MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAMS IN MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY: AN EVALUATION OF ADMISSION AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Current legal and professional guidelines related to master's‐level training programs in marriage and family therapy are reviewed. The admission and program requirements of 50 California‐based programs are then evaluated in light of these standards. The data indicate that the reality of these training programs often departs significantly from the ideals and suggested standards of the field. It is recommended that the various national and state organizations interested in promoting quality marriage and family training programs collaborate with program representatives to establish more explicit and rigorous expectations for master's‐level training.