An integrative approach to mental health education – Learn systemic, evidence-based approaches that integrate trauma-informed care and consciousness-based healing.
Clinician self-care at the core – Daily Transcendental Meditation supports regulation, reduces burnout risk, and deepens therapeutic presence.
Licensure-focused preparation – Curriculum is designed to support readiness for the AMFTRB national MFT licensing exam and initial licensure requirements (state requirements may vary).
Accessible financial aid options – Federal loans for this program typically cover tuition for US students.
An integrative approach to mental health education – Learn systemic, evidence-based approaches that integrate trauma-informed care and consciousness-based healing.
Clinician self-care at the core – Daily Transcendental Meditation supports regulation, reduces burnout risk, and deepens therapeutic presence.
Licensure-focused preparation – Curriculum is designed to support readiness for the AMFTRB national MFT licensing exam and initial licensure requirements (state requirements may vary).
Accessible financial aid options – Federal loans for this program typically cover tuition for US students.
Become a licensed therapist who heals from the deepest level
Mental health needs have surged and so has the demand for well-trained clinicians. MIU’s MA in Marriage & Family Therapy prepares you to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders while understanding clients within the context of relationships and systems – families, partnerships, communities, and culture.
You’ll gain the core competencies expected of MFT training programs nationwide, building a strong foundation for licensure and clinical practice, while focusing in two areas that differentiate the MIU experience:
Integrative mental health – informed by MIU’s strengths in integrative health education
Therapist self-care and “self-of-the-therapist” development – supported through Consciousness-Based Education and Transcendental Meditation® as part of your training
If you’re called to help people heal relationships and build healthier lives, and you want training that supports both clinical excellence and personal resilience, MIU’s MA in Marriage and Family Therapy may be the right next step.
What will I study in the MFT program?
This program is designed around professional standards that support licensure readiness and real-world clinical competence.
By graduation, you’ll be prepared to:
Explain and apply major MFT theories and systemic concepts in case conceptualization
Conduct systemic assessments, create treatment plans, and deliver evidence-based treatments and interventions
Navigate ethical and legal responsibilities (documentation, mandated reporting, risk management)
Provide culturally responsive and neuro-affirming therapy across diverse communities and identities
Use research and outcomes measures to strengthen clinical effectiveness
Develop teletherapy competence aligned with legal and ethical standards
Grow in reflective practice through supervision, feedback, and self-development
What makes MIU’s MFT program different?
Integrative mental health focus – You’ll study the core MFT curriculum through an integrative, consciousness-based lens that emphasizes cultural humility and affirming approaches, including topics like stress physiology, trauma, sleep, gut-brain health, and whole-person care.
Consciousness-Based Education – Self-knowledge and personal development are at the heart of MIU’s distinctive, holistic educational model, so that you may thrive both during your studies and after you graduate.
Therapist self-care built into the curriculum – Burnout is real in behavioral health. At MIU, therapist development includes tools to build resilience, clarity, and steadiness, so you can bring your best self to your clients.
Intimate cohort size – We’re ensuring each student receives exceptional faculty mentorship and robust practicum support within a close-knit learning community.
Get started by contacting Sunita
Sunita Martin is this program’s admissions counselor for US students. Sunita will provide you with all the details of becoming a student, including connecting you with the program assistant.
The mission of the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program at Maharishi International University is to prepare competent, compassionate, and culturally responsive systemic clinicians who promote individual, relational, and community well-being. Grounded in relational and systemic theory and delivered through MIU’s Consciousness-Based Education model, the program integrates rigorous academic study, clinical training, and structured reflective practice to support both professional competence and the development of the whole therapist.
Consistent with Maharishi International University’s mission to develop the full potential of every student, the MFT program intentionally integrates personal growth and ethical awareness throughout the curriculum and professional formation process. Students engage in experiential learning, supervision, and reflective processes designed to cultivate presence, cultural responsiveness, and sound clinical judgment. Through this integration of academic rigor and inner development, graduates are prepared for entry-level licensure and responsible systemic practice with diverse individuals, couples, and families in a variety of clinical and community settings.
