As a prospective marriage and family therapist in Oklahoma, you have many choices when it comes to completing your training. You can complete an in-person, on-campus program, get the necessary skills in a hybrid program, or complete your coursework online from numerous colleges and universities throughout the Sooner State.
Additionally, you can tailor your educational experience by attending school at a large university, a public college, or a private college. And with partner agencies spread around the state, you’ll have plenty of choices when choosing your internship site, too.
This guide highlights some of the popular marriage and family programs in Oklahoma. Read about each option below to help you determine which program is the right fit for your future!
Marriage and Family Therapy Programs in Oklahoma
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering marriage and family therapy programs in Oklahoma:
- Oklahoma State University
- University of Central Oklahoma
- Oklahoma Christian University
- Mid-America Christian University
- Northwestern University
- Abilene Christian University
- Pepperdine University
- Walden University
Oklahoma State University
Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science
At Oklahoma State University, you can complete a Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science that offers an option in Marriage and Family Therapy. This 60-credit program is available at OSU’s Stillwater campus and prepares you for state licensure. Furthermore, the degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and qualifies you to sit for the national licensing exam.
Your studies and training in this program emphasize the development of self-awareness and clinical skills, both of which are critical elements of the personalized model of family therapy. Over the course of two years of full-time study, you’ll take a wide range of classes that will help you develop the requisite skills of a counselor. This starts with Theoretical Models of Marriage and Family Therapy, which offers an overview of the history of this field and its primary schools of therapy.
From there, you’ll take Systems Theory and Applications to the Family, which expands on the first class by digging deeper into the concept of systems approaches to family therapy. More specifically, you’ll examine the cybernetic roots of systems theory and become familiar with systems theory terminology as a foundation for deeper learning in future courses.
A significant portion of this program is dedicated to coursework revolving around individual development and family relations. This includes classes such as:
- Lifespan Development
- Family Theory
- Family Crisis and Trauma
- Intimate Relationships and Sexuality Across the Lifespan
Also required are courses like Professionalism and Ethics in Marriage and Family Therapy, which focuses on guidelines for appropriate professional behavior. Not only that, but you’ll refine your identity as a therapist, explore the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Code of Ethics, and examine family law. A research course – Research Methods and Design – is required as well. This class provides you with insights into research processes, experimental design, research methods, and program evaluation, too.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this program is the clinical practice component. First, you’ll complete a sequence of clinical-related courses. You’ll begin with Couples Treatment in Marriage and Family Therapy to gain the skills necessary for working couples on issues like gender, domestic violence, and divorce. Then, you’ll take Child and Adolescent Treatment in Marriage and Family Therapy to focus on issues that might cause distress in the family, such as drug abuse, child abuse and neglect, or oppositional behaviors, to name a few.
The clinical practice coursework also includes a course on Systemic Approaches to Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology. You’ll discuss major mental illnesses that commonly compel couples and families to seek therapy. You’ll view the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment processes from a systems viewpoint and learn how drug therapies might be involved in an effective treatment plan.
The second part of the clinical practice component is the Marriage and Family Practicum. The practicum is a 15-month field experience that can include training both on-campus and off. The on-campus Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic offers many opportunities to complete required hours under the direct supervision of faculty members. All told, you must compile 400 or more hours of work with clients, 200 of which must be in a relational setting with couples or families.
This program further requires you to complete a thesis. The thesis is a detailed research project that you’ll complete over several semesters. You are free to choose the topic, though it must be approved by your advisor and must add to the body of knowledge in marriage and family therapy. Your thesis defense will occur toward the end of the program.
The admissions requirements are as follows:
- Have an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide a professional statement in which you discuss your future goals and what you find appealing about working as a marriage and family therapist.
- Provide three letters of recommendation.
- Submit a current curriculum vitae or resume.
