Fewer than a dozen COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs in the United States operate within a faith-based institution. Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis is one of them, offering a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy through a 63-credit hybrid format that blends online coursework with required on-campus intensives. CTS has maintained its COAMFTE accreditation since 1994, a track record that few seminaries can match.

The practical question for prospective students is whether the program's tuition, travel costs, and hybrid logistics justify choosing a smaller seminary over a larger university with a similar credential. That calculus depends on how much weight you place on faith integration, how close you live to Indianapolis, and what your state requires for LMFT licensure after graduation. If you are still exploring the broader landscape, our ranked list of the best master's in marriage and family therapy programs is a useful starting point for comparison.

CTS MAMFT Quick Facts

Here is a snapshot of the key details prospective students should know about the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Christian Theological Seminary. This COAMFTE-accredited hybrid program combines faith-integrated training with clinical rigor, making it a strong fit for students who want flexible scheduling without sacrificing hands-on experience.

Is Christian Theological Seminary a Good MFT Program?

Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) has held COAMFTE accreditation for its Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program since January 1994, making it one of the longest continuously accredited MFT programs in the country.¹ COAMFTE accreditation is widely regarded as the gold standard for marriage and family therapy education. It signals that the curriculum, clinical training hours, and faculty qualifications meet rigorous national benchmarks. For students, this translates into smoother licensure portability across states and confidence that employers and licensing boards will recognize the degree without additional hurdles.

Who Is This Program Built For?

The CTS MAMFT is designed for students who want clinical rigor and faith integration under the same roof. If you are drawn to a systemic therapy model that weaves Christian spiritual perspectives into evidence-based practice, this program delivers that combination in a way most secular universities simply do not.³ Small cohort sizes mean you will know your professors by name and receive individualized mentorship throughout your clinical training. The hybrid format, split roughly 50/50 between online coursework and in-person intensives in Indianapolis, suits working adults who cannot relocate full-time but still want meaningful face-to-face learning and supervision.³

Key Strengths

• Three decades of COAMFTE accreditation: Continuous accreditation since 1994 demonstrates sustained program quality and institutional commitment to meeting evolving national standards.¹
• Hybrid flexibility: The blended delivery model lets students maintain jobs and family responsibilities while still engaging in hands-on clinical practice during campus intensives.
• Faith-based relational framework: CTS integrates Christian spiritual formation into systemic therapy coursework, preparing graduates for faith-informed clinical work in churches, pastoral counseling centers, and community agencies.
• Reported 100% job placement: CTS reports that graduates of the MAMFT program achieve full employment in the field, a strong indicator that the degree opens real career doors.²

Honest Drawbacks to Consider

• Private seminary tuition: As a private institution, CTS will likely cost more per credit than public university alternatives, and detailed tuition figures are not always easy to locate upfront.
• Limited specialization tracks: Compared to larger research universities that offer concentrations in areas like medical family therapy or sex therapy, CTS focuses on a single, faith-integrated generalist track.
• In-person travel is still required: Hybrid does not mean fully online. Students living far from Indianapolis should budget for periodic travel, lodging, and time away from work during on-campus intensives.

When to Consider Alternatives

CTS may not be the right fit if you need a program you can complete entirely from your living room with zero campus visits. If minimizing cost is your top priority, a COAMFTE-accredited program at a public university will almost certainly carry a lower price tag. And if you prefer a secular clinical framework without any theological component, you will find the faith integration at CTS pervasive rather than optional. In those cases, explore other best online MFT programs to find a better match for your learning style, budget, and professional goals.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Program Cost and Tuition at Christian Theological Seminary

Understanding the true cost of a COAMFTE-accredited MFT program is one of the most important steps in your decision process, and it is also where most program profiles fall short. Here is what the numbers actually look like at Christian Theological Seminary for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Per-Credit Tuition and Estimated Total

CTS charges $710 per credit hour for MAMFT students.¹ The degree requires 63 credit hours, which brings the baseline tuition estimate to approximately $44,730 before fees. Because CTS is a private seminary, there is no in-state or out-of-state tuition differential. Whether you live in Indianapolis or attend through the hybrid format from another state, you pay the same rate.

