Marriage and Family Therapy, Non-Clinical Concentration in Latin American Studies (Online), Ph.D.

Program Description

Overview: Latin Americans are the largest and fastest growing minority group in the United States. The nonclinical concentration responds to the current need to train culturally attuned scholars, researchers, practitioners, or theoreticians to the diverse and distinctive idiosyncrasies of Latin American migrants. It introduces masters level professionals to the study and further development of practices embedded in Latin American folklores, healing traditions, sabidurias, spiritualities, and indigenous knowledges.

Purpose: This unique academic concentration draws from an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary emphasis. It aims to training culturally sensitive professionals to better serve diverse Latin Americans families in their undertakings regarding migration, racism, gender discrimination, bilingualism, and social disparities when acculturating in the United States. It is oriented by, but not limited to politics of solidarity, liberation theology, social justice, and feminist studies.

Program Admissions

Students admitted to the program will have successfully completed a master’s degree program from a regionally accredited institution, or the equivalent. All applicants must submit:

• A resume
• Three letters of recommendation from professional colleagues who are familiar with his/her character, work, and therapy skills (where applicable)
• A scholarly writing sample of 8-10 pages. Previous work such as an academic paper or report may be submitted
• A professional goal statement: 1-3 page typed, double-spaced statement of professional goals and how the Ph.D. will lead to the fullfillment of the goals
• A TOEFL score of 61 or above (if applicable)

Program Requirements

Core courses for the Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy - Non-Clinical Concentration include the following:

• MAFT 7000 - Family Systems I: Epistemological Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy
• MAFT 7002 - Family Systems II: Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy
• MAFT 7010 - Family Therapy I
• MAFT 7012 - Family Therapy II
• MAFT 7014 - Couple and Marital Therapy
• MAFT 7022 - Social Ecology: The Social Context of the Family
• MAFT 7040 - Issues and Problems in Systemic and Marriage and Family Therapy Research
• MAFT 7042 - Qualitative and Ethnographic Research
• MAFT 7046 - Dissertation Seminar Family Therapy
• MAFT 7061 - Family Medicine and Marriage and Family Therapy

Total Course Requirements: 60 Hours

Graduate Courses

Note: To receive graduate credit for a 4000-level course designated ‘For Undergraduate and Graduates,’ a student must be in graduate admission status at the time credit is earned in the course. Credit earned in undergraduate admission status cannot be changed to graduate credit.