Development of a model marriage and family program at Olivet Nazarene University

Abstract

This is not a scientific study with a specific population, data instrument, collection, analysis, and/or limitations. Rather it is descriptive in that this author has developed a model curriculum in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) for Olivet Nazarene University. Olivet Nazarene University began in 1907 offering education with a Christian purpose. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and approved by the State Department of Education in Illinois for both their bachelors and masters programs. Using their “Lock-step” approach makes it possible for 12-15 students to progress through ONU’s masters programs together. Classes are offered in the evening to better serve their clientele’s busy working schedules. Olivet Nazarene University provides a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling Program and is in an excellent position to add a Marriage and Family Therapy curriculum/program to their Graduate and Adult Studies Program. A Marriage and Family Therapy Program would afford a unique cross-curriculum between religion and family therapy, pastoral counseling and family therapy, nursing and family therapy, medical studies and family therapy, and also education and family therapy. A study of the fifty-year evolution of Marriage and Family Therapy revealed that pioneers in the field as well as those who followed brought with them a rich diversity in theory and practice. Specific standards to govern the Marriage and Family Therapy Programs began in 1959. These standards have been under constant review and revision since then. The Commission On Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) Version 10.0 Standards (Appendix A) went into effect in January 2001 and have specific objectives based on the systemic relational view of life. It is with these objectives that this writer developed curriculum/courses for the Marriage and Family Training Program. Diversity, socio-economic status, gender, age, culture, diversity, ethnicity, and religion are among the objectives considered. These new standards recognize that “Religiously affiliated institutions that have core beliefs directed toward conduct within their communities are entitled to protect those beliefs” (Preamble to Version 10.0 Standards, p. 1). According to Standards 100-109 accredited programs must include specific marriage and family educational curriculum, it must be systems related and the whole program must be sensitive to and respect diversity. Under the guidelines of Version 10.0 Standards provided by COAMFTE this writer has designed a Model Marriage and Family Therapy Curriculum proposal for Olivet Nazarene University. Under supervision of faculty, student/interns learn the systemic/relational aspects of Marriage and Family Therapy while working with individuals, couples, marriage and family, groups, and community, as they become trained Marriage and Family Therapists. Graduates of this program will have knowledge in Marriage and Family theory, an understanding of individual and family relations, research in Marriage and Family Therapy, clinical knowledge and experience, and an understanding of ethics and professional identity.