MS-Marriage and Family Therapy
Marriage and family therapy is a recognized mental health discipline specializing in working with children, adolescents, and adults, either individually or together, within the context of systems theories. Unlike other mental health disciplines where you may take one or two classes in how to work holistically and relationally with clients, the entire program focuses the training and education to work within this paradigm. Individuals who complete the academic and clinical requirements earn a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy.
During the program you will be eligible to apply for a training license to practice therapy, and with additional post-degree hours of supervised work experience you can apply for full licensure as a marriage and family therapist. This degree specifically provides graduates with expertise in working with individuals, couples, and families. Additionally, this training also provides excellent preparation for other forms of clinical and administrative work in social and human service agencies.
- Program Highlights
In so many ways the MFT program at Edgewood College embodies the values of the Dominican mission: truth, justice, compassion, partnership, community. Our pursuit to provide education and training based on scholarship and evidence based practice is grounded in the mission of truth. In striving for justice we train our graduates to appreciate, work with, and empower disenfranchised populations. Through the clinical work at our Family Therapy Center we partner with and support other agencies by providing compassionate therapeutic services to those who would otherwise not have access in and around the greater Madison community.
Study without sacrificing your work and home life.
Our classes are held in the evenings year around. Our program offers full-time and part-time class schedules; talk with your advisor about which schedule might work for you and your family. Most students complete the program in two years.Be part of a unique learning community.
In our cohort-based program, you will have the opportunity to work in a team setting. New cohorts begin each Fall and Spring semester. Enrollment is limited to allow for small class size and individual attention.Learn from exceptional faculty.
All MFT faculty members have extensive clinical experience in their subject area, and maintain active clinical work in addition to their teaching. This provides students of the program excellent training and instruction by faculty with hands-on, real-world experience in their respective fields. Several of the faculty are nationally recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field and their patients.Participate in advanced clinical training and internships.
The program includes a 12-month internship where you will work with a variety of individuals, couples and families from the community. In Madison, Edgewood College also operates The Family Center, which provides students with a venue to meet their required clinical hours providing low-cost, high-quality, supportive therapy for individuals, couples and families.
Qualify for licensure
Obtaining your MS-MFT degree at Edgewood College qualifies you to apply for licensure in Wisconsin. Learn more about the requirements and process to receive a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Wisconsin. If you are planning to apply for licensure outside of Wisconsin, we can assist you in that process and answer questions you might have about how your Edgewood College MFT degree and internship experience would meet license requirements in other states.The Marriage and Family Therapy Master's Program at Edgewood College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), 112 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314, (703)838-9808.
- Degree Requirements
Program Requirements
To receive the Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, students must have:
- Earned 48 credits in prescribed marriage and family therapy courses;
- Completed the interdisciplinary studies requirements;
- Maintained a 3.00 grade point average in those credits;
- Successfully completed a minimum of 500 clinical contact hours (which must include 300 direct contact hours), plus 100 hours of supervision prior to graduation.
Degree Requirements
The following sequence of courses has been established for appropriate progress through the program. All courses carry 3 graduate credits. An Independent Study course is available when arranged with the Director of the Program.
Students who begin their studies in January will take 9 credits in their first semester, while students who begin in September will carry 12 credits. Students who begin in January will complete the program in 6 semesters. Students who begin in September will complete the program in 5 semesters. You may wish to consider these differences when selecting the cohort that’s best for you.
Courses
PSY 600 Introduction to Systems Theories - Overview of theories that use metaphors of system, pattern, interaction, and communication to describe human behavior and relationships.
PSY 605 Introduction to Marital and Family Therapy - Review of the history of marital and family therapy and the clinical approaches of interactional therapies. Focuses on basic counseling concepts and skills.
PSY 610 Marital and Family Therapy II - Exploration of techniques of major fields of systems therapy, including structural, strategic, systemic, existential, brief, and others. Prerequisite: PSY 605.
