Counseling and School Psychology Information Sessions
For prospective students
July 31st 4pm
To sign up, contact amy.cook@umb.edu
Degree Requirements
The Family Therapy Program (FTP) requires of its students to complete a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 for the core curriculum as well as the specific requirements of the family therapy program.
The family therapy students must receive a grade of B or better over a three consecutive semesters of internship and a culminating "capstone" evaluation.
M.S. (Masters Degree in SCIENCE)
In order for the family therapy student to be considered as a candidate for graduation with a Masters Degree in Science (M.S.) a completion of 60 credit hours, with a grade point average of 3.0 or better, and fulfillment of a culminating, "capstone" experience (as outlined above) are required.
C.A.G.S. (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies)
In order for the family therapy student to be considered as a candidate for a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) from the University the student must already possess a Master's Degree in counseling or its equivalent, have earned at least 30 academic credits which meet the requirements of the Family Therapy Program as outlined above, and fulfill the culminating capstone experience.
Combined M.S. & C.A.G.S.
In order for a family therapy student to graduate, with a combined Master's Degree in Science and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (M.S./CAGS) the candidate must have completed the course requirements for the Family Therapy Program in addition to one other counseling program. The combined M.S./CAGS will provide graduates the opportunity for dual licensure, or licensure and certification, thus, offering to students a broad range of possibilities for employment. The CAGS degree is conferred upon completing at least 18 credits beyond the 60 credit Master's degree.
Family Therapy Licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Students who graduate from the Family Therapy Program fulfill the academic requirements required by the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions to be licensed as a family therapist (LMFT) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. During their last semester of education, students should request an application for licensure from the Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions.
Applicants for licensure must have their academic course of study approved by the Board before they can take the licensing examination, which may be taken prior to the completion of their 3,300 hour post-graduate work experience. In addition to a complete application, applicants must submit a transcription of 60 academic credits that fulfill specific requirements (See Appendix for a copy of the licensure requirements).
Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions
239 Causeway Street
Boston , MA . 02114
(617) 727-3080
Professional Organizations
Family therapy students are required to join AAMFT as a student member. Joining this national organization will automatically make you a member of the Massachusetts Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
1133 15th Street N.W. Suite 300
Washington , D.C. 20005-2710
Phone: (202) 452-0109
Massachusetts Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Phone: (508) 345-3600
Employment Opportunities
Community agencies, hospitals, or outpatient facilities serving families, couples or human systems from a relational perspective employ graduates from the Family Therapy Program (FTP). Graduates are eligible to apply for licensure as a family therapist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts after completing the following requirements:
- A 60 credit graduate program at UMB, which includes specific courses designated by the Massachusetts Board of Registration
- A passing score on the national licensing examination
- Completion of two years (3,300 hours) of supervised employment
Once graduates are licensed, there are many job opportunities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for family therapists. In addition, a licensed marriage and family therapist is eligible for clinical membership in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. Since the FTP is accredited by COAMFTE, graduates of the Program receive reciprocity for their academic degree in other states that have marriage and family licensure. A number of graduates have also become supervisors and administrators as well as Approved AAMFT Supervisors.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Licensure Requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions Requirement http://www.state.ma.us/reg/boards/mh/cmr/26203.htm |
Course Requirements and FT Courses University of Massachusetts Boston |
Completion of a 60 credit program from a recognized educational institution Successful completion of the three graduate level courses in each of the following areas: |
Program requirements meet both licensure requirements for a Family Therapist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the accreditation requirements for the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Education |
1. Marital and Family Studies |
COU 621 Introduction to Family Therapy COU 622 Family Therapy Theory COU 624 Sexuality and Intimacy in Families & Family Therapy COU 626 Collaborative Consultation and Larger Systems |
2. Marital and Family Therapy |
COU 625 Family Therapy Assessment and Intervention COU 627 Therapy with Couples COU 628 Contemporary Family Therapies |
3. Human Development |
COU 608 Abnormal Psychology COU 672 Substance Abuse & the Family COU 620 Human Development & Family Life Cycle |
One graduate level course in each of the following content areas (A total of 2 courses is required): 1. Professional Studies 2. Research |
COU 606 Ethical Standards and Professional Issues in Counseling COU 614 Counseling Theory & Practice I COU 653 Cross-Cultural Counseling COU 601 Research & Evaluation in Psychology I |
Internship |
COU 698 Internship (3 continuous semesters to begin Summer semester. Minimum of 500 Direct Clinical Contact Hours per year) - total of 18 credits |