Ohio has only one COAMFTE-accredited master's program in marriage and family therapy, and it sits at the University of Akron Main Campus. The 60-credit hybrid MA pairs systems-oriented coursework with integrated clinical training that begins early in the sequence, a design meant to satisfy both Ohio LMFT licensure requirements and national credentialing standards.

For students weighing cost against credential quality, Akron's public-university tuition structure is a significant factor. In-state rates keep total program costs well below those of most private alternatives, while the COAMFTE accreditation ensures the degree carries weight with licensing boards in every state. That combination of affordability and professional recognition is uncommon in the MFT landscape, particularly in the Midwest.

University of Akron MFT Quick Facts

Here is a snapshot of the key details you need to know about the University of Akron's Master of Arts in Counseling with a Marriage and Family Therapy specialization. This COAMFTE-accredited hybrid program prepares students for LMFT licensure through rigorous coursework and extensive supervised clinical experience.

Is the University of Akron a Good MFT Program?

Yes, the University of Akron's Marriage and Family Therapy MA is COAMFTE-accredited, making it a strong choice for aspiring therapists who want a credential recognized across the profession.¹ It holds the distinction of being the only COAMFTE-accredited MFT master's program in Ohio as of 2026, which gives it a unique position for students who want to train and eventually practice in the state.¹

Who Is the Best Fit?

This program works well for students who want an affordable, accredited pathway to LMFT licensure with hands-on clinical training built into the curriculum. The hybrid delivery format means you can complete much of your didactic coursework with some flexibility, but you will still need to be in or near the Akron, Ohio area for clinical rotations and on-campus residency components. If you value small-cohort mentorship, integrated practicum experience at an on-site clinic, and public-university pricing, this program deserves a close look.

Key Strengths

• COAMFTE accreditation: Graduates are immediately eligible for Ohio MFT licensure, and the credential facilitates portability to other states.² The program also reports a national exam pass rate above 95 percent.³
• On-campus training clinic: Students gain 500 direct client contact hours and 100 supervision hours in a structured, faculty-supervised environment, which removes the guesswork of finding your own placements.⁴
• Public-university affordability: Tuition at a state institution is meaningfully lower than at most private competitors, especially for Ohio residents.
• Internship placement and outcomes: The program reports a 100 percent internship placement rate, suggesting strong community partnerships and reliable clinical training pipelines.¹

Honest Drawbacks

• Not fully online: The hybrid model still requires periodic on-site attendance in Ohio, which limits accessibility for students based far from northeast Ohio.
• Smaller national brand: The University of Akron does not carry the same name recognition as larger flagship MFT programs, which may matter less for licensure but could factor into networking or academic career goals.
• No doctoral pathway in MFT: If you ultimately want a PhD or PsyD in marriage and family therapy from the same institution, you will need to transfer or apply elsewhere for advanced training. Students interested in doctoral-level MFT work might explore programs like the Michigan State University MFT program, which offers a PhD track.

When to Consider Alternatives

If you need a fully online program with no residency requirement, the University of Akron is not the right fit. The same applies if you are planning to pursue a doctoral degree in MFT and want a seamless pipeline from master's to PhD at a single school. Students based outside Ohio who cannot relocate or commute for clinical hours should explore COAMFTE-accredited programs closer to home or those with more flexible distance-learning models. That said, for Ohio-based students or anyone willing to be in the region, it is hard to overlook the only COAMFTE-accredited master's option in the state, especially at public-university pricing with clinical outcomes this strong.

Program Cost and Tuition at the University of Akron

Understanding the full cost of a graduate MFT program is essential before you commit to two or three years of study. The University of Akron, as a public research university, offers pricing that tends to be more manageable than private alternatives, but the total still varies significantly depending on your residency status and fee structure.

