Utah Valley University

What you'll study

Coursework covers core areas of contemporary MFT practice and professional formation.

• Systemic assessment and intervention: theories and methods for conceptualising relational problems and designing treatment plans.
• Clinical skills and practicum: supervised client contact, case formulation, feedback and reflective practice to build therapeutic competence.
• Ethics, law and cultural competence: professional standards, confidentiality, multicultural considerations and working with diverse family forms.
• Research and evaluation: applied research methods and outcome evaluation to inform evidence-based practice.
• Specialty topics: approaches to couples therapy, child and adolescent family dynamics, trauma-informed care and crisis intervention.

Entry requirements

Typical admissions expectations include a bachelor's degree in a related field, a competitive academic record, and demonstration of relevant experience or motivation for clinical work. Programmes commonly request transcripts, references, a personal statement and may require an interview or background check to assess fit for clinical training. Applicants from non-related disciplines may need prerequisite coursework in foundational behavioural or social sciences.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles as marriage and family therapists in community mental health centres, hospitals, schools and private practice. Completion of a clinically focused master's is a key step toward state licensure or certification as an MFT; additional post‑graduate supervised hours and licensure exams are typically required. Other pathways include clinical coordination, program development in social services, or adjunct teaching and research support roles.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding options often include university graduate scholarships, need- or merit-based awards, teaching or research assistantships, and clinical training stipends through partner agencies. Prospective students should explore institutional graduate aid pages, external foundations that fund mental-health training, and employer tuition benefits where applicable.