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Marriage and Family Therapy, MAS

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Marriage and Family Therapy

At a Glance: program details

  • Location:
    Tempe campus
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Student Handbook

This is the only marriage and family therapy program at a state university in Arizona, and its accelerated, applied format means that you will earn your degree in 16 to 18 months instead of spending three or four years in a traditional program.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MAS Marriage and Family Therapy

This self-contained accelerated MAS program in marriage and family therapy provides high-quality coursework and supervised internship experiences designed to train practitioners who wish to practice marriage and family therapy.

The curriculum and degree requirements have been specified and approved by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners and are devised to meet the degree requirements for licensure in the state of Arizona for the practice of marriage and family therapy.

We are no longer accepting applications for Fall 2024.

Applications for Fall 2025 open September 1, 2024 and the deadline is February 1, 2025.

If you are interested in a career in Marriage and Family Therapy, ASU's Master's in Advanced Studies in Marriage & Family Therapy (MAS-MFT) is hosting two informational sessions on Zoom this fall. Please join the program's co-directors to learn more – no RSVP necessary. Please see the Zoom links below – we hope to see you then!

  • Monday, October 21, 2024, 12-1 pm - https://asu.zoom.us/j/7683322923
  • Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 12-1pm -  https://asu.zoom.us/j/7683322923

Curriculum

Training in Marriage and Family Therapy requires the successful completion of a minimum of 39 semester hours, including required core coursework, a Capstone Project, and completion of 300 client contact hours in a 12-month community internship placement approved by the MAS-MFT faculty. Students are mentored by MAS-MFT core faculty and the internship supervisor, all of whom are Arizona-licensed marriage and family therapists.

A minimum of 39 hours is required.

Requirements and ElectivesHours
Core courses39
Total39

Additional Information

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and Fees

Students pay graduate tuition (in-state or out-of-state), fees, and a per semester hour program fee of $475. Residency status is determined by the Graduate College. Because this is an applied accelerated program, assistantships and other funding are not available. Students are encouraged to pursue scholarships or other forms of financial aid independently.

 

Practicum

Practicum

(Concurrent with Internship)

Students who successfully complete the first two 7.5 week semesters AND satisfactorily pass an examination held at the end of the first 7.5 week semester will be eligible to interview for an internship placement at a mental health agency in the Valley beginning in January and continuing for 12 months or until the student completes the required 300 hours of client contact. Approved internships sites are selected by faculty members; sites are located throughout the Valley. All students will be supervised by a state-licensed marriage and family therapist.

Students must have their own car, a valid Arizona driver's license and proof of automobile insurance (out-of-state students with a valid driver's license will be able to obtain an Arizona license once they have moved to Arizona).

How to Apply

How to Apply

How do I apply to the Masters Program in Marriage and Family Therapy?

The next opportunity to apply will be for Fall 2025. Applications open on September 1 and the application deadline is February 1.

Candidates selected to proceed to the next state in the admission process will be invited for a personal interview with faculty. Our program does not have rolling admissions. Students are admitted for the fall semester only.

Follow these steps to complete the application process.

1. Graduate College Application

  • Complete the Graduate College at ASU application at https://webapp4.asu.edu/dgsadmissions/Index.jsp
  • Request your official collegiate transcripts to be sent to the Graduate College.

Send official materials to Graduate Admission Services
https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate-apply

ASU transcripts do not need to be sent

2. Other required supplemental materials

Submit all of the following materials online via the Graduate College Application at https://webapp4.asu.edu/dgsadmissions/Index.jsp

  • Resume or curriculum vitae outlining your employment history, volunteer activities, and any academic or civic awards.
  • Professional Statement. In three pages or less (double-spaced) please address the following:
    • What has led to your decision to apply to this MFT Program?
    • What are your professional goals and aspirations?
    • What are the strengths you have that will help you succeed in an accelerated clinical graduate program?
    • What, if any, clinical and/or research experiences do you have (either paid or volunteer)?
    • Include any additional information that will help the committee evaluate your application.
  • Three letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic background.

