Family and marriage therapists identify a wide variety of mental and behavioral problems within families, individuals, and marriages. (HealthcareColleges.net, 2011) These therapists enable society to address its problems and move forward in a positive direction. Family and marriage therapists are responsible for gathering information by testing and observing their patients. (mymajors.com, 2011) After receiving this information, they are required to document and record the information gathered from patient sessions. (mymajors.com, 2011) Therapists should encourage people to use skills or strategies when faced with a problem and the need to maintain current knowledge as new information develops. (mymajors.com, 2011) Some family and marriage therapists keep their files and notes organized using computers. (mymajors.com, 2011) The most common majors to study in college that will help prepare students for a career in family and marriage therapy include: psychology, human development and family studies, and social work. (Campus Explorer, Inc. 2011) The lowest and most desirable level of education for those studying to become a family and marriage therapist is a master's degree. (DeRoma, 2007) 68% who study to become family and marriage therapists earn only their master's degrees, while 32% go on to earn their doctorates. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2009) After earning a master's degree in marriage and family therapy, social work, or psychology, most graduates are required to complete approximately 3,000 hours of work as an intern before taking the state licensing exam. (Professional Examination Service, Inc. 2006) Passing this exam will allow graduates to earn the title of Marriage and Family Therapist and gain career information midway through the document. Retrieved from http://www.mymajors.com/careers-and-jobs/Marriage-and-Family-TherapistsNet Industries. (2009). Marriage and Family Counselor Job Description, Marriage and Family Counselor Career, Salary, Occupation - Definition and Nature of Job, Education and Training Requirements, How to Get the Job Retrieved October 20, 2009, from http://careers.stateuniversity .com /pages/727/Marriage-Family-Counselor.htmlProfessional Examination Service, Inc. (2006). Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Bodies. Retrieved from http://www.amftrb.org/exam.cfmU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2009, December 17). Advisors. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htmU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2011, May 17). Professional Employment and Wages, May 2010. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211013.htm