Fees Beyond Tuition

Several additional fees add to the sticker price.¹ Factor these into your planning:

• Student services fee: $130 per semester, covering technology and campus resources.
• New student fee: A one-time $140 charge assessed during your first term.
• Continuation fee: $250 if you need additional time beyond the standard program timeline to complete requirements.
• Late registration fee: $30 if you miss the enrollment deadline for a given term.
• Late payment fee: $50 for overdue balances.
• Application fee: $0. CTS does not charge an application fee, which removes a common barrier to getting started.²

Over a typical three-year enrollment with six semesters, student services fees alone add roughly $780. Combined with the new student fee, expect total fees in the range of $900 to $1,200 depending on your pace, though the continuation and late fees are avoidable with good planning.

How CTS Compares on Cost

For context, COAMFTE-accredited programs at public universities often fall in the $25,000 to $35,000 range for in-state students, while private institutions commonly exceed $50,000 to $70,000 in total tuition. At roughly $45,000 all in, CTS sits in a moderate zone for a private seminary, notably lower than many faith-based competitors that carry COAMFTE accreditation. If you are weighing whether the investment makes sense, our analysis of the return on investment for an MFT degree can help you put these numbers in perspective. Students focused primarily on minimizing cost may also want to explore cheapest MFT programs across the country.

Financial Aid and Funding Options

CTS students are eligible for federal student loans, which cover the majority of tuition and fee costs for most enrollees. The seminary also offers institutional scholarships, and prospective students should inquire directly with CTS financial aid about merit-based awards and need-based assistance specific to MFT students. Church sponsorship is another avenue worth exploring: many denominations and local congregations provide educational support for members pursuing ministry-adjacent graduate degrees, and a seminary like CTS is well positioned for those conversations. Ask your financial aid counselor about any matching or partnership programs the school maintains with denominational bodies.

Graduate assistantship opportunities may be available on a limited basis, though these are more common for students enrolled on campus full time. If reducing your out-of-pocket cost is a priority, apply early and ask specifically about assistantship openings in the MFT department or the campus counseling center.

CTS MAMFT Tuition Breakdown

The majority of your investment in Christian Theological Seminary's MAMFT program goes directly toward tuition for the required 63 credit hours. Below is an estimated breakdown of the total program cost, including approximate fees and clinical practicum expenses.

Curriculum, Practicum, and Specializations

The CTS Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 63-credit-hour program built around three curricular pillars: core MFT coursework, theology and faith-integration studies, and supervised clinical practice.¹ That structure reflects the seminary's COAMFTE-accredited commitment to producing clinicians who are both technically rigorous and grounded in a theological framework.²

Core MFT Coursework and Faith Integration

Core courses cover the foundational knowledge every aspiring marriage and family therapist needs: systems theory, psychopathology, human development across the lifespan, professional ethics, and research methods. Because CTS is a seminary, the curriculum also weaves in theology and faith-integration courses that help students think critically about the intersection of spirituality and clinical practice. Electives allow you to tailor the degree toward your emerging interests, though the program does not advertise formal concentration tracks in areas like trauma or child and adolescent therapy. Students who want a deeper theological formation can pursue the MDiv/MAMFT dual degree, which combines the Master of Divinity with the MAMFT.³ This path is well suited for those planning ministry roles that include a clinical counseling component, such as pastoral care in congregational or hospital settings.

Clinical Practicum Sequence

Clinical training is the backbone of the program. Students must complete a minimum of 500 direct client contact hours, with at least 250 of those hours involving relational (couples or family) cases.³ Supervision requirements include 100 total supervision hours and 50 hours of direct observation supervision, delivered through a live supervision model in which faculty or approved supervisors observe sessions in real time.⁴ If you are unfamiliar with how MFT practicum requirements typically work, CTS follows a progressive, faculty-supervised model that builds competence incrementally.