PSY 615 Psychology of Trauma and Stress Disorders - Examines therapeutic strategies with selected trauma and stress-related issues that impact the family, such as physical illness, death, divorce, and persistent mental illness. Prerequisite: PSY 605.
PSY 620 Diversity Through the Lifespan in MFT - Focuses on the diversity of psychosocial development across ethnicity, class, gender, and culture, from childhood through old age. Discusses the implications for interactional therapies.
PSY 625 Human Sexuality and Sex Therapy across the Lifespan - Review of the psychosocial development of sexuality and gender from childhood through old age. Summary of clinical approaches to sexual and gender problems from a systemic perspective.
PSY 630 Psychopathology and Psychopharmacology - Examines psychopathology and personality through the DSM-5. Study of mental and behavioral disorders, diagnosis, and consideration of causes and treatments.
PSY 635 Assessment and Substance Use Disorders in Marital and Family Therapy - Overview of methods and instruments used to define problems and indicate possible treatment approaches. Comparative study of interactional approaches and individual and family dysfunction assessments. Prerequisite: PSY 630.
PSY 655 Marital and Couple Therapy - This course is designed to provide an exploration and application of theories and methods used in marital and couple therapy using a systemic perspective. Major theoretical approaches will be examined to develop a framework within which the student can understand the nature of intimate relationships and the dynamics of marital and couple therapy.
PSY 700 Research Methods - Review of quantitative and qualitative methods of inquiry, examining recent marriage and family therapy research studies.
PSY 740 Working with Children and Adolescents - Explores therapeutic techniques for approaching children, adolescents and their parents. Designed to both provide exposure to basic observational and therapeutic techniques, a systemic framework for intervening in common family patterns, and to provide a model for designing custom interventions based on observed dynamics.
PSY 745 Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Contemporary Issues - Facilitates students developing competencies in addressing emerging and evolving contemporary challenges impacting individuals, couples, and families. Examples may include working with veterans, immigration, and technology. This course will also address developing competency in multidisciplinary collaboration.
PSY 750 Clinical Internship I - Supervised practice of marriage and family therapy in a field experience. This course must be followed within a 12-month period by PSY 760 and PSY 770. Prerequisite: completion of all Year 1 courses and approval of the Program Director.
PSY 760 Clinical Internship II - Supervised practice of marriage and family therapy in a field experience. Prerequisite: PSY 750.
PSY 770 Clinical Internship III - Supervised practice of marriage and family therapy in a field experience. Prerequisite: PSY 760.
PSY 800 Ethics and Social Responsibility - This course examines ethical and legal practices and dialogue about ethical issues in professional practice. It discusses legal requirements and accountability for the profession and the relationship of ethical practices that relate to global and local resource allocations. The course explores how one’s belief system impacts on justice, honesty, and respect in dealing with colleagues and clients in the ethical conduct of the profession. The course may be used to fulfill interdisciplinary required component in ethics (IC 800). Details of these requirements for MFT students may be found in the Graduate Catalogue.
- Tuition and Financial Aid
Attending graduate school is one of the best investments you will ever make in yourself and your future. While the benefits related to personal development and growth are priceless, you can also expect your MS-MFT degree to expand your career options and enhance your earning power in the marketplace.
The job outlook for Marriage and Family Therapists is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the occupation will grow by 15% by 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Learn more.
Remember, completing your MS-MFT degree is an investment in yourself and your career. Be sure to consider not only the total cost of your education, but think about how that total breaks down in terms of monthly costs, which can make your investment feel more manageable and affordable.
Financing Your Edgewood College MS-MFT Degree
Graduate tuition for the 2017-2018 school year is $930 per credit. You can expect that cost to rise by approximately 3.5% per year in the future.
Most MFT students are working professionals who take courses part-time. 48 total credits are required to complete the degree. Students complete the program in 2 years.
Based on current tuition rates, the estimated total tuition cost of your degree would be approximately $44,640.
Financial Aid
Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of Federal Stafford Loans. Learn more about Stafford Loans, including eligibility requirements and application instructions.
Graduate Student Financial Aid
Our admissions and financial aid counselors have worked with thousands of students who have questioned how they could afford to complete their graduate education. They will use their experience to suggest creative solutions for financing your education. We work with students and organizations to manage tuition reimbursement plans, extend tuition discounts to various corporate partners in the region, offer third party billing and monthly payment plans, and work with veterans to maximize their available aid.
Don’t think you can do it? Edgewood College thinks you can!
- Admission Requirements
- Provide evidence of a baccalaureate or more advanced degree from a United States regionally accredited or equivalent post-secondary institution with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for regular admission status. The cumulative grade point average is computed on the highest degree held at the time of application to the Edgewood College graduate program.
- Complete and submit graduate application (including $30 fee).
- Request that official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate academic credits received from any post-secondary institutions be sent directly to Edgewood College Graduate and Professional Studies.
- The MFT Program Reference Form must accompany two letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to comment on the candidate's potential for success as a therapist.
- The MFT program requires a two-page typewritten statement indicating motives and professional goals for pursing a degree in MFT. The written statement should include:
- Interests and motivation for wanting to be a therapist
- Ability to succeed in graduate school
- What preparation, either through coursework, internship, volunteer work, or
job experience, has been undertaken that provides basic therapy skills.6. Applicants must also submit a resume.
7. Attendance at an on-campus interview with the Program Director and an admissions team is mandatory. Interviews with candidates applying for a September start will take place on the first Saturday in March. Interviews with candidates applying for a January start will be held on the first Saturday in November. During this interview, the applicant will be required to participate in a role-play exercise.
8. International Students may have additional admission requirements. Learn more.
Deadlines
The completed admission application and fee must be submitted prior to the October 1 deadline for spring entries and February 1 for fall entries.
New Student Orientation
An Orientation Day for new students will be held the first Saturday in June for cohorts beginning in August, and the first Saturday in December for cohorts beginning in January.
Transfer Credits
You may submit up to 12 semester hours of graduate credit for consideration of transfer to Edgewood College for application to a degree program. Approval of the respective department is required. To be considered for application to a degree program, a course must have been taken within the past five years. For more information about transfer credits, please contact your admissions counselor.
- Meet Your Faculty
Dr. Will HutterAssociate Dean
Marriage & Family Therapy Master's Program
whutter@edgewood.eduEducation:
BS Psychology, Edgewood College; MS Marriage and Family Therapy, Edgewood College; MA Clinical Psychology & PsyD Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Credential: PsyD/LMFT
Certifications/Memberships Held: Trained in EMDR Level II, DBT, PREPARE/Enrich
Specialty Interests:
Forensic Issues: Sex Offenders, NGRI; Issues related to Diversity; Assessment
Misc. Interests:
Horror movies; Kayaking; Road Trips
![Peter_Fabian[1]](/images/default-source/mft/peter_fabian-1.jpg?sfvrsn=620be08e_0 "Peter_Fabian[1]")
Dr. Peter FabianMFT Faculty
Former Director, Marriage & Family Therapy Master's Program
Fabian@edgewood.eduEducation: D.Min. in Marriage and Family Therapy, Colgate Rochester Divinity School
Credential: LMFT
Certifications/Memberships Held: Clinical Fellow, AAMFT; Approved Supervisor, AAMFT: Fellow - International Council of Sex Education and Parenthood, American University
Specialty Interests:
“I love teaching and my style is very interactional. I want people to practice the skills as much as understand them. My style of therapy has evolved over the last 40 years and I have developed a theoretical framework for it that I call Templates for Interactional Behavior.”
Misc. Interests:
SCUBA diving, reading mystery novels, computer gaming
![Melinda-Bailey[1]](/images/default-source/mft/melinda-bailey-1.jpg?sfvrsn=720be08e_0 "Melinda-Bailey[1]")
Dr. Melinda BaileyAssociate Professor
Graduate Department of Psychology
Marriage & Family Therapy Program
bailey@edgewood.eduEducation:
BA Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; Ph.D.Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
Credential: Licensed Psychologist No. 0465
Certifications/Memberships Held: National Register Listed, American Psychological Association, Wisconsin Psychological Association
Specialty Interests:
Individual, couple, and family therapy, anxiety, stress, trauma, medical issues, pain, mind-body issues, mindfulness, experiential methods.