Program structure
This low-residency online program is designed to be completed in 2½-3 years at a full-time pace. Full-time students take two courses at a time over an 8-week block and should expect to dedicate 9-15 hours per week per course, including 2-3 hours of live class time per week.
Part-time pacing is available for students who need a lighter course load.
Each semester includes:
A short, immersive Forest Academy course dedicated to “self-of-the-therapist” development. Because effective therapy starts with the regulated therapist, your personal development is a pillar of the program.
Two 8-week blocks of graduate coursework.
Pace options
Many students can progress at an accelerated pace – two courses at a time over 8 weeks.
Part-time pacing is supported for working adults – one course at a time over 8 weeks.
Required on-campus residencies
Introductory residency (4 days) – During the first semester. Intensive experiential activities to build community and deepen self-awareness.
Clinical residency (3 days) – July after first year, before practicum begins. Prepares you for clinical work and includes candidacy evaluation.
Room and board at the MIU campus in Fairfield, Iowa is covered by tuition; students pay travel costs.
Practicum
Practicum is at a site in your community and is for at least one year (300 direct hours and 100 hours of supervision). Your state may require more hours than the program requires or in-person requirements. Supervision will be completed with an MIU Group Supervisor and a Local Supervisor. MIU Clinical Team will support you in this process.
Featured Courses
Psychopathology and Diagnosis: An Affirming Approach
This course equips students with the knowledge and clinical skills to identify, assess, and diagnose mental disorders using the DSM-5-TR. Students will develop competence in diagnostic interviewing, case formulation, and treatment planning, with emphasis on cultural humility, neurodivergence-affirming practice, and systemic application in relational contexts. In addition, the course introduces consciousness-based perspectives, inviting students to consider how psychopathology may reflect disconnection from deeper levels of awareness or inner intelligence.
Contemporary Issues, Integrative Health, & Collaborative Practice
This course explores contemporary issues in marriage and family therapy through a relational and systemic framework, with an emphasis on integrative health and collaborative care. Grounded in systemic and postmodern theories, students explore how marriage and family therapists can ethically and effectively work alongside healthcare practitioners. Emphasis is placed on developing evidence-informed knowledge of integrative health approaches, psychopharmacology and medication literacy, understanding scope of practice and ethical boundaries, and cultivating collaborative competencies for interdisciplinary care. Students critically examine current research related to integrative and holistic interventions, including lifestyle medicine, stress-reduction practices, mind-body therapies, and culturally rooted healing traditions, with attention to health equity, accessibility, and cultural humility.
Trauma through a systemic lens
This course examines trauma through a systemic lens, integrating principles of interpersonal neurobiology to understand how trauma impacts brain development, attachment, and relational functioning. Students explore the neurobiological, psychological, and systemic dimensions of trauma, including individual, couple, family, and intergenerational effects. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based and trauma-informed interventions that promote safety, regulation, and resilience within relational systems. Students learn to apply systemic and evidence-based models to address complex trauma, cultural and historical trauma, and collective adversity, while utilizing the DSM-5-TR for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning of trauma-related disorders and comorbid conditions. Consciousness-based practices support self-of-the-therapist development, enhancing presence, empathy, and attunement in clinical work. Through case studies, experiential learning, and reflective practice, students develop competencies for ethical, culturally responsive, and collaborative treatment of trauma across diverse populations.
