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A detailed look at the fully online M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy launching fall 2026, including curriculum, tuition, licensure alignment, and how it compares to Cornerstone's other counseling degrees.
In July 2026, Cornerstone University launched a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, a fully online degree with a Christian worldview that explicitly prepares students for LMFT licensure. Two mandatory in-person residencies in Grand Rapids anchor the otherwise asynchronous coursework, and applications are now open for fall 2026.
The program joins the university's established graduate counseling lineup, offering a family therapy program alternative to its existing clinical mental health and Christian counseling tracks. With a tuition structure priced up to 35% below regional averages, Cornerstone enters a market where demand for licensed marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 13% through 2034, creating immediate pressure for accessible, accredited MFT programs and licensure-aligned training pathways.
The new Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Cornerstone University requires 60 credit hours and includes two mandatory in-person residencies in Grand Rapids, Michigan.1 The program is designed primarily for online delivery, with asynchronous coursework that allows students to balance graduate study with professional and personal obligations.
Students complete the majority of their coursework online, engaging with faculty and peers through a structured learning management system. Twice a year, all students travel to Cornerstone's Grand Rapids campus for intensive in-person residencies. These multi-day sessions provide opportunities for hands-on clinical skills practice, face-to-face group supervision, and community building. The residency model combines the flexibility of online education with the relational depth essential to training competent therapists. Local supervised clinical placements are arranged in the student's own community, further bridging classroom learning and real-world practice.1
The program is built to meet the educational requirements for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure in Michigan, and it supports licensure pathways in many other states.2 Because the degree launched in July 2026, it does not yet hold specialized accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).2 Cornerstone University itself is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the MFT curriculum aligns with Michigan's licensure standards, positioning graduates to pursue state credentialing after completing required postgraduate hours and examinations. Prospective students who prioritize programmatic accreditation may want to review COAMFTE accredited MFT programs as part of their comparison.
President Gerson Moreno-Riaño emphasized the program's mission in the university's launch announcement, stating, "The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy reflects Cornerstone University's commitment to preparing highly qualified clinicians who can meet critical workforce needs while bringing Christ-centered and Biblical wisdom to the care of individuals, couples, and families." This distinctive Christian worldview is integrated throughout the curriculum, setting it apart from secular MFT programs. For a sense of what Christian MFT programs online hybrid formats look like at other institutions, the Christian Theological Seminary's profile offers a useful comparison.
Students take a total of 60 credits, typically spread across two to three years of full-time study.2 Part-time options may extend the timeline, but all degree requirements must be completed within five years.4 Before beginning the clinical practicum, students must formally declare the MFT concentration, ensuring that their fieldwork is specifically focused on marriage and family therapy rather than broader counseling domains.5
Online coursework can fit around jobs and families, but becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist demands supervised clinical hours that no screen can replace. Cornerstone's M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy addresses this tension through a 60-credit curriculum1 delivered mostly online, anchored by two in-person residencies each year in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The program is designed to meet Michigan's educational requirements for LMFT licensure while giving you access to a faith-based learning community.
The curriculum mirrors the core competency areas expected by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), the field's national accreditor. Though the brand-new status of the program means the official course catalog may still be finalized, you can expect courses to cover: - Foundational theories: systems theory, family development, and contemporary models of relational therapy. - Clinical practice: diagnosis, assessment, and treatment planning with individuals, couples, and families. - Professional ethics and law: decision-making frameworks aligned with state and national standards. - Human development across the lifespan: biological, psychological, and relational changes from infancy to late adulthood. - Research and evidence-based practice: evaluating studies and applying findings to client care. - Diversity and multicultural competence: navigating cultural, socioeconomic, and spiritual factors in therapy , an area covered in depth by multicultural therapy competencies for MFTs.
Because Cornerstone integrates a Christian worldview, course content likely explores how faith and clinical practice intersect, equipping you to serve clients from varied belief backgrounds. Always confirm the latest degree plan by reviewing the official program page or graduate catalog.2
Michigan's Board of Marriage and Family Therapy mandates that licensure candidates complete supervised clinical experience as part of their degree. While specific hour totals for Cornerstone's practicum and internship are not yet published, typical COAMFTE-aligned programs require a minimum of 500 direct client contact hours, with a substantial portion occurring in relational therapy. You will likely progress through a practicum (observing and co-therapy) before moving into an internship where you carry a caseload under licensed supervision. For a closer look at what that progression involves, the guide on MFT clinical internship covers typical trainee expectations in detail. Check the university's field education manual or consult an admissions advisor for the exact breakdown once it becomes available.
The program's online format gives you geographical flexibility, but the two required annual residencies in Grand Rapids ensure you build face-to-face clinical skills.2 These on-campus intensives typically include role-plays, live supervision, and group processing. This hybrid model helps you develop the therapeutic presence that is tough to cultivate through a screen, while still accommodating work and personal obligations the rest of the year.
How does Cornerstone's MFT tuition compare to other online programs, and what will you actually pay? While the university has not yet published a per-credit-hour rate or total program cost, its claim of pricing 'up to 35% lower than regional private and public university averages' suggests significant savings. To put that in context, online MFT programs currently charge anywhere from $500 to $900 per credit, with total costs ranging from roughly $35,000 to over $55,000 for a 60-credit degree. If Cornerstone delivers on a 35% discount, its program would likely fall in the $400, $550 per-credit range, bringing a 60-credit total to approximately $24,000, $33,000, well below the national norm.
To understand the claim, it helps to look at what other schools charge. Liberty University's online MFT costs $600 per credit ($36,000 total).2 Capella University and Touro University Worldwide both price their online MFT programs at $525 per credit ($37,800 total).34 National University charges $913 per credit ($46,274 total), while Abilene Christian University's online MMFT runs $799 per credit ($47,940 total).5 At the high end, Pacific Lutheran University asks $1,129 per credit ($54,192 for 48 credits),6 and USC's MS in MFT exceeds $2,500 per credit.7 Against this landscape, a program priced 35% below regional averages, especially those in the Midwest, would be a competitive budget option. For a broader look at affordable online MFT programs across the country, our comparison tool can help you find the best fit for your budget.
Graduate students can apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Cornerstone participates in federal loan programs, offering Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans to cover tuition and living expenses. Additionally, many students tap employer tuition reimbursement benefits, particularly if they already work in behavioral health, social services, or ministry roles. Cornerstone also offers institutional scholarships and graduate assistantships; while specifics for the MFT program are still being finalized, prospective students should contact the financial aid office for the most current list of opportunities. Our guide to MFT financial aid and scholarships walks through additional funding sources worth exploring before you enroll.
Keep in mind that the program requires two annual in-person residencies at Cornerstone's Grand Rapids, Michigan campus. You'll need to budget for transportation, lodging, and meals during those visits, typically three to four days each. Even with a low tuition rate, these travel costs can add several hundred to a couple thousand dollars per year. Including them in your total cost of attendance from the start will help you avoid surprises.
Cornerstone University is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2026 cohort of the new M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy program. Here are the key requirements and steps to apply.
Will Cornerstone's M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy prepare me for LMFT licensure in Michigan and other states?
Understanding the licensure pathway is critical before enrolling in any MFT program. Cornerstone designed this degree to meet Michigan's educational requirements for the LMFT license in Michigan, and the university reports that the curriculum supports licensure pathways in many states. Here is what you need to know about meeting Michigan's standards and navigating portability beyond.
Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) sets clear benchmarks for LMFT candidates.1 Key requirements include:
Cornerstone's M.S. in MFT program is built to satisfy Michigan's educational coursework mandates. While the university is not yet COAMFTE-accredited (it's a brand-new launch), Michigan accepts programs from regionally accredited schools that embed the required content.1 The curriculum covers family systems, therapy methodology, human development, ethics, and research, laying the foundation for the license. However, students are still responsible for securing the post-degree clinical hours, board-approved supervision, and passing the national exam on their own after graduation.
If you plan to practice in another state, portability depends on that state's specific rules. Most states accept regionally accredited MFT degrees that cover core content, similar to Michigan.4 A minority of states effectively require COAMFTE accreditation for licensure, either explicitly or by making it the only accepted pathway for out-of-state applicants. As of 2026, there is no MFT interstate compact, so each state sets its own requirements.4
Cornerstone's claim that the program supports pathways in "many states" is encouraging, but prospective students outside Michigan should take a proactive step: contact your intended state's licensing board directly. Ask whether a regionally accredited, non-COAMFTE MFT degree will satisfy the educational requirement and if any additional coursework or supervised hours are needed. Reviewing MFT programs in Michigan alongside state board guidance can also help you benchmark curriculum expectations.
By doing this groundwork now, you can enroll with confidence that Cornerstone's MFT program aligns with your long-term LMFT career goals , whether in Michigan or beyond.
