Your Calling Starts Here
Oklahoma Christian University’s Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Program
The Master of Science in Human Science (M.S.H.S.) with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program (OC MFT) at Oklahoma Christian is designed to help future therapists pursue licensure as marriage and family therapists (MFTs) in Oklahoma. Once students graduate, they are equipped to partner with the state board and pursue the path to licensure, practicing as MFTs in the state.
The program is made up of two key components:
Content learning and theoretical foundations
Clinical learning and hands-on development
Students gain practicum experience early and often in the program, applying their classroom knowledge to a variety of therapeutic settings. The MFT graduate program partners with our Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic on campus for students to gain clinical experience and practice their skills with real clients under the supervision of licensed MFTs. Practicing with real clients gives students the real-world experiences that they’ll use to build confidence and character in their practice.
What Sets OC's Program Apart?
Program Director Dr. Jessica Colls, a licensed marriage and family therapist, believes OC’s MFT program is set apart from other colleges because of its commitment to excellence.
“All the content, courses and clinical development are aligned with national standards, meaning students can know that they are getting the best quality education, and that everything they are being given is equipping them for best practices in the field.”
Our program goes beyond state standards, requiring more hands-on, live supervision than what is expected by the state and other programs. Students complete 300 clinical hours during their time in the program, ensuring they are fully supported as they develop their therapeutic presence and clinical voice.
Faith, Calling and Purpose
The diverse callings that students in the program have are part of what makes it so rich. Students from different backgrounds come through the program and go on to have a variety of experiences, pursuing their passions. Dr. Colls points to the integration between faith and learning as a key part of the program.
“Between what students are bringing in on their own, and what the program can give them, it allows them to go out and have the Kingdom vision that God has put in their hearts for becoming an MFT.”
Graduate student, Lauren Kirby (‘25), reflects on her experience in the program, echoing Colls’ statements.
“Something that was really important to me was the ability to talk about my faith and to pursue my faith in a really tangible way. I think that this program allows you that experience, getting to have conversations about my spirituality with my supervisors, who take the time to ask questions and work through deep theological things. I think oftentimes we look at spirituality and mental health, and have them separated, and I think that this program allows a lot of unification in that area, as much as you want it to be. I think that is a really beautiful part of why I chose this program and what makes it unique.”
Post-Grad Opportunities and Confidence
The program helps students find career and internship opportunities in the OKC area and beyond. With its central location just outside Oklahoma City, students have the opportunity to use their degrees in a variety of ways. Not only are the opportunities plentiful, but students walking into these new opportunities have the confidence to excel in whatever area they are being called to.
Looking toward the future, Kirby discusses how she knows she is prepared to be a successful therapist.
“When I think about stepping beyond these doors after graduation, there’s a lot of fear and unknown, but there’s also a lot of calm and confidence being carried. One experience I can lean back on is my very first client that I saw. I was so nervous right before I walked through those doors. I had every question ready, a notebook full of fifty ideas, but when I walked into the room, I forgot all of it. In the back of my head, I could hear my supervisor’s encouragement, and her telling me, ‘You’ve got this. You are prepared. We’ve trained for this. You’ve got this.’ The confidence I walked out of the room with after that session—my cohort members hugging me and my supervisors hugging me—I walked into the next session, and every session week after week, with courage. That is what I know has prepared me to be a good therapist.”
Dr. Colls and the MFT team help students grow in skills and self-awareness. Students explore the “self of the therapist” and are encouraged to really understand what they are bringing into the therapeutic room as a therapist, that influences how they interact with clients. Kirby highlighted the importance of the self of the therapist as something she’ll continue to use in the field.
“I think understanding who I am as a therapist and who I am to the clients will be one of the greatest assets that I will have in the professional field.”
Ready to start your journey as an MFT? Pursue your calling here.