Most practicum hours begin at the CTS Counseling Center on the Indianapolis campus, giving students a structured, faculty-supervised environment for their earliest clinical work.⁴ As students advance, off-site placements at community agencies, hospitals, or church-based settings in the Indianapolis area may be available for specialized experience. However, out-of-state students should note that CTS does not currently allow practicum completion in a student's home community. All clinical work must take place at approved sites in or near Indianapolis.

Program Timeline and Pacing

Full-time students can generally expect to finish the 63-credit program in roughly three years, though the exact timeline depends on practicum scheduling and course sequencing. The hybrid delivery format, which blends online coursework with required on-campus intensives and in-person clinical training, can extend the timeline for part-time students. Because practicum placements are sequential and build on one another, you cannot easily compress or skip semesters of clinical work. Plan accordingly if you are balancing the program with employment or family obligations.

A post-graduate residency phase follows the degree, during which graduates accumulate additional supervised clinical hours required for LMFT licensure.¹ This residency is a separate step from the in-program practicum and is worth factoring into your overall career timeline.

Admissions Requirements and Deadlines

Getting into the Christian Theological Seminary MAMFT program requires a focused application, but the process is straightforward compared to many graduate programs. Here is what you need to know to put together a competitive submission.

Required Application Materials

CTS asks for the following components in every MAMFT application:¹

• Bachelor's degree: A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is required. CTS does not specify a particular major, though coursework in psychology, sociology, or human development can strengthen your candidacy.
• Official transcripts: You will need transcripts from every college or university you have attended.
• Personal statement: A written essay of up to 700 words explaining your motivation for pursuing marriage and family therapy, your professional goals, and how you see yourself fitting within a seminary context.
• Three letters of recommendation: CTS requires three references. At least one should speak to your academic abilities, while others can address professional or community experience.
• Résumé or CV: A current document outlining your educational background, work history, and any relevant volunteer or clinical experience.
• Interview: Applicants who advance past the initial review should be prepared for an interview as part of the evaluation process.

Note that CTS does not currently accept international applications for this program.¹

GRE Policy

This is one of the most common questions prospective students ask. CTS does not list the GRE as a required component of the MAMFT application.¹ If standardized testing is a concern for you, this program removes that barrier. Focus your energy instead on crafting a strong personal statement and securing recommenders who can speak meaningfully to your readiness for graduate-level clinical training. Many COAMFTE accredited MFT programs have similarly moved away from requiring the GRE.

GPA Expectations

CTS does not publish a hard minimum GPA cutoff for the MAMFT program. That said, competitive applicants to COAMFTE-accredited master's programs typically present an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. If your GPA falls below that threshold, a well-written personal statement and strong recommendations can help contextualize your academic record.

Application Deadlines

The published deadline for the 2026 to 2027 admissions cycle is June 15, 2026.¹ CTS generally operates on a cohort model with a fall start, so plan your application timeline accordingly. If you are considering this program, do not wait until the deadline to submit. Earlier applications give you more time to secure financial aid and complete any administrative steps before classes begin.

Faith-Related Requirements

As a seminary, CTS is grounded in a theological mission, but the MAMFT program is designed to serve students from diverse faith backgrounds. The program does not appear to require a formal church endorsement or denominational affiliation for admission. Your personal statement is a natural place to address how your values and faith perspective inform your interest in the helping professions. If you have questions about whether your background is a fit, contacting the admissions office directly is the best course of action.

For the most current and detailed application instructions, consult the CTS admissions page.¹ Requirements can shift from year to year, and verifying details before you submit protects you from preventable oversights.

Online and Hybrid Learning Options at CTS

Christian Theological Seminary markets its MAMFT as a hybrid program, splitting coursework roughly 50% online and 50% in person at its Indianapolis campus.¹ If you are considering this program from outside central Indiana, understanding exactly what that ratio means for your schedule, budget, and clinical training is essential.

