Although there are no prerequisite degree-specific requirements—a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, minimally, is required.
The current CFT Program Progression details a two-year schedule of required coursework for a minimum of 90 credit hours. General descriptions of course work are available online and sample syllabi are available as well.
All courses in the curriculum are designed to provide core knowledge and activities toward the development of talented clinicians who are able to work effectively with a wide variety of client populations.
Our training heavily emphasizes preparation for real-world clinical practice realities.
MS Requirements — Total Credits: 90
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Theoretical foundations | 19 |
| Individual and family development | 25 |
| Research competencies | 4 |
| Professional ethics | 4 |
| Clinical practice | 28 |
| Additional courses | 10 |
Two-Year Curriculum Progression Plan
First Year
Fall Term
| Course and Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| CFT 609 Micro-Counseling Skills | 3 |
| CFT 615 Introduction to Marriage Family Therapy | 3 |
| CFT 616 Systems Theory Foundations | 3 |
| EDUC 611 Survey of Educational Research Methods* or EDUC 610 Social Science Research Design* | 3 3 |
| EDUC 612 Social Science Research Design | 3 |
Winter Term
| Course and Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| CFT 621 Ethics Discussion | 1 |
| CFT 609 Practicum Pre-Externship [Topic] | 1 |
| CFT 620 Mental Health and Diagnosis | 3 |
| CFT 628 Addiction and Recovery1or CFT 632 Medical Family Therapy2 | 4 4 |
| CPSY 614 Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| CPSY 615 Counseling Diverse Populations | 4 |
Spring Term
| Course and Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| CFT 609 Practicum Beginning [Topic] | 3 |
| CFT 614 Child Mental Health and Diagnosis1or CFT 630 Wellness and Spirituality2 | 4 3 |
| CFT 612 Parenting Interventions | 3 |
| CPSY 624 Group Psychotherapy | 3 |
Summer Term
| Course and Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| CFT 609 Practicum Advanced [Topic] | 4 |
| CFT 609 Practicum Externship [Topic] | 1 |
| CFT 610 Experimental Course: Parenting Interventions [Topic] | 1 |
| CFT 629 Intimate Partner Therapy | 4 |
Second Year
Fall Term
| Course and Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| CFT 609 Practicum Advanced [Topic] | 4 |
| CFT 609 Practicum Externship [Topic] | 1 |
| CFT 625 Violence, Trauma, and Healing | 4 |
| CFT 627 Advanced Theories in Relational Therapy | 4 |
Winter Term
| Course and Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| CFT 609 Practicum Advanced [Topic] | 4 |
| CFT 609 Practicum Externship [Topic] | 1 |
| CFT 628 Addiction and Recovery1or CFT 632 Medical Family Therapy2 | 3 4 |
Spring Term
| Course and Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| CFT 609 Practicum Advanced [Topic] | 4 |
| CFT 609 Practicum Externship [Topic] | 1 |
| CFT 614 Child Mental Health and Diagnosis1or CFT 630 Wellness and Spirituality2 | 4 3 |
| CFT 626 Human Sexuality in Counseling | 3 |
1 Courses offered odd years only
² Courses offered even years only
Written Comprehensive Exam — after winter term, first year
Clinical Comprehensive Exam — May of second year
* Students may take EDUC 611 or EDUC 612 depending on their future research interests; consult with advisor.