Academics
Overview Degrees and Majors Academic Calendar Graduate and Professional Study Abroad Online Programs Catalog
Admissions and Aid
Overview How to Apply Cost and Financial Aid Dual Enrollment Visit Campus Request Information Contact an Admissions Counselor
Life At Harding
Overview Academic Resource Center Health and Wellness Student Support Campus Life Campus Safety Athletics
About
Overview Mission Ministries Community History Leadership Offices and Departments Diversity
Make a Gift Information for
Undergraduates Graduates Parents Alumni Donors
Request Information Schedule a Visit Apply

Marriage and Family Counseling

Request Information Apply Now
College of Education Graduate Mental Health and Wellness Marriage and Family Counseling
Degree Level
Graduate
College
Education
Format
On Ground
Credit Hours
60 hours
Average Time to Degree
2 years

Marriage and Family Counseling at Harding

If you're looking for premier training in preserving marriages and strengthening families, you've come to the right place.

Our 60-hour CACREP-accredited Master of Science in marriage and family counseling is aimed at preparing students to think of and practice counseling from a systemic perspective. Throughout the curriculum, students are trained to address mental health concerns and family dynamics with direct experience in family violence, sexual abuse and substance-related issues that affect the system and subsystems.

Learn more about Mental Health and Wellness

Why study marriage and family counseling at Harding?

A Full-Time, Cohort Experience

While many training programs offer online degrees and part-time opportunities, our program is a full-time, cohort experience that provides all of your clinical and supervisory hours, so you don't have to create your own. Being a part of a cohort, you have a sounding board that aids self-reflection, you have consistent study partners, and you are able to consult on cases together. The program begins once a year in August, so you will join a group of students whom you will get to know in each of your classes and through your practicum placements spanning the entirety of the program.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Make direct clinical application of what you are learning to real-life clients while having weekly supervision for those same cases. Completion of the program requires a minimum of 300 face-to-face client contact hours, 100 of which must be family/relational.

Two Licensures, One Program

With a focus on preparing competent mental health clinicians and licensure as a professional counselor, this degree also provides the academic and clinical preparation to proceed toward licensure in marriage and family therapy in Arkansas and other states.

More Information

  • CACREP-accreditation signals that a program’s content and quality have been evaluated and meet strict, consistent standards set by the profession. Choosing a CACREP accredited program also means the curriculum contains the academic knowledge necessary for professional licensure.
  • CACREP-accredited programs assure students—and the public they will one day serve—that a program’s curriculum includes appropriate counseling coursework and skill development. It also ensures that the program is stable, both professionally and financially.
  • Benefits of graduating from a CACREP-accredited counseling program include:
    • Access to more employment opportunities.
    • An advantage when applying to doctoral degree programs.
    • A streamlined state counseling licensing application process.
    • Skills and credibility to maximize your impact on the counseling profession.
    • The opportunity to sit for the National Counselor Examination exam prior to graduation.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Complete the online application.
  • Request official transcripts* be sent directly from previous institutions to admissions@harding.edu. 
  • Request three letters of recommendation.
  • Upload a copy of your Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization record.
  • Upload a resume.

*Note: Harding alumni and current students do not need to request Harding transcripts as they are on file.

ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • Complete a personal interview with the mental health and wellness faculty.
  • Limitations understanding signature.

Supervisors and students should contact the mental health and wellness office at 501-279-4500 for a direct link to training materials, handbooks and forms. Please contact Dr. Marc Fager if you have additional questions.

To be licensed in the state of Arkansas students must complete one credit hour of COUN 6901 Technology Assisted & Distance Counseling as an elective to fulfill licensing requirements.

What can you do with a master's in marriage and family counseling?

Private mental health practices

A Master of Science in marriage and family therapy equips graduates for thriving careers in private mental health practices. This program integrates clinical training with a strong foundation in systemic therapy, preparing therapists to address relational and emotional issues within families and couples. Graduates gain expertise in conducting assessments, developing treatment plans and providing therapeutic interventions that promote healing and resilience.

Churches/ministry settings

In churches and ministry settings, graduates play a vital role in providing compassionate care and support to church and community members. This program emphasizes the integration of faith and therapy, preparing therapists to address spiritual, relational and emotional challenges within the context of clients' beliefs and values. 

Various counseling settings

In various counseling settings, the Master of Science in marriage and family therapy program prepares graduates to excel in diverse roles within the mental health field. Graduates are trained to provide individual, couple and family therapy in settings such as community mental health centers, outpatient clinics and substance abuse treatment facilities. 

View the Catalog

View Catalog

Contact Information


Mental Health and Wellness
501-279-4500
mhw@harding.edu

Mailing address:
Harding University
Mental Health and Wellness
HU 12254
Searcy, AR 72149-5615