Overview
John Brown University's Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is designed to meet the national standards of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). Upon completion of the 64-hour program, you will be eligible to take the national examination in MFT and to pursue state licensure.
Course requirements for the Master of Science (M.S.) in Marriage and Family Therapy include: (For all graduate counseling course descriptions, click here: Graduate Counseling Course Descriptions)
Counseling Core (61 hours)
- Human Development
- Social and Cultural Foundations
- Principles of Family Therapy
- Theories and Techniques of Counseling
- Family of Origin
- Family Systems
- Principles of Marital Therapy
- Family Sexuality
- Advanced Psychopathology
- Christian Foundations in Counseling
- Relationship Assessment
- Child & Adolescent Counseling
- Advanced Psychopharmacology
- Professional Development and Ethics
- Brief Therapy
- Pre-Practicum Lab
- Practicum I: Marriage and Family Therapy
- Practicum II: Marriage and Family Therapy
- Internship I: Marriage and Family Therapy
- Internship II: Marriage and Family Therapy
Select one:
- Statistics and Research
- Applied Research (Program Director recommendation required)
Electives (3 hours)
- Group Theory
- Career Development Information and Vocational Education
- Introduction to Play Therapy
- Advanced Techniques in Play Therapy
- Selected Topics in Counseling
Minimum Semester Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 hours
Multiple Track Emphases
The JBU Counseling Program recognizes that today's counseling professionals have multifaceted opportunities requiring multiple training specialties; therefore, additional emphases are offered for each major area of study. These emphases include Marriage and Family Therapy, Community Counseling, Play Therapy and School Counseling. Students seeking multiple emphases must complete the course requirements of their major degree plan and each of the course requirements specific to fulfilling any additional emphases.
Class Locations
Counseling classes are offered online and onground at the JBU Rogers and Fort Smith Centers as well as on the main campus in Siloam Springs. Beginning Fall 2013, classes will also be offered at JBU's new Little Rock Center.
Online Options
Many counseling courses are offered online allowing you flexibility and convenience. All online classes are taught by JBU faculty who interact with you via e-mail, web conferencing and discussion boards.
Class Schedule
Most counseling classes begin at 4:30 and 7:15 and follow the semester schedule format. Summer classes are also offered.