Misc. Interests:
Running, storytelling, photography, and my two dogs
Margaret Berg
Adjunct Faculty
Graduate Department of Psychology
Marriage & Family Therapy Master's Program
mberg@edgewood.eduEducation:
BA Loyola University, Master of Social Work, Loyola University
Credential: MSW, LCSW, CST
Certifications/Memberships Held: Certified AASECT Sex Therapist, Certified Imago Relationship Therapist, Certified EMDR Level I, Member of NASW (National Association of Social Workers), AASECT (American Association of Sex Therapists, Sex Educators, Sex Counselors and Therapists), IRI (Imago Relationships International).
Specialty Interests:
Couples, desire, intimacy, sensuality, healing and spirituality.
Misc. Interests:
Outdoors, creating meaning, dancing, spirituality, reclaimed objects, yoga, Halloween, sharing appreciations.
![Tammy_Conrad_1[1]](/images/default-source/mft/tammy_conrad_1-1.jpg?sfvrsn=920be08e_0 "Tammy_Conrad_1[1]")
Tammy ConradAssociate Professor
Psychology Department
tconrad@edgewood.eduEducation:
MS, Marriage & Family Systems Therapy- Edgewood College
Credential: LMFT
Certifications/Memberships Held: AAMFT Supervisor, AAMFT Clinical Fellow, PREPARE-ENRICH Facilitator & Seminar Trainer, Human Services- Board Certified Practitioner, Certified Family Life Educator, EMDR-Level 1, Trauma I & II, and Infant and Early Childhood & Family Mental Health Fellow
Specialty Interests:
I am passionate about working with families & couples. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed providing mental health consultation & reflective practice supervision to daycare centers, Head Start Centers and home visiting programs. I am currently engaged in an 18-month evidenced based Child Parent Psychotherapy training program, a Developmental Model of Couple Therapy Training program and a Discernment Counseling training program. I provide group supervision for interns and residents at the Family Center and individual supervision to post graduates and supervisors in training. I facilitate a cancer support wellness group at Gilda’s Club and have a small private practice.
Misc. Interests:
I love spending time with my grandson, Aiden and granddaughter Willa, my daughters and their partners and my high school sweetheart & husband of 35 years. I like cooking, scrapbooking, reading and traveling. I love the spiritual connectedness I feel when I am near the ocean and walking barefoot in the sand. While in Madison, I find my spiritual connectedness with my Church family at Monona United Methodist Church where I am part of our Caring Ministry Team and our Staff Parish Relationship Committee.
![Judi-Culver[1]](/images/default-source/mft/judi-culver-1.jpg?sfvrsn=a50be08e_0 "Judi-Culver[1]")
Judi M. CulverClinic Director
The Family Center
JudiCulver@edgewood.eduEducation:
BS in Psych and Criminal Justice, Master’s in Counseling, Lakeland College
Credential: LPC, LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Certifications/Memberships Held: AAMFT Clinical Fellow, Prepare and Enrich facilitator
Specialty Interests:
Clinical Specialist and Supervisor at The Family Center, Adjunct professor at Lakeland College – teaching Multiculturalism and Group Counseling:
“I enjoy working with the LGBTQ population, with those coping with grief and loss, life crisis and transitions, and corrections issues.”
Misc. Interests:
Spending time with family, travel, reading and crafts.
Karen Rose GredlerClinical Coordinator
Graduate Psychology Department
Marriage & Family Therapy Master's Program
kgredler@edgewood.eduEducation:
MS, Marriage & Family Systems Therapy- Edgewood College; MS, Social Welfare /Gerontology, UW-Madison; MA, Psychology- Ball State University
Credential: LMFT WI License # 742-124
Certifications/Memberships Held: AAMFT, Clinical Fellow & national conference proposal reviewer; WAMFT, Clinical Fellow; PREPARE-ENRICH Facilitator
Specialty Interests:
Clinical internship enhancement, post-graduate supervision, cultural competency, older women & mature couples, anxiety & self-esteem, grief & bereavement.