View all courses
Core courses (50 credits)
This foundational course introduces students to graduate study in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis on the theoretical foundations of systemic and relational practice. Students examine the historical development of the MFT field, major systemic theories and models, and the professional role and identity of marriage and family therapists. The course also introduces MIU’s Consciousness-Based Education as a complementary framework for personal development. In addition, students develop essential graduate-level skills, including APA-style scholarly writing, critical thinking, academic integrity, responsible use of AI, time management, and effective use of MIU’s digital learning resources. (3 credits)
This course provides an in-depth introduction to the classical theories of Marriage and Family Therapy that form the foundation of systemic practice. Students examine the development, core assumptions, interventions, and applications of major models within their historical and cultural contexts. Emphasis is placed on how these theories conceptualize change, the therapist’s role, and patterns of interaction. Students will practice applying theory to case vignettes and reflect on the relevance of theory to their emerging therapist identity. A distinctive feature of this course is the integration of consciousness-based principles, guiding students to explore how awareness, presence, and self-reflection inform systemic thinking and the self-of-the-therapist. (3 credits)
This course explores postmodern and contemporary models in Marriage and Family Therapy, including solution-focused, narrative, collaborative, feminist, and integrative approaches. Students examine the philosophical foundations of social constructionism, language, and meaning-making, while analyzing how these models conceptualize problems and co-create solutions. Emphasis is placed on cultural humility, client strengths, and the therapist’s role as a collaborator in dialogue. Through application to case vignettes and self reflection, students deepen their understanding of how awareness and intention shape therapeutic process and meaning-making. (3 credits)
This course examines legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities in marriage and family therapy, with a focus on the AAMFT Code of Ethics, scope of practice and competency, and licensure preparation. Students engage with systemic ethics, confidentiality, multicultural humility, teletherapy, and emerging professional issues within their state. Uniquely, the course integrates consciousness-based principles to cultivate self-awareness, inner stability, and ethical decision making skills in the therapist. Through reflective practices, students explore how alignment with deeper levels of consciousness enhances ethical decision-making, reduces reactivity, and strengthens professional integrity and therapeutic alliance. (3 credits)
This course equips students with the knowledge and clinical skills to identify, assess, and diagnose mental disorders using the DSM-5-TR. Students will develop competence in diagnostic interviewing, case formulation, and treatment planning, with emphasis on cultural humility, neurodivergence-affirming practice, and systemic application in relational contexts. In addition, the course introduces consciousness-based perspectives, inviting students to consider how psychopathology may reflect disconnection from deeper levels of awareness or inner intelligence. Through integration of clinical training and consciousness theory, students will build both diagnostic precision and a compassionate, affirming therapeutic stance. Prerequisites: MFT 501 and MFT 510 or permission by the program director. (3 credits)/div>
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to research methods in marriage and family therapy, preparing students to critically evaluate and design studies that inform clinical practice. Students examine primary research methodologies, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, and learn to assess validity, reliability, and ethical considerations in systemic research. Emphasis is placed on developing skills for literature review, data collection, and analysis, as well as understanding quality criteria for scholarly work. Through applied assignments and critique of existing studies, students learn to align research questions, methods, and outcomes to ensure rigor and relevance. This course builds foundational competencies for evidence-based practice and prepares students for advanced research projects and professional roles in the field. (3 credits)
This course provides training in systemic clinical assessment and treatment planning for individuals, couples, and families. Students learn to conduct comprehensive assessments using multiple methods, including structured interviews, genograms, and standardized measures, while integrating cultural, developmental, and contextual factors. Emphasis is placed on accurate diagnosis using the DSM-5-TR, formulation of systemic case conceptualizations, and development of evidence-based treatment plans that address presenting problems within relational systems. Students will explore ethical and legal considerations, risk assessment, and collaborative goal-setting with clients. Through case studies, role-play, and application of systemic models, students develop competencies for creating treatment plans that are clinically sound, culturally responsive, and aligned with best practices in marriage and family therapy. Prerequisites: MFT 501, MFT 502 or MFT 503, or permission by the program director (3 credits)
This course provides an in-depth study of two leading evidence-based approaches to couples therapy: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Method. Students explore the theoretical foundations of EFT in attachment and systemic theory and examine Gottman’s research-based principles for strengthening relationships. The course emphasizes assessment of negative interaction cycles, application of EFT’s three stages of treatment, and integration of Gottman interventions such as the Sound Relationship House, Love Maps, and conflict management strategies. Special attention is given to cultural adaptations, working with diverse couples, including LGBTQIA+ partnerships and applying trauma-informed and socially responsive practices. Consciousness-based principles are woven throughout, supporting therapist presence, empathy, and intentionality in fostering secure attachment and relational resilience. (3 credits)
