MFT/PCC State Specific Academic Requirements

The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MA MFT) and the Master of Arts in Professional Clinical Counseling (MA PCC) programs at University of Massachusetts Global are unique and captivating programs that offers a comprehensive academic curriculum and professional training geared to preparing students to become proficient and competent clinical practitioners. The curriculum in both programs is tailored to meet state regulated requirements that allow graduates of the program to practice as a clinical provider and if desired, to obtain licensure in their state of residence. It is important to note that the availability of either program is dependent upon a student's state of residence. For instance, if you reside in the state of Oregon, you may select the MA MFT or the MA PCC program. However, if you reside in the state of California, you may select the MA MFT, MA PCC, or the MA MFT.PCC (dual emphasis) that will grant you the opportunity to seek associate registration in the state as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor.

State-specific established requirements that govern the Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling licensure process, tend to follow the guidance provided by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) educational guidelines and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) respectively. However, the guidelines are interpreted differently in different states. For instance, some states require a course in assessment while others may require a course that addresses evidence-based practices. All states mandate a clinical practice or practicum course. Nevertheless, the criteria for each state varies. In some states, a student must complete 150 direct client contact hours, while in a different state a student must complete 300 direct client contact hours. Variances associated with state requirements are common, and we have examined each state requirement for both professions and developed documents to help guide your decision process.

By clicking on your state of residence, you will have access to the state-specific requirements to include the licensing board website, accreditation requirement, degree program requirement, course equivalency, coursework requirement, coursework comparison, and practicum requirements (starting in the Fall trimester of academic year 2021/22 students in the MA MFT program will all complete 500 direct client contact hours). This information is meant to serve as a guide and in no way does it mean that the requirements as presented are firm and unchangeable. States make changes to their requirements frequently, and our documents are frequently updated, but you (the student) remain solely responsible for ensuring that the courses you complete will fulfill the requirements of your state. 

Notes

University of Massachusetts Global does not offer the MA MFT program to residents of Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Washington DC.

University of Massachusetts Global does not offer the MA PCC program to residents of Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Washington DC.