Application Procedures

Admissions Criteria

Enrollment in the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Program is limited due to the intense clinical training students receive. Applications for fall admission are due by January 13. Applications, together with all necessary supporting documents, must be on file by January 13 to guarantee consideration for admission the following academic year. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

The program encourages the application of all qualified candidates who are interested in becoming professional marital and family therapists. Candidates who hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university are eligible to be considered for admission. Applicants usually have an undergraduate degree in one of the behavioral or family sciences. Applicants without such a background are also encouraged to apply, but may be required to take some prerequisite undergraduate coursework (i.e., Introductory Psychology, Human Development), at the discretion of the program director.

Individuals who represent a broad range of backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply.

Admissions considerations include:

• Academic performance
• Work experience
• Motivation for graduate study
• Evidence of commitment to working with families
• Potential for success in the program and as a marital and family therapist
• The Graduate School Application Requirements

Application Procedures

Applicants are required to complete both the Northwestern University Graduate School Application Requirements and the Program-Specific Application Requirements.

Northwestern University Graduate School Application Requirements

The Family Institute at Northwestern University requires all applicants who have received conditional admission to either the Master of Arts Program in Counseling Psychology or the Master of Science Program in Marriage and Family Therapy to complete an online background check to determine criminal history. Having an adverse criminal history finding does not necessarily preclude admission.  Determinations are considered on a case-by-case basis. In the event that information from the background report is utilized in whole or in part in making an adverse decision with regard to an applicant's admission, before making the adverse decision, the Institute will provide the student with a copy of the consumer report and a written description of his or her rights under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.

• Application for Admission completed though The Graduate School Online Application (paper copies are not accepted).
• Non-refundable Application fee of $75.00 paid by credit card at application submission
• A digital copy of your official transcript from each post-secondary institution attended, documenting all courses taken whether or not within a degree program, grades received and degrees earned
• Two letters of recommendation, online through The Graduate School Online Application
• 5,000 character max Statement of Purpose that addresses the following:

What is your understanding of MFT and why did you decide to choose MFT?

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is NOT required nor a factor used in consideration for admission.
• Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if English is not applicant's native language
• All supplemental materials must be sent directly to the program to which you are applying.

The Graduate School Application is only available online.

Program-Specific Application Requirements for the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Program

• Program Specific Application - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Program
• One additional letter of recommendation (a total of 3), online through The Graduate School Online Application
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• A current photo
• Stamped, self-addressed postcard to confirm receipt of application (optional)
• If invited, applicants will participate in an interview with program faculty.

Download a Program-Specific Application for the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Program (requires Adobe Acrobat software).

To request a paper application, contact:

Education Program Manager
The Family Institute at Northwestern University
618 Library Place
Evanston, IL 60201
Tel: 847-733-4300, ext. 206
Fax: 847-733-0390

E-mail: family-institute@northwestern.edu