MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY PROGRAM:

FAQs

1. Is the program accredited?
   The program is regionally accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges and nationally accredited with the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Education. Visit www.AAMFT.org One benefit of this can be noted in question #2.
   
   
2. After I graduate, can I be licensed?
   Yes. Graduates with postmaster's degree experience are eligible to apply for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist through the Washington State Department of Health, and only students graduating from COAMFTE accredited programs can credit 500 client contact and 100 supervision hours from their masters toward the 3000 hours needed for Washington State licensure.
   
   
3. When are classes scheduled?
   If students choose to take the full time 2-year track sequence, classes are held on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 2:00 to 8:30 your first year and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 8:30 your second year. If students choose to take the part time 3-year track sequence, classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays, from 2:00 to 8:30 your first year and shifts to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 8:30 your second and third year. Summer quarter class and medical family therapy classes hold other schedules.
   
   
4. Can I continue working while pursuing the degree?
   Full-time employment is discouraged for those who intend to pursue the two-year program. Full-time employment might be possible if pursuing the three-year program, but part time work is strongly suggested.
   
   
5. How flexible is the program?
   The MFT program is developed sequentially and classes are offered only once per year.
   
   
6. What will I be qualified to do after graduation?
   The MFT degree prepares individuals for supervised service in clinical and agency mental health organizations, educational settings and private psychotherapy. Other professional opportunities include: educator, consultant, mediator, administrator, and medical family therapist.
   
   
7. What is practicum?
   Practicum is 7 quarters of on-campus small group supervision that works in conjunction with the client contact and supervision that the student receives at the internship site.
   
   
8. Where can I do my internship?
   The MFT department will provide and help you select an approved site. Intern days are held twice a year; at this time, prospective interns meet with site representatives to learn about the sites. You then choose several sites where you would like to interview. These choices are reviewed by the MFT Internship Director for fit before you begin interviews.
   
   
9. What prerequisites do I need for the program?
   You must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and 24 quarter-hours (or 18 semester-hours) in social or behavioral sciences, including a statistics course and a course in individual lifespan development.