Marriage and Family Therapy (MSMFT)

Christian Counseling Programs

The two graduate programs in Christian counseling share the same admission requirements and application procedures: the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSMFT) and the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling (MSMHC).

Admission Requirements: Acceptance of an applicant by the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy/Mental Health Counseling is based on a review of all available evidence predictive of probable academic success and professional achievement. To be admitted to the graduate program leading to the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy or Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, an applicant must comply with all general regulations of Harding University. In addition, an applicant must complete the application for admission to the graduate program and meet/complete the following admission requirements:

1. Academic. The applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and have an overall undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.75 with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 in all courses taken at graduate level at all schools attended. Applicants who have less than a 2.75 overall grade point average, but have relevant work experience since receiving the bachelor’s degree, and who are otherwise judged qualified as indicated below, may qualify for admission by taking courses to strengthen academic preparation.
2. Graduate Record Examination. The Graduate Record Examination (General Aptitude) is required of all applicants and must be taken in time for scores to be on record by the April 1 deadline. The applicant should check immediately with the university testing office in his/her geographical area regarding the dates when the GRE may be taken. The MFT/MHC program at Harding University requires a minimum of 900 in combined verbal and quantitative scores.
3. Diagnostic Assessment. Applicants will take the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis as a descriptive assessment of self and interpersonal dynamics. Married applicants are encouraged to have the T-JTA completed by their spouse to assist with relational assessment. Tests are provided at no cost by the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy/Mental Health Counseling.
4. Personal and Work Experience. Consideration is given particularly to those applicants whose personal and work experience demonstrates commitment to the field of marriage and family therapy. Personal experience and motivation are important qualifications, and they are assessed to the best of the MFT/MHC Program Committee’s ability. Work experience in a helping profession is viewed favorably, e.g., counseling, social work, ministry, nursing, agency work, education, related volunteer work.
5. Letters of recommendation. A minimum of three letters of recommendation from those familiar with the applicant’s academic and work experience is required. Applicants already working in the mental health field should obtain at least one letter of recommendation from a current supervisor. Letters of recommendation should attest to productivity in effort and personal integrity in lifestyle.
6. Resume. The applicant must attach a copy of his/her resume to the application materials.
7. Statement of professional goals. The applicant must write a statement of his/her professional goals, emphasizing those life experiences which are relevant to the field of marriage and family therapy/mental health counseling. This statement should enable the committee to learn more about the applicant as a person. The typed paper should address the following:
   1. Why I want to be a therapist/counselor.
   2. Critical incidents in my life that have most influenced my wanting to be a therapist.
   3. My professional goals upon completing the program.
   4. My strengths that will help me achieve my professional goals.
   5. The areas in myself that need most attention during my training.
   6. Why I am interested in pursuing this course of study at Harding University.
8. Transcripts. Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate study must be submitted.

Application Procedure: All applications are screened and evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants requesting scholarships must have applications mailed on or before April 1. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all materials requested are received in the MFT/MHC office by this date.

Applicants entering as part-time students must have all their materials submitted prior to the beginning of the semester they wish to start.

The Application for Admission, GRE scores, a $40 non-refundable application fee, and all other materials, including the letters of recommendation, should be forwarded to:

Dr. Lewis L. Moore, Chairman
Department of Marriage and Family Therapy/Mental Health Counseling
Harding University
Box 12262
Searcy, AR 72149-2262

Application Review and Selection of Candidates: The admission process includes evaluation of your GPA, the GRE, letters of recommendation, your goals, the Taylor-Johnson Temperament Analysis, and an interview with faculty. The initial screening is based on the first four criteria. Students who are qualified are then invited for an extended introduction to our program and an interview with faculty. Final student selections are made shortly after the interviews and are based primarily on the perceived “fit” between the student and graduate programs. The screening of applications and notification of status is completed no later than April 30.

Prerequisite Coursework: It is recommended that the applicant have an undergraduate degree with major emphasis in one of the social/behavioral sciences, e.g., psychology, sociology, or in a closely related field. Background courses in learning theory, personality theory, behavior pathology, measurement, human development, and family relations are recommended. At least 6 semester hours in the behavioral sciences at the undergraduate or graduate level are required. Applicants lacking background courses may be advised to defer their applications until they are prepared to enter as regular graduate students.

