The Admission Process Overview

  • Application dates to apply for the 2026 - 2027 academic year  –
    • Considering the Labor Day holiday, the application will open on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, and close on December 1, 2025.
  • The GRE is not required.
  • All applicants will be notified by email whether or not they are selected for an on-campus interview by the end of January.
  • Interviews for select candidates for Fall 2026 will be held February 25 & 26, 2026.
  • Interviews will be all day and will include, but will not be limited to:  individual and group discussions and activities, and role plays.
  • All applicants will be notified by email regarding final admission decisions by April 1.
  • We understand that some applicants may need to respond to other program offers before this date. This year’s admission process will be completed as quickly as possible, but not prior to the dates already indicated.
  • Decisions will be sent by mail or email from the Graduate School. Please do not request early notification about admission decisions.
  • Please note that we anticipate having more applicants than available placements in the MFT program. Submitting an application will not guarantee placement in the MFT program
  • In accordance with federal laws and regulations, in our review of applicants, the MFT program does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, relationship status, gender identity, socioeconomic status, disability, health status, religious or spiritual belief, religious or spiritual affiliation, or national origin. (See FAQ re UVU applicant pool) 

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
    • If an applicant's cumulative GPA is below 3.0, the program may calculate and accept GPA based on the last 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate work.
  • Official university transcripts
  • Complete application including supplementary items
    • Curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Reflection essays
    • Three references, at least two of which are from individuals capable of describing the applicant's educational ability.
  • Payment of the university admission fee
  • Submission of all materials before the application deadline

Application Process

1.  Apply online

Submit official university transcripts

  • If requesting electronic copy from your university, official transcripts must be emailed to [email protected].
  • Graduates of UVU do not need to request university transcripts.

Submit supplementary items

  • Applicants need to submit a Curriculum Vita that identifies relevant education, employment, and volunteer experience
  • Applicants need to submit a CV Statement & Personal Reflection
    • This reflection should be a 2 - 3 page essay with two sections.
    • In the first section, describe the skills and experiences you listed on your CV.   Explain how these skills and experiences have created a foundation for learning in the MFT program.
    • In the second section, explain why the profession of marriage and family therapy is the best fit for you and explain your future professional goals.  Incorporate the Code of Ethics in this reflection.
  • Applicants  need to submit an Academic & Self-Reflection
    • This reflection should be a 2 - 3 page essay describing two aspects of your academic learning process.
    • In the first half of the essay, describe a class(es) you took that caused you to reflect and to change your mind about something.
    • In the second half of the essay, describe your plan to maintain a respectful and reflective stance as you learn to become an ethical therapist.  Please cite at least one relevant scholarly resource in this essay.

Three Professional References

  • Applicants need to provide 3 references, at least 2 of which should be from individuals who are capable of describing the applicant's educational ability.
  • Applicants will submit reference names and email addresses.
    • References will be asked to indicate their relationship to the applicant.
    • References will be asked specific questions about the applicant's academic readiness for an MFT program, ethical behavior, interpersonal skills, and potential to work with diverse clients.
    • References may optionally attach a letter of recommendation.

Submit All Materials by Deadline (December 1, 2025)

  • Submit the application and pay the application fee ($50).  You will receive an email confirmation of your payment.  If you do not receive the payment confirmation, please reach out to Cassidee Steele in the Graduate Admissions Office at [email protected].
  • It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all materials, including references and transcripts, are turned in before the deadline.  Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The UVU MFT admissions process is competitive.  Submission of materials does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

2. On-Campus Interview

  • All applicants will be notified by email whether or not they have been selected for an on-campus interview by the end of January.
  • Interviews for select candidates will be held on February 25 & 26, 2026.
  • Interviews will be all day and may include activities such as individual and group discussions, interviews, and role plays.
  • All applicants will be notified by email regarding final admission decisions by April 1.
    • We understand that some applicants may need to respond to other program offers before this date.  This year's admission process will be completed as quickly as possible, but not prior to the dates already indicated.
    • Decisions will be sent by mail or email from the Graduate School.  Please do not request early notification about admission decisions.

In accordance with federal laws and regulations, in our review of applicants, the MFT program does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, relationship status, gender identity, socioeconomic status, disability, health status, religious or spiritual affiliation, or national origin. (See FAQ re UVU applicant pool)

Frequently Asked Questions About Applying to the UVU MFT Program

 

What is the required GPA?

 Grade Point Average (GPA) provides one piece of information about a student's readiness for the academic load required in a graduate program.

UVU has established a minimum expectation of 3.0 for cumulative undergraduate GPA.  If an applicant's cumulative GPA doesn't meet that benchmark, the program can review the applicant's last 60 credits.  If the applicant can provide an explanation for why those 60 credits should be considered above the cumulative GPA, an exception from the university can be requested.

