---
title: "Counseling - Marriage & Family Therapy M.S."
url: "/academics/programs/marriage-family-therapy-ms"
type: program
date: 2026-06-09
updated: 2026-09-16
---
# Counseling - Marriage & Family Therapy M.S.
# Counseling - Marriage & Family Therapy M.S.
**Earn a licensure-qualifying master's and graduate, ready to support individuals, couples, and families as a marriage and family therapist.**
Build the clinical skills to help people navigate relationships, conflict, and change through a 60-credit program registered with the New York State Office of the Professions. Learn from faculty who are practicing clinicians, complete supervised practicum and internship experience, and prepare for New York State licensure, all minutes from New York City.
[ Request Information ](/graduate/admissions/request-information)
[ Visit Manhattan University ](/admissions/visit) [ Explore Kakos School of Arts and Sciences ](/academics/kakos)
Credit Hours60
Time to Complete2-3 Years
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This program is part of [Social and Behavioral Sciences](/academics/kakos/departments/social-behavioral)
What Set's Us Apart The Manhattan University Difference
## What Sets Us Apart
The M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Manhattan University prepares clinicians to treat individuals, couples, and families through a relational, systems-based lens. The 60-credit program is registered with the New York State Office of the Professions and fulfills the educational requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in New York. Students complete supervised practicum and internship experience under faculty who are practicing clinicians, all supported by small classes and close mentorship.
Licensure-Qualifying Program
Complete a curriculum that meets New York State's educational requirements for independent licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
Faculty Who Practice
Learn from experienced clinicians who work with individuals, children, couples, and families and bring real cases into the classroom.
Supervised Clinical Hours
Complete a one-semester practicum and a two-semester internship totaling 500 hours on site, including 300 direct client hours.
Systems-Based Approach
Treat clients within the context of their relationships and environments, learning to think through a family systems lens.
Flexible Blended Format
Balance graduate study with life and work through a blended schedule, with up to half of coursework offered online synchronously.
Small Classes, Close Mentorship
Study in a close-knit community where faculty guide your academic, clinical, and professional growth.
Why Study Marriage and Family Therapy Image
The Manhattan Advantage
## Why Study Marriage and Family Therapy at Manhattan University?
At Manhattan University, the M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy trains clinicians to provide therapy grounded in contextual, cultural, and relational perspectives. Students study how factors such as lifespan development, family of origin, culture, and environment shape well-being, then build the skills to assess, diagnose, and treat clients within the context of their relationships. Through a one-semester practicum and a two-semester internship, students gain 500 hours of supervised on-site experience, graduating ready to pursue New York State licensure and support individuals, couples, and families as marriage and family therapists.
[ Explore Graduate Programs ](/graduate/academics)
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Curriculum & Courses
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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, with access to over 100 practicum and internship sites, located throughout NYC, all five New York City boroughs, and Westchester County. 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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## Marriage and Family Therapy: Strengthen Every Family.
The M.S. in 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 graduate clinical training and 500 hours of supervised experience, prepared to step 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.
Systems Perspective
Ground your clinical practice in family systems theory, relational assessment, and contextual treatment.
Careers & Outcomes
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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.
[ Explore Kakos School of Arts and Sciences ](/academics/kakos)
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Program Costs & Aid ## Program Costs & Financial Aid
Manhattan University is committed to making a high-quality, career-focused graduate education accessible and affordable. Graduate students may qualify for assistantships, scholarships, and federal aid that significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance.
- [**View Tuition & Fees**](/graduate/tuition-fees "Tuition & Fees | Graduate")
- [**View Graduate Assistantships**](/admissions/financial-aid/student-employment/graduate-lab-assistantships "Graduate and Lab Assistantships | Financial Aid")
- [**Explore Scholarships Scholarships**](/admissions/financial-aid/loans-grants/scholarships-and-grants "Aid, Scholarships and Grants")
- [**View Graduate Federal Aid and Grants**](/graduate/financial-aid "Grants and Loans | Graduate")
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 Graduate Costs and Financial Aid](/graduate "Graduate Education")
Admission Information ## Admissions Information for Manhattan University
Applying to Manhattan University is simple and straightforward. Review the requirements below to take the next step toward advancing your career.
**Requirements:**
- Applicants for master's programs must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or institution.
- Normally, an undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is required, although other factors may be considered in the admission decision.
- Ideally, applicants should have suitable preparation in the behavioral sciences. Consideration will be given for teaching experience and for other applicable experience. Applicants who possess a bachelor's degree but lack relevant background experience may be required to take prerequisite courses for admission.
- Other factors will be considered for admission, such as years of professional experience, a high average in your major field, scores on required standardized tests, or academic development beyond the baccalaureate degree.
[Learn More about Graduate Admissions](/graduate "Graduate Education")
[Learn More about International Graduate Admissions](/graduate/admissions/graduate-requirements "Graduate Student Requirements")
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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.
[Visit Manhattan University](/admissions/visit)
[Apply Today](/admissions/apply)
[Request Information](/admissions/request-information)
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