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Marriage and Family Therapy

Marriage and family therapy has been a rapidly growing field since its beginnings some fifty years ago. Therapists, educators, clergy and, health care workers, among others, are becoming increasingly aware of the complexities of human interactions and are seeking new ways of conceptualizing and working with individuals, couples, and families. It was in response to this interest that the graduate program in marriage and family therapy was developed at Springfield College.

Offering both a master's degree and a certificate of advanced study for those already posessing a master's degree, the program is designed for students beginning their graduate careers, for individuals interested in expanding or enhancing their clinical and theoretical knowledge, or for taking courses necessary to meet licensing/verification requirements. The program can be completed on a full or part-time basis with courses offered in the late afternoon or evening for those who work during the day.

The program offers courses which provide students with an opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of family systems theory, exposure to the various schools of marriage and family therapy, and training in the skills necessary for the provision of marriage and family therapy in a variety of settings. Courses are offered in the following areas:

· Human development
· Marital and family therapy
· Marital and family studies
· Professional ethics
· Research methods

Fieldwork designed to help students integrate theory and practice is also an essential part of the curriculum. Students will be able to apply the theoretical knowledge and clinical skills gained during the course of study to a wide range of personal, educational, and clinical settings, including community mental health centers, hospitals, college counseling centers, crisis intervention programs, and schools.

It is possible for Marriage and Family Therapy students to take, as electives, additional courses necessary for licensure as a mental health counselor. The total number of credits for this option is variable, depending upon degree option (between 61 and 72 credits).

Dr. Laura Maggio
Director - Marriage and Family Therapy Program
Department of Psychology
Springfield College
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109
Phone: (413) 748-3472 Fax Number: (413) 748-3854
email Dr. Maggio