Please note that while students may apply to graduate school while they are completing their courses prior to graduation, the program requires that the final official transcript show degree completion with GPA above 3.0

Are there prerequisite courses?

 No. The UVU MFT Program does not require prerequisite courses.

Is there a required undergraduate major?

 No.  There is no required undergraduate major.  Undergraduate majors for our 2024 cohort are:

                                             Pie Chart of most common undergrad majors                  

 

Is the GRE required?

 No.  The GRE is not required at this time for application into the MFT Program.  If you have taken the GRE, you are welcome to submit that information as part of your application.

What if I have been out of school for a while?

 Many of our applicants have been out of school for a while.    We find that this is a profession in which the personal and professional experiences of non-traditional students can be a significant asset.  You are eligible to apply if you have completed a bachelor's degree. 

One of the challenges faced by applicants who have been out of school for a while is finding at least two academic letters of recommendation, which are required.  These letters can be provided by anyone who has seen you in an educational environment (e.g., Teaching at a school PTA or church meeting, leading a community class). We are looking for recommendations from people who understand the rigor of a clinical graduate program and who believe you will be successful in that kind of program. You may want to consider talking with former professors who remember you and could write an excellent letter of recommendation.  You may also consider reaching out to professors who are looking for people to join their research team.  Working with a professor gives them an opportunity to write a letter describing your professionalism, dependability, interpersonal skills, and overall readiness for graduate school.

How many letters of recommendation will I need?

 You will need to provide 3 Letters of Recommendation (LOR), at least 2 of which should be from individuals who are capable of describing your educational ability.  It’s helpful to have strong LORs from people who can speak to your academic ability and clinical potential.  Some of the strongest LORs come from faculty members who have seen you during class, and also mentored you outside of class on a research project. 

You want LORs from people who can speak to your ability to be academically successful in a graduate program.  You also want LORs from people who can speak to your potential as a therapist.  Along those lines, another example of a strong LOR could be an excellent letter from a current supervisor who has observed your work in a clinical setting/RTC.  Additional letters from professors, supervisors, or colleagues who can speak to your interpersonal readiness for a clinical program are also helpful.  If one or more of your recommendations is not positive, your application will be less competitive in comparison to other applications.

What does the typical UVU applicant pool look like?

 Each of the past four years, we have reviewed over 100 applications.  From those applications, we selected around 70 candidates for a formal on-campus interview.  From those interviewed, 24 people were invited to enroll in the UVU MFT Program.

The group of applicants who were selected to enroll in the MFT Program in 2024 identified themselves with the following characteristics:

 

  Average
GPA
Gender Race/
Ethnicity

Non-
traditional
Students
(born pre
1998)

1st
Generation
Students

Utah Residency
  Total 2024
  Applicants
3.61 M = 39
F = 113

Asian = 6
Black/African American = 1
Pacific Islander = 3
White = 130
Hispanic/Latino =  15
Trad = 106 
Non = 46
17
(11% of
total)
Residents = 113  
Non = 39
  Selected
  2024 Cohort
3.71 M = 6  
F = 18


Pacific Islander = 1
White = 20
Hispanic = 3

Trad = 11
Non = 13
2
(8% of
cohort)
Residents = 23
Non = 1

 

                           Pie Chart of Alma Mater 2024

Can I transfer into this program from another graduate program?

Individuals with graduate credit are welcome to apply to the MFT program via the regular annual application process. 

The UVU MFT program has a residency requirement of 42/54 credits, which means the program can accept no more than 12 transfer credits.  All potential transfer credits are evaluated by the Program Director in accordance with Graduate School policies.

 Graduate Transfer Credit

Graduate credits from another regionally accredited institution or equivalent shall have been completed within four years of the graduate student’s matriculation into the graduate program and cannot be older than six years at the time of graduation with a master’s degree or a graduate certificate from the University. Graduate transfer credits are also subject to grade and grade-point average minimums of the graduate program. (Policy 524, Section 4.5.1).

 

Things to Consider About the UVU MFT 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.

  • Guiding Principles.  "Programs prepare MFT professionals for the variety of roles they fulfill within the contemporary and emerging professional climate while serving diverse communities of interest."  (COAMFTE Accreditation Manual)
  • COAMFTE Developmental Competency Components.  "Awareness, knowledge and skill to responsibly serve diverse communities"  (COAMFTE Accreditation Standards V12.5)

  • Standard I: Outcome-Based Education Framework and Environmental Support. "Programs assess the effectiveness of key environmental supports for students, including how it successfully maintains an inclusive and diverse learning environment, and responsiveness for all learners." (COAMFTE Accreditation Standards V12.5)

 

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 supervises 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 prior to applying to the program.

4 students smiling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wolverine Mascot with female staff at event