Per-Credit Tuition and Mandatory Fees

For the 2025, 2026 academic year, the University of Akron charges graduate students a general fee of approximately $100 per credit hour, with a semester cap of $1,200.¹ An additional mandatory graduate fee of roughly $15 per credit hour also applies.¹ Out-of-state students should note that a nominal surcharge is added per credit hour, though the university's published fee schedules should be checked directly through the Office of Student Accounts for the most current rates, as figures for 2026, 2027 are estimates subject to change.²

Because graduate tuition at public Ohio universities can shift from year to year, always confirm the latest schedule before budgeting. The university's FAFSA code is 003123, and the financial aid office (330-972-7032 or 1-800-621-3847) can walk you through current cost-of-attendance estimates tailored to your situation.²

Estimated Total Program Cost

The MFT master's program at Akron requires approximately 60 credit hours. Using the published fee rates as a baseline, an in-state student can estimate a total tuition and fee outlay in the range of roughly $6,900 to $7,200 per year for a full-time course load, depending on how many credits are taken each semester and how the fee cap applies. Over the full program, that places the in-state total in the ballpark of $20,000 to $22,000 before books, clinical liability insurance, and living expenses. Out-of-state students will pay somewhat more, though the differential at Akron is relatively modest compared to some peer institutions. For perspective on how other public COAMFTE-accredited programs price their degrees, you can review the Ohio State University MFT program profile. These figures are approximations; your actual cost will depend on the year you enroll, your pace of study, and any fee adjustments.

Graduate Assistantships, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

One of the strongest financial levers available to MFT students at Akron is the graduate assistantship. The program offers assistantship positions that can include full or partial tuition waivers along with a stipend, which can dramatically reduce or even eliminate tuition costs.¹ Assistantship availability is competitive, so applying early and expressing interest during the admissions process is advisable.

Beyond assistantships, students in the College of Health and Human Sciences may be eligible for:

• Federal aid: Completing the FAFSA opens access to federal loans and, in some cases, need-based grants.
• Departmental scholarships: Some funding is allocated at the college or department level for graduate students demonstrating academic merit or financial need.
• External fellowships: Organizations such as AAMFT and various state-level MFT associations periodically offer awards for students in COAMFTE-accredited programs.

How Does Akron Compare on Cost?

Among COAMFTE-accredited public programs in Ohio, estimated total tuition for a 60-credit master's degree generally falls in the range of $20,000 to $35,000 for in-state students, depending on the institution and its fee structure. Akron's pricing sits toward the lower end of that spectrum, making it one of the more affordable accredited options in the state. Students exploring all their Ohio options can browse MFT degree programs for Ohio students for a broader comparison. When you factor in the possibility of a graduate assistantship with a tuition waiver, the effective out-of-pocket cost can drop substantially below even that baseline. For students who are price-sensitive but unwilling to compromise on COAMFTE accreditation, that combination of low published tuition and assistantship access is a meaningful advantage worth weighing carefully against program fit and location.

Estimated Total Cost: In-State vs Out-of-State

Graduate tuition at the University of Akron varies significantly by residency status. The estimates below reflect approximately 60 credit hours of coursework at published per-credit rates, plus mandatory fees. Students awarded a graduate assistantship may receive a tuition waiver that substantially reduces or eliminates tuition costs regardless of residency.

Curriculum, Clinical Hours, and Specializations

The University of Akron's 60-credit Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is built around a carefully sequenced blend of didactic coursework and hands-on clinical training.¹ Because the program holds COAMFTE accreditation, every element of the curriculum maps directly to the competency areas tested on the AMFTRB national licensing examination, giving graduates a strong foundation for pursuing LMFT licensure in Ohio and beyond.²

Core Coursework

Students complete 16 didactic courses covering the foundational domains you would expect from a rigorous MFT program:¹

• Systems Theory: The conceptual backbone of marriage and family therapy, woven throughout the entire course sequence.
• Human Development: Lifespan perspectives on individual, couple, and family functioning.
• Ethics and Professional Identity: Legal, ethical, and multicultural considerations specific to MFT practice.
• Psychopathology: Diagnosis and assessment within a relational framework.
• Research Methods: Evidence-based practice skills that prepare students to consume and apply clinical research.

