Couple and Family Therapy
Master of Science , Child Development and Family Studies
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Program Intro
The Couple and Family Therapy graduate program at PNW trains you to provide mental health services to clients by embracing a scholar/practitioner model of systemic family therapy training. Our curriculum and experiences are informed by the university’s land grant mission of learning, discovery and engagement.
The deadline to apply is the second Monday of January each year for fall admission.*
*This program is in the process of changing its name from Marriage and Family Therapy to Couple and Family Therapy. You may see references to either name as we make this transition.
The Couple and Family Therapy program prepares you to provide ethical, research-informed and culturally competent relational mental health services to a diverse range of clients.
Curriculum Overview
Our scholar/practitioner model of systemic family therapy training provides a strong foundation for your career. Our program includes 67 credits of required courses, 500 hours of face-to-face contact with clients, 100 hours of supervision and a completed written thesis and oral defense of thesis.
Build a foundation with first-year courses.
Sample Courses
- CDFS 60100 – Advanced Child Development
- CDFS 61500 – Research Methods In Child And Family Study
Grow your skills with the second year.
Sample Courses
- CDFS 66300 – Structural And Strategic Family Therapies
- CDFS 64100 – Trauma And Recovery In Family Therapy
Highlights
The Couple and Family Therapy degree is an accredited path toward a career in mental health services. Our program is strongly committed to the promotion of diversity among all human beings.
Outcomes
Graduates of this program are ready to help change clients’ lives for the better by providing relational mental health services.
Scholarships
AAMFT SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program
Beyond the Classroom
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- National Council on Family Relations
Career Paths
Graduates most often:
- Apply to doctoral programs;
- Practice therapy in mental health agencies; and/or
- Engage in private practice.
Accreditation
The Couple and Family Therapy graduate program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
Licensure
This training program meets the educational requirements for licensure for marriage and family therapy in the states of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas and Texas.
Meet the Faculty
Professor and Director, Couple and Family Therapy Program
Megan Murphy is the director of the masters program in Couple and Family Therapy. She teaches graduate-level courses on ethics, diversity and therapy models.
Associate Professor, Director of the Couple and Family Therapy Center
As an Associate Professor and Clinical Director for the Couple and Family Therapy Program, Christopher directs the Couple and Family Therapy Center, internship placement, teaches classes and conducts research.
Assistant Professor of Couple and Family Therapy
Kevin C. Hynes is an assistant professor in the Couple and Family Therapy program. His program of research focuses on disparities in mental health outcomes with minority populations.
Take the Next Step
See how a PNW degree opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.
