This is the first step in getting a licensure as a Professional Counselor. It is an opportunity to help students get real world professional experience while developing their analytical skills. The degree in Marriage and Family Therapy provides graduate students with a broad conceptual understanding of both healthy and dysfunctional family relationship patterns within a multicultural context. Students develop an understanding of the dynamics of relationships within the family, e.g., alliances, cutoffs, triangles and enmeshments. Upon successfully completing the course work, optional thesis, practicum, and internship, graduates will have demonstrated academic competence, ethical and evidence based practice.

This major will prepare you for:

Today, the knowledge and skills of the family therapist are recognized as integral to the treatment of a host of issues such as marital conflict, chemical addiction, eating disorders, child and elder abuse, foster care, and juvenile delinquency. Family therapy practitioners are found in an array of professional settings: mental health clinics, public service agencies, private practices, churches and synagogues, businesses, schools, hospitals, courts and prisons. Students receive a thorough education in theories of human development; counseling ethics, assessment & diagnosis; and the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds. Students complete their studies with an extensive internship opportunity that provides face-to-face contact with clients.