A limited number of partial scholarships are available through The Family Institute for students who are committed to community-based services. Applications for scholarships are accepted upon admission.

The Family Institute and Alumni Association Community Scholarship

Students may apply for partial scholarship assistance through The Family Institute upon acceptance into the program. To request an application, contact the Education Program Manager at 847-733-4300, ext. 206. These funds are designated to support students who are committed to working in communities of under-resourced or underserved populations and who demonstrate a significant background and aptitude with these populations.

Harris Family Scholarship Fund

Funding Agency: The Family Institute at Northwestern University, Harris Family Foundation

Deadline: Scholarship applications for fall enrollment are accepted following acceptance into the Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy Program at Northwestern University, which has rolling admissions. Scholarships are also awarded on a rolling basis.

Eligibility: Scholarship applicants must be accepted into the Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy Program offered through the Graduate School at Northwestern University in affiliation with The Family Institute. A limited number of scholarships are available and will be awarded to qualified candidates who are committed to working in communities of under-resourced/underserved populations upon completion of the degree program and who demonstrate a significant background and aptitude with these populations.  Financial need may be taken into account. Racial and ethnic minorities are encouraged to apply.

Award Amount: Generally, up to 50 - 75% of tuition for the two-year Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy Program.

Internship opportunity: Recipients will participate in a clinical internship in an under-resourced community as a part of their clinical training at The Bette D. Harris Family and Child Clinic. This involves placement in an innovative community outreach program in a neighborhood-based agency or school.

Description: The Harris Family Scholarship Fund supports the professional training of promising students and helps promote diversity within the profession of marital and family therapy. Additionally, the Scholarship Fund helps address the urgent need for quality mental health services in low-income minority communities. Candidates must demonstrate an active interest in helping under-resourced/underserved populations, demonstrate a significant background and aptitude with these populations, and must be committed to working within diverse communities upon graduation.

Additional information: The Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy (MSMFT) is an innovative program that combines the academic excellence of Northwestern University, a major research university, with the clinical expertise of The Family Institute, a nationally-recognized center for clinical training in systemic therapy. The Program's 24-course curriculum provides a comprehensive education in marital and family therapy that may be completed in two years and leads to an MSMFT from Northwestern University. Enrollment in the MSMFT Program is limited due to the intense clinical training students receive. To qualify for the MSMFT Program, students must meet the acceptance requirements of The Graduate School at Northwestern University and the program-specific requirements for The Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy Program. Applications for fall admission are accepted beginning October 1. Applications, together with all necessary supporting documents, must be on file by March 1 to guarantee consideration for admission in the following academic year. Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year, so early application is encouraged and is to the applicant's advantage. Following acceptance into the MSMFT Program, students may apply for Harris Family Scholarships. For additional Program information, please see www.family-institute.org.

Number of awards : Not specified

Applications available: Following acceptance into the Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy Program at Northwestern University, Scholarship application forms are then available through the MSMFT Program at The Family Institute. Please see contact information below.

Scholarship term: 2 years

Agency contact information:

Timothy Dwyer, PhD, LMFT
The Family Institute at Northwestern University
Harris Family Scholarship Fund
618 Library Place Evanston, IL 60201

Phone: 847-733-4300, ext. 214
Fax: 847-733-0390

Email: t-dwyer@northwestern.edu