As part of the online graduate application you will submit the names and work email addresses for your three recommenders. Your recommenders will be sent instructions on how to electronically send their recommendations.

3. International Students – Required additional materials

International applicants must also meet all of the requirements and supply all of the information requested by the Graduate College at https://admission.asu.edu/international/graduate-apply.

If you have any questions about the online application procedures or about the program, please contact graduatesanford@asu.edu

Program Faculty

Program Faculty

Grad Student Perspective

Graduate Student Perspective

2019 Reflections

 

Amanda Loback

The Marriage and Family Therapy program is exceptional in many ways. Most notably, the guidance and support offered throughout the program allows students to excel academically and clinically. The program is challenging in the most rewarding way. Graduates leave inspired to make an impact in their community and feel confident that they have the tools and resources to provide ethical, evidence-based services.

 

 

Kasey Carpenter

This program taught me more than I could have imagined about what it means to be a Marriage and Family Therapist, both personally and professionally. From day one of class, Mary and Karissa ensure we learn and comprehend ethical standards, theoretical frameworks, and the best ways to connect and make progress with our clients. They carefully select internships and site supervisors who not only match our strengths and interests, but are present and supportive as we become clinical professionals. I feel extremely confident moving forward in my career as a licensed therapist, and I owe so much of that to my small, supportive cohort, this program's curriculum, and the brilliant guidance of Mary, Karissa, and my Supervisors: They are both cheerleaders and challengers, role models and friends. They know your potential, and they will help you to reach it. I can't recommend this program enough!

 

Alexa Openshaw

The MAS-MFT program not only gave me a strong foundation to begin my career as a therapist, but it inspired me to live outside my comfort zone professionally and personally. I gained lifelong friends and mentors that will continue to shape my experience in this field.

2016 Reflections

 

Alexia Coleman

Reflection on this 18-month experience in the MFT program is such a rewarding experience as I am able to think back to the first class and my little understanding of what being a marriage and family therapist truly means. As I began the application process for graduate programs, I remember feeling like the Marriage and Family Therapy program at ASU was the best fit as the systemic approach echoed my own thought process about how relationships work.

Read Entire Reflection (.PDF) 

 

Courtney Brenner

Although the Marriage and Family Therapy program is a challenging and time-consuming 18
months, I would do it 10 more times because of how rewarding the experience has been!

Read Entire Reflection (.PDF) 

2015 Reflections

 

Desiree Barnett

Being accepted into and going through this program for the last 18 months has completely changed my life. While I was ready for it to be a challenging experience, nothing could have prepared me for how rewarding and fulfilling it would be.

Read Entire Reflection (.PDF) 

 

S Montano

Having spent the past seven years working in sports public relations, I had no idea what to expect when I decided to change career paths and move to Arizona from California to enroll in Arizona State University's Marriage and Family Therapy master's program.

Read Entire Reflection (.PDF) 

 

Tiffany Moser

Deciding which Master's Program will fit what an individual desires to fulfill their future goals and aspirations is not an easy process. Amidst numerous choices available for graduate programs in the mental health field, it is necessary for an individual to intensively research what each Master's program has to offer.

Read Entire Reflection (.PDF) 

 

Brianna Valencia

I never thought that I would be returning to school for a graduate degree, but I know that in order to go further in my career I needed to pursue a master's degree. I considered the Marriage and Family Therapy Program because I am very interested in helping people with their concerns.

Read Entire Reflection (.PDF) 

FAQ

FAQ

Can I attend this program part time?

Because the program is a self-contained, accelerated program, students must attend full time and take courses according to the class schedule provided in the Program Description.

Can I take some of the MAS-MFT courses as a non-degree student?

Enrollment is limited to students who have been formally admitted to the MAS-MFT program.

Can I attend this program long-distance?

No. Because of the program’s accelerated format and the year-long local clinical internship, it is required that students reside in the Greater Phoenix area (includes Phoenix and surrounding cities) for the duration of the program. Commuting from outside this area (for example, from Tucson or Flagstaff) interferes with the student’s availability at the clinical internship. Students who maintain a permanent residence outside the Greater Phoenix area will need to establish local housing for the duration of the program.

