Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
An advanced 60-hour degree that equips students with the coursework required to prepare for the national licensure exam administered by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists.
Who it's for
If you believe God is calling you to bring hope, freedom, and identity to a hurting world, our Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) degree has been designed to prepare you for ministry. Learn how to integrate psychological theories with biblical truths under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Program purpose
- Demonstrate mastery of core counseling knowledge for licensure in Texas
- Identify a guiding theory of counseling through personal and professional reflection
- Cultivate effective, culturally responsive counseling relationships across the lifespan
- Acknowledge and grow from personal strengths and limitations through supervision and professional development
- Develop, manage, and evaluate mental health services and programs for vulnerable populations
- Provide mental health counseling and interdisciplinary advocacy for clients at risk
- Perform administrative and professional responsibilities essential for success as a professional counselor
What you'll learn
- Demonstrate understanding of professional codes of ethics and legal standards in the field of marriage and family therapy and counseling
- Conduct thorough intake assessments, including comprehensive family histories and systemic assessments, including DSM diagnosis requirements
- Demonstrate expertise in specific areas of clinical focus (e.g., couples, family, relationship, individual, group)
- Develop comprehensive and evidence-based treatment plans addressing client needs and goals
- Demonstrate proficiency in a wide range of counseling skills and interventions
- Exhibit core counseling attributes such as empathy, genuineness, respect, and cultural competence
Curriculum
Research Core Courses: 15 hours
| Code | Course |
|---|---|
| BIBC 6304 | Research Methods in Counseling |
| BIBC 6306 | Addictions Counseling |
| BIBC 7300 | Professional Orientation |
| BIBC 6305 | Assessment and Treatment |
| BIBC 5306 | Ethical and Legal Counseling Issues |
Counseling Core Courses: 18 hours
| Code | Course |
|---|---|
| BIBC 6307 | Psychopathology & DSM-V |
| BIBC 6302 | Abnormal Behavior: Effects of Trauma & Crisis Intervention |
| BIBC 5313 | Counseling Diverse Populations |
| BIBC 5315 | Advanced Human Development |
| BIBC 5317 | Personal and Professional Self-Awareness |
| BIBC 5309 | Career Counseling |
Systemic Core Courses: 18 hours
| Code | Course |
|---|---|
| BIBC 5316 | Healthy Family Systems |
| BIBC 5308 | Advanced Systemic Counseling Skills |
| BIBC 5303 | Advanced Counseling Theories |
| BIBC 5314 | Advanced Group Counseling |
| BIBC 5304 | Marriage and Family Therapy I |
| BIBC 6303 | Marriage and Family Therapy II |
Practicum: 9 hours
| Code | Course |
|---|---|
| BIBC 7302 | Counseling Practicum I |
| BIBC 7303 | Counseling Practicum II |
| BIBC 7304 | Counseling Practicum III |
Total program hours: 60 hours
Through the wisdom and guidance of a remarkable MAMFT faculty, I developed the God-given gifts that, post-graduation, led me to build a thriving private practice serving the mental and emotional wellness of our community. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and proud MAMFT graduate, I am grateful for the success and humbled by the kingdom impact the Lord has given me simply because I said yes to the call. Chanae Moore, Alumna
Frequently asked questions
Is this program accredited?
Our program is accredited by TRACS and ABHE, two Department of Education institutional accrediting agencies. This gives us authorization to prepare students for state licensure and ultimately private practice.
Can I get a license upon completion of this degree?
Yes. Currently we are equipped to prepare students for Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) licensure, with aspirations to prepare students to take the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) exam in the state of Texas only.
How many hours is this program?
60 hours. The state of Texas changed their requirements in 2017, but TKU is ahead of the curve and preparing students to meet future licensure requirements.
What undergraduate programs are accepted?
We will accept any accredited undergraduate program. All application packages for the MAMFT are reviewed and approved by the MAMFT Review Committee prior to a final admission decision.
What type of practicum experiences are offered?
TKU has partnerships with local counselors in private practice, hospitals, and local church counseling centers, and the department is open to student-presented practicum opportunities.
What are the class format options?
Currently we have a variety of class options including evening, morning, and hybrid options which meet partially online and partially on-ground (or synchronously remote).
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Attending full-time (three courses a semester), a student can anticipate completing the degree in three years.
What is the integration of biblical concepts with counseling theory?
The integration of spirituality and counseling concepts is what makes the program at TKU unique. We prepare students to function clinically while learning spiritual concepts, all while remaining ethically sound.
Do you have online options for courses?
Our program is considered hybrid. We feel it essential to have contact with students in the classroom, but we have options allowing more flexibility by attending synchronously remote.
Are students permitted to transfer credits into the program?
Students may enter with up to 12 credits from another accredited program with a 3.0 or higher in those courses. All transfer credits are subject to review by the MAMFT admissions committee.