Students who do not already possess a master's degree in marriage and family therapy earn this enroute. Throughout the curriculum the focus remains on a systems approach to families as they interrelate with other systems including communities, cultures, schools, health care, and legal procedures. Graduates are expected to assume roles as licensed mental-health professionals, supervisors, researchers, and systemic thinkers. Students who pursue this multidimensional and integrated curriculum engage in academic classes, research, and clinical work under supervision throughout the course of studies. The curriculum emphasizes biopsychosocial foundations, human development over the life span, gender and cultural processes, systemic theories, assessment skills, statistical and research competencies, ethical and effective treatment and therapy.
Research occurs in teams and under guidance of a mentor.
Research training includes a two-year sequence in statistics and a course in family systems research methods. Research ends with the completion of an empirical dissertation. Clinical work takes place in collaboration with an approved supervisor. At least fifty percent of these hours must be with families or couples. Students are to be supervised by an approved supervisor at a ratio of one hour of supervision for every five hours of client contact.