We accept applications once a year for our fall cohort. The GRE is not required.
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
|
September 1st |
Application opens |
|
December 1st |
Application deadline: All materials, including transcripts and references, must be submitted |
|
By the end of January |
All applicants notified by email whether they’re invited to interview |
|
Last week of February |
All-day on-campus interviews for selected candidates |
|
By April 1st |
Final admission decisions emailed to all applicants |
|
Fall semester |
New cohort begins |
Admission is competitive, and we receive more applications than we have openings. We complete reviews as quickly as we can but cannot release decisions early, so please do not request early notification.
In accordance with federal laws and regulations, in our review of applicants, the MFT program does not discriminate based on race, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, relationship status, gender identity, socioeconomic status, disability, health status, religious or spiritual affiliation, or national origin (See FAQ Diversity Composition). For more information, please read UVU's non-discrimination policy.
How long is the program and can I do it part-time?
The 54-credit UVU MFT program is designed to be completed in five sequential semesters. Students are expected to enroll full-time. View Course Progression for more information
When are courses held?
Can I apply if I am still finishing my bachelor's degree?
You may apply while you’re still finishing your bachelor’s degree, but your final official transcript must show a completed degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Many of our applicants have been out of school for a while, and we find that non-traditional students’ personal and professional experience can be a real asset in this profession. If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree, you’re eligible to apply.
The most common challenge for returning students is finding two references who can speak to their academic ability. These can be anyone who has seen you in an educational setting, such as a former professor or someone who has watched you teach a community class, lead a workshop, or present at a school or church meeting. We’re looking for references who understand the rigor of a clinical graduate program and believe you’ll succeed in one.
If you’re planning ahead, consider reconnecting with former professors or volunteering on a professor’s research team. Working with faculty gives them a firsthand view of your professionalism, dependability, interpersonal skills, and readiness for graduate school.
What should I know about references?
You’ll need three references, at least two of whom can speak to your academic ability. Strong references speak to both your academic potential and your potential as a therapist.
Choose your references carefully. A reference that isn’t positive will make your application less competitive.
| Attribute | 2025 Cohort | 2026 Cohort |
|---|---|---|
| Average GPA | 3.63 | 3.66 |
| Gender |
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| Race/Ethnicity |
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| Traditional vs. Non-traditional |
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| First-generation students | 5 (20.8%) | 4 (12.5%) |
| Utah residency |
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| Other: |
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How competitive is admission to the UVU MFT program?
Admission to the UVU MFT program is highly competitive. For a recent cohort, we reviewed over 240 applications, interviewed approximately 100 candidates, and admitted 32 students.
While numbers vary each year, applicants should expect a competitive selection process.
Can I get licensed when I graduate?
The UVU MFT program is designed to align with the educational requirements for licensure in the state of Utah. Upon graduation from the UVU program, students should be eligible for licensure as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in Utah.
Students who plan to leave Utah after graduation should make themselves fully aware of the licensing requirements for another state or territory. It is strongly advised that students obtain current and accurate information about licensing requirements in the location to which they may move prior to starting the UVU program.
Please refer to the DOPL website for additional information about MFT licensure in Utah.
Does this program require a thesis?
No. The UVU MFT program emphasizes clinical training and specifically prepares students for licensure and employment as an MFT. Students will be required to demonstrate competence in all program outcomes prior to graduation. Summative assignments include a clinical presentation, essays, and a comprehensive exam. Students interested in pursuing a doctoral degree after graduation would benefit from seeking individual opportunities to participate in research with faculty members as an addition to their required program coursework.
Are there prerequisite courses?
No. The UVU MFT program does not require prerequisite courses.
Is there a required undergraduate major?
No. Our students come from a wide range of majors.
Can I transfer from another graduate program?
Yes. Students with graduate credit are welcome to apply through the regular annual application process.
