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The University of Louisiana first developed a master's degree program in marriage and family therapy in 1983 and joined the ranks of accredited masters degree programs in marriage and family therapy in 1987. The ULM program is accredited by both the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and the Council for the Accreditation for Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP). This makes it one of only two dually accredited marriage and family therapy program in the nation. In July of 1995, the Louisiana Board of Regents approved the development of a doctoral program in marriage and family therapy which was implemented in the Fall of 1996.
The master's degree program is an intensive, sixty-semester hour program requiring two years of full-time study. Graduates of the program meet academic requirements for licensure as a professional marriage & family therapist in Louisiana, licensure as a professional counselor in Louisiana, and clinical membership of AAMFT as well as licensure in other states as marriage and family therapists.
The program is dedicated to educating well qualified master's level clinicians and scholars. An accessible and dedicated faculty who are active in research and publication, and a low student-faculty ratio, fosters interactive educational experiences approaching a collegial, mentor relationship. Another important aspect of the program is the 12-15 full-time students per class, who develop close relationships in their academic and clinical work together.
To a large degree, the requirements for licensure and accreditation in the dually accredited program dictate specific curriculum requirements, however, each class takes on its own character as current theory and research are presented in different forms, reflecting the styles and theoretical orientations of the instructors. The internship experience requires that students complete a minimum 500 clinical hours working with individuals, couples and families. The students' educational experiences are enhanced by special seminars and guest presenters. Additionally, students with special interests often work with a faculty-sponsor to make formal presentations at state and national conferences.
Coursework required for the Marriage and Family Therapy programs qualifies students academically to meet licensure requirements as a marriage & family therapist and the professional counselor licensure requirements in Louisiana and for many other states. Since the program is accredited by COAMFTE, students can qualify for Clinical Membership in AAMFT upon completion of the clinical practice requirement. It is advised that students seek information from the licensure and certification agencies in the states in which they are interested in working for specific requirements. Addresses and telephone numbers for the state licensure and certification agencies are available from the Marriage and Family Therapy Program Director and on the AAMFT website.
Recent graduates from the ULM program have found employment in settings such as private practice, program directors at hospitals, directors of services at homes for children, and therapists performing a variety of services with a wide range of problems in mental health agencies. Graduates are also active in family life education and enrichment in a variety of contexts. Approximately 15% of the graduates from the ULM program have pursued doctorates in marriage and family therapy or related fields.
For further information and application materials contact:
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapy Programs
Strauss 306
Monroe, LA 71209
(318) 362-3005
E-mail:
woodham@ulm.edu
031406
