The Marriage and Family Counseling Track at the University of Florida offers a dual Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program focused on preparing students for careers as marriage and family therapists. This 72-credit hour program employs an eco-systemic approach, teaching students to analyze issues from multiple perspectives and consider environmental influences on individuals and families. The curriculum emphasizes developing practical counseling skills, broadening professional knowledge, integrating theoretical approaches, and gaining hands-on experience with various therapeutic practices and settings. Graduates are equipped with the competencies required for Registered Intern status in Florida, paving the way for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and/or Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) after completing post-degree supervised clinical experience. The program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and meets Florida's licensure requirements. The GRE is not required for admission.
The program requires a minimum of 72 credit hours. Students can earn a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Education Specialist (Ed.S.). Alternatively, students who complete a master's thesis will be awarded a Master of Arts in Education (M.A.E.) instead of the M.Ed.
Graduates are prepared for successful careers in public and private social service agencies, hospitals, churches, businesses, and independent practice settings. The program equips students with the skills needed to apply for Registered Intern status, a prerequisite for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and/or Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida upon completion of post-degree supervised clinical experience.
The GRE is not required for this program.
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
Applicants need a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on upper-division coursework. The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
The program requires a minimum of 72 credit hours. It is designed to be completed in approximately 2.5 years.
Please refer to the University of Florida Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid pages for current tuition rates and estimated living costs.
Graduates are prepared for careers as Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health Counselors in various settings. The program equips students with the skills needed to apply for Registered Intern status in Florida.
The application deadline for Fall admission is November 1st. Ensure all supporting materials are submitted by this date.