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