This course explores systemic and attachment-based approaches to working with children under twelve within the context of their families. Emphasis is placed on the use of play as a relational and diagnostic tool to strengthen emotional connection, repair attachment ruptures, and address behavioral and developmental concerns. Students learn to integrate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning using the DSM-5-TR while developing culturally responsive and trauma-informed skills for engaging caregivers and children in co-play and family therapy. Through case applications and reflective learning, students cultivate the knowledge and presence needed for effective clinical work with young children and their families. (3 credits)
This course prepares students to work effectively with adolescents and their families through a developmental and systemic lens. Students begin with adolescent developmental theories to ground their clinical understanding of identity formation, brain development, and family context. The course then explores evidence-based approaches for adolescent depression and suicidality, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT). Students examine Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) in depth, with emphasis on interventions tailored to adolescents and caregiver engagement. Special attention is given to working with neurodivergent adolescents, medically disabled youth, and their families. The course concludes with family-focused treatment models for high-risk youth, including Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST), addressing challenges such as substance use, delinquency, and school dropout. Self-of-the-therapist reflection, cultural humility, and clinical skill development are integrated throughout, with opportunities for application through written assignments, case analysis, and role-play practice. (3 credits)
This course explores contemporary issues in marriage and family therapy through a relational and systemic framework, with an emphasis on integrative health and collaborative care. Grounded in systemic and postmodern theories, students explore how marriage and family therapists can ethically and effectively work alongside healthcare practitioners. Emphasis is placed on developing evidence-informed knowledge of integrative health approaches, psychopharmacology and medication literacy, understanding scope of practice and ethical boundaries, and cultivating collaborative competencies for interdisciplinary care. Students critically examine current research related to integrative and holistic interventions, including lifestyle medicine, stress-reduction practices, mind-body therapies, and culturally rooted healing traditions, with attention to health equity, accessibility, and cultural humility. (3 credits)
This course explores the systemic impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion within marriage and family therapy, emphasizing social justice and collective healing. Students examine how power, privilege, oppression, and intersectionality shape individual, couple, and family experiences. The course addresses historical and contemporary contexts of marginalization, cultural trauma, and resilience, while fostering skills for culturally responsive and socially just practice. Students engage in experiential learning, case analysis, and community-based perspectives to develop competencies in advocacy, ethical decision-making, and collaborative approaches. Consciousness-based principles support self-of-the-therapist reflection, promoting awareness, empathy, and intentionality in addressing systemic inequities and fostering healing across diverse communities. (3 credits)
This course provides a comprehensive developmental framework for working with families as a Marriage and Family Therapist. As students, you will have the opportunity to analyze the many contextual factors that affect individuals, couples, and families in the course of their development across the life cycle. You will learn to apply assessment and intervention skills with families in a wide variety of contexts, including divorce and remarried families, single parent families, economically vulnerable families, and the impact of addiction issues on family dynamics. You will also have the opportunity throughout the course to reflect on your own family of origin experience and how that affects your way of working with families. (3 credits)
This course examines addiction and recovery through a systemic lens, exploring the impact of substance use and behavioral addictions on individuals, couples, families, and communities. Students will study major theories of addiction, evidence-based treatment models, and the neurobiological, psychological, and relational dimensions of addictive processes. Emphasis is placed on understanding addiction within cultural, social, and spiritual contexts, addressing systemic oppression, and applying trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches. Students will learn strategies for engaging families in recovery, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and utilizing the DSM-5-TR for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Consciousness-based practices are integrated to support healing and resilience. Through case analysis, experiential learning, and reflective practice, students develop competencies for ethical and culturally responsive treatment of addiction in diverse populations. (3 credits)
