Student Learning Outcomes

The educational goals of USD’s MFT program, which provide for and embody the program’s expectation of student learning outcomes, are as follows:

•  Prepare future professionals who will identify as marriage and family therapists and practice a biopsychosocial, systems approach to family-oriented mental health care.

•  Prepare future professionals who are ethical clinicians and sensitive to the diversity of their clients.

•  Prepare future professionals who will draw upon knowledge from a variety of disciplines and integrate empirical based research into their clinical practice.

Regarding expected student learning outcomes, given the above listed educational goals of the MFT Program, it is expected that students will graduate from the program with the ability to do the following:

Student Learning Outcome 1: Graduates of the Marital and Family Therapy program are able to critically analyze field-related research and its applications to practice.

Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:

• know the major concepts in research so that one can evaluate an empirical study.

• can identify the key strengths and limitations in an empirical study.

• know what are the key empirically supported treatments for a variety of issues that MFTs frequently encounter.

• know how to access and use information from research to inform one’s clinical work.

• value using research to inform one’s clinical work.

Student Learning Outcome 2: Graduates of the Marital and Family Therapy program conduct clinical assessment that is grounded in theory and integrates a biopsychosocial perspective.

Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:

• know the key concepts used by major models of family therapy for understanding individual and relational well-being.

• can use theory to guide assessment.

• know the key DSM IV-TR disorders encountered by MFTs.

• can effectively assess and diagnosis DSM IV-TR disorders.

• can recognize the role that biology/physical illness may have on individual and relational well-being.

• are familiar with commonly used instruments in the MFT field.

• can conduct an assessment from a biopsychosocial perspective.

• value using a biopsychosocial perspective for assessment, with particular emphasis put on assessing conceptualizing from a systemic perspective.

Student Learning Outcome 3: Graduates of the Marital and Family Therapy program use theory and current treatments to develop effective treatment plans.

Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:

• know the key concepts and interventions used by major models of family therapy.

• can develop an effective treatment plan or treatment focus.

• can use theory to guide treatment and development/use of interventions.

• know the current treatments used to treat DSM IV-TR disorders, including psychosocial and pharmacological treatments.

Student Learning Outcome 4: Graduates of the Marital and Family Therapy program apply individual and family development in the assessment and treatment of cases.

Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:

• know the key life cycle issues that families face.

• are able to recognize the role of life cycle issues in the conceptualization and treatment of cases.

• know the key stages of individual development from childhood through adulthood.

• are able to effectively use knowledge of development in the assessment and treatment of cases.

Student Learning Outcome 5: Graduates of the Marital and Family Therapy program demonstrate commitment to the legal, ethical, and professional standards of the MFT profession.

Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:

• know the key ethical principles and laws relating to the practice of MFT.

• are able to recognize when a legal or ethical issue exists.

• are able to effectively respond to when an ethical or legal issue exists.

• are committed to following the legal, ethical, and professional standards of the MFT profession.

Student Learning Outcome 6: Graduates of the Marital and Family Therapy program demonstrate competence working with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:

• know the key concepts and idea that are necessary when working with clients from diverse backgrounds (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation).

• observed competence in working with clients from diverse backgrounds.

• value looking at contextual factors to understand individuals and relational systems

In addition to the central student learning outcomes, the Marital and Family Therapy program expects graduates who:

• are able to develop an effective client-therapist relationship.

• are able to effectively structure therapy, including setting appropriate boundaries.

• recognize when and how to make appropriate referrals for assessment and/or treatment.

• are able to identify when self of the therapist issues arise in therapy.

• are committed to examining and addressing self of the therapist issues as they arise.

• demonstrate an ability to learn and enhance their skills through reading, workshops, supervision, etc.

These expected student outcomes are facilitated by the program’s educational goals, which are ultimately aimed towards achieving the mission and visions of the Program, SOLES, and USD, creating post-graduates who are highly competent, curious, ethical, and prepared to serve diverse communities.