While the program does not offer formal specialization tracks, students can tailor part of their training through elective coursework in areas such as play therapy and filial therapy.¹ These electives are particularly valuable for students interested in becoming a child and adolescent therapist or working with families in therapeutic settings.

Clinical Training and Supervised Hours

Clinical preparation is substantial. Students complete five clinical courses, including a pre-practicum sequence taken twice to build foundational skills before clients enter the picture.¹ Once in practicum and internship, students accumulate a total of 500 supervised clinical hours, of which at least 300 must be direct client-contact hours and 200 may come from alternative clinical activities.³ Throughout this process, students also complete a minimum of 100 hours of clinical supervision.¹

The program operates an on-campus clinic, which serves as the primary training site for early clinical work.² As students advance, external internship placements broaden their exposure to diverse populations and treatment settings across northeastern Ohio.

Full-Time and Part-Time Pathways

Full-time students can expect to complete the program in approximately eight semesters, roughly two and a half to three years.² Part-time enrollment may be available for students who need scheduling flexibility, though extending the timeline will naturally affect the sequencing of clinical placements. Prospective part-time students should contact the program directly to confirm current availability and map out a realistic completion plan, as clinical course sequencing can be less flexible than didactic coursework.

Alignment with Licensure Standards

Because the curriculum satisfies COAMFTE educational standards, graduates typically meet the academic requirements for LMFT licensure in most states without needing supplemental coursework. The clinical hours model also aligns with Ohio's pre-degree requirements, positioning students to move efficiently into the post-degree supervised experience phase after graduation. For students comparing options across different schools, reviewing an MFT program comparison chart can help clarify how Akron's structure stacks up. The curriculum's coverage of all core content domains provides thorough, exam-aligned preparation for the national MFT licensing exam.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Admissions Requirements and Deadlines

The University of Akron's Marriage and Family Therapy master's program uses a rolling admissions process, which means there is no single fixed deadline.¹ However, that rolling structure comes with an important caveat: cohort spots fill up, and the program begins reviewing applications on specific dates. Applying early is not just recommended; it is essential if you want a realistic shot at a seat.²

What You Need to Apply

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.³ No specific undergraduate major is required, and the program does not mandate any prerequisite coursework, so career changers from unrelated fields can apply without completing extra classes first. The minimum cumulative GPA is 2.5, though competitive applicants typically present a stronger academic record.³

Your complete application should include:

• Official transcripts: From every college or university attended.
• Statement of purpose: Outlining your interest in marriage and family therapy and your professional goals.
• Three letters of recommendation: Preferably from academic or professional references who can speak to your readiness for graduate-level clinical training.⁴
• Resume or CV: Highlighting relevant education, work history, and any clinical or human-services experience.
• Supplemental program form: Required in addition to the standard graduate application.⁴

All materials are submitted through the university's online graduate application portal.³ The GRE is not required, removing a common barrier (and expense) for prospective students. If you are comparing options, our list of MFT programs without GRE requirements can help you weigh alternatives.

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates should expect an interview as part of the evaluation.⁴ The interview gives the admissions committee a chance to assess your interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and fit with the program's clinical philosophy. Treat it as a two-way conversation: come prepared with questions about supervision, practicum placement, and cohort culture.

Key Review Dates

Although admissions are rolling, the program begins reviewing applications in early February for summer and fall entry and in early September for spring entry. Submitting your materials well before these dates puts you in the strongest position. Once the cohort reaches capacity, remaining applicants may need to wait for the next cycle.

Prerequisites and Experience

No specific prerequisite courses are required.³ That said, prior coursework or volunteer experience in psychology, counseling, social work, or related human-services fields can strengthen your candidacy. If your background is in an entirely different discipline, a thoughtful statement of purpose that connects your experience to the profession becomes even more important.

For full application instructions, visit the University of Akron School of Counseling's "How to Apply" page, where you will find the online portal link and supplemental form.

