatives available at other public and private institutions. For students whose circumstances align with what UMD provides, however, few public university MFT programs in the mid-Atlantic region match its combination of clinical intensity, research culture, and cost efficiency.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Program Cost and Tuition: In-State vs. Out-of-State Breakdown

Tuition is one of the most consequential variables in any graduate program decision, and the gap between in-state and out-of-state rates at the University of Maryland can shift your total investment by tens of thousands of dollars. Below is a clear breakdown of what you can expect to pay for the Couple and Family Therapy master's program, along with strategies that can soften the blow.

Per-Credit Rates and Estimated Total Tuition

For the 2025, 2026 academic year, the School of Public Health lists graduate tuition at approximately $1,077 per credit for Maryland residents and $1,996 per credit for non-residents.¹ The Couple and Family Therapy program requires between 48 and 51 credits to complete. Multiplying those figures gives you the following ranges:

• In-state residents: Roughly $51,696 to $54,927 in tuition alone.
• Out-of-state residents: Roughly $95,808 to $101,796 in tuition alone.

Those totals cover tuition only. Mandatory university fees, textbooks, liability insurance for clinical placements, and living expenses in the College Park area will push your all-in cost higher.

Mandatory Fees to Factor In

UMD charges a set of required fees each semester that cover technology infrastructure, student facilities, and campus services. Full-time graduate students can expect roughly $727 per semester in mandatory fees, while part-time students pay about $377 per semester.¹ Over the typical two-and-a-half to three-year timeline of the program, those fees can add up to approximately $3,600 to $4,400 depending on your enrollment status each term. During summer sessions, additional distance-learning or campus-services surcharges may also apply.² These amounts are modest compared to tuition, but they are easy to overlook in early planning.

Graduate Assistantships

The Department of Family Science does offer a limited number of graduate assistantship positions. A GA appointment typically provides tuition remission at the in-state rate along with a modest stipend.¹ This is especially meaningful for out-of-state students because it effectively eliminates the non-resident differential for the credits covered by the assistantship. Competition for these positions is stiff, however, and they are not guaranteed. If you are counting on a GA to make the program affordable, apply early, reach out to the department, and have a backup financial plan.

Other Financial Aid Sources

Beyond assistantships, several funding avenues are worth exploring:

• Federal student loans: All admitted students who complete the FAFSA are eligible for federal Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans.
• UMD merit scholarships: The School of Public Health has offered scholarships (some in the $1,000 range) to incoming graduate students based on academic merit, though award amounts vary year to year.¹
• AAMFT Minority Fellowship Program: The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy administers federally funded fellowships targeting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds who are enrolled in COAMFTE-accredited programs.
• External MFT-specific scholarships: Organizations such as state MFT associations and private foundations periodically offer awards tailored to students pursuing marriage and family therapy degrees. A targeted search on professional association websites can surface opportunities that many applicants overlook.

How Does UMD's Cost Stack Up?

National estimates for COAMFTE-accredited master's programs vary widely, but many public-university programs fall in the $40,000 to $70,000 total tuition range for in-state students. By that yardstick, UMD's in-state estimate of roughly $52,000 to $55,000 sits in the middle of the pack, competitive for a flagship research university in a major metro area with robust clinical training networks. Out-of-state students, on the other hand, face a price tag that rivals or exceeds many private-university alternatives, making it essential to pursue a GA position or establish Maryland residency before or during the program if at all possible. Comparing tuition across COAMFTE accredited programs at other public flagships can help you benchmark the value.

The bottom line: for Maryland residents or students who secure assistantship funding, UMD offers solid value relative to its COAMFTE-accredited peers. Out-of-state applicants should run the numbers carefully and weigh the cost against programs in their home states before committing.

UMD MFT Tuition Estimate

Tuition at the University of Maryland's Couple and Family Therapy program varies significantly depending on residency status. The estimates below reflect the 48 to 51 credit range required for the master's degree, with an additional line showing what the total looks like once mandatory university fees are factored in.

