Texas Tech University

Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many students are accepted each year?

We do not have a set number, but usually, we accept between 5 to 8 doctoral students and 8 to 16 master's students.

2. Are there any pre-requisites to enter the program?

For our master's program, you need a bachelor's degree. However, most of our applicants have a degree in something related to the Human Sciences (e.g., Human Development and Family Studies, Community Services, Psychology, Sociology) although we have admitted applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds. Most also have some experiences that help them to know they will be a successful family therapist (e.g., work or volunteer experience with families or individuals) and knowledge of the CMFT field.

For our doctoral program, you need to have a master's degree and it is helpful to have it from another CMFT program. If you have a master's degree from another type of clinical program you may need to take some or most of our master's curriculum before continuing on with the doctoral courses.

3. Do I need to take the GRE?

No, we do not require the GRE. We want people to be ready for the rigors of graduate work, but we look at the whole application- the scores, contribution statement, goals statement, and references.

4. Is the Master's program a terminal program?

Yes. The master's degree is accredited by COAMFTE. The master's program is designed to meet the academic and practicum requirements for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associates in the State of Texas as well as prepare students for doctoral work if they are interested in doing so.

5. How long does the program take?

The master's degree is 2 years. The doctoral degree will likely take 3 to 5 years depending on your client load, academic background, and how hard you want to work. Our advertised length of the doctoral program is 4 years.

6. How long do I have to complete a doctorate in CMFT?

The TTU Graduate School requires that the doctoral degree be completed within 8 years, or 4 years after candidacy (after the qualifying exams have been passed), whichever comes first.

7. What financial aid is available?

All students accepted into the Ph.D. program are offered either a research assistantship or a teaching assistantship that waives out-of-state tuition and covers a majority of in-state tuition and fees. It also includes a monthly stipend. Doctoral and master students can also receive scholarships. Most of our students work part-time in clinical or non-clinical positions.

8. What will my degree prepare me for?

Graduates from our program seek and obtain a variety of positions, including faculty positions, community supervisors, medical family therapists, and private practice LMFTs. The Texas Tech CMFT program is well regarded nationally and our graduates can be found in professional settings in many states and countries.

9. When is the application deadline?

December 1. All application materials must be received by the deadline.

10. How are applicants selected?

The faculty review the applications and decides who to invite to a day-long interview. Interview Day will be in early to mid - February. The final decision for admission will be determined by the middle of March. Our successful applicants usually have worked hard and succeeded academically and know why they want to study CMFT with us. They have usually gained experience (volunteer or professional) that helps them know why they are a good fit for the profession overall.

11. What is Lubbock like?

See for yourself here!

12. Do you offer online graduate courses?

No. If you are interested in our program, you will need to live in Lubbock or a short driving distance to Texas Tech University.

Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy