Best MFT Master’s Programs in Abilene, Texas (2026)
Updated May 27, 202625+ min read

Best Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy in Abilene, TX

Compare COAMFTE-accredited programs, tuition, practicum requirements, and career outcomes for MFT degrees near Abilene.

What you’ll learn in this article…

  • Abilene Christian University is the only COAMFTE-accredited MFT program located in Abilene, offering both on-campus and online formats.
  • Annual MFT tuition in Texas ranges from about $6,200 to over $37,000, making cost comparison essential before enrolling.
  • Licensed marriage and family therapists in Texas earn competitive wages that typically exceed many peer counseling credentials.
  • Texas LMFT licensure requires post-degree supervised clinical hours and a licensing exam through the Behavioral Health Executive Council.

Abilene sits at the intersection of two long-standing, faith-integrated MFT programs, Abilene Christian University's COAMFTE-accredited MMFT and Hardin-Simmons University's Clinical Counseling & Marriage and Family degree, and a growing network of online and hybrid options from schools across Texas. Together, 13 ranked programs provide Abilene-area students with a net price range stretching from about $1,300 to over $40,000 per year.

COAMFTE accreditation, available locally and through several distance-based programs, directly tracks Texas LMFT licensure standards, making it a practical filter when comparing options. The state mandates 3,000 hours of post-master's supervised experience, so where you train clinically matters as much as the degree itself. In West Texas, small cohort sizes and faculty-to-student ratios often translate into more personalized supervision, a quiet advantage for students who plan to practice in rural or underserved communities. For those exploring the full landscape of accredited options, our marriage and family therapy master's programs guide offers a nationwide perspective.

Best MFT Master's Programs in Abilene, Texas, Ranked

Abilene sits in a West Texas corridor where licensed marriage and family therapists are in demand but graduate training options are concentrated in just two local campuses. That makes statewide programs, especially those with online or hybrid delivery, essential additions to your short list. Below, we rank 13 Texas institutions whose MFT or MFT-aligned master's programs are realistic choices for students based in or near Abilene, ordered by a combination of institutional quality, program fit, and practical value.

Factors considered
  • Accreditation and licensure alignment
  • Graduate earnings and debt outcomes
  • Net price and affordability
  • Clinical training depth
  • Delivery format and accessibility
Data sources
AB

Abilene Christian University

Abilene, TX · $25,000 – $30,000/yr

Best for: Abilene residents wanting local clinical training

Abilene Christian University is the only institution physically located in Abilene that offers a COAMFTE-accredited Master of Marriage and Family Therapy. Available in both online and residential formats, the 60-credit-hour MMFT prepares graduates for the national MFT examination and Texas LMFT licensure. ACU introduced a differentiated tuition structure in 2023 that lowers internship-course rates to $470 per credit hour, a meaningful savings for students completing the required 12-month internship locally. As a faith-based university affiliated with the Churches of Christ, ACU integrates Christian vocational purpose into its clinical training.

  • Master of Marriage and Family Therapy — Online
    Abilene Christian University
    • COAMFTE-accredited, 60-credit-hour program
    • Online and residential tracks available
    • $799 per credit hour; internship courses at $470
    • 33-month minimum completion with 12-month internship
    • Concentrations: Child & Adolescent, Trauma, Military Families
    • 100-plus supervised clinical hours included
    • Prepares for AMFTRB national licensure exam
    • Faith-integrated curriculum rooted in Christian service
    Visit Website
TE

Texas A&M University-Central Texas

Killeen, TX · $0 – $5,000/yr

Best for: Budget-focused students near military communities

Texas A&M University-Central Texas delivers a COAMFTE-accredited M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy that stands out for its remarkably low net price and its proximity to Fort Cavazos, one of the largest military installations in the country. The 60-hour on-campus program trains students through its own Community Counseling and Family Therapy Center, emphasizing systemic therapeutic techniques with diverse populations, including military and veteran families. As an upper-division and graduate institution, A&M-Central Texas serves a high proportion of Pell-eligible and nontraditional students, making it a strong value option for Abilene-area residents willing to relocate about three hours southeast to Killeen.