What "50/50 Hybrid" Actually Means

CTS describes its hybrid model as delivering half of the program's instructional content through online coursework and the other half through on-campus sessions in Indianapolis.¹ Based on published program information, the online portion appears to include a mix of asynchronous and synchronous components, allowing students some flexibility in when and where they complete readings, discussions, and assignments. The in-person portion is concentrated in campus-based intensives or residency periods rather than a traditional weekly commute.

It is worth noting that "50/50" likely refers to the overall proportion of seat time or credit-hour delivery across the program, not that every individual course is split evenly. Some courses may be entirely online while others require full attendance on campus. CTS has not published a granular breakdown of which specific courses fall into each category, so prospective students should contact the admissions office for a semester-by-semester calendar before committing.

Campus Residency and Intensive Schedule

Students should expect to travel to Indianapolis multiple times during the program for intensive residency sessions. The frequency and duration of these on-campus periods are critical planning factors, especially for working adults. While CTS does not publish a detailed public calendar of intensive dates for every cohort, hybrid MFT programs with similar structures typically require students to be on campus for several days at a time, often two to four times per year. Confirm exact dates, lengths, and scheduling patterns directly with CTS before applying.

Out-of-State Feasibility

Living outside Indiana does not automatically disqualify you, but it introduces real logistical costs you need to budget for:

• Airfare or driving expenses: Multiple round trips to Indianapolis each year add up quickly.
• Lodging and meals: On-campus housing may or may not be available during intensives; plan for hotel stays.
• Time away from work: Each intensive could require taking several consecutive days off, which is difficult for students who cannot arrange flexible schedules.
• Practicum placement: This is the most important variable. Clinical practicum hours must be completed at an approved site, and whether CTS allows students to arrange placements in their home state is not clearly documented in public materials. Some COAMFTE-accredited hybrid programs do permit distance practicum arrangements, but the process requires pre-approval and often limits your choice of sites.

COAMFTE Standards for Distance Education

COAMFTE, the accrediting body for MFT programs, has specific standards governing how much of a program can be delivered remotely and how clinical training must be supervised. Accredited programs offering distance or hybrid formats must demonstrate that online students receive equivalent clinical supervision, faculty interaction, and skills assessment compared to their on-campus peers. For practicum completed away from the main campus, COAMFTE requires that supervision arrangements meet the same rigor, which typically means securing a qualified site supervisor and obtaining program approval well in advance. If you are weighing multiple hybrid options, our directory of COAMFTE accredited online MFT programs can help you compare formats side by side.

This regulatory framework exists to protect the quality of your training, but it also means you cannot simply find any therapist in your hometown and call it a practicum. The program must vet and approve each placement. If you are an out-of-state applicant, ask CTS admissions two direct questions before you apply: Can I complete my practicum hours in my home state, and does the program have existing relationships with clinical sites outside Indiana? The answers will tell you whether the hybrid format is genuinely workable for your situation or whether relocating closer to Indianapolis is the more realistic path.

Career Outcomes and LMFT Licensure Pathway

Earning a COAMFTE-accredited MAMFT from Christian Theological Seminary positions you to pursue licensure as a marriage and family therapist, but the degree alone does not make you an LMFT. Understanding the steps between graduation and full licensure, along with realistic salary expectations, will help you decide whether this investment makes sense.

From Graduate to Licensed MFT

After completing the CTS MAMFT, the typical licensure pathway follows these stages:

• Apply for an associate or provisional license: Most states issue a temporary credential that allows you to practice under supervision while you accumulate post-degree clinical hours.
• Complete supervised clinical hours: Requirements vary by state but generally fall between 2,000 and 4,000 hours of direct client contact under an approved supervisor. Indiana, where CTS is based, requires 2,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience.
• Pass the national MFT licensing examination: Administered through the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB), this exam is accepted in most states as the qualifying test for full licensure.
• Apply for full LMFT status: Once you have met your state's hour and exam requirements, you submit your application for an unrestricted license.

For a broader look at these stages, our guide to becoming an MFT breaks down each step in detail. CTS notes that graduates sit for the national licensure exam for MFTs, and the program's COAMFTE accreditation requires the school to track and report exam pass rates.¹ However, program-specific pass rate data for CTS graduates is not currently published in a way that allows independent verification. If this metric matters to you, ask the admissions office directly for their most recent figures.

