Fairfield University Marriage & Family Therapy Program Ranked No. 1 In CT: Study

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield University's School of Education and Human Development Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program was ranked No. 1 in Connecticut for 2026 by MarriageFamilyTherapist.org, the university announced.

MarriageFamilyTherapist.org said it recognized Fairfield's program for faculty mentorship and training.

"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," Dean Evelyn Bilias Lolis said in a statement. "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."

According to the university, the Marriage and Family Therapy program combines academic coursework with clinical training through a scholar-practitioner framework. Students complete clinical training at 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. Students also complete off-campus internships at one of the school's 45 placement sites.

"The MFT faculty are delighted to receive this recognition and will continue to serve the University, the School, the students, and the public," department chair and associate professor Carissa D'Aniello-Heyda said. "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."

MarriageFamilyTherapist.org said its rankings are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics. The website said it was created by licensed therapists, academic researchers and writers to help prospective therapists compare degree programs, prepare for licensure and advance their careers.

For more information, visit fairfield.edu/mft.