College of Arts and Sciences
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy requires 72 credits. Students are allowed to transfer up to 33 credit hours from an M.A. in MFT or equivalent. Additional requirements include 12 credits of advanced theory and practice; 12 credits of advanced research methodology; 3 credits of elective; 6 credits of advanced practicum; and 6 credits of dissertation.
Requirements also include a 9-month internship and satisfactory completion of the doctoral qualifying examination and the doctoral dissertation and related oral examination.
Professional licensure/certification requirements vary from state to state, which may affect your ability to apply for a professional license/certification upon the completion of the program. Please view our Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement regarding the Marriage and Family Therapy’s Ph.D. program’s ability to meet specific state licensure or certification requirements.
Falk College’s Marriage and Family Therapy Department demonstrates commitment to diversity and inclusion and adheres to Syracuse University's Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy. The MFT department prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, health, socioeconomic status, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers recruitment; admissions; codes of conduct; hiring, retention or dismissal of faculty, students, and supervisors; and access to, and treatment in, university programs, services, and activities. Syracuse University’s non-discrimination policy and the MFT department’s statement on non-discrimination can be found in the student handbook.
Program Details
Faculty Mentorship
Your unique interests will have every opportunity to thrive under the guidance of faculty mentors at Syracuse University:
- Research: MFT faculty are leaders in high-impact, global research in critical topics such as trauma-informed practice, mental health training, human sexuality and sexual violence, incarcerated relationships, and supporting transgender youth and their families in therapy, among many others.
- Clinical Practice: MFT faculty and clinical staff are licensed in New York State, currently engaged in clinical practice, and are AAMFT-approved supervisors.
- Teaching: Gain independent mentored teaching experiences under the guidance of faculty teaching mentors in Syracuse University’s Future Professorate Program, a structured professional development experience for aspiring faculty.
Research Community
Be part of interdisciplinary, collaborative practice and research projects with global partners and in multiple laboratories, centers, and institutions at Syracuse University, such as:
- The Aging Studies Institute is a network of faculty affiliates making research contributions to the field of aging, age-based policy, and later-life wellbeing.
- The Institute for Veterans and Military Families provides research, policy analysis, and program evaluation across the U.S. to enhance service delivery for veterans and their families.
- The NAEYC-accredited Bernice M. Wright Laboratory School provides inclusive, developmentally appropriate education for children 18 months to five years old.
The Couple and Family Therapy Center at Peck Hall
Peck Hall is a five-story, 30,000 square-foot facility that houses MFT faculty and administrative offices, classrooms, a student lounge/kitchen, and a seminar room. It also houses the Couple and Family Therapy Center, which offers confidential therapy services to diverse families, couples, and individuals who are coping with life’s challenges.