Admission Procedures and Guidlines


Admissions Checklist (pdf)

Applicants must have:

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college
  • Evidence of ability to do graduate work

Prerequisites for admission to the master's program include

  • Undergraduate course in human development
  • Undergraduate course in marriage and family relations
  • Undergraduate course in statistics
  • Undergraduate course in social science research methods

In addition, candidates who have the following courses will have special consideration

  • Abnormal psychology or psychopathology
  • Human sexuality
  • Undergraduate course in family therapy theories or family intervention

The following items will be assessed and are needed for consideration:

  • GRE or MAT scores
  • Undergraduate GPA
  • Transcripts
  • An application and letter of intent to the Graduate School
  • A separate written MFT essay to the MFT program
  • Three letters of reference (2 must be from former professors)
  • An interview

Applications must be received by January 1st of each year for matriculation in the fall. Application is now accomplished online. For information and procedures, please go to the School of Graduate Studies, application procedures.

Interviews are typically held in late February or early March.

  • Mail the MFT essay, resume, and photo separately to the MFT Director; do not send them to the Graduate School.
  • Send all other materials to the Graduate School including transcripts and letters of reference.

The Rest of the Process:

  • The number of finalists for consideration will be determined by the number of applicants and available slots. Six students are admitted each year.
  • Selected finalists will be invited to participate in an interview in early March. The purpose of the interview is to provide an opportunity for candidates and faculty to get to know one another so that each can make informed decisions about the appropriate fit of the program and student. Students will then be invited into the program.
  • All finalists must be approved by the Family, Consumer, and Human Development Department's Graduate Admission and Finance Committee.
  • The selected students will be notified as soon as possible following the interviews and will have one week to respond. A letter of acceptance is required as well as a telephone call. Alternates also will be selected.

Applications to the Utah State University Graduate School should include all of the following:

  • Completed Graduate School application, including intent portion
  • THREE letters of reference, 2 from former professors - forms can be found online (pdf format, click here. Forms can be emailed to reference writers, who can then fill out, print, sign, and return to USU.)
  • GRE and/or MAT scores
  • Official transcripts of all work completed at accredited institutions
  • Application fee

Items Sent to the MFT Program Director Include:

  • A separate MFT essay.
  • A wallet sized photograph with your name on the back
  • Resume

The MFT essay should:

  • Be no longer than 5 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point.
  • Answer the questions:
    • How did you become interested in family therapy as a profession?
    • What is your current knowledge of family therapy and family therapy theories? What courses or conferences have you attended? What books have you read? What strikes you as interesting or useful from these experiences?
    • What experience have you had in helping relationships, both formal and informal? What did you learn about working with people from these experiences?
    • What personal and professional goals do you have for yourself during graduate school?
    • What are your professional goals after graduating?
    • Include your current address, email, and telephone number at the beginning or end of your essay.
    • Include a cover letter explaining how you intend to fulfill prerequisites for matriculation. Students will not be admitted unless prerequisites are fulfilled prior to the fall semester.

If you have any questions during any part of the application process, please call or email:

Scot M. Allgood, Ph.D., Director
Marriage and Family Therapy Program
2700 Old Main Hill
Logan UT, 84322-2700
(435) 797-7433
scot.allgood@usu.edu

To Receive an Application Packet, Call: (435) 797-7430 (only if online application is not possible)