  • M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy — On-Campus
    Texas A&M University-Central Texas
    • COAMFTE-accredited, 60-credit-hour campus program
    • In-state tuition around $6,242 per year
    • Practicum at Community Counseling & Family Therapy Center
    • Emphasis on military and veteran family systems
    • Fall, spring, and summer admission cycles
    • Prepares specifically for Texas LMFT licensure
    • Systemic therapy and critical consciousness focus
HA

Hardin-Simmons University

Abilene, TX · $15,000 – $20,000/yr

Best for: Dual LPC and LMFT licensure seekers

Hardin-Simmons University is the second Abilene-based institution on this list, offering a Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family that prepares graduates for both LPC and LMFT licensure in Texas. The 60-credit-hour hybrid program requires 700 hours of supervised clinical experience and is anchored by CACREP accreditation rather than COAMFTE, a distinction worth noting for students comparing it with ACU's stand-alone MFT degree. HSU's Baptist heritage shapes a curriculum that intentionally integrates faith with professional practice, and its 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports close mentorship in a small-campus setting.

  • M.A. in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family — Hybrid
    Hardin-Simmons University
    • 60 credit hours; CACREP-accredited counseling track
    • Hybrid delivery: online coursework with campus components
    • 700 hours of required clinical experience
    • Prepares for both Texas LPC and LMFT licensure
    • Electives include play therapy
    • GRE may be waived based on qualifications
    • Faith-integrated clinical training in Abilene
    Visit Website
TE

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX · $15,000 – $20,000/yr

Texas Tech University in Lubbock is the closest major public research university to Abilene and one of the few options that keeps students rooted in West Texas throughout their training. The campus-based Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy master's program offers non-thesis and thesis tracks with specialized coursework in addiction treatment, family resiliency during health crises, and military marriages. Hands-on training at the Family Therapy Clinic exposes students to West Texas client populations, building professional networks directly relevant to practice near Abilene. Institution-wide, Texas Tech reports a 68.7% graduation rate and median earnings of $62,454 ten years after enrollment.

  • Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy Master's Degree — On-Campus
    Texas Tech University
    • Campus-based program in Lubbock, about 160 miles from Abilene
    • Non-thesis and thesis track options available
    • Clinical training at the on-campus Family Therapy Clinic
    • Addiction treatment specialization track offered
    • Family resiliency during health crises concentration
    • Prepares for LMFT Associate and LCDC certification in Texas
    • Research and publication opportunities with faculty
    • In-state tuition around $9,518 per year
    Visit Website
TE

Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX · $12,000/yr

Texas Woman's University delivers a COAMFTE-accredited M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy through a hybrid format that blends online coursework with on-campus sessions in Denton, making it feasible for students who can travel periodically from Abilene. Admissions are comparatively accessible: no GRE and no letters of recommendation are required. Most students finish in about three years, and a thesis option is available for those eyeing doctoral study. The institution-wide graduation rate of 49.1% reflects TWU's broad mission as an open-access university; it is not specific to the MFT program.

  • M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy — On-Campus
    Texas Woman's University
    • COAMFTE-accredited, hybrid delivery format
    • No GRE or letters of recommendation required
    • Most students complete in about three years
    • Thesis option for research-oriented students
    • Campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston
    • $50 application fee; in-state tuition around $8,520/yr
    • Prepares for Texas LMFT licensure exam
SO

Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX · ~$41,000/yr (est.)

Southern Methodist University's M.S. in Counseling with an LMFT concentration is a 60-credit-hour campus program in Dallas that prepares graduates for licensure as marriage and family therapists, licensed professional counselors, or school counselors. SMU offers unique study-abroad intensives in locations such as Italy and Taos, New Mexico, and optional specialization tracks in play therapy, LGBT counseling, and expressive arts therapy. At a net price of roughly $40,892, it is the most expensive option on this list, but the institution posts strong outcomes: an 84.3% graduation rate (institution-wide) and median earnings of $78,354 ten years after enrollment.