Karen Rose worked for 25+ years in public social service agencies, and as director for a statewide non-profit. She graduated from Edgewood MFT in 2004, and became Clinical Coordinator of the Program in 2008. She also maintains a small private practice.
Misc. Interests:
First Unitarian Society of Madison: lay ministry & numerous volunteer activities; Family, Friends & the Arts
Ann JamisonClinical Specialist
Marriage & Family Therapy Master's Program
aejamison@edgewood.edu
Education:
MA, Sociology, Northwestern University
MS, MFT, Edgewood College
Credential: LMFT-IT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor in Training
Certifications/Memberships Held: AAMFT member, Postpartum Support International Clinical Certification, Madison Postpartum Collective member
Specialty Interests:
Clinical Specialist and Supervisor in Training at The Family Center, Therapist at Ann Jamison Therapy
I enjoy working with families surrounding early parenting, adoption, fertility, and overall reproductive mental health. I work from a strengths-based perspective to support each client’s unique path to wellness. I also enjoy working with those experiencing sensory processing challenges and giftedness. I am a sex-positive and LGBTQA clinician.
Misc. Interests:
Knitting, hiking, dogs of all kinds, comic books
Lindsey MarshAdjunct Faculty
Graduate Psychology Department
Marriage & Family Therapy Master's Program
lmarsh@edgewood.eduEducation:
MA in Couples, Marriage and Family Counseling from Western Michigan University
Credential: LMFT, LPC
Certifications/Memberships Held: AAMFT Supervisor In Training
Specialty Interests:
I practice predominately from the Internal Family Systems Theory. I enjoy individual and couples work. I have a passion for working with those who are affected by any form of dementia, whether that person has been diagnosed or knows someone who has been diagnosed.
Misc. Interests:
Additionally, my self-care comes from utilizing numerous forms of writing and I also love to paint. I enjoy the outdoors and time with those I love. I feel strongly about advocating for change in the face of injustice. My favorite ride in life thus far has been being a mother.
Deb PolacekProgram Administrator
Marriage & Family Therapy Master's Program
dpolacek@edgewood.eduEducation:
BS Psychology, Edgewood College; MS Marriage and Family Therapy, Edgewood College
Credential: LMFT
Certifications/Memberships Held: AAMFT Supervisor in Training, PREPARE/Enrich facilitator, Smart Recovery facilitator
Specialty Interests:
Teaching/mentoring, Supervision, Urgent Care Mental Health
Misc. Interests:
Brainstorming ideas, exploring new places, appreciating and interacting with music and art, and most of all spending time with those I love.
![Justin_Woodward[1]](/images/default-source/mft/justin_woodward-1.jpg?sfvrsn=d60ae08e_0 "Justin_Woodward[1]")
Justin WoodwardAdjunct Instructor
Psychology Department
jwoodward@edgewood.eduEducation:
Associates in Liberal Studies, Undergraduate from Edgewood College in Psychology, Masters from Edgewood College in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Specialty Interests:
Systems, Couples Therapy, Adolescent therapy, Therapy for suicidal adolescents and individuals with Borderline personality disorder, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Experiential Therapy, Structural therapy, Strategic Therapy, Mindfulness, Neuro-linguistic Programming.
Misc. Interests:
Photography, rock climbing, music, astrophysics, particle physics, ecology, natural sciences (especially entomology and herpetology), parenthood, engineering, economics, technological advances, computer science, science fiction, fantasy fiction, eastern philosophy (Taoism and Buddhism primarily).
- Announcements and Events
Will Hutter and Judi Culver Publish Articles in Nos Sumus Magazine
Articles by MFT faculty members Will Hutter and Judi Culver appeared in the May-June issue of Nos Sumus magazine.
