Fairfield University’s School of Education and Human Development Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program was ranked #1 in Connecticut for 2026 by MarriageFamilyTherapist.org, a leading online resource for the field.
Fairfield’s MFT program was recognized for the faculty’s dedication to mentorship as well as its commitment to high-quality training in ensuring student success.
“Our Marriage and Family Therapy master’s program has a long-standing reputation of excellence in producing couples and family therapists who provide cutting edge services that make systems, families, and our communities better equipped to deal with the strains of today,” said Dean Evelyn Bilias Lolis, PhD. “Our School of Education and Human Development faculty are dedicated scholar-practitioners in their field who lead this clinical training program with integrity, sophistication, and grit.”
The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program in the School of Education and Human Development combines academic rigor with hands-on clinical training through a scholar-practitioner framework. Students learn from nationally recognized faculty whose expertise in teaching, research, and clinical supervision prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals, couples, and families.
“The MFT faculty are delighted to receive this recognition and will continue to serve the University, the School, the students, and the public,” said department chair and associate professor Carissa D’Aniello-Heyda, PhD, LMFT. “MFTs serve a vital role in the communities they serve, particularly as families face a challenging world. We are proud to train the next generation of practitioners.”
During their time in the program, students have the opportunity to learn the latest treatment approaches through hands on learning like clinical training at the The Kathryn P. Koslow Center for Marriage and Family Therapy, where graduate students provide therapy for individuals, couples, and families under the supervision of licensed faculty and clinical supervisors, and off-campus internships at one of SEHD’s 45 placement sites.
MarriageFamilyTherapist.org develops its rankings using data from trusted sources, including the U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics. The site was created by licensed therapists, academic researchers, and writers to help aspiring therapists explore degree programs, prepare for licensure, and advance their careers.
For more information, visit fairfield.edu/mft.
