Program Overview

Introduction to the Marriage and Family Therapy Program

The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program at Southern Connecticut State University is a clinically focused training program that offers rigorous academics, personalized clinical supervision, and a focus on self-of-the-therapist development. The program values diversity, cultural competency, and experiential learning.

Program Overview

The MFT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), ensuring excellence in education. The program provides a unique learning environment where students practice skills that elicit systemic change within individuals, relationships, and the larger community. With a small 15/1 student/core faculty ratio, students are mentored in small supervision groups and go on to be clinicians, leaders, and innovators within the field.

Program Tracks

Students can choose between two tracks:

• On-ground track: offered in either two or three years of study, includes clinical coursework in the program's on-site clinic coupled with off-campus placement.
  • Clinical coursework
  • Off-campus placement
• Online track: offered exclusively in a two-year format, features clinical casework completed exclusively in off-campus placement, coupled with supervision from the program's AAMFT-approved supervisors.
  • Clinical casework
  • Supervision from AAMFT-approved supervisors

Program Requirements

Graduation from the MFT program requires:

• Completion of 60 course credits, with a "C" or higher, within the planned program.
• Completion of client contact & supervision hours as outlined in the program handbook.
• Successfully passing a Comprehensive Examination. Students have 6 years from the start of program matriculation to complete the degree. In extraordinary circumstances, students may request one, one-year extension.

Career Opportunities

SCSU MFT graduates are eligible for Connecticut licensure, clinical membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and find employment in various settings, including:

• Community mental health facilities
• Youth service agencies
• Hospital outpatient clinics
• Domestic violence programs
• Private practice
• Substance abuse programs
• Youth service programs

Program Fees

The MFT program has a $150 per semester (full-time) or $15 per credit (part-time) program fee, due to expenses related to clinical training.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), which is the seal of credibility, rigor, and quality within MFT training programs. COAMFTE accreditation ensures excellence in education, as exemplified by the program's Graduate Achievement Data Table.