How to Apply-Couples and Family Therapy

1. Research the Couples and Family Therapy program to see if it’s right for you.
   • Admission is selective. Strong applications will articulate a knowledge of the profession, experience that indicates an understanding of the benefits and challenges of being in the helping profession, and the ability to provide anti-racist and culturally attuned therapy. 
   • Review the program info on our website
   • Learn more about scholarships and financial aid 
   • Attend an Online Info Session
   • Schedule a meeting with an Admission Counselor
   • Schedule a campus tour
2. Review Admissions Dates & Deadlines
   • Applying by the application deadline ensures consideration for the Couples and Family Therapy cohort and institutional aid scholarships.

Once you start an application you will be able to save your progress and will not have to complete it all at once.

The Couples and Family Therapy (MACFT) application includes the following elements:

1. Essay
   • A 1,000-1,250-word personal statement, with the word count displayed, that addresses all of the following:
     • Personal, professional and academic history and how they have led to your decision to become a couples and family therapist.
     • How a degree in couples and family therapy will help you to reach your professional goals.
     • The ways in which social justice and becoming a culturally responsive couples and family therapist align with your professional interests (you may include experience, education/training and interest in working with culturally diverse populations).
     • Reasons for wanting to study at Seattle University's Couples and Family Therapy program.
     • You may explain any special circumstances in your background and/or history and elaborate on any distinctive abilities or achievements.
     • Craft a compelling essay that blends personal experiences with your understanding of systemic therapy. Address all questions thoroughly, showcase familiarity with the MACFT program and illustrate your commitment to becoming an anti-racist therapist. Avoid solely recounting personal history, neglecting relational client aspirations or resorting to AI-generated content.
2. Résumé
   • A résumé reflecting professional and/or volunteer experiences in the helping field (e.g., social service, education, faith-based organizations).
3. Recommendation Forms and Letters
   • Two or three letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic sources (e.g., supervisor, professor).
   • At least one should be from a person who can speak to your ability to work with diverse populations.
   • Once you've started your application, you will add their email address and they will receive a link to the evaluation form.
   • Request that recommenders follow directions they receive via email to fill out the form and submit a letter.
4. Video Question
   • Answer one brief question (less than two minutes, with up to two takes)
5. Signed Acknowledgement Form
   • In the application portal you will sign a Licensure Acknowledgement Form which provides guidance on whether the education and clinical training students receive at Seattle University's MACFT program will prepare them for a marriage and family therapy license in a particular state. 
6. Bachelor’s Degree
   • Evidence of a four-year equivalent bachelor's degree, preferably in a liberal arts area, from a regionally accredited institution.
7. Minimum GPA of 3.00
   • Applicants with less than a 3.00 GPA may apply and may be considered for probationary admission.
8. Official Transcripts
   • Submit official transcripts from the last two years of the baccalaureate degree and any post-baccalaureate coursework to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
   • Transcripts may be mailed or submitted electronically to grad-application@seattleu.edu.
   • Applicants may be accepted to the program with unofficial transcripts. Once accepted to the program, students will need to submit official transcripts within their first quarter of enrollment.

1. Submit your application
   • Make sure you hit “Submit” on your application.
   • Submitted applications are only considered complete once all application materials have been received including your recommendation forms and letters.
2. Group Interview
   • If selected, you will receive an email invitation to a group interview Couples and Family Therapy faculty and staff.

1. Check Your Status
   • You can login here to check the status of your application anytime.
2. Monitor your email
   • Make sure to regularly check the email you listed on your application for updates, including your admission decision.
   • Applicants should review the application timeline for information on when to expect an admission decision.

1. Submit Official Transcripts
   • If you submitted unofficial transcripts with your application, official transcripts need to be sent electronically (grad-application@seattleu.edu) or via mail to Graduate Admissions.
2. Tuition Deposit
   • Upon admission, this program requires a non-refundable deposit to confirm your space in the cohort. The deposit will be applied toward your first quarter tuition bill.