The King’s University (TKU) is excited to announce an important update to its master’s degree program in Marriage and Family Therapy. Effective immediately, the program name has been officially changed from “Master of Marriage and Family Therapy” to “Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy.” This carefully considered decision was driven by several factors aimed at enhancing the program’s recognition, aligning with industry standards, and improving opportunities for students. The key reasons for this change include: 

Alignment with Industry Standards:

By adopting the “Master of Arts” designation, TKU’s program now aligns more closely with the naming conventions of other counseling and family therapy programs. This adjustment helps to establish consistency within the field and ensures that graduates are easily identifiable and comparable to their peers from other institutions.  

Expanded Funding Opportunities:

One significant benefit of the name change is the increased eligibility of TKU students for various scholarships and funding opportunities. Previously, the program’s lack of a degree designation in arts, science, or education hindered students’ access to certain financial aid resources. With the updated name, students can now compete for a broader range of scholarships and grants. 

Enhanced Professional Recognition:

The decision to incorporate “Master of Arts” into the program title addresses concerns raised by licensing boards and other regulatory bodies. By transitioning to the new name, TKU aims to mitigate such challenges and reinforce the credibility and legitimacy of the program and the institution within the field of marriage and family therapy. 

Dr. Mary Dainty, LPC-S, NCC, Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy program at The King’s University, has been instrumental in advocating for this transition. Under her leadership, the program continues to uphold the highest standards of excellence and professional preparation. 

Overall, the program name change reflects TKU’s commitment to excellence and responsiveness to the evolving needs of students and the broader professional community. TKU believes that this adjustment will enhance the visibility, reputation, and opportunities associated with the master’s degree program in Marriage and Family Therapy. The university looks forward to seeing the positive impact this change will have on students and the broader community.

If you would like to learn more about the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program, please visit www.tku.edu/mamft. 

 Introducing our MAMFT Program Director, Dr. Mary Dainty

Dr. Mary Dainty, LPC-S, NCC, is the Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy program at The King’s University. She holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Grand Canyon University. She received an M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling and an M.A. in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and dual B.S. degrees in Psychology and Justice and Public Safety from Auburn University Montgomery. Dr. Dainty, who began her role as Director in January 2024, is dedicated to trauma recovery, student education, and supervising LPC associates, fostering a compassionate and supportive learning environment.