Assessment Plan

Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (MMFT)

Objectives and Outcomes

The Master of Marriage and Family Therapy (non-thesis & thesis) degree program in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) has four objectives, which are assessed annually across five measurable outcomes.

  • Objective 1: Knowledge and Research: Graduates of our program will develop a comprehensive understanding of systemic MFT theoretical models, and application of research.
    • Outcome 1a: Students will demonstrate the ability to integrate systemic/MFT theory into their clinical practice
    • Outcome 1b: Students will demonstrate the ability to interpret and integrate scholarly work into their clinical practice
  • Objective 2: Practice: Graduates of our program will be prepared for professional practice as an MFT and successful completion of the MFT national exam and MFT
    • Outcome 2: Students will demonstrate competence in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and client management of individuals, couples, and families  
  • Objective 3: Diversity: Graduates of our program will be culturally sensitive and inclusive therapists ready to work in the mental health field.
    • Outcome 3: Students will demonstrate cultural understanding and humility for others (i.e., clients, colleagues, faculty, supervisors, and the public) from diverse social identities and backgrounds
  • Objective 4: Ethics: Graduates of our program will be professionals who demonstrate an understanding and commitment to high ethical standards in MFT.
    • Outcome 4: Students will demonstrate understanding and application of ethical principles and decision making to their clinical practice

Assessment Data Collected

Objective 1 Assessments & Benchmarks:

  • ACTS Final Evaluations: All students will be equal to or greater to 6 (competence) on each
  • Practicum Site Evaluations: All students will be within or above the “meets expectations” category in 80% of the items.
  • Student Employment Rates: All students who choose to seek employment will be employed within 6 months of
  • Employment Site Evaluation of Therapists: 80% of the students will receive at least a “meets expectation” on their employer evaluation survey (every three years).
  • Client Improvement and Satisfaction Scales: Composite clinic scores show overall satisfaction on 80% of the Client Satisfaction Surveys from clients seeking services from the Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic

Objective 2 Assessments & Benchmarks:

  • AMFTRB National Exam Scores: 80% of students who graduate from the program will take and pass the national exam within two years after graduating from the
  • State Licensure: 80% will become licensed as an MFT within four years of graduating from the

Objective 3 Assessments & Benchmarks:

  • ACTS Final Evaluations: All students will be equal to or greater to 6 (competence) on cultural competence score (question 9)
  • Cultural Competence Evaluation: At least 80% of alumni and employers will report that the program prepares graduates at least “very well” in terms of incorporating diversity and social inequality into their clinical work.

Objective 4 Assessments & Benchmarks:

  • ACTS Final Evaluations: All students will be equal to or greater to 6 (competence) on the ethics score (question 8)
  • Employment Site Evaluation of Therapists: 80% of the students will receive at least a “meets expectations” on their employer evaluation survey (every three years).

Results are Used to Improve the Training Program

Assessment data are aggregated to observe certain demographics or populations of students are learning, which guides deeper discussions about improving teaching, mentoring, and learning within the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy degree pathways. Program data are summarized and discussed in August at the MFT fall retreat. These discussions are used to enhance and facilitate student progress in the subsequent academic year.

Assessment Procedures are Reviewed Annually

The HDFS Graduate Program Committee reviews assessment procedures annually to adjust and enhance the assessment strategy and ensure continuous alignment with educational goals and industry standards.