Virginia Tech, MS in Human Development

The Virginia Tech’s MS in Human Development with a concentration in Marriage and Family therapy is designed to prepare students to be competent marriage and family therapists. The program also teaches students to critically analyze research and to develop and conduct research studies of their own. Courses in the program include clinical and theoretical study in systems theory, marital and family therapy, psychopathology and assessment, legal and ethical issues, qualitative and quantitative research, statistics, human development and sexuality. The MFT program’s faculty possesses expertise in a variety of pertinent topics including sex therapy, treating sexual abuse, couples therapy, and midlife issues. As experts in their respective fields, they serve as teachers, supervisors, and lecturers for our students. To complete the MFT program, students are required to go through 13 academic courses covered in 51 to 54 semester hours which include 3 to 6 hours of thesis or clinical project, and 9 hours of practicum. Full time students typically complete the program in three years, while part-time students finish up in four to five years. After successfully completing at least 12 hours of course work, students are eligible to take their written comprehensive exam and to apply for the clinical program. Students complete their first year of clinical training in our on-site clinic, The Center for Family Services (CFS), where they are closely supervised either in a group setting or individually. Students are also encouraged to obtain an off-site clinical placement at one of several approved sites in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area during their second year of practicum. Students are required to complete 500 hours of direct client contact while enrolled in clinical practicum. It typically takes two years to complete this requirement. Many students chose the MFT program at Virginia Tech because of a clinical program that features a strong clinical focus.