Doctor of Philosophy in Couple and Family Therapy (Ph.D.)

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy program prepares graduates for advanced roles in practice, research, and education. It combines classroom learning with experiential training, including clinical internships and specialized electives. Students develop expertise in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders within a couple and family context, and gain skills in supervision, teaching, and research. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in the field of couple and family therapy.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Doctor of Philosophy in Couple and Family Therapy (Ph.D.) is an 81–114 variable credit program designed to prepare graduates for advanced roles in couple and family therapy practice, research, and education.
• Program Objectives:
• Enhance clinical skills and master the principles of qualitative and quantitative research
• Gain expertise in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders within a couple and family context
• Develop skills in supervision, teaching, and research
• Program Description:
• Combines classroom learning with experiential training, including clinical internships and specialized electives
• Provides a strong foundation in systems theory, relational dynamics, and the latest therapeutic techniques
• Emphasizes evidence-based practice and ethical decision-making in couple and family therapy

Outline:

• Core Curriculum:
• Foundations of Couple and Family Therapy
• Theories of Couple and Family Therapy
• Research Methods in Couple and Family Therapy
• Clinical Practice in Couple and Family Therapy
• Supervision in Couple and Family Therapy
• Specialized Electives:
• Equine-Assisted Therapy
• International Counseling and Therapy
• School-Based Family Counseling
• Mindfulness-Based Approaches to Couple and Family Therapy
• Clinical Practicums:
• Students complete four internal practicums at the on-campus Brief Therapy Institute, working with live community-referred cases under the supervision of licensed therapists.
• Internship:
• Students complete a three-term internship in a variety of settings, including community mental health centers, schools, and private practices.
• Dissertation:
• Students conduct original research and write a dissertation under the guidance of a faculty dissertation committee.

Assessment:

• Coursework:
• Students are evaluated based on their performance in coursework, including written assignments, presentations, and examinations.
• Practicums and Internship:
• Students are evaluated based on their clinical skills, therapeutic interventions, and progress toward learning objectives.
• Dissertation:
• The dissertation is evaluated based on its originality, research methods, theoretical foundation, and implications for practice.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Lectures, seminars, group discussions, role-playing exercises, case presentations, and experiential learning
• Faculty:
• The program is led by a team of experienced clinicians and researchers who are dedicated to providing high-quality instruction and mentorship.
• Unique Approaches:
• The program incorporates experiential learning opportunities, such as live casework and simulation exercises, to enhance students' practical skills.
• Students have access to the on-campus Brief Therapy Institute, a state-of-the-art training facility that provides real-world clinical experiences.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Clinical Supervisor
• Professor of Couple and Family Therapy
• Researcher in Couple and Family Therapy
• Career Opportunities:
• Private practice
• Community mental health centers
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Research institutions
• Career Outcomes:
• Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in the field of couple and family therapy, with a strong foundation in clinical practice, research, and teaching.