This course examines trauma through a systemic lens, integrating principles of interpersonal neurobiology to understand how trauma impacts brain development, attachment, and relational functioning. Students explore the neurobiological, psychological, and systemic dimensions of trauma, including individual, couple, family, and intergenerational effects. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based and trauma-informed interventions that promote safety, regulation, and resilience within relational systems. Students learn to apply systemic and evidence-based models to address complex trauma, cultural and historical trauma, and collective adversity, while utilizing the DSM-5-TR for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning of trauma-related disorders and comorbid conditions. Consciousness-based practices support self-of-the-therapist development, enhancing presence, empathy, and attunement in clinical work. Through case studies, experiential learning, and reflective practice, students develop competencies for ethical, culturally responsive, and collaborative treatment of trauma across diverse populations. Prerequisite: Clinical Candidacy Status or permission by the program director. (3 credits)
This course explores gender and sexuality within systemic, cultural, and developmental contexts, emphasizing how these identities shape relational patterns and therapeutic processes. Students examine historical and contemporary frameworks, including fem inist, queer, and intersectional theories, alongside evidence-based approaches for working with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. The course also reviews sexual disorders and dysfunctions as classified in the DSM-5-TR, preparing students to accurately assess and address these concerns within a systemic and affirming framework. Special attention is given to systemic oppression, power dynamics, and the impact of social narratives on identity formation. Consciousness-based principles guide students in cultivating presence, empathy, and intentionality, fostering deeper connection and healing in clinical work. Through case studies, experiential learning, and reflective practice, students develop competencies for ethical, affirming, and culturally responsive therapy with individuals, couples, and families across the spectrum of gender and sexuality. Prerequisite: Clinical Candidacy Status or permission by the program director. (3 credits)
This pre-practicum course prepares students for their upcoming clinical training through experiential learning focused on the practical skills of systemic therapy with individuals, couples, and families. Students will engage in practice activities such as conducting interviews, completing initial assessments, and managing foundational aspects of professional practice. The course emphasizes self-reflection on personal values, beliefs, and family background, exploring how these factors shape clinical perspectives. Students will also strengthen their ability to practice cultural humility as they continue to develop their professional identity and therapeutic skills. This course, in part, serves as a clinical milestone where students demonstrate their readiness to advance to candidacy. Prereq MFT 510, MFT 502, MFT 503, MFT 510, MFT 511, MFT 512 (simultaneous enrollment is accepted), MFT 514, MFT 516, MFT 518 (2 credits)
Forest academy courses (5-6 credits)
This immersive introductory course orients students to Maharishi International University, the Marriage and Family Therapy program, and the principles of consciousness-based education that ground the curriculum. Students explore MIU’s educational philosophy, the role of consciousness in learning and professional development, and the foundational values of systemic and relational training within an MFT context. The course introduces expectations for graduate-level scholarship, reflective practice, and professional identity formation within a consciousness-based academic environment. (1 credit)
This course explores the development of higher states of consciousness and the establishment of pure consciousness in daily life through the framework of Maharishi Consciousness-Based Education and the Science of Creative Intelligence. Central to the course is the study of Cosmic Consciousness, an all-inclusive state integrating the unbounded field of pure consciousness (the Self) with the relative states of waking, dreaming, and sleeping. Students examine how higher states of consciousness unfold through the systematic alternation of deep rest and dynamic activity, as described in the perennial philosophy of action articulated in the Bhagavad-Gita. (1 credit)
This course examines empirical research on Transcendental Meditation (TM) and its effects on mental health, physical health, stress physiology, and social and relational functioning. Students review key findings from peer-reviewed studies related to emotional regulation, attachment, interpersonal relationships, and overall well-being. Emphasis is placed on understanding how consciousness-based practices contribute to individual and relational health. (1 credit)
This course explores the concepts of collective consciousness, the unified field, and higher stages of human development within consciousness-based and systems-oriented frameworks. Students examine theoretical perspectives on the relationship between individual awareness, collective functioning, and societal well-being, with attention to implications for families, communities, and therapeutic systems. (1 credit)
This course emphasizes sustainable self-care and professional longevity through a consciousness-based and Ayurvedic framework. Students are introduced to foundational principles of Maharishi Ayurveda, including diet, daily routine, balance, and self-regulation, with attention to the physiological and emotional demands of clinical work. The course frames self-care as an essential foundation for clarity, resilience, and effectiveness in marriage and family therapy practice. (1 credit)
Optional forest academy
This course examines the practice of Marriage and Family Therapy through the lens of the Science of Consciousness, drawing on foundational Vedic principles to illuminate universal aspects of human experience, suffering, and transformation. This course explores therapeutic themes, such as inner conflict, discernment, stress and adaptation, balance, purpose, and relational responsibility, as they arise across the human lifespan and within relational systems. Students engage in a principles-based inquiry into how consciousness underlies perception, behavior, and change, and how these principles inform therapeutic presence, ethical decision-making, and self of the therapist. Emphasis is placed on understanding the therapist’s inner state as a primary influence on therapeutic outcomes and relational healing.