Scholarship/Financial Aid Information: The following is a list of the scholarships available at present for students enrolled full time in the Marriage and Family Therapy/Mental Health Counseling Program. All applications with scholarship requests must be received by April 1 for consideration.

General Half Tuition Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded based on a combination of academic excellence, professional goals, integrity, and financial need. There are currently 2.5 such scholarships available. Please contact the program director for more information.

Seth Decker Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund: This scholarship was established in memory of Seth Decker, the son of Cendy and Dwight Decker, a member of the MFT graduating class of 1997.

Nancy Meadows Endowed Scholarship Fund for Marriage and Family Therapy: This scholarship was established to honor Nancy Meadows by her husband, Rusty Meadows, a member of the MFT graduating class of 1997. It is awarded based on scholarship, leadership, diligence, demonstrated capability, and financial need. Recipients shall maintain a satisfactory grade point average and a good reputation among faculty and students. The amount is determined on a yearly basis dependent on available funds.

Roger and Mary Luallen Marriage and Family Therapy Endowed Scholarship Fund: This scholarship is awarded to applicants who have completed at least one semester in the Marriage and Family Therapy program. Preference will be given to applicants who are members in good standing of the church of Christ. The amount is determined on a yearly basis dependent on available funds.

For more information about these scholarships, contact: Dr. Lewis L. Moore, chairman, Marriage and Family Therapy/Mental Health Counseling, Harding University, Box 12262, Searcy, Ark., 72149; phone 501-279-7400; or e-mail Dr. Vann Rackley at rackley@harding.edu.

Requests for other information regarding financial assistance should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid Services at 501-279-4257.

Specific Degree Requirements: Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSMFT)

1. The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy degree consists of 60 semester hours of course work, 500 hours of face-to-face direct-client-contact therapy (with at least 250 hours being with couples and families), and 100 hours of faculty supervision (of which not more than 50 hours may be group supervision). Recommendation for the granting of the MSMFT degree requires the completion of prescribed course work with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and completion of the client contact and supervision hours.
2. After 20 hours of study are completed, the student’s progress is reviewed by the MFT/MHC faculty and, should there be a need, options are suggested, e.g. additional course work, timeout from the program for personal growth experiences, reconsideration of vocational plans and academic alternatives, withdrawal from the program permanently or for a given period of time.
3. Clinical training integrates didactic and clinical material. Each of the required practica consists of a part-time clinical experience which is completed concurrently with didactic course work. A practicum typically results in 5-10 direct contact hours per week and includes such activities as supervision, staff meetings, community relations, and record keeping. Both in-house practica, with intense supervision by core MFT/MHC faculty, and off-site practica are provided to insure diversity of clientele and supervision. Students are required to successfully complete three semesters of practicum with a minimum grade of A or B.
4. Upon completion of two semesters, graduate students will be reviewed by the MFT/MHC committee and assess preparation for clinical practica. Students will be notified, in writing, if additional preparation is required prior to beginning the first clinical practicum: MFT 690 , Marriage and Family Practicum.
5. Near the end of the summer semester in which the student is enrolled in MFT 690 , Marriage and Family Practicum, the student is formally evaluated by the MFT/MHC faculty with regard to personal preparedness for and admission to MFT 691 , Marriage and Family Practicum. The faculty reviews such attributes as personal openness and maturity, motivation, ability to utilize supervision and establish clinical relationships.
6. In addition to completion of course work and 500 hours of therapy, students are required to demonstrate pre-professional competence in the following areas before final approval for graduation: personal maturity and integrity, adherence to Harding University’s Code of Conduct, conceptual understanding of personal and interpersonal behavior, familiarity with marriage and family theory and therapy literature, coherent therapeutic methodology, insight into own personality, and sound ethical judgment culminating in a satisfactory internship experience.

Curriculum for Marriage and Family Therapy (MSMFT)

(listed in semester hours)