Student Learning Outcomes

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The M.S. in Human Development and Family Science with an option in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) prepares students to provide ethically responsible, culturally competent, research-informed and integrative-systemic therapeutic services for  individuals, couples, families and present challenges. Through an immersive, rigorous and developmentally sequenced training approach—focused on clinical, academic and professional excellence—this program equips students with the capability to enhance human lives, strengthen relationships and build communities through leadership and service in the MFT profession.

The program faculty identified a list of competencies believed to be key to sound practice for new professionals in the field of marriage and family therapy. The activities, assignments and learning experiences in courses throughout the program are focused on assisting students in the development of these fundamental competencies. The competencies are listed below by domain. 

 

1.    Systemic & Integrative Knowledge & Practice (THEORY)

Outcome 1: Students will know and understand the theories, concepts, strategies, and techniques of family systems theoretical models and frameworks from other relevant fields of study and their implications for treatment.

                    i.     Markers: 

1.     Systems final exam (Benchmark: 80% ≥ 80%)

2.     Models final exam (Benchmark: 80% ≥ 80%)

3.     Psychopathology final exam (Benchmark: 80% ≥ 80%)

4.     Cumulative Exam (Benchmark: 80% ≥ 70% first attempt)

Outcome 2: Students will competently apply the Integrative Systemic Therapy approach to clinical decision-making and collaborative treatment with client systems.

                      i.     Markers: 

1.     Clinical Skills Evaluation (Benchmark: 80% ≥ on “IST” Item(s))

2.     Capstone Project (Benchmark: 100% ≥ 70% in “First” Section)

 

2.    Diversity & Sociocultural Attunement Principles (DIVERSITY)

Outcome 3: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the principles of sociocultural attunement as they relate to clinical and professional roles and contexts.

                        i.     Markers: 

1.     Roots Representation (Basic Skills Course) Paper
(Benchmark: 80% ≥ 80%)

2.     System of Origin Presentation (Systems Course)
(Benchmark: 80% ≥ 80%)

3.     Capstone Project (Benchmark: 80% on first attempt)

Outcome 4: Students will demonstrate multicultural competence and humility in clinical assessment and treatment.

                         i.     Markers: 

1.     Clinical Skills Evaluation (Benchmark: 80%)

2.     Capstone Project (Benchmark: 80%)

3.    Ethical Principles in Practice (ETHICS)

Outcome 5: Students will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of key ethical principles, laws/regulations, and professional codes of conduct.

                           i.     Markers: 

                        1.     Ethics Final Exam (Benchmark: 80%)

Outcome 6: Students will use ethical decision-making skills in clinical practice by honoring the multisystemic context, attuning to diverse moral frameworks, and abiding by ethical principles.

                           i.     Markers: 

                        1.     Clinical Skills Evaluation (Benchmark: 80%)

4.    Research-Informed Practice (RESEARCH)

Outcome 7: Students will become knowledgeable consumers of research and evidence-based clinical practice.

                              i.     Markers: 

                                     1.     Research Methods Assignment

Outcome 8: Students will effectively use clinically relevant research and assessment tools to inform clinical practice.

                               i.     Markers: 

                                     1.     Clinical Skills Evaluation (Benchmark: 80%)

5.     Personal & Professional Development (PERSONHOOD)

 Outcome 9: Students will demonstrate ongoing self-reflection and self-development about the effective use of self in therapy.

                                i.     Markers: 

                                     1.     Capstone Project
                                     (Benchmark: 100% ≥ 70% in SoTT & RoYD Sections)

Outcome 10: Students will effectively monitor personal reactions and respond to feedback across clinical and professional contexts.

                               i.     Markers: 

                                     1.     Clinical Skills Evaluation (Benchmark: 80%)

                                     2.     Capstone Project (Benchmark: 100% ≥ 70% in SoTT Section)

                                     3.     Offsite supervisor; Assistantship supervisor;
                                             non-MFT faculty feedback (Benchmark: 80%)