REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

Candidates for admission must have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university and have had a minimum of 9 credits in undergraduate psychology, sociology, or related behavioral science studies. Deficiencies must be completed prior to full acceptance into the program. Applications must be made to the university and to the department. Official transcripts and interviews are necessary before the application can be processed. The university requires an undergraduate quality point ratio (QPR) of 2.7 as minimum standard of acceptance. The department minimum standard is 3.0.

Following the completed application, the candidate has a personal and/or group interview with the Admissions Committee. An individualized program of study is designed considering the individual’s past achievements and future goals. An initial course, MFT 597: Family of Origin, gives both the candidate and the department an opportunity to assess the suitability of the program for the applicant. Appropriate performance in this course is required before full acceptance is awarded. The program is compatible with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy’s educational and clinical requirements, as well as those mandated by the Department of Health Services in the regulations for Connecticut State licensed marriage and family therapists.

Students participating in the Gestalt Therapy Training Program must notify the department by May 15 for the sequence beginning in June. Interviews for acceptance into the Gestalt Training are scheduled during the spring semester.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES

1. Procedures:
   • Send original transcripts and Southern Connecticut State University graduate application
     directly to:

     Southern Connecticut State University
     School of Graduate Studies, EN-118
     501 Crescent Street
     New Haven, Connecticut 06515
     (203) 392-5237

   • Send application for Master of Marriage and Family Therapy and Gestalt application directly to:

     Southern Connecticut State University
     Marriage and Family Therapy Department
     501 Crescent Street - Davis Hall 020
     New Haven, Connecticut 06515
     (203) 392-6414

   • Three reference forms (attached) are to be completed by (2 professional and 1 personal) individuals and returned directly to the Marriage and Family Therapy Department. Please be sure to sign all reference forms.

   • A 250 word (typed, double spaced) essay describing a person in your family who has had an outstanding influence in your life. Send directly to the Marriage and Family Therapy Department.

   • Attendance at a group informational meeting and/or a personal interview is required.

2. The University allows students to register for up to 9 credits before a planned program is required. However, there is no assurance that courses taken prior to matriculation will be credited toward program requirements.

3. Consideration of matriculation status is dependent on completion of all materials outlined in number 1 above.

4. Timeline:
   • Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis, therefore a student can begin in the fall, spring, or summer session.
     
   • The Gestalt sequence begins in June and runs a consecutive year.
     NOTE: Successful completion of the Gestalt sequence is a requirement of the program.
     
   • The practicum sequence may be begun after completion of MFT 597, 598, 561, and 588 and attendance at a pre-practicum meeting.
     
   • The internship sequence, which must be one calendar year in duration, may be begun only after all practicum requirements are met.
     
   • Candidates should expect to commit at least two calendar years to completing program requirements. This will include two summer sessions.

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