Clinical candidacy courses (10 credits)
These courses provide supervised clinical experience in marriage and family therapy, allowing students to apply systemic theories and interventions in real-world settings. Under the guidance of approved supervisors, students engage in direct client contact with individuals, couples, and families, demonstrating competencies in assessment, treatment planning, and intervention. Emphasis is placed on ethical practice, cultural humility, and integration of evidence-based models. Students participate in weekly supervision, case presentations, and reflective practice to strengthen clinical skills and self-of-the-therapist awareness. Practicum serves as a bridge between academic learning and professional practice, preparing students for advanced clinical training and licensure requirements. (7 credits)
Provides advanced supervised clinical experience in marriage and family therapy. Students apply systemic theories and evidence-based models in diverse contexts while engaging in weekly supervision and reflective practice. The capstone includes a final paper articulating a personal theory of change and a comprehensive case presentation demonstrating assessment, treatment planning, and intervention skills. Students will demonstrate the integration of Science Principles of Consciousness and MFT treatment models. Emphasis is placed on cultural humility, collaborative practices, and self-of-the-therapist development. This course fulfills advanced clinical training and program completion requirements. (3 credits)
Optional practicum
This is an extension course that provides supervised clinical experience in marriage and family therapy, allowing students to apply systemic theories and interventions in real-world settings. Under the guidance of approved supervisors, students engage in direct client contact with individuals, couples, and families, demonstrating competencies in assessment, treatment planning, and intervention. Emphasis is placed on ethical practice, cultural humility, and integration of evidence-based models. Students participate in weekly supervision, case presentations, and reflective practice to strengthen clinical skills and self-of-the-therapist awareness. Practicum serves as a bridge between academic learning and professional practice, preparing students for advanced clinical training and licensure requirements. (1 credit)
Featured faculty
Jennifer Hayes, PhD LMFT RPT-S
Dr. Hayes is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Kentucky and Florida and a Registered Play Therapist–Supervisor. She holds a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in child and adolescent therapy. Her clinical work has included extensive experience treating severe neglect and abuse cases, as well as working with neurodivergent clients, gender identity development, and complex family and relational concerns.
Dr. Hayes is an AAMFT Clinical Fellow, an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and a Professional Member of the Association for Play Therapy.
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She has significant experience developing and innovating online clinical training programs and is committed to maintaining rigorous clinical standards while increasing accessibility through high-quality online education. A central pillar of her professional philosophy is cultural humility in both higher education and clinical practice, with an emphasis on ethical care, inclusivity, and systemic awareness.
In her free time, Dr. Hayes enjoys spending time with her husband and their three teenagers, especially boating, visiting the beach, biking, and being outdoors.
Gordon Medlock, PhD, LCSW
Dr. Medlock holds a PhD in philosophy from Yale University and an MA degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Chicago, where he specialized in working with families, individuals, and groups. He’s a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and member of the AAMFT, with over 30 years of experience providing psychotherapy services with a wide variety of clients. He specializes in experiential-humanistic approaches to psychotherapy and coaching and has had over a dozen research articles published in these fields.