The program has a residency requirement of 42 of 54 credits, so we can accept no more than 12 transfer credits. The Program Director evaluates all potential transfer credits according to Graduate School policy:
Per UVU Policy 524 (Section 4.5.1), transfer credits must come from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent), must have been completed within four years of starting the UVU program, and can be no more than six years old at graduation. They must also meet the program’s grade and GPA minimums.
Cost
| Expense | Estimated Cost | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Required course textbooks | Costs vary by course | Each semester |
| AAMFT Student membership | $250.00 ($125.00 per year) | 1st semester in Ethics and/or Pre-Practicum course(s) |
| Program iPad - Provided by the program | Replacement cost if broken or lost. Replacement cost is $580 | Practicum I |
| AMFTRB Practice Exam | $70.00 per attempt | Capstone Course |
| Note: Students must pass the AMFTRB exam, which may require multiple attempts. | ||
| Additional courses | Costs vary by year and number of credits | Whenever a repeated course is necessary due to course grade or insufficient clinical hours |
| Personal Therapy | Costs vary. $10.00 for sessions at UVU health center. | If desired by the student, or when required by the program |
Accreditation
As an accredited program by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), we are committed to preparing students for ethical, competent, and effective clinical practice. This includes training that supports the ability to work with individuals, couples, and families from a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Both our accrediting body and the professional ethics of the field require us to cultivate a respectful and inclusive learning environment. Students in our program will engage with material and clinical training that emphasize the development of cultural responsiveness and the ability to provide affirming care to diverse communities. This includes, but is not limited to, considerations of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, and family structure.
We understand that students bring a variety of perspectives and life experiences to their training. Our goal is not to promote any particular political or ideological viewpoint, but rather to uphold the professional standards of our field and ensure that graduates are prepared to serve the needs of all clients in a compassionate and ethical manner.
MFT Program Degree Portability Acknowledgment
To support our graduates in becoming licensed as MFTs in Utah, the UVU program curriculum and clinical hour requirements align with the educational requirements established in the Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing Act Rule, R156-60b. The UVU MFT Program is designed only to meet education and experience requirements for professional licensure in Utah.
Each state's professional licensing board establishes minimum education and experience expectations, which a program or graduate must meet to establish eligibility for a license in that state. Each state's licensing requirements are unique to that state; some states have similar requirements and other states vary greatly.
Any applicant intending to pursue licensure in a state other than Utah should note that the licensing process in another state could require additional coursework and/or clinical hours. It is each applicant's responsibility to compare licensing requirements in the state they wish to pursue a license to the courses offered and hours required by the UVU MFT program.
Personal Disposition and Program Standards
Most family therapy training programs employ both didactic and experiential teaching methods, in addition to supervised practice. Experiential methods frequently include asking students to attend personal therapy, and to explore their family of origin, personal biases, and emotional reactions. It is not uncommon for faculty and supervisors to challenge a student’s thinking process, emotional reactivity, or professionalism. Although the MFT faculty do not intentionally attempt to provoke emotional reactions from students, it is important for students to understand that there may be times throughout the program when they feel emotionally vulnerable.
One ongoing aspect of the program’s evaluation of student readiness for clinical work is that of professional disposition. Students are assessed on their professional attitudes and beliefs, and their receptiveness to feedback and challenges, including how students demonstrate these through verbal and non-verbal behaviors. These behaviors are subject to ongoing evaluation as part of the student’s professional temperament.
Faculty members and supervisors are professional gatekeepers who have an ethical responsibility to ensure that students, trainees, and supervisees are both academically and personally or emotionally prepared to remain helpful during intense clinical situations and crises. A student who is uncomfortable with being challenged or who expects to experience emotional safety in every aspect of the program should not enroll in the UVU MFT program.
Students should note that they may face remediation processes, which could result in dismissal from the program, for personal behavior that does not meet program standards.
For further clarification of program policies, we strongly encourage all candidates to read the MFT Program Handbook and MFT Practicum Handbook before applying to the program.
