Psychology and Marriage Family Therapy B.A. / M.S.

Earn two degrees in five and a half years and graduate ready to support individuals, couples, and families as a licensed therapist.

Combine a bachelor's in psychology with a master's in marriage and family therapy on one accelerated path. Learn from dedicated faculty, complete supervised clinical hours, and prepare for New York State licensure, all minutes from New York City.

Credit Hours
168
Time to Complete
5.5 Years
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Couple hold hands to support each other while discussing family issues with a counselor

This program is part of Social and Behavioral Sciences

What Set's Us Apart

The Manhattan University Difference

What Sets Us Apart

The accelerated B.A./M.S. in Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy at Manhattan University gives motivated psychology majors a seamless path to a graduate degree and New York State licensure. Students begin graduate counseling coursework as undergraduates, complete more than 700 hours of supervised clinical internship, and graduate in five and a half years with both a B.A. and an M.S., supported by close faculty mentorship in small classes.

Accelerated Dual Degree

Begin graduate counseling coursework in your senior year and earn both a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy in five and a half years.

Path to Licensure

Graduate eligible to pursue licensure as a New York State Marriage and Family Therapist, ready to begin practicing in a clinical setting.

Supervised Clinical Hours

Complete more than 700 hours of mental health counseling internship under the clinical supervision of experienced practitioners.

Evidence-Based Practice

Build the skills to form therapeutic relationships, apply proven interventions, and demonstrate cultural competence with diverse clients.

Expert Faculty Mentorship

Learn in small classes where faculty in the Social and Behavioral Sciences department guide your academic, clinical, and professional growth.

Family Systems Focus

Develop the specialized skills to support individuals, couples, and families navigating relationships, conflict, and change.

Why Study Marriage and Family Therapy
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The Manhattan Advantage

Why Study Marriage and Family Therapy at Manhattan University?

At Manhattan University, the accelerated B.A./M.S. in Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy lets motivated psychology majors move seamlessly from undergraduate study into graduate counseling coursework, earning two degrees in the time it often takes to earn one. Students apply in their junior year, begin graduate classes as seniors, and complete more than 700 hours of supervised clinical internship, graduating in five and a half years ready to pursue New York State licensure and to support individuals, couples, and families as marriage and family therapists.

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Curriculum & Courses

Curriculum & Courses

Explore coursework that builds the pedagogical foundations, special education expertise, and classroom-ready skills you need to teach students of all abilities across grades 1-6.

  • Roots: Psychology
  • Statistics and Research Methods I
  • Statistics and Research Methods II
  • Senior Capstone: Advanced Research Methods
  • Psychopathology
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Psychology of Childhood
  • Psychology of Adolescence

Explore a curriculum that pairs a strong foundation in psychology with graduate coursework in marriage and family therapy, building the knowledge, clinical skills, and supervised experience you need to support individuals, couples, and families. Students complete a sequence of graduate counseling courses alongside the undergraduate psychology major, including a 700-hour supervised mental health counseling internship.

The courses listed below are a sample of what you will take with this program. To view the full plan of study, please visit Manhattan University's academic catalog.

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Why Study in New York City

New York City is one of the most dynamic environments in the world to prepare for a career in marriage and family therapy. Home to a vast network of hospitals, clinics, community agencies, and counseling centers, the city offers students direct access to the settings where therapists support individuals, couples, and families every day. At Manhattan University, students complete supervised clinical internships across the region, work alongside experienced practitioners, and build the cultural competence and practical skills needed to serve clients from a wide range of backgrounds. This real-world experience strengthens your clinical confidence and helps you build the professional network needed to launch a meaningful career in one of the nation's most diverse communities.

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Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy: Strengthen Every Family.

The accelerated B.A./M.S. in Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy prepares you to support individuals, couples, and families through life's most challenging moments. You will graduate eligible for New York State licensure, with a strong foundation in psychology, graduate clinical training, and 700 hours of supervised experience, preparing you to step directly into practice as a marriage and family therapist.

Therapeutic Skills

Learn to build therapeutic relationships and guide clients through relationship, family, and emotional challenges.

