Develop diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative skills in a systemic and relational context.
Unlike many other forms of psychotherapy, marriage and family therapy primarily focuses on the inter-relationships between the self and others in the world. Our in-person and online M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program exposes you to this systemic view and can even help you rethink your approach to classical theories from this more integrative perspective. You will prepare to work with a variety of clinical populations and perspectives, including:
- Individuals
- Couples
- Families
- Children
- Groups spanning the developmental spectrum
- Those with emotional, intellectual, and psychological conditions and disorders
Effective treatment in this field requires mental health practitioners who have both a broad knowledge of the scientific and theoretical principles in the clinical practice of marriage and family therapy, and the ability to apply that knowledge to specific clinical situations.
The three-year completion timeline is based on a fall semester start start following the standard recommended curriculum. Students who begin in other semesters or terms (e.g., Spring or Summer) may need additional time to complete degree requirements due to course sequencing.
The Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy master's program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
Graduate Achievement Data Disclosure
Nazila Amighi, M.A., LMFT
Admissions Requirements
- Application
- Application fee: $50
- GPA of 3.0 or higher is required
- Official college/university transcripts
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Essay
- Admissions Interview
- Three letters of recommendation
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- The GRE is not required, however students who have taken the exam may submit their scores to enhance their application
Accreditation & Licensure
Accreditation
The Master of Arts Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), effective November 1, 2022.
Licensure
For information on whether a program at The Chicago School meets or does not meet licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit our licensure disclosures page.
Fieldwork Opportunities
Practicum
The practicum experience is designed to both enhance the learning experience of the student and meet state licensure requirements. The practicum requires a total of eight credit hours over four semesters during which time the student participates in a clinical training field placement where the student accumulates a minimum of 300 face-to-face contact hours of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting, at least 100 of which shall be with couples and families. In addition, the student is required to attend a regularly scheduled practicum seminar during which students will participate in clinical case consultation, case presentations, and complete a clinical case report.
Residency - Distance Learning (Online) Format
Students attending via the Distance Learning (online) format also participate in two in-person residencies, one during the first year and one during the second year. These consist of in-person activities that serve to orient the student, foster community, and enhance learning through interpersonal connection.
Additional Program Components
Competency Evaluation
During the practicum seminar, students will conduct a formal case presentation and submit a 10-minute transcript and tape of an actual client session. In Practicum II, a clinical case presentation outline will be completed and turned into the instructor along with the tape and transcript. For Practicum III, students will complete a Clinical Competency Evaluation (CCE) which consists of a Clinical Case Report (CCR,) a tape and transcript as well as a formal oral presentation of the case to the class and instructor. The CCE results will determine if a student successfully passes practicum. If a student does not pass the first time, the student will be able to submit a second CCE, tape and transcript using a different interview. Students are advised to meet with their seminar instructor to review the first CCE and prepare to pass the CCE the next time. Failure to pass a second CCE means that the student has failed practicum and the student will need to complete practicum again.
Written Comprehensive Exam
All students are required to successfully complete the Written Comprehensive Exam. The information tested by the exam covers the program competencies. The comprehensive examination is generally administered twice a year and taken during the last year of enrollment in academic coursework. Students must be in good academic standing to be eligible to take the Written Comprehensive Examination. Additional information regarding registering, qualifying, format and dates of the exam can be obtained from the Department Chair of the program. Students who are unable to pass the Written Comprehensive Examination will be allowed to retake the exam a maximum of two additional times. The exam may be retaken during the next scheduled administration of the exam. Students will receive information from their faculty advisor concerning their performance on the examination. Assistance from faculty in constructing additional experiences and instruction aimed at enabling them to pass this program requirement can be offered. Any student who fails the Comprehensive Examination a third time will be referred to the Student Community Standards Committee.
Sample Courses
Recovery, Trauma, and Crisis Counseling within the Community
This course introduces the basic theory and practice of the Recovery and Resilience model of mental health and its application in community mental health settings. Students will learn about ecological concepts, prevention, and intervention strategies aimed at serving the broad mental health needs of communities. Students will learn to identify complex trauma and implement effective, evidence-based practices. This will include treatment protocols and associated methods for conceptualizing, assessing, and treating individuals, families, and communities where serious crisis or trauma has occurred. This course will also provide students with the opportunity to learn about the intersection between multicultural issues and a community approach to mental health.
Psychopathology in the Family Context
This course presents a study of the major mental disorders as defined in the current edition of the DSM, with an emphasis on understanding the etiology and definition of disorders and the assessment methods used for determining diagnoses. In addition, this course examines data and information gathering methods; factors influencing appraisals; and the use of appraisal results in treatment planning and intervention.
Systems Theory and Family Therapy II
This course emphasizes the underlying history, philosophy, theory, and practice of the major models of marriage and family therapy. Interventions from and the application of these approaches to specific therapeutic situations will be explored. Contemporary critique and evaluation of these approaches will also be discussed.
Career Pathways
Marriage and family therapists with an M.A. degree can pursue employment within a variety of professional settings, including:
- Mental health centers
- Substance abuse and treatment centers
- Hospitals
- Schools and colleges
- Private practices
- Employment assistance programs (EAPs)
- Community mental health agencies
- Higher education
Career Outcomes
The Chicago School prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.
Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to this degree program*. The Chicago School is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.
*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions representative.
Financing Your Education
The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid department will provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.
FAQ's
M.A Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy FAQ’s
What is the tuition for the M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy degree?
For the 2024-25 academic year, the cost per credit hour for the in-classroom master's program is $1,409. Additional fees and charges may apply.
Which California Campuses offer the M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy?
The Chicago School’s California campuses are located in Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Diego. All of our California locations offer the M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy degree program.
Are any standardized tests required for admission to The Chicago School M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program in California?
No, the GRE or other standardized tests are not required for the M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program. If you have taken the exam, you may submit your scores to enhance your application.
Is a bachelor’s degree in psychology required for the M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program?
No, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is not required for the M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy. Any bachelor's degree can qualify for admission, but it must be from an accredited institution.
Can I transfer credits into the Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program?
Yes, The Chicago School accepts transfer credits into the M.A. Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy program. It is based on the official transcripts and syllabi for those classes and credits. The academic catalog gives more information on what can and cannot be accepted as part of your degree here at The Chicago School.