State-by-State Variability

If you are completing CTS's hybrid format from outside Indiana, pay close attention to your home state's licensure rules. Some states mandate specific coursework in areas like human sexuality, substance abuse, or psychopharmacology that may not be covered by the standard CTS curriculum. Others require more supervised hours or impose additional exams. Students planning to practice in Indiana should review the full Indiana LMFT requirements before enrolling. Similarly, if you plan to practice elsewhere, confirm that the program's credit structure aligns with the requirements where you intend to seek licensure.

CTS's 100% Job Placement Claim

CTS reports a 100% job placement rate for its 2024 MAMFT graduates.¹ That is an impressive headline number, but context matters. COAMFTE requires accredited programs to collect and report placement data, though the methodology (self-reported surveys, response rates, timeframes) can vary. Graduates typically land roles in private practice, community mental health agencies, hospital behavioral health units, and church-based counseling ministries. The faith-integrated training at CTS can be a particular advantage for graduates seeking positions within religious organizations or pastoral counseling centers. If you want to understand exactly how the placement rate is calculated and what types of roles are included, request the program's COAMFTE Annual Report data directly.

Salary Expectations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marriage and family therapists (SOC 21-1013) earned a median annual wage of $63,780 as of May 2024.² Salaries range widely depending on setting and geography. Therapists working in outpatient care centers and government agencies tend to earn toward the higher end of the pay scale, while those in individual and family services or religious organizations may start lower. States with higher costs of living, such as California and New Jersey, frequently report above-median wages, whereas salaries in the Midwest can trend closer to or slightly below the national median.

Exam Preparation Resources

CTS's curriculum is built around the core competencies tested on the AMFTRB national exam, a natural benefit of LMFT degree and licensing requirements tied to COAMFTE-accredited training. Whether the seminary offers dedicated exam prep courses, study groups, or third-party review partnerships is not clearly detailed in publicly available program materials. Prospective students should ask admissions or current faculty about any structured exam preparation support before enrollment. Graduating from a COAMFTE-accredited program is itself a strong foundation for exam readiness, but supplemental prep resources can make a meaningful difference in pass rates.

How CTS Compares to Other Faith-Based MFT Programs

Choosing a faith-based MFT program involves weighing accreditation status, delivery format, cost, and career outcomes. Christian Theological Seminary holds a distinctive position in this space, but understanding how it stacks up against other options will help you make a confident decision.

COAMFTE Accreditation: The Defining Differentiator

Not every faith-based MFT program carries COAMFTE accreditation, and that distinction matters for licensure portability and employer perception. As of 2025, CTS and Abilene Christian University (ACU) both hold COAMFTE-accredited status for their master's-level MFT programs.¹² By contrast, Biola University's M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy and Mid-America Christian University's M.S. in Counseling with a Marital, Couples, and Family Therapy emphasis are regionally accredited but not COAMFTE-accredited.³⁴ Baylor University recently launched a faith-integrated M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, though it has not yet achieved COAMFTE accreditation.⁵ If you plan to pursue licensure in a state that requires or strongly prefers COAMFTE credentials, CTS and ACU are the strongest faith-based contenders.

Format and Flexibility

ACU offers its Master of Marriage and Family Therapy in both online and residential formats with a 60-credit requirement, giving students who need geographic flexibility a viable COAMFTE-accredited alternative.² You can explore the full details in our Abilene Christian University MFT program profile. Mid-America Christian University delivers its program fully online, which may appeal to working adults, though the absence of COAMFTE accreditation is a trade-off worth weighing carefully.⁴ CTS uses a hybrid model that blends online coursework with on-campus intensives, landing somewhere between a fully residential and fully remote experience.¹

Outcomes Worth Investigating

CTS reported a 100% job placement rate and an 85.7% licensure exam pass rate for its 2020 to 2021 cohort, along with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio.¹ Those figures are encouraging, but they represent a single reporting cycle and a relatively small program. When comparing schools, you should take these steps:

• Request outcome data directly. Contact each program's admissions office and ask for their most recent placement rates, national exam pass rates, and alumni salary information. These numbers are not always published but are typically available to prospective students.
• Consult AAMFT resources. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy periodically publishes enrollment and completion trend data that can reveal how programs compare on retention and graduate satisfaction.
• Review state licensure board records. Some state boards publish pass-rate breakdowns by program or track employer perception data in continuing education materials. Your target state's board website is a practical starting point.
• Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While BLS.gov does not compare individual programs, it provides occupation-level salary data for marriage and family therapists that can help you evaluate whether a program's cost aligns with realistic earning potential in your region.

The Bottom Line on Comparisons

CTS occupies a relatively rare niche: a COAMFTE-accredited, faith-based MFT program with a hybrid delivery model and strong reported outcomes. ACU is the closest comparable option if you need a COAMFTE credential with greater online flexibility. Programs at Biola, Mid-America Christian, and Baylor each bring their own strengths, but none currently match CTS on the combination of COAMFTE accreditation and a theology-centered curriculum. Do your due diligence by gathering outcome data from every school on your short list, then weigh that evidence against your budget, location, and career goals.

Should You Apply to CTS's MAMFT Program?

Choosing the right MFT program means weighing accreditation, format, cost, and clinical philosophy against your personal circumstances. Here is a straightforward verdict to help you decide whether Christian Theological Seminary belongs on your shortlist.

Frequently Asked Questions About the CTS MFT Program

Below are the questions prospective students ask most often about the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Christian Theological Seminary. Each answer is drawn from published program details so you can make an informed decision before applying.

Is Christian Theological Seminary's MFT program COAMFTE accredited?

Yes. Christian Theological Seminary holds COAMFTE accreditation for its Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) at the master's level. This accreditation confirms the program meets national standards for MFT education and clinical training, which matters because many state licensing boards either require or prefer graduates of COAMFTE-accredited programs.

Can you complete the CTS MFT degree fully online?

Not entirely. CTS delivers the MAMFT in a hybrid format that blends online coursework with required on-campus intensives at its Indianapolis location. Clinical practicum hours must also be completed in person at approved sites. If you need a program with zero campus visits, you should explore other COAMFTE-accredited options that offer a fully online track.

How much does the Christian Theological Seminary MFT program cost?

Tuition runs approximately $635 per credit hour. With 60 credits required for the MAMFT, the estimated total tuition is around $38,100 before fees, books, and living expenses. CTS does offer institutional scholarships and accepts federal financial aid. Check with the seminary's financial aid office for the most current figures and available awards.

How long does it take to finish the MAMFT at Christian Theological Seminary?

Most students complete the 60-credit MAMFT in about three years of full-time study. That timeline includes coursework, practicum, and supervised clinical hours. Part-time enrollment is possible but will extend the program. Your pace may also depend on how quickly you secure and complete a practicum placement.

Does the CTS MFT program require the GRE for admission?

No. Christian Theological Seminary does not require GRE scores for admission to the MAMFT program. The admissions process focuses on your undergraduate transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a professional resume. This GRE-free policy removes a common barrier for working adults returning to graduate school.

What is the LMFT licensure path after graduating from CTS?

After earning the MAMFT, graduates typically apply for associate-level licensure in their home state, then complete the required post-degree supervised clinical hours (often 1,000 to 2,000 hours depending on the state). The final step is passing the national MFT licensing examination administered by the AMFTRB. CTS's COAMFTE accreditation streamlines eligibility in most states.

Does CTS offer a standalone graduate certificate in MFT or systemic therapy?

As of 2026, Christian Theological Seminary does not advertise a standalone graduate certificate specifically in marriage and family therapy or systemic therapy. The seminary's MFT training is delivered through the full MAMFT degree. If you already hold a master's degree in a related field and only need supplemental MFT coursework, contact CTS admissions to discuss whether individual courses can be taken on a non-degree basis.