Are you passionate about helping families navigate life’s challenges and build stronger relationships? A master’s degree in family therapy could be your pathway to a fulfilling and impactful career. This comprehensive graduate program equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to become a qualified marriage and family therapist (MFT).
This page outlines the curriculum of a typical Master’s program in Marriage and Family Therapy, often abbreviated as MFT. These programs, like the one at Oklahoma State University (OSU), are designed to provide rigorous training and prepare graduates for licensure and practice in the field.
Comprehensive Curriculum for Aspiring Family Therapists
A Master’s degree in family therapy is a demanding yet rewarding academic journey. These programs are known for their intensive training approach, emphasizing the development of practical clinical skills alongside theoretical understanding. Students are immersed in a curriculum that fosters self-awareness and the creation of a personalized model for family therapy. Full-time study is generally required due to the program’s intensity, typically spanning two full years (24 months).
The curriculum generally encompasses the following core components:
- Coursework: A broad spectrum of courses covers key areas such as human development, marital and family studies, the principles and techniques of marriage and family therapy, professional ethics and standards, research methodologies, and statistical analysis. These courses provide the foundational knowledge base necessary for effective therapeutic practice.
- Clinical Practicum: Practical experience is paramount in family therapy training. Students are required to complete significant clinical hours, typically a minimum of 400 hours of direct client contact. A substantial portion of these hours, often 200, must be relational, meaning they involve working with couples or families. This hands-on experience is usually accumulated over a period of about 15 months, providing ample opportunity to apply classroom learning in real-world settings.
- Supervision: Throughout their clinical training, students receive close supervision from experienced faculty members. This supervision is crucial for professional development, ensuring ethical practice and effective skill-building. Programs often mandate at least 100 hours of supervision, with a significant portion, such as 50 hours, incorporating observable data like live observation or session recordings. This intensive supervision model ensures quality training and client care.
- Advanced Clinical Placements: As students progress in their training, they often transition to off-campus clinical placements. These placements are typically within community agencies, offering diverse client populations and presenting problems. This real-world experience in various settings prepares students for the complexities of professional practice after graduation.
Learn more about our Marriage and Family Therapy program
Many programs, like OSU’s, operate on-campus Marriage and Family Therapy Clinics. These clinics are state-of-the-art training facilities where graduate students gain invaluable experience. Under the direct supervision of program faculty, students at these clinics work towards fulfilling their required clinical hours in a supportive and educational environment.
Additional program requirements
Research-Driven Faculty and Diverse Research Opportunities
A strong Master’s program in family therapy is characterized by highly qualified faculty who are actively engaged in research and practice. Typically, the majority of faculty members hold doctoral degrees from programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Furthermore, it’s common for all program faculty to be Approved Supervisors with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), signifying their expertise in both clinical practice and supervision.
Students in MFT programs benefit from opportunities to collaborate with faculty on applied research projects. These collaborations can extend beyond the MFT program itself, potentially involving faculty from across the broader Department of Human Development and Family Science. Research topics are diverse and reflect the complexities of relational dynamics, often encompassing areas such as:
- Marriage and divorce
- Co-parenting relationships
- Fatherhood studies
- Depression and mental health in families
- Suicidal ideation and prevention
- Sexuality and intimacy in relationships
- Couple-based interventions
- Innovations in clinical training
Admissions to a Master’s in Family Therapy Program
Gaining admission to a Master’s degree program in family therapy is competitive, reflecting the rigorous nature of the training and the commitment required for a career in this field. Application processes generally open in the fall, with deadlines typically in early winter. For instance, many programs open applications on September 1st and set a deadline of December 1st for each year’s intake. Top-ranked applicants are often invited for on-campus interviews, allowing faculty to assess their suitability for the program and for applicants to learn more about the program firsthand. Class sizes are usually limited to ensure personalized attention and a strong cohort experience, with programs often admitting around twelve students each fall semester.
Prospective students applying for a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy (like the OSU program) usually need to submit the following materials:
- Graduate College Application: A formal application to the university’s graduate school is the first step.
- Official Academic Transcripts: Transcripts from all undergraduate and any previous graduate coursework are required to demonstrate academic readiness.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): A professional resume or CV outlining relevant experience, education, and skills.
- Professional Statement: This is a critical component of the application. Applicants are typically asked to write a 2-3 page double-spaced statement addressing specific questions. Common prompts include:
- Why MFT?: Articulating the specific aspects of marriage and family therapy that resonate with the applicant and their motivations for pursuing this field.
- Future Goals: Describing long-term career aspirations as a marriage and family therapist and how the master’s degree will facilitate those goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: Usually, three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities, professional potential, and personal qualities relevant to the field of therapy.
- GRE Scores (Often Waived): While some programs historically required GRE scores, many are now waiving this requirement, focusing on a more holistic review of application materials. It’s important to check the specific requirements of each program.
Costs and Financial Assistance for Your MFT Degree
Pursuing a master’s degree is a significant investment. Understanding the costs associated with the program and exploring available financial assistance options is crucial for prospective students. Tuition and fees vary depending on the university and program structure. However, many graduate programs offer financial aid opportunities to help students manage expenses.
Common forms of financial assistance for master’s students include:
- Graduate Assistantships: These are employment opportunities within the university, often involving research or teaching assistant roles. Assistantships typically come with a stipend and tuition waivers, significantly reducing the overall cost of the degree. Eligibility for assistantships varies and is often competitive.
- Scholarships and Fellowships: Universities and external organizations offer a range of scholarships and fellowships based on merit, need, or specific student demographics. These awards can provide partial or full funding for tuition and living expenses.
- Student Loans: Federal and private student loans are available to help cover educational costs. It’s important to understand the terms and repayment obligations associated with student loans.
Earning a master’s degree in family therapy is a significant step towards a rewarding career. By understanding the curriculum, faculty expertise, admissions process, and financial aid options, you can confidently embark on this path and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families.