Curriculum, Specializations, and Clinical Training

UMD's MS in Couple and Family Therapy is built on 51 required credits that align with COAMFTE curricular standards, giving students a rigorous foundation in the theoretical and practical competencies needed for licensure as a marriage and family therapist.¹ The program does not offer formal concentrations or named tracks, but a flexible elective model lets you tailor roughly a quarter of your coursework to the populations and issues that interest you most.²

Core Coursework

The required curriculum covers the foundational domains you would expect from a COAMFTE-accredited program:

• Systems theory: Relational and systemic frameworks that distinguish MFT from other mental health disciplines.
• Human development: Lifespan perspectives on individual and family functioning.
• Psychopathology: Diagnosis and assessment within a relational context.
• Ethics and professional identity: Legal, ethical, and multicultural considerations in clinical practice.
• Research methods: Quantitative and qualitative approaches to family science inquiry.
• MFT techniques: Evidence-based intervention models for couples and families.

Students choose four electives to round out the degree.² While no formal specialization labels are conferred, elective selections can steer your training toward areas such as child and adolescent issues, health-related family dynamics, or trauma-informed care, depending on course availability in a given semester.

Clinical Training Sequence

Clinical exposure starts early. Students begin seeing clients during their first semester, which is uncommon among peer programs and gives UMD graduates a head start on accumulating direct contact hours.³ Over the course of the program, students must complete 500 total clinical hours, including at least 150 hours of relational (couple or family) cases.³ Up to 100 hours may come from alternative clinical experiences such as workshops, psychoeducational groups, or community outreach.

The practicum sequence carries nine dedicated credits and typically spans the second and third years.³ Supervision is multifaceted, incorporating case discussion, one-way mirror observation, video review, co-therapy, and live consultation. That layered model ensures you receive feedback from multiple angles, not just a single supervisor's perspective. Programs like the Michigan State University MFT program similarly emphasize intensive clinical mentorship, but UMD's first-semester client contact is a distinctive advantage.

The Center for Healthy Families

The program's on-campus training clinic, the Center for Healthy Families, serves as the primary practicum site for early clinical work. The center offers individual, couple, and family therapy on a low-cost, income-based sliding scale, which means students gain experience with a genuinely diverse client population rather than a narrow demographic slice.⁴ Supervision at the center uses the same multi-method approach described above, with reflecting teams and live observation creating a collaborative learning environment.

As students advance, they transition to external community placements. These off-site internships broaden clinical exposure and help you build professional relationships in the broader Maryland mental health landscape before graduation.

Thesis vs. Non-Thesis Pathway

UMD offers both a thesis and a non-thesis option. The thesis route suits students considering doctoral study or research-oriented careers, while the non-thesis path lets clinically focused students move through the program without an independent research project. One important planning note: the MS degree itself requires 51 credits, but Maryland's LCMFT licensure standards call for 60 graduate credits.⁶ Regardless of which pathway you choose, you will need to account for that nine-credit gap, whether through additional electives at UMD, post-graduate coursework, or credits earned during a doctoral program. The next section breaks down what that gap means in practical and financial terms.

Admissions Requirements and Deadlines

The M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy at UMD accepts a relatively small cohort each year, so understanding every requirement before you apply is essential. Admission is offered for fall entry only, and the review process is competitive.¹

Academic Prerequisites

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.¹ While the program does not mandate a specific undergraduate major, a background in family studies, human development, psychology, or a related behavioral health field will give you a meaningful advantage. The admissions committee recommends prior coursework in several areas:²

• Family studies or human development: Provides foundational knowledge of family systems theory.
• Abnormal psychology: Ensures familiarity with diagnostic frameworks you will encounter in clinical training.
• Introduction to therapy or counseling: Demonstrates early exposure to clinical practice concepts.
• Statistics: Prepares you for research methods coursework within the program.
• Computer literacy: The program expects proficiency with basic technology tools used in academic and clinical settings.

If your transcript is light in one or two of these areas, you may still be considered, but plan to address any gaps in your statement of purpose.

GRE Policy

UMD does not require the GRE for admission to the Couple and Family Therapy M.S. program.¹ Removing this barrier opens the applicant pool to career changers and working adults who may have been away from standardized testing for years. It also shifts the weight of evaluation toward your academic record, professional experiences, and written materials, so invest your preparation time accordingly. Other COAMFTE-accredited programs, such as the Drexel University MFT program, take a similar no-GRE approach, but each school weighs the remaining materials differently.

