Currently, The Doctoral Program Is Not Accepting New Students

Linda Stone Fish, Graduate Program Director, 315-443-3024

The doctoral program in marriage and family therapy prepares scholars who will advance theory, research, and teaching in the field of marriage and family therapy. Students are prepared primarily for teaching, supervisory, and research positions in graduate degree-granting institutions, training institutes, and health care settings. The program builds upon a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, and is designed to provide students with an understanding of advanced clinical theory and research methodology. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).

All students must continuously be involved in clinical practice during their program of study and spend two years working at the Goldberg Couple and Family Therapy Center.

The 90-credit curriculum consists of 39 credits from an M.A. in marriage and family therapy or the equivalent; 29 credits of doctoral courses in marriage and family therapy; 12 credits of advanced research methodology; 10 credits of dissertation; at least two years of supervised practicum in the Goldberg Center; and a 9-month internship. Upon completion of the doctoral coursework, all students must pass the qualifying exam. Completion of the exam must occur before the internship and the dissertation proposal. (Contact the department for details.)

Students entering the doctoral program without an M.A. in marriage and family therapy from a COAMFTE-accredited program are required to complete the degree or its equivalent. Equivalency is determined on an individual basis after admission.

Students admitted to the doctoral program are individuals who demonstrate a promise for doctoral work and a commitment to advancing the field of marriage and family therapy. An admission interview with the faculty will be scheduled following receipt of the completed application. The doctoral program is small and personalized, so enrollment is limited.