Skip to main content
Marriage & Family Therapy

Masters Program

The BYU MFT Masters program began in 1967, making BYU among the first academic institutions in the US to train marriage and family therapists. This program meets the educational requirements for specific occupationally required professional licenses or certifications in the state of Utah. This degree is administered by the School of Family Life, and has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) since 1979. Ten full-time faculty, have primary instructional responsibility for the graduate program with support from other faculty in the School of Family Life. Major MFT courses and clinical practicum are conducted primarily in the BYU Comprehensive Clinic which also houses programs in Clinical Psychology, Communication Disorders, and Social Work.

Competitive candidates for the MFT program typically have a strong academic record, strong writing proficiency, and have experience on a research team or mentored project, and also engaged in human services work in either volunteer or paid capacities. They also tend to be adept at emotion regulation, are self-aware, teachable, and interested in MFT rather than other mental health disciplines for reasons they can articulate. We seek students with diverse life experiences, a variety of backgrounds and life experiences, and those who wish to make a strong impact in the world and for families. Please see our FAQ page for more information about application requirements.

Thesis vs. Clinical Tracks
During the student’s first semester in the program, they will choose to complete either the research track or clinical track. Their choice should be made in close consultation with their advisor, considering their individual professional goals. Those selecting the thesis/research track will complete a thesis before graduating. Often the master's thesis leads to publication or presentation at a professional meeting. Those selecting the project/clinical track will complete a clinical presentation before graduating. The clinical project consists of thoroughly reading and reviewing a selection of clinical scholarly literature pre-selected by the MFT faculty and then also working on more readings individually selected with one's faculty advisor. The course sequence of the two tracks is slightly different, but all other coursework is the same for both tracks.

Information regarding clinical work, financial assistance, and curriculum requirements can be found in the Masters Program Handbook

MS Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
As a program, we aim for the following goals and outcomes:

PG 1: Prepare competent, ethical, and systemically grounded marriage and family therapists.

  • SLO 1. Graduates will be academically and clinically prepared for entry-level MFT practice and MFT Associate licensure.
  • SLO 2. Graduates will demonstrate competency in MFT theories and systemic case conceptualization.
  • SLO 3. Graduates will demonstrate competency in systemic clinical practice and intervention.
  • SLO 4. Graduates will demonstrate ethical and professional behavior consistent with MFT standards.

PG 2: Develop scholar-practitioners who critically evaluate, apply, and may contribute to research that advances systemic understanding or practice.

  • SLO 5: Graduates will critically evaluate the quality and validity of MFT research.
  • SLO 6: Graduates will synthesize and apply research findings to systemic understanding, clinical decision-making, or professional practice.
  • SLO 7: Graduates will produce and communicate scholarly work through research, clinical projects, presentations, or other professional dissemination activities.

PG 3: Prepare culturally responsive therapists who honor diversity and the dignity and worth of all people.

  • SLO 8. Graduates will demonstrate understanding and respect for diverse individuals, couples, families, and communities.
  • SLO 9. Graduates will demonstrate culturally responsive clinical practice.
  • SLO 10. Graduates will identify and address the influence of culture, diversity, and context in clinical work.

PG 4: Cultivate spiritual, intellectual, professional, and character growth in future therapists, including faith in Jesus Christ and a testimony of living prophets and apostles.

  • SLO 11. Graduates will demonstrate self-awareness regarding the influence of their personal values, beliefs, faith commitments, and lived experiences on therapeutic practice, including thoughtful engagement with faith in Jesus Christ and the teachings of living prophets and apostles as resources for personal, professional, and character development.
  • SLO 12. Graduates will demonstrate professional growth through reflective practice, feedback integration, and lifelong learning.
  • SLO 13. Graduates will demonstrate respect for the dignity, worth, and potential of all people in professional relationships and service.

Demographics for the Master's Degree