Licensure Pathway

Graduate eligible to pursue licensure as a New York State Marriage and Family Therapist and enter clinical practice

Crisis Support

Gain the skills to recognize, respond to, and support clients facing crisis and difficult life circumstances.

Collaborative Care

Partner with families, clients, and care providers to build the support systems that help people thrive.

Cultural Competence

Develop the skills to serve clients from the diverse backgrounds that define communities across New York City.

Psychology Foundation

Ground your clinical practice in core psychological concepts, research methods, and human development.

Careers & Outcomes

Potential Careers

Graduates leave with both a foundation in psychology and the graduate training needed to pursue licensure as a New York State Marriage and Family Therapist, prepared to support the well-being and growth of individuals, couples, and families.

  • Behavioral Health Counselor
  • Clinical Therapist
  • Couples Therapist
  • Family Therapist
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Marriage and Family Counselor
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Mental Health Counselor
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View of campus in the fall at Manhattan Univeristy

About

The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences

The Kakos School of Arts and Sciences is the largest of Manhattan University's three schools, offering 33 undergraduate majors, six graduate programs, and six combined degrees across the humanities, natural and social sciences, and professional fields. Grounded in the University's Lasallian Catholic mission and located near the heart of New York City, the School pairs rigorous academics with small classes, close faculty mentorship, and real-world experience throughout the five boroughs and beyond. With strong pre-law and pre-health advising and a focus on ethical, engaged scholarship, Kakos graduates leave prepared to lead, and the University ranks in the top 3% nationally for salary impact (Wall Street Journal, 2026), evidence of where that preparation leads.

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View of campus in the fall at Manhattan Univeristy
Program Costs & Aid

Program Costs & Financial Aid

Manhattan University is committed to making a high-quality, career-focused education accessible and affordable. Through a combination of competitive tuition, robust financial aid, and our Jasper Guarantee, students and families can plan their education with confidence. The Jasper Guarantee locks your tuition rate for all four years—ensuring financial stability and eliminating unexpected increases as you work toward your degree.

More than 90% of Manhattan University students receive some form of financial assistance, including merit scholarships, grants, and need-based aid, significantly reducing the overall cost of attendance.

A Manhattan University education is an investment in your future, and we are dedicated to helping you access the resources that make it possible.

Learn More About Costs and Financial Aid

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A Smarter Investment in Your Future

Jasper Guarantee

At Manhattan University, every undergraduate student is protected by the Jasper Guarantee, which locks your tuition rate for all four years, ensuring clarity, stability, and peace of mind as you plan your education. This promise reflects our commitment to affordability and to supporting students and families throughout their academic journey.

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Manhattan University Admission counselors and students smiling during an open house event
Admission Information

Accelerated Application Process

The accelerated B.A./M.S. pathway has its own application process for current Manhattan University psychology majors. Students apply during their junior year to begin graduate coursework as seniors.

Eligibility and steps:

  • Be currently enrolled in the psychology major in good standing, with a minimum GPA of 3.2
  • Speak with the chair of the Social and Behavioral Sciences department during your sophomore year to express interest in the program
  • Apply during your junior year

Required application documents:

  • Application form
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of interest
  • Resume
  • Two letters of reference, including at least one from a current psychology faculty member

Admissions Information for Manhattan University

Start Your Journey in Marriage and Family Therapy
Applying to Manhattan University is designed to be clear and accessible. Review the requirements and key deadlines below to take the next step toward a future supporting individuals, couples, and families.

Requirements:

  • Application & transcript
  • SAT/ACT optional
  • Personal statement
  • Letter(s) of recommendation

Deadlines:

  • Early Action: November 15
  • Regular Decision: February 1

Admission and Application Process

International Students:

Support available for visas, documentation, and English-language assessments.

Learn More about International Financial Aid

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Prepare for the Real World

At Manhattan University, your education is built around who you are and where you want to go. Whether you’re ready to apply or just starting to explore, take the next step when you’re ready — we’re here to help.

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