College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 2015-2016 Catalog

105 * Students may choose to do part of all of their external practicums in a medical setting to obtain their required clinical hours for the M.S. program. At least 200 clinical hours are required for this concentration. M.S. Comprehensive Exam In addition to successfully completing all coursework and obtaining the required minimum 500 client contact hours and 100 supervision hours, students must pass a comprehensive examination as required for the M.S. in Family Therapy degree. This clinically focused examination tests the student's ability to apply what has been learned. Exams are given, and retakes arranged through the administrative office. The comprehensive examination is developed by the Program Director in consultation with the faculty and the community advisory council. The examination reviews core curriculum content and ability to apply this material to real life situations. Details of the examination and suggestions for study will be presented each term at a comprehensive examination review, one to three weeks prior to the exam. Each comprehensive examination answer is reviewed independently and blindly by three faculty reviewers. Faculty has a four-week period of time to complete exam grading. Students may review their exam materials with the M.S. Program Director. The comprehensive exam may be retaken one time after an initial failure, and twice after a score of "in progress". Remedial study and retake of classes as assigned by the program director may be required. Retake exams can be taken at the next scheduled exam date. Students in good academic standing are eligible to walk in the June graduation ceremony with a score of "in process" or "pass" on the comprehensive exam. Leave of Absence A student may request a Leave of Absence. The form is located on the Student Resources M.S. program and must be completed and approved three weeks prior to the date of the leave request. Students on leave for more than three consecutive terms and not registered within the following term are considered inactive and would need to reapply to the program. A Leave of Absence does not extend the 5-year timeframe for completing the M.S. in Family Therapy program. Individual Supervision for State Licensure and AAMFT Membership There may be occasions after completing the M.S. in Family Therapy degree that graduates seek private, individual clinical supervision from a member of the faculty. Before approaching a faculty member with such a request, students must have already successfully completed all degree requirements. If a student is being supervised by a full or part faculty and enrolls in one of the DFT doctoral programs, the student is required to locate a different supervisor outside the program to prevent a potential dual relationship and conflict of interest. The Department works closely with an outside professional firm that conducts licensure exam reviews on campus throughout the year. This process is designed to support students and alumni in passing the AMFTRB licensure exam and becoming licensed in the MFT field. Notices of the exam review process are posted through the program list serves. In addition, required coursework and an examination in the clinical practice class helps to prepare students for the national licensure examination. Graduates are encouraged to stay in touch with the department for updated study tips, assistance in forming study groups, and career advice/consultation, as they enter the field of professional marriage and family therapy.