Marriage and Family Therapy - M.S.

The M.S. in marriage and family therapy program is designed for those seeking marriage and family therapist licensure. Marriage and family therapists help people through family and other relationship problems. They address issues including stress, infidelity, depressed mood, anxiety, and behavioral difficulties within the context of current and past relationships.

Why Choose Marriage & Family Therapy?

The Manhattan University Marriage and Family Therapy Master's Program prepares future therapists to work with and provide treatment for familial relationships, marital/couple relationships, parent-child relationships, pre-marital, and other personal relationships. There is a focus on treating clients within the context of their relationships and their environments rather than just the individual. The need for licensed marriage and family therapists is also on the rise, with jobs expected to grow by 14% (faster than average) by 2031, according to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Program Details

• Minimum Credit Hours: 60
• Course Format: Online Blended (in-person and online coursework)
• Industry Job Growth: 14% by 2031
• Supervised Therapy Hours: 500

Learning from Experienced Practitioners

Faculty in the marriage and family therapy graduate program are experienced clinicians who work with individuals, children, families, and couples. Many faculty have their own practices or work in clinics and are adept at managing a wide range of familial and mental health issues as well as the laws and ethics related to the work of a Marriage and Family Therapist.

Build Valuable Skills

In this program, students will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to help families, couples, and individuals understand their behaviors and their relationships. Students will learn how to think using a systems lens, enabling them to take into account the many factors that impact a client's well-being, including but not limited to environment, family-of-origin, larger social systems, and their interpersonal relationships. Valuable skills gained include:

• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Observational skills
• Organization and time management
• Ability to work with others on multi-disciplinary teams
• Evaluation and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders within the context of marital, relational, and family systems
• Communication skills (active listening, written communication, verbal communication)

Discover Professional Opportunities

This marriage and family therapy graduate program has access to some of the top mental health hospitals, agencies, and clinics in the country. Alumni have interned for the Bowery Mission Women's Centers, the Family Services of Westchester, and many other places where they obtained 500 hours of supervised on-site clinical training.

Find Learning That Matches You and Your Lifestyle

Classrooms that are small help create a learning environment conducive to honing the knowledge and practical techniques needed to become a skilled therapist. As part of your master's program, you will gain real-world experience working in clinical settings as part of your practicum and internship experiences. For added flexibility geared toward working adults, many of the classes in this program are offered online. This program can be completed either full-time or part-time, depending on the circumstances of the student.

Join an Enthusiastic Community

Enrolling in our program means joining a close-knit community of faculty and students, all of whom are supporting each other both inside the classroom and beyond. This includes classroom structures and networking opportunities so that master's candidates are better prepared to enter the field of marriage and family therapy.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants from diverse backgrounds and professional experiences are welcome to apply for our marriage and family therapy master's program. However, preparation in the behavioral sciences is preferred, and those who do not have a relevant background may be required to take prerequisite courses for admission. All applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or institution, with an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, though other factors will be considered in the decision for admission.

Program Requirements

The Marriage and Family Therapy program consists of 60 credits. These 60 credits are made up of: 54 credits of core courses and 6 credits of elective courses.

Meet Our Faculty

Faculty in the marriage and family therapy graduate program are either licensed in marriage and family therapy or have backgrounds in mental health and psychology.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When are classes offered? Courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters. There are also two summer sessions during which you can take classes. All classes, whether in-person or virtual, are held once a week, Monday through Thursday starting at 4:30 p.m.
• Do I need to be a full-time student? No, we allow students to take classes on a full-time or part-time basis depending on the student's needs and life circumstances.
• What if I didn't major in psychology or sociology as an undergraduate student? That is not a problem! Students come to our program with a wide variety of academic backgrounds. This enriches our program and makes class discussions more interesting.

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Degree Overview:

This program prepares students for licensure as marriage and family therapists in New York State. It focuses on providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families within the context of their relationships and environments.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to help families, couples, and individuals understand their behaviors and relationships.
• Develop students' ability to think using a systems lens, taking into account factors like environment, family-of-origin, and interpersonal relationships.
• Cultivate valuable skills such as interpersonal skills, problem-solving, observation, organization, teamwork, and communication (active listening, written, and verbal).