  • M.S. in Counseling, LMFT Concentration — On-Campus
    Southern Methodist University
    • 60-credit-hour campus program in Dallas
    • LMFT, LPC, and School Counselor licensure pathways
    • Study-abroad intensives in Italy, Croatia, and Taos, NM
    • Optional specializations: play therapy, LGBT counseling
    • Modified quarter academic calendar
    • GRE required only if GPA is below 3.0
    • Supervised clinical practicum and internship sequence
    • 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
    Visit Website
OU

Our Lady of the Lake University

San Antonio, TX · $16,000/yr

Our Lady of the Lake University, a Catholic institution in San Antonio, offers a COAMFTE-accredited M.S. in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy specialization on three Texas campuses: San Antonio, Houston, and the Rio Grande Valley. The Houston location uses an alternating-Saturday cohort model designed for working professionals, a format that can work for Abilene residents willing to commute periodically. OLLU's curriculum emphasizes collaborative, strengths-based psychotherapy with diverse and bilingual populations. The net price of approximately $16,442 is competitive among private institutions on this list.

  • M.S. in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy Specialization — On-Campus
    Our Lady of the Lake University
    • COAMFTE-accredited, 60-credit-hour program
    • Campuses in San Antonio, Houston, and Rio Grande Valley
    • Houston cohort meets on alternating Saturdays
    • Prepares for both LMFT and LPC licensure in Texas
    • Strengths-based and multicultural therapy orientation
    • Cohort model with weekly small-group meetings
    • 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
TE

Texas A&M University-San Antonio

San Antonio, TX · $10,000 – $23,000/yr

Texas A&M University-San Antonio offers a 60-credit M.A. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling designed to meet Texas LPC requirements while providing substantial marriage and family therapy training. The on-campus program requires 100 practicum hours and 200 internship hours, and it features fitness-to-practice evaluations that keep students accountable throughout their clinical development. As a public university in a rapidly growing South Texas metro, A&M-San Antonio provides an affordable in-state tuition around $6,650 and a net price near $11,196. The institution-wide graduation rate of 40.2% reflects its newer status and broad-access mission rather than the graduate program specifically.

  • M.A. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling — On-Campus
    Texas A&M University-San Antonio
    • 60-credit-hour on-campus program in San Antonio
    • Meets Texas LPC requirements with strong MFT content
    • 100 practicum hours and 200 internship hours required
    • In-state tuition approximately $6,650 per year
    • Fitness-to-practice standards throughout the program
    • Minimum 2.60 GPA and in-person group interview for admission
    • $220 fee for lifetime Tevera platform access
    Visit Website
HO

Houston Christian University

Houston, TX · $21,000/yr (net price)

Houston Christian University provides a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy in both residential and hybrid formats, with online students completing some required on-campus components in Houston. The 60-credit program includes 700 hours of supervised practicum and internship, an unusually high clinical-hour threshold that strengthens hands-on readiness. As a Baptist-affiliated institution, HCU weaves faith-based perspectives into its research-driven clinical curriculum. The institution-wide graduation rate of 49.1% and median earnings of $55,933 at ten years provide useful, though university-level, benchmarks for prospective students.

  • M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy — On-Campus
    Houston Christian University
    • 60 credit hours with 700 supervised clinical hours
    • Residential and hybrid formats available
    • Online students complete some Houston campus sessions
    • Prepares for Texas LMFT licensure
    • Interview required for admission
    • Comprehensive exam at program completion
    • Faith-integrated, research-based clinical curriculum
TH

The King's University

Southlake, TX · $10,000 – $15,000/yr

The King's University in Southlake offers a 60-credit M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy that integrates biblical principles with systemic therapy and counseling theory. The hybrid format allows students to attend classes on campus or via synchronous remote sessions, making it accessible from Abilene without a full relocation. With a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, TKU is the smallest program on this list, fostering a close-knit learning environment. The program accepts up to 12 transfer credits and can be completed in three years of full-time study. TKU is accredited by TRACS and ABHE rather than COAMFTE, which students should weigh against their licensure goals.