University of Central Oklahoma
Master of Science in Family and Child Studies
The Master of Science in Family and Child Studies degree at the University of Central Oklahoma offers an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy that prepares you for the Oklahoma marriage and family therapist certification exam. By completing this program, the required post-graduate training, and the exam, you’ll qualify for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
This program requires you to complete 46 graduate credits, which typically takes at least two years of full-time studies at UCO’s Edmond campus. The curriculum is divided into three parts: required courses, guided electives, and field experience.
The required courses provide a foundation of knowledge and skills in counseling. For example, you’ll take a course on Theories in Family and Child Studies that introduces you to historical and modern theories that are commonly used in family therapy. This includes, but is not limited to, systems theory, behaviorism, and attachment theory.
As another example, you’ll take a Life Span Development class that explores the major milestones people typically face over the course of their lives. While there is a particular emphasis on the milestones during childhood and adolescence, you’ll also explore the stages of development during adulthood, including those that occur in late life relating to end-of-life issues.
The required courses continue with Family Dynamics and Sexuality. On the one hand, this course offers an analysis of family interactions, including a review of healthy family dynamics and unhealthy functioning. On the other hand, you’ll examine sex-based issues in the family, including gender, sexual orientation, and identity.
Another key part of the required coursework is a Leadership, Community, and Advocacy class. This course ensures that you understand your role as a therapist isn’t limited to your interactions with clients in your office. Instead, as a member of a helping profession, it’s incumbent upon you to advocate on behalf of those who need it and serve as a leader for mental health in your community.
As for the guided electives, you’ll take 22 credits of coursework that focuses on various aspects of counseling, such as:
- Models of Marriage and Family Therapy
- Families in Crisis
- Cultural and Gender Diversity
- Psychopathology
- Individual Counseling
Likewise, you’ll take two more electives focusing on specific counseling strategies for children and adolescents as well as couples and families.
A six-hour sequence of practicum and internship experiences rounds out this program. This two-semester field experience is an opportunity to put your clinical skills to the test. You’ll work closely with the program faculty and your onsite supervisor to enhance your skills, hone your professional identity, and gain confidence in your role as a therapist. You must accrue at least 300 hours of work experience during each semester of the practicum.
You can apply to the University of Central Oklahoma online at any time. To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet these criteria:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide a current resume.
- Submit a personal statement in which you discuss your professional orientation.
- Submit three letters of recommendation.
Oklahoma Christian University
Master of Science in Human Sciences
Oklahoma Christian University’s hybrid Master of Science in Human Sciences offers a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy that blends the scientific study of family systems with counseling techniques and spirituality. This program is in the process of pursuing COAMFTE accreditation. As such, the curriculum aligns with COAMFTE’s standards and prepares you for licensure as an LMFT in Oklahoma. Furthermore, your studies in this program prepare you to be eligible for licensure in other states.
If you choose this program, your studies will proceed with the same cohort of classmates throughout the degree. The cohort model is advantageous because you build a strong familiarity with one another and can provide support for developing your professional identities. Furthermore, when you graduate, you’ll have a built-in network of professionals you can rely on as you build your career.
The 49-credit, two-year curriculum is based on systems theory and focuses on using evidence-based techniques in counseling couples and families. There are two broad types of courses and training in the program: human sciences foundations courses and marriage and family therapy training.
The human sciences component includes 18 credits of foundational work. These classes introduce you to important topics in this field and help you begin building the skills necessary for becoming a competent clinician. For example, the Systems Theory class is a survey of the theoretical bases of systems theory. Moreover, you’ll examine how systems theory can be applied to working with families, couples, individuals, and groups, as well as communities and organizations.
Another foundational course that proves highly beneficial for your development as a counselor is Family Trauma and Resilience. This class offers a detailed look at trauma and how it impacts individuals and the systems within which they live. For example, you’ll study traumatic stress and grief reactions, crisis intervention techniques, and basic issues of treating people who have experienced trauma. Furthermore, you’ll study numerous theoretical frameworks that address trauma therapy, such as the neurobiological and sociocultural perspectives.
