Marriage and Family Therapy MS

Overview

The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy combines coursework with supervised clinical experiences involving individuals, couples, and families. The program focuses on the integration of theory, research, and clinical practice throughout family lifespan development.

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), the mission of the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is to prepare highly skilled and ethical mental health clinicians. Faculty invest in each student’s personal and professional growth and embrace a systemic and relational perspective that empowers students to effect change in a globally diverse society. Graduates of the program are prepared to fill family therapy clinical positions in both public and private human services agencies, public and private psychiatric hospitals, and to pursue licensure as a marriage and family therapist in the state of Mississippi. Students who intend to seek licensure in another state should verify that this program of study meets the desired state’s licensure requirements. For assistance with out-of-state licensure questions, please see the Professional Licensure Disclosures page to find the contact for our program.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements detailed in Admissions Requirements and Procedures , applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Statement of Purpose - In a 2-3 page essay, discuss your educational training and experiences working with children, couples, and families, your professional goals, and your specific interest in this program.
2. Résumé
3. Letters of Recommendation - Three (3) letters of recommendation from previous professors who can attest to your academic performance and readiness for graduate work.

Additionally, as a part of the selection process, qualified applicants will be invited to attend an in-person interview with the program coordinator and clinical faculty.    

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

In addition to the requirements detailed in General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information , students must meet the following requirements:

1. Maintain the requisite minimum 3.00 GPA with no grade below a “C” and with no more than one grade of “C⁺” or “C” to graduate. Students who make two “C⁺/C”s must retake one course to bring the grade up to a “B” or higher and into compliance with degree requirements. Failure to make the requisite grades will result in program dismissal.
2. Student performance in the Marriage and Family Therapy program is evaluated at the following major transition points: a.) prior to entering the clinical practicum and b.) as students advance through each step of a five-level practicum program.

Prior to entering the clinical practicum, students must:

1. Pass a criminal background check
2. Obtain professional liability insurance through the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) 
3. Pass an experiential assessment
4. Receive a positive vote from at least three clinical faculty members

1. In addition to completing the required coursework, students must complete the following requirements prior to graduation:

1. Pass a written comprehensive exam or submit passing scores from the Marriage and Family Therapy National Exam
2. Pass clinical comprehensive exams
3. Complete all clinical practicum requirements:

• 500 hours of face-to-face client contact, of which 250 hours must be relational therapy (couples or families), and
• 100 hours of supervision, comprising of group and individual supervision.

Course Requirements (60 hours)

• FAM 600 - Prepracticum in Marriage and Family Therapy 3 hrs.
• FAM 602 - Introduction to the Practice of MFT 3 hrs.
• FAM 610 - Couple Therapy 3 hrs.
• FAM 615 - Gender and Culture in Therapeutic Relationships 3 hrs.
• FAM 651 - Family Therapy with Children and Adolescents 3 hrs.
• FAM 655 - Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy Theories 3 hrs.
• FAM 656 - Advanced Study of Marriage and Family Therapy Theories 3 hrs.
• FAM 659 - Ethics and Professional Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy 3 hr.
• FAM 660 - Assessment and Diagnosis in Family Therapy I 3 hrs.
• FAM 661 - Assessment and Diagnosis in Family Therapy II 3 hrs.
• FAM 663 - Professional Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy 3 hrs.
• FAM 670 - Trauma and Substance Use Disorders 3 hrs.
• FAM 675 - Practice of Family Research 3 hrs.
• FAM 790 - Supervised Practicum in Marriage and Family Therapy 1-6 hrs. (5 semesters and 21 hrs. minimum)