Can I keep my job while I’m in school?

It is important to remember that most master’s programs take 2-3 full years to complete. This program is an accelerated advanced degree program and is very demanding. Consequently, the program is unable to flex to meet the demands of a student’s work schedule. While students can usually manage a flexible, part-time job (approximately 15-20 hours per week), we discourage students from attempting to work full-time, even with a flexible schedule. Remember, you will be attending classes two full days per week and, after the first two 7.5-week semesters, be spending a minimum of a minimum of 15-20 hours each work week at your internship placement. This does not take study time into account. You will be very busy with this program!

Are assistantships available?

Because this is an accelerated, applied program with no research activity, assistantships are not available. Assistantships in other Sanford School graduate programs and in other ASU programs are typically granted to students admitted to and enrolled in those programs. Students are encouraged to independently pursue scholarships or other forms of financial aid.

How much does the program cost?

For all questions about tuition and the tuition payment schedule, please email gcfellowships@asu.edu. There is a program fee of $475 per each of the 39 semester hours in addition to tuition. The student is also responsible for books, transportation, parking, fees charged by the university, and any other miscellaneous expenses. For questions on determination of residency status, please call 480-975-7712

When are classes offered?

Classes are held two days each week on the Tempe campus (days may vary from semester to semester depending on classroom availability). Typically, students will attend two three-hour classes twice a week. Evening and weekend classes are not offered.

What is the class attendance policy?

Because this is an accelerated, clinical graduate program, students are required to attend all classes. Program policy permits students a maximum of one excused absence (one day) per course each semester at the discretion of MAS-MFT Faculty, not to exceed a total of five excused absences (one day each) during the entire program. The only exception to this is a documented emergency. See page 15 of the Student Handbook for additional information.

Will I be licensed as soon as I graduate?

At present, the State of Arizona has two levels of licensure: Associate and Independent, plus a Temporary License for new graduates who are planning to take the licensing exam on the next available date it is offered. Upon graduating, you can apply to take the licensing exam and, upon passing it, you will receive an Associate License. (Whether or not you apply for a Temporary License depends on the timing of your exam date.) This requires that you work for a minimum of 24 months in an approved setting while accumulating additional supervision and client contact hours. Once you have obtained these hours, you can apply for full licensure, which allows you to practice independently. For the most current information, go to .http://azbbhe.us/

Will I be able to get licensed in other states?

The MAS-MFT program is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure in Arizona. Each state determines its own credentialing requirements for mental health professionals. If you are considering a move to a particular state, we recommend visiting that state’s website to find out what credentialing requirements are. Click here for a list of links to other state licensing boards: https://www.aamft.org/Directories/MFT_Licensing_Boards.aspx

Determination (Meets) Arizona Michigan Minnesota Tennessee
Determination (Does Not Meet) Alabama Alaska Arkansas California Idaho Illinois Iowa Louisiana Maryland Massachusetts Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska New Jersey New Mexico North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon South Dakota U.S. Virgin Islands Utah Washington Wisconsin
Determination (Unable to Determine) American Samoa Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Indiana Kansas Kentucky Maine Nevada New Hampshire New York Northern Mariana Islands Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina Texas Vermont Virginia West Virginia Wyoming
For important disclosure about licensing, please visit: https://admission.asu.edu/academics/licensure

.

Can I transfer credits from another MFT program into this program?

No. All the courses in this self-contained program must be taken as prescribed in the course schedule. No transfer credits or course substitutions are permitted.

Who teaches the classes in the MAS-MFT program?

All MAS-MFT faculty are licensed as marriage and family therapists in Arizona. Co-Director Dr. Karissa Greving Mehall served as President of the Arizona Association for Marriage & Family Therapy from 2010-2012 and then served as Past President until December 2013. Co-Director Mary Doyle was a member of the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiner’s Marriage & Family Therapy Credentialing Committee beginning in 2009 and chaired that committee between January 2014 and October 2015, when the committee was disbanded. From November 2015 until December 2018 she served on the Board’s Marriage & Family Therapy Academic Review Committee.

