Marriage & Family Therapy MS
Program Purpose
Within the overriding missions of Brigham Young University and the School of Family Life, the mission of the BYU Marriage and Family Therapy (MS) Graduate Program is to educate marriage and family therapists to advance a relational perspective on the practice and science of improving the health and well-being of individuals, couples, families, and society. In the program, students will be instructed and challenged to develop competency in the areas of theory, clinical practice, and research. This is done in an environment that is committed to the respect/support of multicultural diversity.
Curricular Structure
Learning Outcomes
The MS degree is the licensed professional degree for the field of Marriage and Family Therapy, and the curriculum is based on national accreditation standards (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, COAMFTE) and licensure requirements in the state of Utah. Graduates of the MS program will:
Marriage and Family Therapy Theory SkillsBe competent in knowledge of systemic and marriage and family therapy theories.
Measured by passing relevant coursework and being rated as theoretically competent in final practicum evaluation.
Be competent in terms of applied clinical skills. Measured by passing relevant coursework and being rated as clinically competent in final practicum evaluation.
Be competent in the area of MFT research skills. Measured by passing MFT 605 and the thesis/clinical project defense.
Understand and respect cultural diversity as a contextual factor in the lives of others, including clients.
Measured by passing relevant coursework and being rated as culturally competent in final practicum evaluation.
Evidence of Learning
Assessment Tools
The MFT graduate program is evaluated primarily based on the students' ability to meet their learning outcomes (SLOs). The assessment tools used are presented here in relation to each SLO, including:
1. In relation to Competence in MFT/Systemic Theories, the assessment tools include: (a) course specific evaluations (rubrics), (b) the Clinical Competence Evaluation Form (formative and summative versions), and (c) the national licensing exam (for graduates).
2. In relation to Competence in MFT Clinical Skils, the assessment tools include: (a) the Clinical Competence Evaluation Form - Formative Version, (b) the Clinical Competence Evaluation Form - Summative Version, and (c) completion of required clinical hours (400 face-to-face hours of clinical contact, with at least 250 relational hours). Course specific evaluations (rubrics) are also used during the program.
3. In relation to Competence in MFT Research, the assessment tools include: (a) the Research Competence Evaluation Form - Formative Version and (b) the Research Competence Evaluation Form - Summative Version for Research track students. For evaluating Clinical track students, the Clinical Project Evaluation form is utilized. Course specific evaluations (rubrics) are also used during the program for evaluating students from both tracks.
4. In relation to Understanding Cultural Diversity, the assessment tools include: (a) the Clinical Competence Evaluation Form - Formative Version, (b) the Clinical Competence Evaluation Form - Summative Version, Specific items have been added to these forms to allow supervisors to evaluate students every semester (at a minimum) for their level of understanding and respect for cultural diversity. Course specific evaluations (rubrics) are also used during the program.
5. Additional assessment tools include: faculty/supervisor evaluations, student exit surveys, alumni surveys, student placements in doctoral programs, and individual course assignments.
Direct Measures
1. Theoretical Competence evaluation (formative and summative, clinical competence evaluation form)
2. Research Competence evaluation (formative and summative, clinical competence evaluation form)
3. Clinical Competence evaluation (formative and summative, clinical competence evaluation form)
4. Completion of thesis/clinical project and accompanying public defense meetings
5. Graduates' success in obtaining licensure, employment, and/or admission to PhD programs
6. Cultural Competence evaluation (formative and summative, clinical competence evaluation form)
Indirect Measures
1. Exit interviews and surveys
2. External and internal unit reviews
3. Program alumni surveys
4. Regular review by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) for reaccreditation
Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement
Analysis, Evaluation, and Improvement Process
The assessment data are stored in a virtual evidence room available in the main MFT office. These data are analyzed and summarized by the graduate faculty and discussed each year at an annual faculty retreat. From the ensuing discussions, plans are made to revise the curriculum and improve teaching and learning.