Application Materials

All materials are submitted through the university's TerpEngage portal.¹ You will need to prepare:

• Official transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended.
• Statement of purpose outlining your interest in couple and family therapy, career goals, and fit with the program.
• Personal experiences response: a supplemental essay addressing how your life experiences have shaped your commitment to this field.
• Writing sample that demonstrates your ability to engage with scholarly or clinical material at a graduate level.
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic ability, clinical potential, or professional character. At least one letter from a faculty member is strongly preferred.
• Current resume or CV detailing relevant work, volunteer, and research experience.

Deadline and Timeline

The priority application deadline for Fall 2026 admission is December 5, 2025.¹ The program conducts a fixed review cycle rather than rolling admissions, so submitting after this date significantly reduces your chances. Invitations for interviews and final decisions typically follow in late winter to early spring.

How Competitive Is Admission?

Cohorts are small, generally in the range of eight to twelve students per year. That limited size, combined with the program's COAMFTE accreditation and location in the D.C. metro area, makes admission selective. A strong applicant typically brings a GPA at or above 3.0, relevant coursework or professional experience in a helping field, and polished written materials that convey genuine self-awareness and a clear vision for clinical practice. If your profile checks those boxes, this program deserves a spot on your short list.

Online and Flexible Learning Options

UMD's MFT Program Is Fully On-Campus

If you are searching for an online path to a marriage and family therapy degree, you need to know this upfront: the University of Maryland's Couple and Family Therapy program is delivered entirely on campus at College Park. As of the current catalog year, there is no online or hybrid degree option. All coursework, clinical supervision, and practicum experiences take place in person.

That means you should plan to live within commuting distance of the College Park campus for the duration of the program.

Why Most COAMFTE Programs Stay In-Person

This is not unique to UMD. COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs rarely offer fully online formats, and the reason is structural. Marriage and family therapy training depends heavily on elements that are difficult to replicate through a screen:

• Live clinical supervision: Faculty observe sessions in real time and provide immediate feedback, often through one-way mirrors or live video feeds within a campus clinic.
• Reflecting-team models: Students participate in team-based observation and discussion during live therapy sessions, a practice that loses much of its value in a remote setting.
• In-person practicum hours: Hundreds of direct client contact hours must be completed under supervision, typically at on-site training clinics and approved community placements.

These requirements make remote delivery logistically complex and, in many cases, incompatible with the hands-on training COAMFTE standards demand.

Scheduling Flexibility Within an On-Campus Model

While UMD does not offer a distance option, the program does build in some scheduling flexibility. Classes are often held in the late afternoon and evening, which can help students who hold part-time jobs or manage family responsibilities. Students should also check whether summer or winter session courses are available to accelerate their timeline. If the program permits part-time enrollment, that can stretch the degree over additional semesters for those who need a lighter course load, though extending time to completion also means a longer path to licensure. Those looking to finish as quickly as possible may want to review accelerated MFT programs before committing to a part-time track.

What If You Need an Online Format?

A small number of COAMFTE-accredited programs across the country do offer online or hybrid MFT degrees. For example, the Nova Southeastern MFT program is one option that blends online coursework with in-person clinical requirements. These programs typically require students to arrange local practicum placements and travel to campus for periodic intensive residencies. If geography, work obligations, or caregiving responsibilities make an on-campus program unrealistic for you, those alternatives are worth investigating.

Just be sure any online program you consider holds current COAMFTE accreditation. That credential is what streamlines your path to licensure and ensures employers and licensing boards recognize your degree without question.

Career Outcomes and LCMFT Licensure Pathway

Graduating from UMD's Couple and Family Therapy program positions you well for licensure in Maryland, but the path from diploma to independent practice requires deliberate planning. Here is what to expect at each stage and what the job market looks like once you arrive.

Step-by-Step Path to the LCMFT License

Maryland's Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists requires every Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT) candidate to satisfy four core benchmarks:¹

• 60 graduate semester hours: UMD's non-thesis track requires 45 credits and the thesis track requires 51, so you will need to bridge the gap with additional coursework (more on that below).³
• 2,000 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience: At least 1,000 of those hours must involve direct client contact, completed over a minimum of two years.¹
• 100 hours of clinical supervision: This supervision must come from an approved supervisor during your post-degree experience period.
• Two exams: You must pass the AMFTRB National MFT Examination and the Maryland Law Exam before the board will grant your LCMFT credential.

