Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A.

The mission of the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program at the University of Saint Joseph is to prepare students to provide mental health treatment to diverse populations of individuals, couples, and families from a relational systemic perspective. The MFT Program mission is accomplished by training students to implement ethically competent theory-driven approaches, while enhancing multi-cultural awareness. Training and supervision occur in a supportive environment where students are encouraged to explore the influence of personal challenges, biases, and experiences on their clinical practice.

The Marriage and Family Therapy program is nationally accredited through May 16, 2022 by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.

Educational outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate an understanding and clinical application of major theoretical approaches specific to MFT
2. Students will reflect their competency in evaluating and applying current MFT research
3. Students will integrate their contextual awareness into clinical practice with diverse clients
4. Students will demonstrate an awareness of “self” as it applies to their clinical practice
5. Student will demonstrate their understanding of ethically competent clinical practice by adhering to the AAMFT code of ethics
6. Students will meet the academic requirements to be eligible for licensure as an MFT in Connecticut

Matriculation requirements

A student seeking to matriculate into the Marriage and Family Therapy program is required to submit the following to the Office of Graduate Admissions and Academic Services:

1. A completed admission application along with a nonrefundable application fee
2. All official college transcripts mailed directly to the Graduate and Professional Studies office from accredited institutions that evidence at least a baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 2.7 or higher
3. Two letters of professional reference recommending the candidate for graduate work in the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at the University of Saint Joseph
4. All immunization records as required by Graduate and Professional Studies

In addition, Marriage and Family Therapy applicants are required to:

5. Submit a personal entrance essay (essay guidelines available through Graduate and Professional Studies)
6. Sign up for a group interview/information session once the application and an official transcript are submitted and received

Students who have not provided our office or Graduate Admissions and Academic Services with the required documents are not eligible to be matriculated into the Marriage and Family Therapy program. Please review the list above and contact the Department of Human Development and Family Studies if you have any questions.