  • M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy — On-Campus
    The King's University
    • 60 credit hours; full-time completion in three years
    • Hybrid: on-campus or synchronous remote attendance
    • Integrates biblical truths with counseling theory
    • 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio
    • Accepts up to 12 transfer credits
    • Includes 9-hour practicum component
    • Accredited by TRACS and ABHE
UN

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Belton, TX · $26,000/yr

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, a Baptist institution in Belton, offers a CACREP-accredited M.A. in Counseling with a Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling concentration. The 60-credit-hour hybrid program includes 36 hours of counseling core courses, 12 hours of specialized MFT coursework, and 9 hours of clinical instruction. Graduates must complete a 3,000-hour post-graduation internship before sitting for Texas LMFT licensure exams, a significant time commitment worth factoring into your career timeline. The net price of approximately $26,106 places it among the higher-cost private options on this ranking.

  • M.A. in Counseling, Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling Concentration — On-Campus
    University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
    • CACREP-accredited, 60-credit-hour hybrid program
    • 36 hours counseling core, 12 hours MFT specialization
    • 9 hours clinical instruction plus electives
    • 3,000-hour post-graduation internship for licensure
    • Comprehensive examination required
    • Located in Belton, about 200 miles from Abilene
    • Faith-based curriculum with professional ethics focus
AM

Amberton University

Garland, TX

Amberton University in Garland is built around working adults, offering a 60-credit M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy at $325 per credit hour, one of the lowest per-credit rates among Texas MFT programs. The program is available fully online or in a hybrid format with optional in-person classes, and it requires Texas residency for enrollment. Students must pass the AMFTRB practice exam before entering practicum. Amberton does not report graduation rate, net price, or earnings data to the College Scorecard, so prospective students should request outcome information directly from the university.

  • M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy — On-Campus
    Amberton University
    • 60 credits at $325 per credit hour
    • 100% online or hybrid with optional in-person classes
    • Texas residency required for enrollment
    • No application fee
    • AMFTRB practice exam required before practicum
    • Covers addiction counseling and multicultural topics
    • Designed specifically for working adults
TE

Texas Wesleyan University

Fort Worth, TX · $24,000/yr (net price)

Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth delivers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy through a hybrid format that combines online and on-campus learning. The program focuses on clinical skills and ethical practice, with coursework such as Research Methods and MFT Practicum. Students work with advisors on individualized degree plans. The institution-wide graduation rate of 31.5% and a net price near $24,066 are important context, though the graduation figure reflects the full undergraduate and graduate population, not the MFT program alone. Median earnings ten years after enrollment are reported at $54,053 university-wide.

  • M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy — On-Campus
    Texas Wesleyan University
    • Hybrid delivery: online and on-campus in Fort Worth
    • Individualized degree plans with advisor support
    • MFT Practicum and Research Methods coursework
    • Prepares for Texas LMFT licensure
    • 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
    • Net price approximately $24,066
    • Methodist-affiliated institution

Tuition and Cost Comparison for Abilene-Area MFT Programs

Tuition for MFT master's programs across the Abilene area and wider Texas landscape varies dramatically, from roughly $6,200 to more than $37,000 per year. The table below uses IPEDS-reported annual tuition alongside net price and median graduate debt figures from the College Scorecard, giving you a realistic picture of what each program actually costs after institutional aid. Keep in mind that graduate-level net prices and debt figures reflect institution-wide medians, not MFT-specific totals, so your individual cost will depend on program length, financial aid, and living expenses.

SchoolCityIn-State TuitionOut-of-State TuitionNet PriceMedian Graduate DebtStudent-to-Faculty Ratio
Texas A&M University, Central TexasKilleen$6,242$13,586$1,300$17,75016:1
Texas A&M University, San AntonioSan Antonio$6,650$15,399$11,196$18,40118:1
Texas Woman's UniversityDenton$8,520$15,900$11,963$19,21816:1
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock$9,518$17,918$19,070$21,50020:1
The King's UniversitySouthlake$10,530$10,530$14,140$27,00010:1
Houston Christian UniversityHouston$11,870$11,870$20,629$22,64218:1
Hardin-Simmons UniversityAbilene$15,110$15,110$19,555$24,71115:1
Our Lady of the Lake UniversitySan Antonio$19,254$19,254$16,442$24,99911:1
Texas Wesleyan UniversityFort Worth$19,499$19,499$24,066$23,12512:1
University of Mary Hardin-BaylorBelton$20,980$20,980$26,106$26,00017:1
Abilene Christian UniversityAbilene$26,424$26,424$26,182$24,25013:1
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas$37,278$37,278$40,892$19,50011:1

Questions to Ask Yourself

Texas accepts both COAMFTE-accredited and regionally accredited MFT degrees for LMFT licensure, but some employers, military installations, and out-of-state boards require COAMFTE specifically. Clarify your career targets before committing to a program.

