MA - Marriage and Family Therapy
Mission Statement
The Master of Arts with a major in Marriage and Family Therapy Program is committed to training entry level professionals whose clinical skills are informed by diverse theoretical traditions, ethical integrity, and sensitivity to diverse populations of individuals, couples, and families.
Master of Arts with a major in Marriage and Family Therapy students at Indiana Wesleyan University must complete a minimum of 300 direct clinical hours total. One hundred of these hours must be relational (e.g., couples, family) under the supervision of AAMFT approved supervisors, supervisor candidates, or supervisor equivalent. A minimum of 100 supervision hours is required. The program curriculum is designed to meet the academic requirements for licensure as a marriage and family therapist in the state of Indiana. Individuals seeking licensure outside of the state of Indiana are encouraged to speak directly with a Marriage and Family Therapy faculty who can help them navigate the process. Students from states requiring more than 300 direct clinical contact hours are encouraged to apply.
Upon completion of the program, the graduate should be able to:
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of theories and treatment of individuals, couples, and families from a systemic perspective.
- Students will demonstrate skills and practices of individual, couple, and family therapy.
- Students will demonstrate skills and practices of individual, couple, and family therapy through a multicultural lens.
- Students will demonstrate ability to integrate faith with individual, couple, and family therapy in a clinically appropriate manner.
- Students will demonstrate ability to apply relevant research and evaluation models in the practice of individual, couple, and family therapy.
- Students will practice individual, couple, and family therapy in an ethical manner with professional integrity.
Admission Requirements
- Original transcripts from all previous college or university study at a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from the baccalaureate degree-granting institution at which at least 30 hours was completed.
- The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required for those applicants with undergraduate cumulative GPAs of less than 3.25. The test must have been taken within five years of application to the program. A typewritten autobiography, philosophy of counseling, and supplemental application. Verbal (V) score of at least 146/400 (new/old scoring) is required. Successful graduate coursework may be substituted for the GRE.
- An official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution attended.
- A criminal background check.
- Three recommendations – at least one from a supervisor/professional.
- Applicants whose application documents demonstrate potential for success in the Graduate Program in Counseling will be invited to participate in a personal interview.
*The graduate admissions committee retains the right to waive an admission requirement for special circumstances.
Program Requirements
- All new students are required to take CNS-500 Orientation during their first term of enrollment. A grade of NC (No Credit) will require the student to take CNS-500 again the next term. Additionally, students who are inactive or withdrawn and seek readmission will be required to retake CNS-500 upon their return. CNS-500 includes a Bible Exam which must be satisfactorily passed to receive credit for the course.
- Students must complete the minimum clinical hours as required by Indiana state law or the state they are planning to license in- whichever is greater. Students will not collect less than 300 direct clinical hours including 100 relational hours.
- Students must complete a minimum of 100 hours of university supervision by an AAMFT Approved supervisor, Supervisor Candidate, or state supervisor equivalent.
- Online students are expected to attend two (2) onsite intensives as part of the requirements of their program. There are no online options for the intensives.
- Students must complete any additional requirements set by the state in which they plan to license.
- Minimum length 2 1/2 years; Maximum length 6 years.
Graduation Requirements
- Successful completion of the required core courses, clinical experience, and major courses with a minimum grade of "C" in each course and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- All degree requirements must be completed within six years of enrollment.
- Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.
MA - Marriage and Family Therapy - Program of Study
Core Courses
| CNS-501 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| CNS-502 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 |
| CNS-503 | Theory and Techniques in the Helping Relationship | 3 |
| CNS-504 | Theory and Techniques in Group Counseling | 3 |
| CNS-506 | Appraisal of Individuals and Families | 3 |
| CNS-507 | Research and Evaluation of Methods and Practice | 3 |
| CNS-508 | Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues | 3 |
| CNS-509 | Integration of Christian Faith in Professional Counseling | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 24 |
Clinical Experiences
| CNS-550M | Supervised Practicum - Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling | 3 |
| CNS-551M | Supervised Internship - Marriage and Family Therapy | 3 |
| CNS-552M | Supervised Internship - Marriage and Family Therapy | 3 |
| CNS-554M | Advanced Supervised Internship Marriage and Family Therapy | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Major Courses
| CNS-520 | Sexuality, Intimacy and Gender | 3 |
| CNS-533 | Psychopathology | 3 |
| CNS-541 | Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy | 3 |
| CNS-542 | Major Models of MFT I: Theory Assessment, and Application | 3 |
| CNS-543 | Major Models of MFT II: Theory, Assessment, and Application | 3 |
| CNS-546 | Major Models of MFT III: Theory, Assessment, and Application | 3 |
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| Electives | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 24 |
