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Become an ethical, multiculturally competent marriage and family therapist with the University of Central Missouri’s Human Development and Family Science MS - Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) option. UCM’s marriage and family therapy degree is the only graduate program of its kind in a public university in the state of Missouri.

Throughout your coursework, you’ll learn from UCM faculty who are engaged with the profession at the local, state and national levels. Their commitment to your success, however, is always their first priority. You’ll work closely with your mentors to build the cultural competencies and practice skills you need to build a successful career.

Which Human Development and Family Science MS is right for you?

UCM offers two tracks for the Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) MS degree. If your aim is to become a marriage counselor or family therapist, the two-year MFT degree option will give you the practical skills to do just that.

The one-year, non-clinical Human Development and Family Science track is the best fit for your graduate education if you want to work in the field of human services for a nonprofit or governmental organization.

What you will study

Take engaging courses that will develop your skills as a clinically effective therapist through your degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Central Missouri. You’ll also build additional skills, such as program evaluation, that will help you succeed in your field through classes such as:

Couples and Sex Therapy

Diversity and Family Interventions

Systemic Treatment of Children and Families

Systemic Treatment of Substance Use Disorders

Theoretical Foundations of Couple and Family Therapy

Thesis track vs. integrative project track

Choose between a thesis and non-thesis track to complete your MFT degree. If you plan to pursue doctoral studies in order to teach or perform research, the thesis track will start you on that path.

If your goal after completing your Marriage and Family Therapy degree is to become a therapist, the non-thesis track will give you the best preparation. The non-thesis track for UCM’s master’s degree in marriage and family therapy focuses on an integrative project course. Learn important grant-writing skills to help you in your future practice by identifying a public health topic you’re interested in and developing a grant proposal to support it.

What can you do with a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from UCM?

Graduates of the University of Central Missouri’s Marriage and Family Therapy degree have a 100% job or continuing education placement rate. In fact, most of our graduates find employment or are accepted into a doctoral program before they even graduate from UCM with their MFT degree.

Most of our students who pursue therapeutic practice after graduation join community-based agencies or private clinics, including community mental health centers, substance use disorder treatment centers, domestic violence shelters and private counseling practices.

If you’re interested in becoming a full-time researcher or teaching at the university level, you’ll be prepared to continue your education in a related doctoral program.

Marriage and Family Therapy degree jobs

Use the interactive tool below to learn how you can apply your Marriage and Family Therapy degree to a variety of career paths.