Abilene's MFT programs offer strong mentorship in a smaller community, but if relocation is not feasible, you will need an online program that arranges supervised practicum hours near your current location.

Abilene Christian University weaves Christian principles into its counseling coursework. If you value that integration, it can enrich your therapeutic identity; if you prefer secular training, explore whether the approach aligns with how you want to practice.

COAMFTE Accreditation: Why It Matters for Texas MFT Students

Six MFT master's programs in Texas currently hold full COAMFTE accreditation, and one of them sits right in Abilene: Abilene Christian University's on-campus MMFT program, along with its online counterpart based in Dallas.1

What COAMFTE Accreditation Actually Means

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, known as COAMFTE, is the specialized accreditor for MFT programs in the United States and Canada. When a program earns full COAMFTE accreditation, it has demonstrated that its curriculum, clinical training hours, faculty credentials, and supervision structures meet the field's highest standards. For students, this matters most when it comes to licensure portability: many state licensing boards outside Texas give automatic or streamlined approval to graduates of COAMFTE-accredited programs, making it easier to relocate and practice without jumping through extra coursework hoops. If you are weighing options beyond the Lone Star State, our overview of the best online MFT programs provides a broader look at accredited offerings nationwide.

An important distinction: COAMFTE is not the same as CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs), which accredits counseling programs more broadly. A CACREP-accredited program is not automatically equivalent to a COAMFTE-accredited one for MFT purposes, and the two credential pathways lead to different licensure tracks in Texas.

What Texas BHEC Actually Requires

Here is the practical news for Texas students: the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) does not require COAMFTE accreditation as a condition of LMFT licensure eligibility. Texas licenses on a coursework-equivalency basis, meaning graduates of non-COAMFTE programs at regionally accredited universities can still qualify if their degree meets BHEC's specific course content requirements. This opens the door for students who attend programs that are strong on curriculum but have not pursued specialized accreditation.

That said, choosing a COAMFTE-accredited program is still a strategically sound decision, especially if you might eventually practice in another state with stricter board requirements. For a deeper look at all accredited options statewide, see our guide to the best MFT programs in Texas.

Which Abilene-Area Programs Hold Full Accreditation

Among the programs most relevant to Abilene-area students, the following hold full COAMFTE accreditation as of 2025-2026:1

  • Abilene Christian University MMFT (on-campus, Abilene): Full COAMFTE accreditation
  • Abilene Christian University MMFT (online, Dallas): Full COAMFTE accreditation
  • Texas A&M University-Central Texas MS in MFT: Full COAMFTE accreditation
  • Texas Tech University MS in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy: Full COAMFTE accreditation (accredited since 2019)2
  • Texas Wesleyan University MS in MFT: Full COAMFTE accreditation
  • Texas Woman's University MS in MFT: Full COAMFTE accreditation

No Texas programs currently hold candidacy status rather than full accreditation, which means the accreditation map is relatively clean: a program either holds full status or it does not.1

If you are comparing programs and one lacks COAMFTE standing, verify directly with Texas BHEC that the degree plan satisfies all required coursework domains before enrolling. Accreditation status can be confirmed through the COAMFTE directory of accredited programs.1

Online vs. On-Campus MFT Programs Near Abilene

Choosing between online and on-campus formats is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as a prospective MFT student. Each delivery model carries real trade-offs in clinical training quality, scheduling freedom, and total cost. Here is a practical breakdown to help you weigh what matters most for your situation.

Pros

  • Online programs offer schedule flexibility that lets working professionals complete coursework around employment and family obligations.
  • Studying online opens access to COAMFTE-accredited programs well beyond Abilene's limited local options, broadening your choices significantly.
  • Online tuition often runs lower overall when you factor in eliminated commuting, relocation, and campus fee costs.
  • On-campus programs in Abilene typically embed practicum placements through established community partnerships, saving you months of site searching.
  • The close-knit cohort culture that Abilene institutions are known for thrives in on-campus settings, strengthening peer support and professional networking.
  • Direct, in-person faculty mentorship on campus allows for real-time clinical modeling and immediate feedback during skills labs.

Cons

  • Online students must independently arrange and secure local practicum sites, which can be challenging in smaller markets like Abilene.
  • Virtual formats limit face-to-face clinical modeling, making it harder to absorb nuanced therapeutic skills such as nonverbal attunement.
  • Some online programs lack COAMFTE accreditation, so you need to verify accreditation status carefully before enrolling.
  • On-campus enrollment locks you into a specific geographic area, which may mean higher living costs and fewer part-time work options.
  • Rigid class schedules on campus reduce flexibility, making it harder for students who need to maintain full-time employment during their degree.
  • Relocating to Abilene for an on-campus program adds housing and cost-of-living expenses that can raise your total educational investment.

Earning Potential and ROI After Your MFT Degree

When weighing the cost of a master's in MFT, it helps to see how median graduate debt stacks up against institution-level median earnings ten years after enrollment. The figures below are drawn from College Scorecard and reflect all completers at each institution, not MFT-specific program outcomes. Program-level post-completion earnings at one and four years are not yet published for these MFT programs, so institution-wide ten-year medians are the best available proxy for long-term trajectory.

Median graduate debt versus ten-year median earnings for eight Texas universities with MFT programs, ranging from $54,338 to $78,354

MFT Salaries in Texas: What Licensed Therapists Actually Earn

One of the most common questions prospective MFT students ask is whether the degree pays off financially. The short answer: licensed marriage and family therapists in Texas earn competitive wages, and the data suggests LMFTs tend to out-earn many of their counseling peers. Below is a breakdown using 2024 BLS data. Note that the national figures reflect all U.S. workers in these occupations, while the Texas column shows state-specific numbers. Abilene-area wage data is not separately reported by the BLS, so statewide figures are the closest reliable benchmark.

OccupationScope10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian75th Percentile90th PercentileMean Annual Wage
Marriage and Family TherapistsNational$39,650$47,860$63,780$80,840$107,510N/A
Marriage and Family TherapistsTexasN/A$37,940$45,690$64,290N/A$54,900
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health CounselorsNational$39,090$47,170$59,190$76,230$98,210N/A
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health CounselorsTexasN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A$55,780
Did You Know?

Graduates from top MFT programs around Abilene often earn above 150% of the federal poverty line within three years of finishing their degree. That level of economic security, achieved while working in a deeply meaningful field, underscores the practical return on investment. For aspiring therapists, it’s a reassuring measure that the degree leads to both stable finances and meaningful work.

Texas LMFT Licensure Pathway: From Graduation to Practice

Earning your MFT master's degree is only the starting line. Texas requires several concrete steps before you can practice independently as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC) oversees the entire process, and graduates of COAMFTE-accredited programs typically experience a smoother practicum and coursework verification stage because accreditation signals that your curriculum already meets state standards. Here is a quick look at the supervised hours requirement, followed by a step-by-step breakdown of the full licensure ladder.

Infographic showing that Texas requires 3,000 supervised clinical hours for full LMFT licensure.

Admissions Requirements and Application Tips for Abilene MFT Programs

Abilene Christian University's Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and no longer asks for GRE scores, simplifying the process for many candidates.1 As the sole MFT master's program in the Abilene area, ACU offers both on-campus and online formats, each with distinct admissions timelines and a shared emphasis on faith integration.

GPA and Exam Policies

ACU sets a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; no GRE is required for either modality.2 There are no mandatory prerequisite courses in psychology or human development, though coursework in the social sciences can demonstrate foundational readiness.3 Applicants whose GPA falls slightly below 3.0 may be admitted provisionally based on professional experience and other application strengths.

Personal Statement Expectations

The personal statement is your chance to connect clinical interests with personal motivation. Articulate why marriage and family therapy, not general counseling, fits your goals, and mention specific populations or treatment approaches that intrigue you. Given ACU's Christian mission, you should also reflect on how your faith, spiritual practices, or ethical framework will inform your therapeutic work. Finally, describe experiences that shaped your cultural competence; Texas families are diverse, and the program values applicants who can work across differences with humility.