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He has also been a professor of transformational leadership and coaching over the past 15 years, where he applies his clinical and coaching skills to facilitate students’ personal and career development. His personal interests include theater, the arts, and the creative process in everyday relationships and life. For relaxation and fitness, he enjoys golf, hiking, and triathlon sports. He lives with his wife and their pet dog, Perdita, in the Hudson Valley in New York and in San Miguel, Mexico.
Clint Cunningham, LBSW LMFT
Clinton Cunningham is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Social Worker (LBSW) with extensive experience working with individuals, couples, families, and children. He has spent his career working in Healthcare and Private Universities specializing in addressing a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. In addition to traditional therapy, Clinton is a Gottman-Trained Therapist and uses a research-based approach to help couple improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional and physical intimacy.
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Clinton has had the privilege of working at MIU since 2022 where he has provided mental health counseling and services to students, faculty, and staff. He completed his training as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Social Worker at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, IA. While at Mount Mercy, he had the chance to provide therapy services to students as well as being a member of the Men’s Basketball team.
Clinton takes a developmental approach, integrating student’s professional development and personal growth. He is approved by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences as a licensure supervisor. His supervisory approach is flexible to ensure he is accommodating the developmental needs of each supervisee.
Program Assistant
Chris Hayes, MA
Chris serves as the Program Assistant for the Marriage and Family Therapy program. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and is currently an MFT student, bringing both academic insight and lived experience of graduate training to his role. Chris has worked in the mental health field in various capacities and understands the practical and regulatory landscape students are preparing to enter.
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In addition to his academic training, Chris operates clinical practices and owns a consultation company that supports clinicians in areas such as practice development and professional growth. Having also been an online student himself, he offers a unique and relatable perspective on navigating graduate education.
Chris serves as a primary point of contact for prospective and current students, answering questions about the program, the application process, and what to expect in graduate training. He is committed to fostering a responsive, student-centered environment where students feel informed, supported, and confident as they move through the program and into the profession.
Cost & Aid, 2026-2027
MA in Marriage & Family Therapy
This program is 2½-3 years in length. There are two semesters in one year. The table below is the estimate for a semester during 2026-2027, subject to change in future years. The cost of housing and meals for the residency is included in the tuition.
Cost and Typical Financial Aid
Half Speed
Full Speed
Tuition and fees
$5,800
$10,000
Federal student loan
-$5,800
$-10,000
Your payment
0
0
Additional federal loan for cash expenses
$1,000
$247
Additional Financial Aid Information
Personal Expenses and Books
Your potential personal expenses, transportation, books, and supplies may cost an additional $8,500 per semester.
Federal Student Loan
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for federal student loans.
Education Tax Incentives
There are a variety of money-saving tax benefits to assist in reducing the cost of education expenses. More about education tax benefits.
Veterans
For questions regarding Veterans Benefits, please contact Tal Ron, our Veterans Certifying Official and Director of Financial Aid, at tron@miu.edu or 641-472-1156.
Loan Repayment Options
Standard
Payments are a fixed amount that ensures your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).
Extended
Payments may be fixed or graduated and will ensure that your loans are paid off within 25 years.
Graduated
Payments are lower at first and then increase, usually every two years, and are for an amount that will ensure your loans are paid off within 10 years (within 10 to 30 years for Consolidation Loans).
Income-Based
Your monthly payments will be either 10 or 15 percent of discretionary income (depending on when you received your first loans), but never more than you would have paid under the 10-year Standard Repayment Plan.
Income Contingent
Payments are recalculated each year and are based on your updated income, family size, and the total amount of your Direct Loans. Any outstanding balance will be forgiven if you haven't repaid your loan in full after 25 years.
Income Sensitive
Your monthly payment is based on annual income, but your loan will be paid in full within 15 years.