Choosing between Cornerstone's counseling degrees comes down to a fundamental question: are you called to heal family systems as a licensed therapist, serve individuals through broad clinical practice, or minister through faith-based guidance without state licensure? Each path reflects a distinct professional identity. Below we parse the key differences.
Cornerstone offers three graduate counseling programs, each with a different licensure outcome:
The MFT curriculum emphasizes couples and family therapy, systemic interventions, and relational ethics, all integrated with a Christian worldview. The marriage and family therapy vs. clinical counseling distinction becomes clearest here: the clinical mental health counseling program's CACREP-aligned coursework covers assessment, psychopathology, and counseling theories for individuals and groups. Both require clinical hours: the clinical mental health program mandates 700 hours,1 while the MFT program's clinical requirements align with Michigan LMFT licensure standards (exact hour totals are forthcoming). The M.A. in Christian Counseling blends biblical studies with counseling skills but lacks the supervised clinical practice that leads to licensure. Ultimately, your career goal should dictate the choice: if you aspire to work exclusively with couples and families as a licensed therapist, the MFT track is the direct route; if you want a versatile license to treat a wider range of clients, the clinical mental health program is the better fit; if your calling is ministry-led care without the legal framework of licensure, the Christian counseling degree serves that purpose.
Employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The national median annual wage for MFTs was $58,510 in May 2023. State-level data for Michigan is not yet reported by the BLS, but the table below highlights wage ranges in other states to provide context for the profession's earning potential.
| Location | Employment | Median Annual Wage | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 32070 | $63,780 | $47,730 | $91,660 |
| New Jersey | 3940 | $89,030 | $77,380 | $97,670 |
| Pennsylvania | 2360 | $64,570 | $55,580 | $80,100 |
| Minnesota | 3780 | $72,370 | $59,720 | $82,870 |
The table below presents recent wage estimates for marriage and family therapists across select metropolitan areas, based on 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While Michigan-specific metro data is not separately reported, these national figures illustrate the range of earnings potential and how salaries can vary significantly by region. Actual income also depends on work setting, with private practice, agency, and hospital environments often offering different compensation.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Salary | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 1,220 | $88,950 | $59,560 | $123,430 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 2,900 | $86,120 | $70,660 | $97,670 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 700 | $84,810 | $65,400 | $137,950 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | 760 | $81,170 | $60,780 | $95,570 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 2,060 | $80,090 | $62,830 | $89,030 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 3,400 | $76,980 | $57,980 | $104,970 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 2,490 | $72,910 | $59,780 | $83,830 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 1,270 | $72,810 | $49,010 | $96,480 |
| Fresno, CA | 680 | $66,090 | $43,480 | $92,630 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 12,400 | $64,420 | $47,050 | $91,580 |
At up to 35% below regional tuition averages, Cornerstone University's new M.S. MFT launches with a clear affordability edge, but fit matters more than price alone. This section helps you decide whether the program aligns with your professional goals, learning style, and values.
The ideal candidate is pursuing Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure and feels drawn to family systems work rather than individual-focused clinical mental health counseling. Understanding the difference between MFT and LMFT credentials before you apply will sharpen your goals from day one. You thrive in an online learning environment but welcome two annual in-person residencies in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which foster hands-on practice and cohort connection. A Christian worldview integration is central: faculty teach from a biblically grounded perspective, preparing you to bring both clinical competence and faith-informed care into therapy settings. If you are a working professional needing flexible scheduling, the fully online format accommodates busy lives without sacrificing rigor.
If you're interested, start by reviewing the Cornerstone MFT program page for detailed curriculum and admissions criteria. Contact an admissions counselor to discuss your specific situation, especially if you plan to pursue licensure outside Michigan , state requirements vary. Verify state-by-state compatibility early to avoid surprises. Before committing, it's also worth reading up on whether an MFT degree is worth it financially so you can weigh long-term return on investment alongside upfront costs. Applications are currently open for the fall 2026 cohort, so prompt action secures your spot.
Because this is a brand-new program launching July 15, 2026, it does not yet have an established accreditation track record. If a COAMFTE-accredited program is a firm requirement for you, reviewing COAMFTE accredited online MFT programs elsewhere can help you compare options. While Cornerstone holds regional accreditation, program-specific outcomes like graduation rates and licensure exam pass rates are not yet available. State portability can be complex; although the program supports licensure in many states, some may require additional steps. Finally, the required on-site residencies in Grand Rapids demand travel and accommodation, which may be a hurdle for distant students. Weigh these factors against the program's clear strengths as you make your decision.