Deadlines and Start Dates

The on-campus MMFT admits one fall cohort annually, with a priority deadline of January 17.3 Plan to submit all materials well before that date, as rolling review begins earlier. The online MMFT accepts applications on a rolling basis, with multiple start dates each year, offering flexibility for those who need a different schedule.

Letters, References, and Faith-Based Components

You will need two or three letters of recommendation; at least one should come from an academic source, and another may attest to your character and interpersonal skills. While ACU does not mandate church membership, applicants often include a recommendation from a pastor or ministry leader to speak to their integrity. Students drawn to faith-centered clinical training may also want to explore a masters in pastoral counseling as a complementary credential. The admissions committee looks for genuine alignment with ACU's service-oriented ethos, so be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to a learning community that integrates Christian principles with professional training. An interview may be part of the process, focusing on both clinical aptitude and values fit.

Frequently Asked Questions About MFT Programs in Abilene

Prospective MFT students in the Abilene area tend to ask many of the same questions about cost, accreditation, and career outcomes. Below are straightforward answers drawn from published program data and licensing requirements in Texas.

Abilene Christian University's online MMFT program charges $799 per credit hour for most coursework and $470 per credit hour for internship courses, plus a $200 resource fee per term. The program requires 60 credit hours. Based on published 2023 rates, the estimated total program cost is roughly $47,192, though fees may be updated for 2025 or 2026. Always confirm current pricing directly with ACU's admissions office.

Yes. Abilene Christian University's Master of Marriage and Family Therapy holds COAMFTE accreditation, which is the gold standard for MFT graduate programs. Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene also offers an MFT-related master's track, though that program carries CACREP accreditation rather than COAMFTE. If COAMFTE accreditation is a priority for you, ACU is the primary option based in Abilene.

Yes. ACU's MMFT is delivered entirely online, making it accessible to students living in Abilene or elsewhere in Texas. Several other Texas programs (such as Houston Christian University and Amberton University) also offer hybrid or online MFT degrees. Keep in mind that all programs require in-person clinical hours, so you will need access to a local practicum site regardless of the coursework format.

In Texas, the pay difference between Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Licensed Professional Counselors is generally modest and depends heavily on setting, specialization, and geographic area. BLS data groups both under broader counseling categories, making direct comparison difficult. Nationally, median wages for MFTs and similar counselors tend to fall in a comparable range. Therapists in private practice or specialized niches often out-earn those in agency settings, regardless of license type.

It depends on your career goals. An MFT master's prepares you specifically for relational and systems-based therapy with couples and families. An LPC-track counseling degree offers broader clinical flexibility. An MSW can open doors to clinical social work. All three lead to independent licensure in Texas. COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs and CACREP-accredited counseling programs are both well-regarded pathways, so choose based on the population and therapeutic approach that interest you most.

Earnings vary by license type, experience, and region. According to BLS data, the national median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was approximately $58,510 as of the most recent reporting period, though Texas-specific figures may differ. Entry-level positions in community agencies typically pay less, while experienced clinicians in private practice or specialized settings often earn well above the median. The Texas salary breakdown elsewhere on counselingpsychology.org provides more granular numbers.

Requirements vary by program and accreditor. ACU's COAMFTE-accredited MMFT requires 500 direct client-contact hours and 100 supervision hours during the program. Hardin-Simmons requires 700 clinical experience hours. After graduation, Texas LMFT candidates must complete an additional 3,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience before earning full licensure. Plan for clinical training to extend well beyond the classroom portion of your degree.

Both Abilene-based options, ACU and Hardin-Simmons, are affiliated with Christian traditions. Faith-based programs may integrate theological perspectives into coursework, require chapel attendance, or emphasize values-based counseling frameworks. Clinically, graduates still meet the same state licensure standards as students from secular programs. If you prefer a non-faith-based environment, consider COAMFTE-accredited programs at public universities such as Texas Tech or Texas A&M-Central Texas, which are accessible from Abilene through online or commutable formats.

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