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Program Description:

• The program consists of 60 credits, including 54 credits of core courses and 6 credits of elective courses.
• It features a blend of in-person and online coursework.
• Students gain real-world experience through practicum and internship experiences, completing 500 hours of supervised on-site clinical training.
• Opportunity exists to work with faculty on research projects.
• Offers flexibility for working adults with many online classes and part-time enrollment options.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Marriage and family therapy theories and techniques
• Child and adolescent development
• Family dynamics and communication
• Addiction and recovery
• Trauma and abuse
• Family law and ethics
• Clinical supervision

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Structure:

• 60-credit program
• Blended learning format with online and in-person classes
• Full-time or part-time options available
• Weekly evening classes (Monday-Thursday, 4:30 pm)

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Course Schedule:

• Courses offered in fall, spring, and summer semesters.
• Specific course schedule available in the program's course catalog.

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Individual Modules:

• Each core and elective course focuses on a specific topic within marriage and family therapy.
• Course descriptions available in the program's course catalog.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Written assignments
• Presentations
• Clinical case studies
• Comprehensive exams
• Internship evaluation

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Assessment Criteria:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of course material
• Clinical skills proficiency
• Ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations
• Professionalism and ethical behavior

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures
• Group discussions
• Case studies
• Role-playing exercises
• Clinical supervision

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Faculty:

• Experienced clinicians and licensed marriage and family therapists
• Many faculty have their own practices or work in clinics
• Diverse backgrounds and expertise

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Unique Approaches:

• Emphasis on a systems lens approach
• Focus on building strong therapeutic relationships
• Opportunity to participate in faculty research projects

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Therapist in private practice
• Therapist in hospitals, clinics, or community agencies
• School counselor
• Social worker
• Researcher

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Opportunities:

• Job growth in the field expected to be 14% by 2031
• Access to top mental health hospitals, agencies, and clinics for internships
• Opportunity to work on research projects with faculty

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Outcomes:

• Graduates prepared for licensure as LMFTs in New York State
• Development of strong clinical skills and professional knowledge
• Preparation for a wide range of career opportunities in mental health

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Other:

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Program Highlights:

• Small class sizes for personalized attention
• Experienced and dedicated faculty
• Focus on preparing students for licensure
• Excellent job placement rate
• Program accessible to students from diverse backgrounds

Manhattan University

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Overview:

Manhattan University is a Lasallian Catholic institution located in Riverdale, New York, just 10 miles from Midtown Manhattan. It is dedicated to providing a career-ready higher education across multiple disciplines. The university emphasizes a sense of community and inclusivity, fostering a welcoming environment for all students.

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Services Offered:

Admissions:

Offers undergraduate, graduate, adult and continuing studies, English language programs, and Air Force ROTC programs.

Academics:

Provides a wide range of majors and minors, 5-year programs, graduate programs, and pathways from associate to bachelor degrees.

Academic Success Services:

Offers academic support, library resources, centers and institutes, global engagement opportunities, internships and career services, research opportunities, and study abroad programs.

Student Life:

Includes social action and service programs, campus ministry, events, clubs and organizations, housing, residence communities, dining, campus safety, inclusive community initiatives, and health and wellness services.

Giving:

Provides various ways to support the university through donations, planned giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, and fundraising events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at Manhattan University can expect a vibrant and supportive campus community. They can participate in a variety of clubs and organizations, engage in social action and service initiatives, and enjoy a range of events and activities. The university offers various housing options and dining services, ensuring a comfortable and convenient living experience.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Location:

Situated in New York City, offering access to diverse cultural experiences and career opportunities.

Lasallian Catholic Heritage:

Emphasizes a commitment to social justice, service, and ethical leadership.

Career-Ready Education:

Provides practical skills and experiences to prepare students for successful careers.

Strong Academic Programs:

Offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including business, engineering, and the liberal arts.

Supportive Community:

Fosters a sense of belonging and provides ample opportunities for student engagement and growth.

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Academic Programs:

Manhattan University offers over 100 majors and programs across various schools and departments. Some of the key academic strengths include:

The O'Malley School of Business:

Known for its strong business programs, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

The School of Engineering:

Offers programs in chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

The School of Liberal Arts:

Provides a broad range of programs in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts.

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Other:

• The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating an equitable and welcoming environment for all students.
• Manhattan University has a strong alumni network, providing valuable connections and career support.
• The university offers a variety of resources and services to support student success, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.