Overview

Overview

In 2010, US News and World Report ranked marriage and family therapy as one of the best 50 careers. According to the report, an increased acceptance of marriage and family therapy will result in a projected industry growth of 14% between 2008 and 2018. The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling (MAF) program will prepare you to join this relevant field.

In the program, you’ll complete coursework and practicums focused on understanding and integrating individual lifestyle dynamics within marital and family systems. You’ll also obtain assessment skills in major models of marital and family therapy. All experiences will emphasize the application of skills in advocacy, consultation, systems change, and leadership.

Admission Requirements

• At least a baccalaureate degree from a college or university regionally accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or an equivalent degree from an international college or university
• A grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for undergraduate and graduate coursework
• Completion of the following semester courses in psychology with grades of "C" or better: General or introductory psychology, human development, and research methods or statistics. Equivalent coursework in other social sciences may also be considered. 
• Applicants who meet the admission standards will be invited for an interview with faculty

Degree Requirements

• Satisfactory completion of all required credit hours, including all required courses 
• Satisfactory completion of 700 minimum hours of a clinical practicum
• Satisfactory completion of 200 minimum clock hours of community service practicum
• A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and no more than two grades or six credit hours of "C” or "C+"
• Successful completion of the Master's Clinical Qualifying Examination in MAF
• Submission of a graduation application and full payment of all outstanding tuition and fees
• Faculty approval for graduation and recommendation to the Board of Trustees for the conferral of the Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Counseling

Licensure

The sequence of courses and supervised clinical training are intended to assist professionals in meeting the educational requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Although this degree program satisfies the current academic and pre-degree training and education requirements for the LMFT in Illinois, students should be aware that requirements change periodically. In addition, LMFT requirements can vary from state to state in their expectations for coursework and practicum hours. Thus, it is the responsibility of for each student to plan their curriculum with MAF faculty in order to meet the criteria for the state where they intend to practice.

The current MAF curriculum has also been approved by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC). Thus, the program also strives to meet the educational and training requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. Like the LMFT, the students should plan their curriculum in order to meet the criteria for the state where they intend to practice.