"Microagressions in Pop Culture - OMG, They're Everywhere!" by Will Hutter (begins on page 12)
"The Power of Touch" by Judi Culver (begins on page 22)
Alexander Einsman Offers Advice
MFT alum Alexander Einsman is a frequent contributor to the Wisconsin State Journal and Our Lives Magazine. Click the links below to read a selection of his articles.
Relationships in the Grindr Era
Relationship Recovery
The Psychology of Coming Out
Stuck in a Cycle of Battle, Marriage Falters
Time to Heal a Turbulent Sibling Relationship
Remember, Love Doesn't Happen in a VacuumJessica Schultz appears on Talk of the Town
Jessica Schultz, MFT Alum and Owner and Founder of BeYOUtiful Minds & Fitness, recently chatted with the crew at Talk of the Town.
Tune in to learn a bit more about her inspiration for her one-of-a-kind practice, services and approach.Thor Ringler, MFT '12 featured in Wisconsin State Journal story
![Thor_Ringler[1]](/images/default-source/mft/thor_ringler-1.jpg?sfvrsn=609e08e_0 "Thor_Ringler[1]")
Thor Ringler MFT '12 was featured in a Wisconsin State Journal Article about his therapy work with Veterans. Thor, a Marriage and Family Therapy alum, interviews VA patients and shares their stories with care providers to improve the healthcare experience. Thor_Ringler_WSJ The Family Center
The Family Center is an outreach service of Edgewood College that provides high quality, affordable therapy for individuals, couples and families. As the training center for Edgewood College's Marriage and Family Therapy Program, the Center provides advanced training to students and clinicians.
Learn More
- Accreditation and Program Information
The Marriage and Family Therapy Master's Program at Edgewood College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), 112 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314, (703)838-9808.
Student Achievement
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education gathers and monitors student achievement based on their accreditation standards.
COAMFTE Student Achievement Criteria Data for [Edgewood College] Accredited: [2008]
Minimum Program Length*: [2] / Advertised Program Length*: [2] / Maximum Time to Complete Program*: [7]
Year Students Entered Program**
# of Student in Program (optional)
Graduation Rate (Minimum Time)
Graduation Rate (Advertised Time)
Graduation Rate (Maximum Time)
Job Placement Rate***
National Exam Pass Rate****
FT
PT
FT
PT
FT
PT
FT
PT
FT
PT
FT
PT
2005-2006
16
100%
100%
100%
N/A
N/A
2006-2007
16
88%
88%
100%
N/A
N/A
2007-2008
15
80%
80%
100%
N/A
N/A 2008-2009
13
85%
85%
100%
0%
54%
2009-2010
18
72%
72%
100%
0%
61%
2010-2011
31
84%
84%
100%
0%
90% 2011-2012
26
88% 88% 100%
0%
82%
2012-2013
28
68% 68%
93%
68%
81%
2013-2014
33
76%
76%
91%
39%
45%
2014-2015
20
95%
95%
100%
65%
80%
2015-2016
31
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
*Minimum length of time is the shortest time possible that a student could complete the program (i.e., a student doubled up on coursework one semester and was able to graduate early). Advertised length of time is how long the program is designed to complete as written. Maximum length of time is the maximum allowable time in which a student could finish the program (i.e., if a student needed to take time off due to illness, family responsibilities, etc.).
**Program are only required to provide data on the past 10 years/cohort or since the program was initial accredited, whichever is shorter
***This is defined as the percentage of graduates from the cohort year listed that are employed within 3 years of their graduation utilizing skills learned in the COAMFTE accredited program. Masters and Doctoral programs are required to provide this information. Post-Degree programs are encouraged to share this with the public.
**** Master programs are required to provide this information. Doctoral and Post-Degree programs are encouraged to share this with the public. For Master’s programs only, COAMFTE has established a benchmark of 70% pass rate for each cohort.
MFT Educational Outcomes and Assessment
MFT Leadership Roles