Other required foundational courses are as follows:
- Development and Diversity Across the Lifespan
- Sexuality and the Family
- Ethical and Legal Issues in the Human Sciences
- Research Methods in Human Sciences
The marriage and family therapy training component offers insights into basic therapy skills, theoretical models of family therapy, and assessment procedures used in family and individual counseling. Furthermore, you’ll take classes like Child and Adolescent Therapy, which offer training opportunities in working with young clients who might be dealing with an assortment of issues.
You’re also required to take Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology. This course dives deep into the causes of mental illness and covers both common and uncommon disorders that might compel people to seek therapy. The class also examines the role of drug therapies and their role in treating mental illness.
Additionally, you’ll take Couples Treatment and Contemporary Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy, which focuses on two primary issues. First, you’ll learn how to assess the problems presented by couples in therapy and devise system-based interventions that help couples move forward in a positive direction. And second, you’ll examine current issues in this field, including the all-important role of being an advocate for improved mental health services.
A three-term practicum experience is one of the most important and time-intensive learning opportunities you’ll have in this program. This field experience is supervised and meets the COAMFTE requirements for marriage and family training. In addition to accumulating the requisite number of clinical hours working with individuals, couples, and families, you’ll also complete 100 hours of supervision. Participating in supervisory hours ensures your development as a clinician is on track. Both clinical client hours and supervisory hours can be completed at the on-campus clinic and at approved off-site locations.
The graduate application to Oklahoma Christian University is available online. These are the requirements for admission:
- Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Submit three letters of recommendation.
- Provide a current resume.
- Submit an essay in which you discuss your personal and professional goals and how this degree will help you achieve those goals.
Mid-America Christian University
Master of Science in Counseling, Marital, Couples, and Family Therapy
At Mid-America Christian University, you can learn how to counsel families by completing the Master of Science in Counseling, Marital, Couples, and Family Therapy. This online program allows you to complete many of the 60 credits needed to graduate remotely. Only the internship component is in person.
This program’s courses are all required–there are no electives. While you don’t have the freedom to choose courses, this format can be advantageous if you want to focus on the critical skills and competencies needed to be an effective therapist.
The curriculum begins with basic studies in areas such as:
- Human Development
- Ethics and Professional Studies
- Career Counseling and Development
- Group Dynamics and Counseling
- Multicultural Counseling and Treatment for Individuals
You’ll also take a course entitled Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy, which offers a broad overview of counseling theories and techniques. For example, you’ll closely examine theories of change, how change occurs in the family system, and the effects of change on the system’s members. Additionally, you’ll take a look at spirituality and wellness and their roles in the mental health of individuals and other system members.
Another key course is Marriage and Family Systems and Treatment. This class builds on the course described above by focusing more on the processes of systems-based therapy. You’ll learn how to guide couples and families through treatment, utilize nonverbal and verbal communication skills more effectively, and discover ways to redirect clients and manage conflicts in a therapeutic manner, too.
Other therapy-focused classes are required as well:
- Individual Counseling and Psychotherapy Techniques
- Intervention of Individuals and Families in Crisis and Trauma
- Child and Adolescent Psychopathology and Counseling
- Addiction and Chemical Dependency Counseling
- Human Sexuality in Counseling
Beyond that, you’ll take technique-based classes that make you a more effective therapist. A great example of this is Assessment of Individuals and Families in Counseling. This class explores many different assessment strategies that help inform your proposed treatment plan. You’ll learn about common types of assessments (e.g., projective tests and questionnaires) and the differences in assessing individuals, couples, and families.
As you can see, the focus of these courses is on major types of issues that might bring couples or families to counseling. By completing these and other courses, you’ll have the required knowledge and skills to help your clients address a myriad of issues.
Lastly, you’ll complete a supervised internship that provides opportunities for you to acquire hands-on experience working directly with clients. You can work at any approved site to accrue the necessary hours to graduate. Regardless of where you complete your internship, you must also participate in regular supervision hours with your onsite supervisor and with faculty members as well.
You must meet these criteria to be accepted:
- Complete the application linked above.
- Have a bachelor’s degree.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Submit any required paperwork, such as a resume, curriculum vitae, or essay.
- Complete any additional steps required for admission per instructions from the university.
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