Before reaching LCMFT status, many graduates first obtain the Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist (LGMFT) designation. The LGMFT allows you to practice under supervision while accumulating those required post-degree hours, giving you a clear income stream as you complete the licensure process.¹

Bridging UMD's Credit Gap

Because UMD's program awards 45 to 51 credits rather than the 60 Maryland requires, you will need 9 to 15 additional semester hours.³ Common strategies include:

• Taking post-master's courses through UMD's Department of Family Science or another accredited institution.
• Enrolling in a post-graduate MFT certificate program that offers coursework aligned with COAMFTE standards.
• Completing approved continuing-education credits, though the board applies strict limits on what counts toward the 60-hour threshold.

Plan for this gap early. Mapping your elective and post-degree coursework before you finish the master's program can save both time and money.

AMFTRB Exam Preparation

UMD's COAMFTE-accredited curriculum covers the content domains tested on the national MFT exam, including theoretical foundations, clinical assessment, treatment planning, ethics, and relational/systemic approaches. While program-specific pass-rate data is not published by UMD, COAMFTE-accredited programs nationally report strong first-time pass rates because their curricula are built around the competencies the exam measures. Graduates commonly supplement their coursework with commercial exam-prep materials, study groups, and practice tests to build confidence before sitting for the exam.

Salary and Employment Outlook

Marriage and family therapists in Maryland (SOC 21-1013) earned a mean annual wage in the range of $70,000 to $75,000 as of the most recent published data. That figure can vary considerably depending on employer type, geographic area within the state, and years of experience. Common employment settings include:

• Community mental health centers
• Hospitals and integrated health systems
• Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
• Private and group practices
• University counseling centers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth for marriage and family therapists nationally, driven by greater recognition of mental health needs and expanded insurance coverage for relational therapy. For a broader look at the marriage and family therapy career outlook, UMD graduates benefit from Maryland's proximity to the Washington, D.C. metro area, with its dense network of federal agencies, nonprofits, and health systems, creating a particularly robust local market for licensed clinicians.

UMD Graduate Placement

Detailed placement statistics, such as the percentage of graduates employed within six to twelve months or licensure attainment rates, are not currently published in a central, publicly accessible format by UMD's program. Prospective students should contact the Department of Family Science directly to request the most recent outcomes data. COAMFTE-accredited programs are required to track and report student achievement measures, so admissions staff should be able to share graduation rates, job placement figures, and, where available, exam pass-rate information upon request.

From UMD Graduation to LCMFT License

Earning your M.S. from UMD is a major milestone, but independent licensure requires several additional steps. Here is a realistic timeline from enrollment to practicing on your own as a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist in Maryland.

How UMD's MFT Program Compares

Because UMD houses the only COAMFTE-accredited MFT program in Maryland, direct in-state comparisons are limited. The most useful frame is to measure it against two common archetypes you will encounter while shopping for programs nationwide: a lower-cost public COAMFTE program and a higher-brand private COAMFTE program.

Side-by-Side Comparison

• Estimated total tuition: UMD's in-state cost for the 45 to 51 credit master's degree generally falls in the mid-range for public COAMFTE programs.² A lower-cost public alternative at another state university may run several thousand dollars less, while a well-known private program can easily cost two to three times as much.
• Credit hours: UMD requires 45 to 51 credits. Many states, including Maryland, require 60 graduate semester hours for full licensure as an LCMFT. Lower-cost public programs sometimes build 60 credits into the degree itself, and many private programs do the same. UMD's shorter curriculum means you will likely need additional coursework after graduation to close the gap.
• Delivery format: UMD's program is on-campus in College Park. Some public alternatives offer hybrid or fully online coursework (with local practicum), and certain private programs do the same. If geographic flexibility matters to you, this is a real constraint.
• COAMFTE accreditation: All three archetypes hold COAMFTE accreditation, which satisfies the gold-standard requirement for MFT licensure boards nationwide. UMD's status here is a genuine differentiator within Maryland, where no other program carries this credential.
• Clinical training model: UMD integrates supervised clinical hours through its own on-campus clinic and community partner sites in the greater Washington, D.C., metro area. Lower-cost publics often rely on similar community-based placements, while higher-brand privates may offer access to hospital systems or specialized research clinics.
• Licensure-hour threshold: This is where UMD's position becomes more nuanced. Programs that build 60 credits into the degree send you into post-graduation supervised practice ready to count every hour toward licensure without extra coursework. UMD's 45 to 51 credit structure means you will need to plan (and budget) for roughly 9 to 15 additional credit hours before or during your post-degree supervised experience.³

Where UMD Lands

UMD occupies a middle ground that appeals to a specific type of applicant. You get flagship-caliber faculty, a strong D.C.-area clinical network, and public-university pricing, all wrapped in COAMFTE accreditation that no other Maryland program can match. The trade-off is the credit gap. Graduates should expect additional time and cost after completing the degree to meet the 60-hour threshold Maryland requires for LCMFT licensure.

For a sense of how other public COAMFTE programs structure their degrees, you can review the Auburn University MFT program or the Central Connecticut State University MFT program, both of which offer useful comparison points on credit requirements and cost. If minimizing total time to licensure is your top priority, a program that already packages 60 credits into the degree may be a better fit, even if the sticker price is slightly higher. If brand recognition, research opportunities, and access to the D.C. metro job market matter more, UMD is hard to beat at its price point.

Should You Apply to UMD's MFT Program?

Choosing the right MFT program means weighing your budget, career goals, geographic plans, and learning preferences against what each school delivers. Here is a straightforward verdict to help you decide whether UMD's Couple and Family Therapy program belongs on your shortlist.

Frequently Asked Questions About UMD's MFT Program

Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about the University of Maryland's Couple and Family Therapy program. For the latest details, always verify directly with the Department of Family Science.

Is UMD's Couple and Family Therapy program COAMFTE accredited?

Yes. The master's program in Couple and Family Therapy at the University of Maryland, College Park 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 and is recognized by licensing boards in every U.S. state and territory.

How much does the University of Maryland MFT program cost in total?

Estimated total tuition for the 48-credit master's program ranges from roughly $28,000 to $32,000 for Maryland residents and approximately $60,000 to $68,000 for out-of-state students, based on current per-credit rates. Fees, textbooks, and any supplemental coursework needed to reach 60 credits for licensure will add to those figures.

Does UMD require the GRE for MFT admissions?

No. UMD's Couple and Family Therapy program does not require GRE scores. The admissions committee evaluates applicants based on transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, a resume or CV, and relevant professional or volunteer experience. This GRE-free policy removes a common barrier for working adults entering the field.

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

Most full-time students complete the 48-credit master's program in approximately two years. That timeline includes coursework, practicum placements, and the accumulation of supervised clinical contact hours. Students who need additional credits to satisfy Maryland's 60-credit LCMFT requirement may need one or two extra semesters of electives or supplementary coursework.

How do I get from UMD's 48 credits to Maryland's 60-credit LCMFT requirement?

Maryland's LCMFT license requires 60 graduate semester hours, so UMD graduates need roughly 12 additional credits. You can close this gap by taking electives within UMD's Family Science department, enrolling in approved graduate courses at another institution, or completing post-master's continuing education that your state board accepts. Plan early so the extra coursework aligns with your clinical interests.

Can I complete UMD's MFT program online?

No. The program is delivered on campus at College Park. COAMFTE-accredited programs require extensive face-to-face clinical training, live supervision, and in-person practicum hours, which makes a fully online format impractical. If you need a flexible or distance-friendly option, marriagefamilytherapist.org profiles several accredited programs with hybrid or online coursework components.

What is the LCMFT licensure process in Maryland after graduating from UMD?

After earning your master's degree, you must accumulate supervised post-graduate clinical hours (typically two years of practice under an approved supervisor), pass the national MFT licensing examination administered through the AMFTRB, and submit your application to the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists. UMD's COAMFTE-accredited curriculum satisfies the educational component, though you will still need to bridge the credit gap to 60 hours.