Do I have to find my own internship?

In most instances no. All approved MAS-MFT internship sites are selected by MAS-MFT faculty. Sites are located throughout the greater Phoenix area. In some specific instances, such as a student failing the internship interview, it will be the student’s responsibility to secure an alternate internship placement that meets the approval of MAS-MFT faculty.

Can I choose a specialty at my internship?

The internship is designed to provide students with a broad-based clinical training experience working with couples/families in outpatient settings. Consequently, we do not provide specialized internship experiences in terms of limited populations or specialized clinical issues. Specialization paths can be chosen post-graduation.

Do I automatically start my internship/practicum in the Spring Semester?

Although our first two 7.5-week semester’s classes will prepare you to begin your internship/practicum, students will be required to pass a comprehensive examination after successfully completing the first two 7.5-week classes in the fall semester with a grade of 3.0 or higher. Once a student passes this exam, they will be able to interview with internship site directors at potential placements. Each agency/clinic will also conduct a background check before approving a student. Important: A felony and/or certain misdemeanors in a candidate’s background will make the candidate ineligible for placement at internship sites and thus unable to complete the program. In some cases, the internship may require drug testing. A special note regarding marijuana usage: although recreational marijuana was legalized in Arizona in 2020, the law allows employers to maintain a drug-free workplace, to drug-test potential and current employees, including interns, and to refuse to hire, and to terminate anyone who does not follow the employer’s policy.

When are internship/practicum hours?

Hours of operation vary from site to site. Students must be at their internship site for a minimum of a minimum of 15-20 hours each work week and can expect to work a combination of daytime hours, evening hours, and, in some cases, on Saturdays. This reflects the typical work schedule of employed therapists. The more flexible you can be with your schedule, the sooner you will be able to complete your client contact and supervision hours.

Why do I need a car for my internship?

Although Phoenix has public transportation, it is not adequate to get you to and from your internship. In addition, you will likely be providing services to clients in their home as part of your internship. Internship sites will also require a valid driver’s license and proof of current automobile insurance, which must be maintained for the duration of the internship in accordance with Arizona law. Having one’s own car is also required because student therapists must be able to transport themselves not only to their assigned internship site for in-office therapy sessions, supervision meetings, and case management activities, but also to client's homes when in-home therapy is part of the service plan.

How is in-state residency determined?

Residency status is determined by ASU’s Graduate College. http://graduate.asu.edu/.

What is the English language requirement for international students?

For international students, proficiency in English as demonstrated by satisfactory TOEFL scores is required. Contact ASU’s Graduate College directly through: http://graduate.asu.edu/.

Do you admit students each semester?

No. Students are admitted for the fall semester only.

Is this program accredited with COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage & Family Therapy Education)?

No, and there are no plans to apply for accreditation. While the role of accreditation is to ensure a high standard of quality across all MFT programs, we have demonstrated a high standard: our graduates are successfully passing the national licensing exam and becoming licensed in Arizona as MFT’s, which is what our program is designed to do. Our faculty members are all Arizona-licensed MFTs with experience in all aspects of working in Arizona as an MFT, including community mental health and community-based private clinics. In addition, the MAS-MFT program has been granted curriculum approval by Arizona’s licensing Board, the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (approval is granted for five-year increments) at: http://azbbhe.us/node/553. Prospective students who wish to investigate accredited programs will find a list of them at http://www.aamft.org.

How do I apply?

Click here for application information: https://webapp4.asu.edu/dgsadmissions/Index.jsp. The application deadline each year is February 1 for admission for the following fall. All supplemental materials must be received by February 10 or the application will be disqualified as being late. We do not admit students in the spring semester.

When will I know if I’ve been accepted?

The application deadline is February 1. After the Co-Directors review the pool of applications, some applicants will be selected for a personal interview, which is the next stage of the admission process. Interviews are typically scheduled in mid-February and are conducted in March. At the conclusion of the interviews, we will make admission recommendations to the Graduate College. Not all applicants who are interviewed will be recommended for admission into the program. The Graduate College makes the final admission determination and will notify applicants of the outcome of their application, typically by late April.

If I’m admitted to the program, can I defer my admission?

No. Deferred admissions are not available for this program. If a student who has been admitted determines that he or she cannot attend the program for the year of admission, the student will need to reapply to the program and resubmit the required application materials.

How do I learn more?

Because of the high volume of prospective applicants, it is no longer possible to schedule individual meetings with prospective students. We encourage prospective students to attend one of the group informational meetings on campus in the fall (dates will be posted on the program’s webpage by late summer) and spring to learn more about the program. Specific questions that are not covered on this webpage can be directed to either Karissa Greving or Amanda Olson.

In the News

In the News

ASU program inspires students to positively impact couples and families in the community
February 20, 2019

A specialized program at ASU has trained nearly 200 students who have entered the workforce in careers that have a positive and profound impact on society.

 

Students say 'I do' to a career in marriage and family therapy
March 14, 2019

Mary Doyle and Karissa Greving Mehall, co-directors of the MAS-MFT program in Arizona State University’s T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics.

 


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 39 credit hours and a master's research paper

The master's degree program in marriage and family therapy requires the successful completion of a minimum of 39 credit hours and a project, including required coursework and completion of 300 client-contact hours in a community internship placement approved by the master's degree in marriage and family therapy faculty. Internships are expected to last approximately 12 months. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in all coursework and satisfactorily meet the expectations of the agency supervising their internship.

Students are required to have a vehicle and a valid Arizona driver's license for internship placement.

An internship entrance examination is held at the end of the first 7.5-week semester to determine student readiness for internship placement.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a related field, such as counseling, psychology, and family and human development, among others.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. a personal statement
  4. resume
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Letters of recommendation must be from three people who know the applicant in a professional or academic capacity. Family members and friends do not meet this criterion.

Students should refer to the program's website for detailed information on admission requirements.

Courses and Electives

Core Courses (39)

Fall Semester, Year One

  • FAS 570 - Introduction to Marriage & Family Therapy (3 credits)
  • FAS 581 - Professional Issues & Ethics (3 credits)
  • FAS 571 - Assessment in Marriage & Family Therapy (3 credits)
  • FAS 576 - Applied Issues in Human Development: Psychopathology (3 credits)

Spring Semester, Year One

  • FAS 577 - Applied Issues in Children & Adolescents in MFT (3 credits)
  • FAS 572 - Advanced Techniques in Marriage & Family Therapy (3 credits)
  • FAS 573 - Dysfunctional Families (3 credits)
  • FAS 580 - Practicum (2 credits)

Summer Semester, Year One

  • FAS 575 - Applied Issues in Couples' Therapy (3 credits)
  • FAS 578 - Applied Issues in Sexuality for Marriage & Family Therapy (3 credits)
  • FAS 580 - Practicum (2 credits)

Fall Semester, Year Two (Final Semester)

  • FAS 579 - Applied Research in Marriage & Family Therapy (3 credits)
  • FAS 574 - Family Theory for Marriage & Family Therapy (3 credits)
  • FAS 580 - Practicum (2 credits)

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Application Deadlines

Fall

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
In Person
February 1st
Final


Learning Outcomes

  • Showcase their clinical competence in the ability to differentiate appropriate Marriage and Family Therapy interventions.
  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of system-based Marriage and Family Therapy theories and employ the clinical application of these theories to pursue licensure as an MFT.
  • Construct a solid foundation grounded in system-based theoretical models to meet Marriage and Family Therapy Professional ethics and standards.

Career Opportunities

There are many career paths available to students pursuing this degree. A few examples are:

  • genetic counselor
  • psychologist
  • rehabilitation counselor
  • school and career counselor
  • social and community service manager
  • social and human service assistant
  • social worker
  • substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselor

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • graduatesanford@asu.edu
  • 480/965-6978


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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