Online, Hybrid, and Flexible Learning Options

A common question prospective students ask is whether the University of Akron MFT program can be completed entirely online. The short answer is no. The program is designed as an on-campus experience, with coursework, supervision, and clinical training anchored to the Akron campus and its affiliated practicum sites. Students should plan on regular in-person attendance throughout their time in the program.

What the Format Looks Like in Practice

Core didactic courses are delivered in a traditional classroom setting, and clinical supervision sessions take place face to face with program faculty. Some individual courses may incorporate online or blended components at the instructor's discretion, but there is no structured hybrid or distance track that would allow a student to complete the degree primarily from home. If you live more than commuting distance from Akron, you would likely need to relocate or arrange housing nearby.

Clinical Practicum and Distance Learners

COAMFTE accreditation standards require rigorous, directly supervised clinical contact hours. Even fully online COAMFTE-accredited programs still mandate that students complete practicum at approved sites, often near where they live, with synchronous supervision conducted via secure video. Because the University of Akron program is campus-based, practicum placements are coordinated through the program's network of sites in and around northeast Ohio. Students who live outside the Akron metro area will find it difficult to meet these requirements without a local presence.

Scheduling for Working Professionals

The program does offer some scheduling flexibility. Courses and supervision sessions are frequently scheduled in late afternoon and evening blocks, which can help students who hold part-time jobs or have family obligations during the day. Summer terms may also be used to keep students on track toward graduation. That said, the clinical hour commitment is substantial, and most students find that working full time while enrolled is challenging.

How This Compares to the Broader Landscape

Fully online COAMFTE-accredited master's programs do exist, though they remain a small subset of all accredited offerings. Programs at a handful of universities allow students to complete coursework remotely and arrange local practicum placements in their home communities. For example, the Nova Southeastern MFT online program is one COAMFTE-accredited option built around distance delivery. If geographic flexibility is your top priority, programs like that may be a better fit. The University of Akron's strength lies in its tightly integrated, place-based clinical training model, which gives students direct access to faculty mentorship and a curated set of practicum experiences in Ohio's behavioral health ecosystem. For students who can be present in northeast Ohio, that model often translates into stronger clinical preparation and more streamlined supervision.

Faculty and Program Leadership

The strength of any COAMFTE-accredited program depends heavily on who is teaching, supervising clinical work, and guiding students through the complexities of systemic therapy. At the University of Akron, the MFT faculty bring a blend of active research agendas, clinical credentials, and approved-supervisor status that directly shapes the quality of training students receive.¹

Program Director and Clinical Training Director

Heather Katafiasz, Ph.D., IMFT-S, and AAMFT Approved Supervisor, leads the program in both capacities as Associate Professor.¹ Her research centers on intimate partner violence, substance use, and systemic therapy, areas that give students exposure to some of the most demanding clinical scenarios in the field. Because she oversees both curriculum design and clinical training placements, there is a meaningful level of continuity between what students learn in the classroom and what they practice in supervision.

Core Faculty

• David Tefteller, Ph.D., IMFT-S, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, PCC: Tefteller brings clinical depth as an Associate Professor of Instruction and serves as the faculty mentor for Delta Kappa Lambda. His dual credentials as an approved supervisor and professional clinical counselor reflect a practitioner-scholar model that benefits students seeking hands-on mentorship.¹
• Dana Patton, Ph.D., IMFT-S: Patton coordinates the Child and Family Development Programs and focuses on behavioral health training and substance use disorders, adding a public-health dimension to the MFT curriculum.²
• Jennifer Davis, Ph.D., LISW: Davis contributes expertise in recovery from psychiatric disorders, addiction recovery, trauma, and chronic illness. Her social-work background broadens the interdisciplinary lens students encounter during their training.²

Additional faculty members, including Dr. Hunka (Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, LPC) and Dr. Schulze (Ph.D. in Family Studies, Director of the Center for Family Studies), contribute specialized knowledge in diagnostic interventions, psychological testing, and the cultural context of parenting, ensuring students are prepared for diverse client populations.²

Why Faculty Credentials Matter

COAMFTE accreditation requires that core faculty hold terminal degrees and maintain active involvement in the field. More importantly for students, the presence of multiple AAMFT Approved Supervisors on staff means you can accumulate high-quality supervision hours under faculty who are recognized at the national level. This is a practical advantage when you transition to post-degree supervised practice for LMFT licensure and MFT career paths, because the clinical habits and relational skills developed under credentialed supervisors tend to carry forward into independent practice.