Tuition, other fees, scholarships, and financial policies are subject to change prior to the entry date.For more information, contact us at awardofficer@miu.edu for a quick reply — normally one business day — or see more about financial aid.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
US students only
Submit a completed graduate admission application
Hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Provide official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (either cumulative or in the last 60 credit hours)
Submit two letters of recommendation
Submit Resume or CV
Submit application essay
Meet and Greet with the Program Assistant
Participate in an interview with program faculty
All MIU students practice the Transcendental Meditation® technique. If you have not learned it yet:
Once accepted as a US student, the cost of TM instruction is covered through a grant offered by MIU
Students are required to learn the TM technique before starting the first class
Contact your admissions counselor for details
Find information on the TM technique or search for a TM teacher at TM.org
Licensure and state authorization disclosure
MIU offers a program that is designed to prepare individuals to seek professional licenses. Professional licensing standards vary across the country; it is important to understand all educational and jurisdiction specific requirements for licensing.
It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
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Additional coursework may be required for students who plan to pursue licensure outside of Iowa. The MFT program is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure for students residing in Iowa and may be transferable to other states; however, licensure requirements vary by state and are subject to change. Prospective students who reside outside of Iowa and/or plan to complete practicum experiences in another state are strongly encouraged to review their state’s licensing board prior to enrollment to confirm educational and practicum requirements. Because professional licensure standards differ by state and country, students are responsible for understanding the requirements in the jurisdiction where they intend to seek licensure. Completion of a MIU program alone may not meet some professional licensure requirements. The MFT program team is available to support and consult with students throughout this process.
MIU’s determinations regarding educational requirements for professional licensure are based on its review of the requirements established by individual state licensing boards. The final determination of licensure eligibility, however, is made exclusively by the relevant state licensing board. Upon application, licensing boards assess whether an academic program meets, partially meets, or does not meet applicable educational requirements for licensure.
Prospective and current students are responsible for understanding and satisfying the licensure requirements applicable to their intended state or jurisdiction of practice. Completion of an MIU program does not guarantee eligibility for, or receipt of, any professional license or certification in any jurisdiction or field of practice.
Consistent with U.S. Department of Education regulations, MIU discloses information related to programs designed to lead to professional licensure or certification. Professional licensure programs are defined as programs intended to meet the educational requirements for a specific professional license or certification required for employment in a regulated occupation. MIU provides information regarding whether its programs meet, do not meet, or have not yet been determined to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in each U.S. jurisdiction.
FAQ
No. MFT training prepares you to work with individuals, couples, families, and other relational systems. The systemic lens applies broadly to mental and emotional health.
Students typically take one or two courses per 8-week block. Plan to spend 9–15 hours per week per course, including 2–3 hours of live class time per week.
Yes, the academic coursework is online with the required weekly meetings. However, students must come to campus two times during the first year of the program. These in-person residencies are crucial for team building and skill development. Clinical training is completed through an approved practicum site in your community.
Practicum placement is a collaborative process. Students are expected to take an active role in identifying and securing a site that aligns with their professional goals and state requirements. MIU provides structured guidance throughout the process, including reviewing site qualifications, supervision standards, and required documentation. Our team supports students in navigating expectations and preparing for placement, while students remain responsible for initiating contact and securing an approved site.
Licensure requirements are established by each state and may change over time. As part of the admissions process, MIU reviews state educational requirements with prospective students to explore alignment between the program curriculum and state standards. Final licensure determinations are made by individual state licensing boards, and eligibility will be discussed with applicants during the admissions and enrollment process.
Yes. The program is designed to support working adults, including those who need a part-time pace of study.
MFT is a growing profession with expanding roles across settings, including:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Individual and family services
Outpatient care centers
Group and private practices
School-based therapist
Integrated care teams and community agencies
Teletherapy providers
Next Steps
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Sunita Martin is this program’s admissions counselor for US students. Sunita will provide you with all the details of becoming a student, including connecting you with the program assistant.
