Marriage and family therapy is the professional practice of providing mental health services to address relationship and communication struggles, childhood and parenting challenges, and marital and couple difficulties.

In existence for more than 50 years, Syracuse University’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program is the longest-standing program of its kind accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

We operate on the belief that valuing each other's similarities and differences helps deepen understanding of relationships in systems. As a student of marriage and family therapy, you’ll work within a social justice framework to engage in cultural humility, gain awareness of self in relation to others, and understand psychosocial and cultural contexts of issues presented in clinical practice and research.

Specialized Training

Specialized areas include concentrations in child therapy and trauma informed practice. You may additionally receive specialized training in gender affirming care through the Transgender Affirmative Support Team (Trans Team).

The M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy will prepare you to meet the growing need for trained professionals to provide life-changing mental health services.

All students spend one-year providing therapy in the on-campus Couple and Family Therapy Center, which is well equipped for videotape and live supervision. They also see clients in off-campus practicum sites after their first semester of client contact. Our site supervisors are AAMFT approved supervisors who maintain regular contact with our internship coordinator to assist in evaluating and training students’ clinical work in the field. Students have 500 hours of direct client contact hours upon graduation which can be applied toward licensure.

On-campus Program Overview

Visit our FAQ page.

• Full-time or part-time on-campus program with in-person classes on campus
• Traditional academic calendar: Fall, Spring, summer semesters
• 60-credit curriculum: 51 required credits and 9 elective credits
• Small class sizes fostering close mentorship with faculty
• Required 500-hour clinical practicum with individuals, couples, and families
• On-campus training in the CFTC clinic providing supervised clinical experience
• Additional community-based practicum sites in the Syracuse area
• Access to Syracuse University's extensive library and research resources
• Student organizations and professional development opportunities

Learn More

We encourage prospective students to attend information sessions to connect with our admissions team, faculty, and current students to learn more about our program and the rewarding field of marriage and family therapy. Join us virtually or on campus to learn more about our programs.

• Register for a live, virtual event
• Contact us to arrange a campus visit

If you aren’t able to join live, watch our previously recorded information session.

Commitment to fostering a community that is welcoming to all

We are committed to fostering a community that is welcoming to all and we adhere to Syracuse University's Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy. Our department prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, health, socioeconomic status, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers recruitment; admissions; codes of conduct; hiring, retention or dismissal of faculty, students and supervisors; access to, and treatment in, university programs, services and activities. Syracuse University’s non-discrimination policy and our department’s statement on non-discrimination can be found in the student handbook.

State Licensure

Licensure for marriage and family therapists is regulated at a state level. A listing of state licensure requirements is available on the Association of Marital & Family Therapy Regulatory Boards website. A degree from the MFT program at Syracuse University will help facilitate licensure, however applicants must review the state requirements for licensure in the state where they are interested in becoming licensed.

Admissions Process

Complete application form - $75 application fee

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a recommended GPA of 3.4 or higher. Applicants with a lower GPA may be considered based on other strengths, such as relevant coursework, research, internship, work of volunteer experience. Unofficial US transcripts considered for review.
  • International students should provide an evaluated transcript
• Three Letters of Recommendation (recommended that at least two letters are from an academic instructor or other academic references such as research mentor or internship supervisor, if applicable).
• Resume outlining education, work and volunteer experience
• Personal statement (600-800 words) that should:
  • Clearly articulate your passion for marriage and family therapy
  • Highlight relevant experience working with families, couples, or in helping professions
  • Demonstrate cultural awareness and commitment to serving diverse populations
• Deadlines
  • Priority application date for Fall admission is February 15.
  • We will consider applicants for our waitlist after this deadline.

Interviews

Qualified candidates will be invited to a virtual interview prior to an admission decision. Interviews are scheduled based on your submission date and enrollment term.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Syracuse University is committed to educating quality therapists. To help make tuition more affordable, students in Marriage and Family Therapy programs receive a reduced tuition scholarship of approximately 40% off the standard per credit hour rate. This reduced pricing applies to both new and current students. We do not offer any graduate or teaching assistantships.

Students may also apply for graduate student loans through the FAFSA form and alternative loans. You can view estimated first-year tuition costs and payment options.

Questions about loans and cost of attendance? Contact gradfinaid@syr.edu.