Application Requirements

What are the application requirements for the program?

The application requirements include academic transcripts, resume, three letters of recommendation, and a 60–800-word personal statement. There is also an optional video interview component. The GRE requirement is currently waived. 

How do I apply?

Through the online application portal.

What are the enrollment terms?

On-campus MA students begin in the fall term. You can review the academic calendar.

When is the next graduate student information session being held?

To learn more about upcoming virtual information sessions or to sign up for an individual virtual information session, visit the graduate virtual events page.

Is the MFT program available to international students?

Yes, international students who can attend the on-campus program are welcome to apply. See international graduate student requirements. 

Cost and Financial Aid

What is the tuition cost and fees for the MFT program?

The MFT programs (On-campus, Online MA.) offer a tuition reduction scholarship to all admitted students. Estimated first year of attendance can be viewed on our cost of attendance page. 

See the bursar FAQ page for information on current Syracuse University's tuition and fees.

Are there scholarships or financial aid options available?

Students can apply for student loans by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Graduate students are eligible for federal unsubsidized direct and graduate plus loans.

Financial aid for the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Syracuse University is administered through the Financial Aid Office email GradFinAid@syr.edu. There are no opportunities for graduate assistantships and no departmental scholarships other than the reduced tuition scholarship. 

Can remitted tuition benefits be used?

If you are a Syracuse University employee with remitted tuition benefits, they can be used for the MFT MA on-campus program. Outside agency remitted tuition can also be used for the on-campus program at Syracuse University.

Program Structure and Format

Is the MFT MA On-campus Program full-time or part-time?

The MFT MA On-campus Program is primarily full-time, but there is a part-time option as well. Full-time students typically take 12 credits per semester (fall, spring, and summer), with a completion time of 2 years. Part-time on-campus students typically take 6 credits per semester (fall, spring, and summer) and may take up to 9 credits per semester when enrolled in Practicum. The Practicum sequence for part-time students begins in year 2. 

What is the structure of the program and course delivery format?

Classes are in person at Peck Hall and are typically scheduled during daytime hours, there are no hybrid courses. Clinical hours are obtained when students are not in class, usually during afternoons and evenings. 

Do you accept transfer credits, and if so, how many?

The maximum number of transfer credits is 12. All transfer credits must be reviewed by the department for appropriateness. Transfer assessments are provided for admitted students. There is no guarantee that credits will be accepted.

Clinical Requirements 

What are the clinical hour requirements for the MFT program?

The clinical hour requirement to graduate is 500 total hours, with 250 being relational. Only client contact in therapy sessions counts toward these hours. Check to see if your state allows you to count different hours so that you can track these for licensure (not graduation). You are required to have a minimum of 100 hours of supervision, 50 of which must include observable session data—audio, video, or live. Supervision must remain in a 1-to-5 ratio with therapy for the therapy hours to count.

How do clinical placements work?

On-campus students begin working on clinical hour requirements after they pass the clinical readiness interview. Students spend one year in the Couple and Family Therapy Center, our on-site clinic. Students will also apply to community agency settings after their first semester seeing clients. The internship placement coordinator will assist students in this process. Internships in community settings are typically for three semesters or until all hour requirements have been met.

Will I get help finding a placement?

Yes, the Internship Coordinator will assist in connecting students to potential sites. However, there is an interview and selection process, and the sites choose their candidates. 

At what point do MFT students begin to see clients?

Students begin seeing clients in the first semester of Practicum (MFT 760). This is the second semester for full-time students and the fifth semester for part-time students.

Accreditation and Licensure

Is the MFT MA Program accredited?

Yes, the program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). View our accreditation data.

Does it matter which state I live in regarding licensing?

Each state has its own licensing requirements. The MFT program at Syracuse University meets licensing requirements for New York State. Students must check with the licensing board of their home state to determine if the MFT master's degree at Syracuse University will meet state requirements for licensure. Individual state licensing requirements can be found online. For those looking to be licensed in California, you may need to take two additional classes in California during or after completing your MA. The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico do not license MFTs.

Life at Syracuse

What housing options are there?

We can assist with questions about housing arrangements or neighborhoods near the university. You will find several options available at Syracuse University Off-Campus Housing Marketplace, and orangehousing.com As well as limited spots in our South Campus Housing. 

What is there to do in Syracuse?

Lots! Syracuse has much to offer students, including an active bar and restaurant scene, frequent public events, and even on-campus venues like The InnComplete and the JMA Wireless Dome. We recommend this website, which will help as you picture yourself living here. 

How will I connect with my graduate student peers? What is campus culture like?

• We encourage students to connect with their peers in Marriage and Family Therapy, but also with the broader Syracuse University community. We know that friendships, social life, and community support are important to student success. You’ll find connections through the many organizations across campus. 
• The Intercultural Collective, which is available to all students and particularly helpful for students seeking affinity groups.
• Campus events and student activities, which happen year-round.

Contact Us

Still have questions? Review our On-campus M.A. in MFT website or reach out to asadmissions@syr.edu.