The program's relatively small cohort size, paired with several faculty holding the IMFT-S designation, supports a mentorship-driven model rather than a lecture-only approach. For students who want close faculty relationships and individualized feedback on their clinical development, this faculty structure is a meaningful differentiator.

Career Outcomes and LMFT Licensure Pathway

Graduating from a COAMFTE-accredited program like the University of Akron's puts you on a well-defined path to licensure, but understanding the steps that follow commencement is essential for planning your timeline and budget.

Ohio LMFT Licensure Steps After Graduation

Ohio requires candidates to complete post-degree supervised clinical experience before applying for full LMFT licensure.¹ After earning your 60-credit master's degree, you will need to accumulate the state-mandated hours of supervised practice under a board-approved supervisor. Once those hours are complete, you must pass the MFT National Examination administered by the AMFTRB.² The final step is submitting your application, transcripts, supervision documentation, and fees to the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Because the Akron program is structured around COAMFTE v.12.5 standards, its curriculum and direct clinical hours are designed to align with the competencies tested on the national exam.³

Program Outcome Data

According to COAMFTE student achievement disclosures, the University of Akron MFT program reports the following metrics:

• Graduation rate: 90 percent
• National exam pass rate: 90 percent
• Job placement rate: 90 percent
• Recent graduates: 46 students in the most recently reported cohort year

These figures reflect solid, consistent performance across all three achievement benchmarks that COAMFTE tracks. Prospective students should review the most current disclosure data directly from the program or through the AAMFT accreditation portal, as numbers can shift from year to year.

Salary Context for Licensed MFTs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics groups marriage and family therapists under its counseling and therapy categories. Nationally, median annual wages for MFTs have hovered near the mid-$50,000s in recent reporting periods. In Ohio, salaries tend to track slightly below the national median due to lower cost of living, though practitioners in metropolitan areas such as Cleveland and Columbus can earn above the state average. Agency-based roles, private practice, and integrated healthcare settings each carry different earning profiles, so your eventual compensation will depend heavily on the setting and population you serve.

Multi-State Licensure Portability

One of the practical advantages of completing a COAMFTE-accredited, 60-credit master's program is that it meets or exceeds the educational requirements in the majority of U.S. states.⁵ Many states have adopted credit-hour thresholds of 48 to 60 semester hours for MFT licensure, which means Akron's 60-credit curriculum positions graduates well for portability. That said, supervised experience requirements, exam expectations, and supplemental coursework mandates vary by state. Some states may require additional hours in specific content areas or a different total of post-degree supervision. Before relocating, verify the target state's licensing board requirements against your Akron transcript and clinical hour documentation. The AMFTRB maintains a state-by-state resource that can help you identify gaps early. Holding a degree from a nationally accredited program simplifies this process considerably compared to graduating from a non-accredited institution, where transcript evaluation can be unpredictable and time-consuming.

How University of Akron Compares to Other MFT Programs

No single ranking list can tell you whether the University of Akron MFT program is the right fit. The most reliable approach is to build your own comparison using publicly available data and professional resources. Below is a framework you can follow to make an informed decision.

Start With Federal Salary and Job Outlook Data

Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics at BLS.gov and search for the marriage and family therapist occupation profile. The national data offers median salary figures, projected job growth, and employment concentration by state and metro area. Pay close attention to Ohio-specific numbers, because regional cost of living and demand for licensed therapists can shift the value equation significantly. A program in a lower-cost market like Akron may pair well with strong local hiring demand, even if the national median salary looks modest.

