University of Wisconsin - Stout

M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy

UW-Stout's Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy has a long-standing reputation for rigorous clinical training in counseling and therapy, and our graduates are outstanding. Our program has been continuously accredited for over forty years! We have proven methods of training successful, effective therapists. 

Unique features of our program include:

A cohort model, where each class of 13 students moves through the program as a group.
Our on-campus, state-of-the-art clinic, where students do half of their required 500 hours of clinical practice.
Close supervision and one-on-one activities with faculty.
A compressed Monday-Tuesday schedule for all on-campus classes.
A learning context in which diversity and non-discrimination are addressed, practiced and valued. 
A base of loyal and supportive alumni.

Master of Science Degree Students develop specific competence in the following areas of marriage and family therapy (MFT) lifespan human development, family dynamics, research, MFT ethics and legalities; systemic and interactional theories; and cultural competence related to the practice of individual, couple, family and group therapy. It includes direct experience conducting admission to treatment, clinical assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning, case management, and therapeutic intervention.

This program prepares people for work in clinical settings such as mental health agencies, in-home therapy, day treatment, behavioral health (hospitals), schools and/or private practice. The program has a balance of classroom and field experience. Field experience occurs in clinic settings with live supervision. This is one of the longest running programs in the nation to be fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). It meets state educational requirements for licensing (especially Wisconsin and Minnesota) and prepares students for the AMFTRB (national) MFT exam required for license.