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Dec 05, 2025
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University General Course Catalog 2025-2026
Counseling (Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling Specialization), M.A.
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 Return to: Programs in the College of Education and Human Development
The specialization in marital, couple, and family counseling/therapy is a 67 credit hour nationally accredited (CACREP) program. Graduates of the specialization in marital, couple, and family counseling/therapy are able to deal effectively with a variety of issues and family constellations. Students receive in-depth training in conceptualization skills as well as the theoretical and practical application of systems theory. Aside from formal coursework, graduate students have the opportunity to intern in the Downing Counseling Clinic, located within the College of Education and Human Development. The clinic serves as a low-cost clinic for the campus and surrounding community.
A capstone project is completed in the final semester and is a graduation requirement. The capstone requirement is not associated with a class, but is required in the final term.
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Program Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to: - demonstrate the attitudes, characteristics, and behaviors defined by the program as characteristic of exemplar counseling professionals.
- develop the capacity to practice counseling from a strong foundational understanding of ethical and legal issues, intentionally integrating counseling ethical practices into day-to-day professional activities.
- develop self-awareness, knowledge, and skills to prepare them to be contemporary, relevant, and culturally informed practitioners in clinical, marriage and family, and school counseling settings.
- explain lifespan development and the capacity to integrate knowledge of developmental theory into practice.
- describe the world of work and the relationship between mental health and life roles such as work, school, and home.
- explain the theories and research related to helping relationships, and will develop the skills to apply their knowledge in professional, therapeutic relationships.
- describe group process dynamics, group counseling, and group work, including group theories, stages of group, leadership styles, and therapeutic factors.
- demonstrate a broad understanding of validity and reliability of assessments, the selection and use of assessment tools, client assessment and diagnosis, trauma assessment, and the assessment of self-inflicted harm and danger to others.
- develop the capacity to select, analyze, and apply research to inform practice, including evidence-based practices and theory-based interventions appropriate to their designated setting and personal theoretical orientation.
- demonstrate an understanding of foundational knowledge (such as family systems theory and assessment), contextual factors (such as trauma, intergenerational influences, and culture), and the demonstration of competence in the practice of marriage, couple, and family counseling.
Admission Requirements
The admissions criteria for the Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy Specialization takes into account three broad factors: - appropriate student dispositions;
- academic potential; and
- counseling career fit.
Appropriate Student Dispositions These are traits appropriate for the counseling field and wellness across the lifespan. Academic Potential This includes an analysis of student transcripts, undergraduate GPA, and coursework taken. The GRE is not required. Counseling Career Fit Career fit includes consideration of paraprofessional and other relevant work and life experiences. Core Courses (Required by all Programs) (34-36 units)
Specialization Courses for Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling/Therapy (31-33 units)
II. Total Units (67 units)
Undergraduate Prerequisites
There are no undergraduate prerequisites for this program; but you must have completed an undergraduate degree by the time you enroll in this program. |
Return to: Programs in the College of Education and Human Development
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