Gather Program-Level Outcomes Directly

COAMFTE-accredited programs are expected to publish graduation rates, licensure exam pass rates, and employment outcomes. Check each program's website for these figures and line them up side by side. If a program does not prominently share this information, contact the admissions office and ask directly. Compile your own table covering cost per credit, total credit requirements, clinical-hour models, and whether clinical placements are arranged by the program or left to the student. For a quick cost benchmark, review our list of cheapest MFT programs to see where Akron's tuition falls relative to the national landscape.

Tap Professional Associations and State Boards

The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and your state licensing board are underused resources. AAMFT can point you toward approved supervisor directories, continuing education support, and regional chapter networks that give clues about alumni presence. State boards sometimes share data on first-time pass rates for the national MFT licensing exam by program, which is one of the most telling quality indicators available.

Seek Candid Student Perspectives

Academic forums such as GradCafe and Reddit communities focused on graduate school admissions often contain unfiltered reviews from current students and recent graduates. Search specifically for threads about the University of Akron MFT program, and read for recurring themes around faculty mentorship, clinical placement support, cohort culture, and the transition from graduate work to licensure. Patterns in candid feedback tend to be more revealing than polished marketing copy.

A Quick Comparison Framework

When you have gathered your data, organize programs across these factors:

• Format: On-campus, hybrid, or fully online
• Total estimated cost: In-state versus out-of-state, including fees
• Clinical model: Program-arranged placements versus self-sourced
• Licensure outcomes: Published exam pass rates and time-to-licensure
• Best for: Local career pipeline, flexibility, research focus, or specialization depth

The University of Akron fits best for students who want an affordable, COAMFTE-accredited on-campus experience in Ohio with direct access to supervised clinical training. If your priorities lean toward fully online delivery or a narrower specialization track (such as learning how to specialize in family systems therapy), you may want to expand your search, but always verify your alternatives against the same data points outlined above.

Frequently Asked Questions About the University of Akron MFT Program

Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask about the Marriage and Family Therapy program at the University of Akron. Each response draws on specifics covered throughout this article, so you can quickly find the details that matter most to your decision.

Is the University of Akron MFT program COAMFTE accredited?

Yes. The University of Akron's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy 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, clinical hours, and faculty qualifications, which matters for licensure eligibility in most states.

How much does the University of Akron MFT program cost?

In-state graduate tuition at the University of Akron is approximately $502 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay roughly $920 per credit hour. For a program that typically requires around 60 credit hours, estimated total tuition ranges from about $30,120 for Ohio residents to roughly $55,200 for non-residents, before fees and other expenses.

Can you complete the University of Akron MFT program online?

The program is delivered primarily on campus in Akron, Ohio. Because COAMFTE accreditation requires extensive supervised clinical practicum hours, the degree cannot be completed entirely online. However, some coursework may be available in hybrid or flexible formats. Students should contact the program directly for the latest scheduling options.

How long does it take to finish the MFT program at Akron?

Most full-time students complete the master's program in approximately two to three years, depending on their course load and clinical placement schedule. The timeline includes completing required coursework, accumulating supervised clinical contact hours through the on-site training clinic and approved community sites, and fulfilling all practicum and internship benchmarks.

Does the University of Akron MFT degree qualify you for LMFT licensure?

Yes. Graduating from a COAMFTE-accredited program like Akron's satisfies the educational requirement for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure in Ohio and most other states. After earning the degree, graduates must also accumulate post-degree supervised clinical hours and pass the national MFT licensing examination administered by the AMFTRB.

What are the admissions requirements for the University of Akron MFT program?

Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree with a competitive GPA, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a current resume. The program may also require or recommend a background in behavioral or social sciences. Prospective students should review the most current admissions page for any updates to prerequisites or supplemental materials.

Does the University of Akron MFT program require the GRE?

GRE requirements can change from cycle to cycle. As of recent admissions cycles, the program has offered flexibility around standardized test requirements, and some applicants have not been required to submit GRE scores. Check the program's current admissions page or contact the department directly to confirm whether the GRE is required for your application term.