We value diversity in & out of the classroom
We
value a diverse learning community. Together, we encounter and
experience a rich variety of perspectives, ideas, belief systems and
ways of thinking. In and out of class, we are enriched by each other’s
stories, opinions and personalities. The learning that happens between
students is equally as vibrant and powerful as the literature we read,
the assignments we complete and the exams we take. The relationships we
build with each other as a cohort of graduate students makes us more
culturally aware human beings and, therefore, more effective
therapists-in-training. Our recent student body has included…
- MFT students at PLU come from a wide
range of racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Students
come from many places around the world. For example, a recent class
included; 25 European Americans, 5 African Americans, and several
students from multiracial backgrounds. This class also consisted of 4
international students: 2 from Japan, 1 from Thailand, and 1 from
Palestine. This diversity leads to a rich training experience.
- MFT students come from various social class backgrounds.
- They religiously
and spiritually identify in a variety of ways. They are Christian, Catholic, Quaker, Latter Day Saints, Agnostic, Lutheran and so on.
- Typically classes are 30%
male and 70% female.
- Ages range from 21 to 50.
- Students
work together on many projects in our program and learn from one another's
life experiences.
 Class of 2009
Class of 2008
Class of 2007
Class of 2006
Class of 2005
Student Quote
"I
interact and work with MD's, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses,
& socialworkers very well. As I talk with other therapists (who
have graduated in programs from California to Texas to the East Coast),
I feel fortunate to have graduated from a program that prepared me so
very well ...I am ethically educated, gender sensitive, & have a
weighted-down toolbox of therapeutic skills." -Chris , alumnus
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Our Graduates
- Are employed
in a variety of settings including community agencies, mental health
centers, private practices, schools, medical settings, substance abuse
centers, churches and community colleges.
- Are primarily in therapy positions or a combination of administration and therapy.
- Go on to doctoral programs.
- Serve in professional organizations and on community boards.
- Are prepared to pursue Clinical
Membership in AAMFT and and meet most educational requirements for
state MFT certifications/licenses.
- Often become MFT supervisors.
WHAT ALUMNI SAY...
- While
some graduates take time off to relocate or be with family, all
reported finding work within a few months of graduation.
- The vast
majority are doing clinical work. Some are already offering training in
the community, consulting with agencies, or teaching in community
colleges. Others have presented at national conferences or published in
a professional journal.
- Of the 20 survey respondents, one was pursuing a doctoral degree.
- Our recent graduates reported making between $20,000 (for part-time
employment) and $60,000 a year.
- Most of our graduates are preparing for state licensure to become
LMFT's.
- Alumni reported a high level of satisfaction with the education
they received in our MFT Program.
- All respondents said they would
advise others to attend the program and that their internship practice
prepared them well to work in agency settings. In the words of one of
the respondents,
- "What
I have noticed since graduating is that I am ahead of the learning
curve in the mental health field ...I have been able to hold my own and
be effective."
-Anonymous
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