Brandman University | MA in Psychology with Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis
Individuals who wish to prepare for practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist may be interested in the Master of Arts in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis program at Brandman University. Read more about the Master of Arts in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis program here.
Official Program Name:
Master of Arts in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis
School Offering Program:
Brandman University
Program Prerequisites:
Applicants to the Master of Arts in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis program must possess an accredited bachelor's degree. Additionally, students must submit a three to four page autobiography and three recommendation forms. Those who are interested in pursuing licensure or certification cannot have a felony conviction. Admission requirements for Brandman University graduate programs can vary by program.
Program Description:
Brandman University's Master of Arts in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis program introduces students to family systems theory; structural, strategic, and experiential approaches to family therapy; collaborative language system, narrative therapy, and solution-focused therapy models; the relationship between marital dysfunction and other forms of psychopathology; and strategies for working with domestic violence. Students also have opportunities to study human lifespan development, the counseling process, psychological assessment techniques and tools, behavioral and cognitive intervention methods, and ethical and legal issues faced by mental health professionals. Specialized coursework examines psychopharmacology; etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of substance abuse and chemical dependencies; sexual dysfunction and deviation; community mental health; environmental challenges to mental health, including poverty, socio-economic status, living in drug and gang areas, and natural disasters; the diagnosis and treatment of major disorders in children and adolescents; and methods of group counseling. The program includes a capstone case study and three practicum courses consisting of 60 direct counseling hours, a minimum of 15 client-centered advocacy hours, and 15 hours of supervision each.
Learning Format:
Campus-Based
Financial Aid Available:
Qualifying students can receive federal financial aid in the forms of loans, scholarships, and grants. Contact Brandman University to learn more about your financial aid options.
Tuition, Financial Aid & Start Dates
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Required Courses for a Master of Arts in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis:
Degree program and course requirements are subject to change. Contact Brandman University to confirm the most accurate information before enrolling in a program.
Foundation Courses (15 credits)
- PSYU 501: The Counseling Process
- PSYU 508: Life Span Development /Aging and Long Session Care
- PSYU 511: Psychological Assessment
- PSYU 532: Research and Bibliographic Methods
- PSYU 578: Ethical and Professional Issues
Marriage and Family Studies and Therapy (12 credits)
- PSYU 541: Family Therapy Theories and Techniques: A Modern Emphasis
- PSYU 556: Family Systems Theories and Techniques: A Postmodern Emphasis
- PSYU 561: Marital Systems and Studies and Domestic Violence
- PSYU 613: Clinical Issues in Human Diversity
Adult Counseling Core (6 credits)
- PSYU 570: Advanced Psychopathology and Diagnosis
- PSYU 575: Advanced Individual Counseling
Specialized Topics (18 credits)
- PSYU 533: Psychopharmacology
- PSYU 565: Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and Child Abuse Reporting
- PSYU 581: Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Disorders
- PSYU 582: Community and Environmental Mental Health
- PSYU 586: Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse
- PSYU 652: Theory and Practice of Group Counseling
Practicum (9 credits)
- PSYU 688: Practicum I
- PSYU 689: Practicum II
- PSYU 690: Practicum III
Post-Graduation Opportunities:
Career Paths:
The Master of Arts in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy Emphasis program meets the educational requirements for licensure in California and Washington, certification in other states, and membership in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Graduates of the program should check with the licensing board in their intended state of practice for additional details and requirements. Graduates could find employment opportunities in mental health centers, schools, courts, and private practices. Examples of positions graduates could pursue include:
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Mental Health Counselor
- School Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist