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 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.
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
All courses carry 3 graduate credits. Also an Independent Study course is available if needed and should be arranged with the Director of the Program.
Courses
MFT600 Intro to Systems Theories
MFT605* Intro to Marriage & Family Therapy Models
MFT610 MFT Approaches and Groups
MFT615* Psychology of Trauma and Stress
MFT620* Diversity & Inclusion
MFT625* Couple’s and Sex Therapy
MFT630* Psychopathology & Psychopharmacology
MFT635* Assessment
MFT700 Research Methods
MFT720 Community Intersections
MFT740 Working with Children & Adolescents
MFT745 Collaboration & Contemporary Issues
MFT750 Internship I
MFT760 Internship II
MFT770 Internship III
MFT780 Internship as needed
MFT800* Ethics & Social Responsibility
*Courses with * indicate blended format
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 2021-22 year is $1052 per credit (effective Summer 2021). Please note that costs are expected to rise.
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.
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.
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.
- Applicants must also submit a resume.
- Applications will be reviewed upon completion. The Associate Dean and Program Administrator may request an interview at that time.
- An Orientation Day for newly admitted student will be held in August.
- International Students may have additional admission requirements. Learn more.
Deadlines
The Marriage and Family Therapy Program begins the fall of each academic year. It is a highly-competitive cohort-based graduate program with rolling admissions opening September 1st for the next year’s Fall cohort. Applicants are strongly advised to apply early as applications are reviewed and spots are filled throughout the year.
New Student Orientation
An Orientation Day for new students will be held in August.
Transfer Credits
You may submit up to 15 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
William Hutter, PsyD, LMFT
Associate Dean, Assistant Professor Core Faculty
Marriage & Family Therapy Master's Program
whutter@edgewood.edu
Education:
MS Clinical Psychology, PsyD Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology BS Psychology, MS Marriage and Family Therapy, Edgewood College
Credential:
LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Certifications/Memberships Held:
AAMFT Clinical Fellow, PREPARE/Enrich facilitator, Diversity & Inclusion Certificate from Cornell College, EMDR Levels I and II
Specialty Interests:
Cultural Humility, Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Psychodynamic therapy, Solution-Focused treatment
Misc. Interests:
Music, Horror Movies, Travel, Advocacy
Program Administrator, Core Faculty
Education:
BS in Social Work, Minor in Psychology University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, MS is Counseling, Option in School Based Family Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Child Welfare and Attendance Credential
AAMFT
Suicide Prevention and Awareness, Domestic Violence, Formerly Incarcerated, Mindfulness, Women's Issues, Parenting, Adolescents, and LGBTQ allied.
Hiking, walking my dog, yoga, cooking, and golfing
Dr. Melinda Bailey
Adjunct Faculty
Graduate Department of Psychology
Marriage & Family Therapy Program
bailey@edgewood.edu
Education:
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
Judi M. Culver
Clinic Director
The Family Center
Adjunct Faculty
JudiCulver@edgewood.edu
Education:
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.
Alex Iverson
Assistant Clinic Director
Marriage & Family Therapy Program
aiverson@edgewood.edu
Education:
BS, Psychology, Edgewood College
MS, MFT, Edgewood College
Credential:
LMFT-IT, ARNG Veteran
Certifications/Memberships Held:
AAMFT Member, AUSA Member, Prepare/Enrich Certification,
Specialty Interests:
System Theory, CBT and Solution-Focused treatment. I also enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, military service members and military families.
Misc. Interests:
Hiking, Horseback Riding, Poetry, Puzzles, Sci-Fi Movies and TV, Harry Potter fan (House Hufflepuff), spending time with my two wonderful children, and awesome grandparents.
Myra McNair
Adjunct Faculty
MMcNair@edgewood.edu
Education:
BA in Biology, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, with specialties in addiction, infant mental health, parent/child attachment, marriage counseling, trauma-informed practices, and cultural interventions
Credential:
LMFT
Specialty Interests:
Owner
and founder of Anesis Family Therapy, which was established in January 2016 and currently serves over 200 clients, employs 23 staff members and provides services in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Cambodian. Anesis Therapy is one of the most diverse
clinics in Dane County and is rooted in systems therapy.
In 2017 Myra was featured as an M List recipient as a Health Innovator by Madison Magazine.
Hobbies:
listening to music, hiking and being outdoors and by water, hanging with my kids and being silly
Deb Polacek
Clinical Coordinator
Marriage & Family Therapy Master's Program
dpolacek@edgewood.edu
Education:
BS Psychology, MS Marriage and Family Therapy, Doctoral Candidate (Higher Educational Leadership), Edgewood College
Credential:
LMFT, AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Certifications/Memberships Held:
AAMFT Clinical Fellow, APA member, AFTA member, PREPARE/Enrich trainer & facilitator, and Smart Recovery facilitator
Specialty Interests:
Experiential therapy, private practice, clinical supervision, mentoring, and urgent care mental health
Misc. Interests:
Being creative via brainstorming, music and art along with keeping connected over coffee
Julia Smith, LMFT
Adjunct Faculty
Marriage & Family Therapy Master's Program
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Stress Management, Trauma, Movement and Yoga Therapy to treat mental health issues
Fostering animals with DCHS, canning, gardening, movement, yoga, sports
Justin Woodward
Adjunct Instructor
Psychology Department
jwoodward@edgewood.edu
Education:
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).
Podcasts
Centered
The Official Podcast of The Family Center
Join Family Center staff and community members for short discussions on topics ranging from mental health stigma to self-care. Click the play button on the player below to begin listening.
Program Information
Accreditation
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), 112 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314, (703)838-9808.

Continuing Education Opportunities

February 6th 10am - 12pm (WebEx)
Working with Transition Aged Youth / Teens and Their Families
Training Objectives
- To obtain knowledge of current research on teens and transitional youth and their mental health recovery.
- To obtain skills specific to working with teens transitional youth. -To obtain knowledge on brain development and how this translates to providing care to teens and transitional youth.
- To obtain knowledge of the genres of interventions or resources to focus on with teens and transitional youth.
- To obtain skills how to involve natural supports in their mental health recovery.
About the Presenter
Anne is a Clinical Educator at UW Health and UW-Madison Department of Psychiatry in Madison, Wisconsin. Anne received her degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood College in 2012. Anne has experience working in multiple levels of care and across the life span. Anne works with individuals, couples, and families in her therapy practice. Anne's experience and specialties are working with teens and young adults ages 14-30. She utilizes human experience, humor, self-esteem, relationships, development, neuroscience, attachment, and systemic models in her care. Anne has been a member of the Association for Marriage and Family Therapy since 2010. Her fiscal goal for 2021 is completing her hours as an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor in Training and giving back to our growing field.
Free No CEHS Certificate or $15 for 2hr Continuing Education Certificate
Upcoming Presentations
- 3/6/21 10am-12pm CST Supporting Individuals with Dementia and their Caregivers: Prioritizing Care with Colleen Gullickson PhD, RN, GNP
- 4/3/21 10am-12pm CST Self Care for Practitioners with Anne Totero, MS, LMFT
- 5/1/21 10am-12pm CST Advocating for Formerly Incarcerated Populations & Supporting Reintegration with Joseph Hamilton MS, MFT, PPSC
- 6/5/21 10am-12pm CST Working with Veterans and Understanding Moral Injury with Rachael Goldmann, LPC, MFT, MS, Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Psychology
Recent Program News
Newsletters
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2017
Alexander Einsman Offers Advice
MFT alumni 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 Vacuum
Jessica Shultz Appears on Talk on the Town
Jessica Shultz, MFT alum and owner and Founder of BeYOUtiful Minds & Fitness, recently chatted with the crew at Talk of the Town.
Thor Ringler, MFT '12, Featured in Stories
Thor Ringler, MFT '12, was featured in articles about his therapy work with veterans. Thor interviews VA patients and shares their stories with care providers to improve the healthcare experience.
Will Hutter and Judi Culver Contribute to Nos Sumus Magazine
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Sara_TripalinI credit the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Edgewood College for providing me with the essential skills, systemic outlook, and foundational concepts of therapy necessary to excel as a psychotherapist. Former professors are now trusted colleagues and friends and the program that schooled me as a therapist remains a constant asset as I forge my professional path. I highly value and recommend the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Edgewood College. I am proud to be alumni and I am thankful for having had the opportunity to be a part of this well-respected program.Sara Tripalin, MS '09, LMFT, Peace of Mind Therapy LLC
