Program Highlights

The purpose of the Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy is to provide the graduate with a comprehensive knowledge of the functional areas of marriage and family counseling. This degree will also provide the academic credentials for persons interested in becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (L.M.F.T.) in the State of Texas.

The program includes but is not limited to the nature of the counseling profession and an understanding of lifespan development, as well as cognitive knowledge of counseling theories, concepts, and principles of concern to the counseling profession.

This program can be completed through a combination of online and on-campus courses.

Career Impact

Graduates are prepared to provide individual, group, and family counseling in community and social service organizations.

PLEASE NOTE: Students who complete the Amberton University Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy meet the academic requirements for becoming Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Texas. Students should carefully review the current state requirements for changes and updates. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists provides clear guidelines and requirements to apply for new licensure.

In preparation for student selection of a practicum site for the practicum field experience, the Counseling faculty recommends that students begin familiarizing themselves with counseling opportunities available in the mental health community early in the program. Volunteering at a community agency that provides mental health services is an excellent way to learn about services that are offered and sometimes leads to a practicum site later when the student is ready to make a selection.

Earning Your Degree

picture of a hands of a woman holding 3 books

Degree Plan Requirements

3hrs

Required Graduate Studies

48hrs

Major Requirements

9hrs

Counseling Electives

The mission of the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program is to prepare individuals to be competent and ethically sound in the practice of marriage and family therapy. The purpose of this program is to provide comprehensive knowledge and application of the functional areas of marriage and family therapy. No student may enroll in a pre-practicum or practicum course without passing the AMFTRB Practice Exam and completing all other degree requirements.** This degree will also provide the academic credentials for persons interested in becoming Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (L.M.F.T.) in the State of Texas. Graduates are prepared to provide individual, group, and family counseling in community and social service organizations. This program is offered in the campus-based mode only; however, some classes are offered online.

PLEASE NOTE: Students who complete the Amberton University Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy meet the academic requirements for becoming Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in the State of Texas. Students should carefully review the current state requirements for changes and updates. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists provides clear guidelines and requirements to apply for new licensure. Questions regarding licensure should be directed to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, https://www.bhec.texas.gov/index.html.

A graduate with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy will be able to:

  • Identify and comprehend contemporary theories and research in the field of marriage and family therapy.
  • Develop and articulate a framework for counseling couples and families.
  • Identify relevant ethical issues in the field of marriage and family therapy.
  • Conduct research relevant to the discipline.
  • Demonstrate how the knowledge of research and theories in the field of life span development is beneficial to the practice of marriage and family therapy.
  • Identify and apply theoretical and practical knowledge in the treatment of couple and family issues.
RequirementsHours
I. Required Graduate Studies3 hours
RGS Theory & Application of Research Methods3 hours
II. Major Requirements48 hours
CSL6740 Counseling Ethics3 hours
CSL6760 Addiction Counseling3 hours
CSL6782 Theories & Methods of Counseling3 hours
CSL6792 Couples Therapy3 hours
CSL6794 Principles & Methods of Sex Therapy3 hours
CSL6796 Adult/Geriatric Psychopathology & Treatment3 hours
CSL6798 Child/Adolescent Psychopathology & Treatment3 hours
CSL6800 Counseling Assessment Techniques3 hours
CSL6801 Life Span Development3 hours
CSL6825 Marriage & Family Therapy3 hours
CSL6830 Advanced Counseling Skills & Techniques3 hours
CSL6832 Multicultural Counseling3 hours
CSL6839 Pre-Practicum3 hours
CSL6840 Practicum I3 hours
CSL6845 Practicum II3 hours
CSL6850 Practicum III3 hours
III. Counseling Electives9 hours
Selected courses from the Counseling (CSL) department
Total60 hours

The minimum requirements for a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy are:

  • 48 semester hours applicable to the degree must be completed at Amberton University.
  • 60 semester hours for a degree.
  • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 is required.

Marriage and Family Therapy Handbook

Counseling Practicum Application & Agreement

Texas BHEC MFT Practicum Documentation Form

AMFTRB Practice Exam Information

Degree Plan Requirements

3hrs

Required Graduate Studies

48hrs

Major Requirements

9hrs

Counseling Electives

*  This degree will also provide the academic credentials for persons interested in becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (L.M.F.T.) in the State of Texas. No determination has been made as to whether or not this degree meets requirements in any other state besides Texas.

**  In preparation for student selection of a practicum site for the practicum field experience, the Counseling faculty recommends that students begin familiarizing themselves with counseling opportunities available in the mental health community early in the program.  Volunteering at a community agency that provides mental health services is an excellent way to learn about services that are offered and sometimes leads to a practicum site later when the student is ready to make a selection. All students must pass the AMFTRB Practice Exam before they are eligible to enroll in the Pre-Practicum course.

 

Button for AU Course Guide and Syllabi

“In this environment where working adults are having to compete in the work force, I think that Amberton is not only an incredible facility and opportunity…but what happens inside that building is world class.”

Eric J.

Master Of Arts - Marriage & Family Therapy

Estimate Your Tuition & Fees

  • Estimated cost of attendance does not include tuition assistance packages, such as veterans' benefits, employer educational assistance or loans secured through private lenders. This calculator is provided as a guide only. Amounts shown are subject to change as conditions warrant.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Get in Touch with an Advisor

Have questions about Amberton? Our enrollment team is ready to answer them today.

Contact an Advisor Today

View Programs and Courses

Find your program, and take a closer look at Amberton University's graduate and undergraduate degrees and certifications.

View Programs & Courses

Apply Today

Apply now for any of Amberton's four sessions. All courses are just 10 weeks to complete, and applications are free.

Applying to Amberton

Get More Information

Looking for more information regarding Amberton's degree and certification offerings, tuition and financial aid and want to speak to an advisor. Contact us today.

Contact Us