Marriage Family Therapy Degrees
Emotional and mental problems experienced by one person often affect that person's marriage and family. Couples and families also experience problems with relationships and dynamics within the family. These couples and families sometimes need outside help working through their issues so their family can function normally and stay intact. Students in marriage and family therapy programs learn to treat mental and emotional disorders within a family environment. They learn to help patients enhance communication and change their perceptions and behaviors with the goal of improving the stability and quality of marriage and family relationships.
Employment opportunities for Marriage and Family Counselors are very good due to an increasing desire of couples and families to address their problems with the help of outside expertise. Many of these therapists will work in private practice while some will find salaried positions working for social service agencies or other institutions.
Degree Options
- Master's Degree – A master's degree in marriage and family therapy is required for state certification or licensure that allows the person to work independently as a marriage and family therapist.
- Doctoral Degree – Those who earn a doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy can become licensed therapists, university and college instructors and/or researchers.
- Graduate Certificate – Individuals who have a master's degree in a related field may be able to complete a certificate program which will enable them to become certified or licensed.
Schools
Marriage and family therapy degree programs are most commonly found at smaller universities and colleges and at accredited online schools. Students must attend field practicum and internships and may need to attend some classroom instructions even when attending an online program.
Coursework
Marriage and family therapy programs will include courses similar to those described below:
- Family Group Dynamics – A study in the forces and dynamics that operate in small groups and families.
- Marital Therapy Seminar – Covers topics such as systems theory, object relations theory and marital life cycle.
- Child Development and Family Therapy – Students learn about child development, relationship development and dynamic interplay in family systems.
- Family Assessment and Treatment in Diverse Populations – Focus is on specific problems such as addiction, mental health, at-risk teen behavior and school difficulties.
- Divorce Mediation – Topics include conflict resolution theory, divorce law, financial planning, custody issues and family dynamics.
- Clinical Experiences - Students are required to participate in several supervised clinical experiences.
Aptitudes and Interests
Individuals who choose to study to become a Marriage and Family Therapist should have an interest in family dynamics and human behavior in group settings as well as a desire to help families resolve their difficulties and improve their relationships. They need to be able to build trusting relationships with all members of a family, be objective and impartial.
Career Options
Most individuals who earn a degree in marriage and family therapy work as Marriage and Family Therapists. They often work in private practice but may also work for human service agencies and residential facilities. They sometimes also work as divorce mediators.
Related Majors
- Mental Health Counseling - Students learn how to counsel individuals with mental health issues to help them improve their emotional stability and quality of life.
- Social Work - Studies focus on understanding human behavior in a social context, counseling techniques and support services.
- Psychology - Students gain a broad education in individual human behavior, mental disorders and therapy techniques.
How To Evaluate Marriage and Family Counseling Degree Programs
When choosing a marriage and family counseling program, prospective students should consider the following factors:
- Licensing and Certification – Since state licensing and certification requirements vary, prospective students will want to verify the program meets the academic requirements in their state.
- Licensing Exams – Candidates for licensure or certification will need to pass one or more exams in most states. Students may want to determine whether the program prepares students for the exam(s) applicable in their own state and what the pass rates are.
- Internship – The types of internships available through various programs may differ due to location and other factors so students should research what types of internships are typically available to make sure they match their interests and goals.
- Cost - The actual cost and amount of loans that need to be taken is often a major consideration when choosing a program. Students should find out what the likely financial aid offered by the school will be before making a decision.
- Flexibility - Some programs offer courses during evenings and weekends or online and allow students to complete the program on a part-time basis. These features may be important for someone who plans to continue working while studying.
Resources
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
National Council on Family Relations
American Counseling Association
National Board for Certified Counselors
Online Course Finder
Find the path to your
education in 3 easy steps.