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Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy

School of Education & Human Development

Overview

Degree: MA

Classroom Type: On campus

The Couple and Family Therapy program prepares relational therapists who value inclusion and prize diversity such that they are prepared to offer a continuum of mental health services across a variety of settings for the benefit of the community and society. Graduates treat mental and emotional disorders, while promoting optimum relational health through a systemic, holistic approach.

Application deadlines


Fall Semester: February 1
Spring Semester: September 1

Program Details

Interest Categories: Education & Counseling Health & Wellness Social & Behavioral Sciences

Campus: CU Denver

Accreditation: COAMFTE

University of Colorado Denver’s COAMFTE accredited MA in Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) program focuses on social justice and research-informed family systemic and relational perspectives to prepare diverse, ethical and innovative mental health professionals. Our faculty members are committed to fostering social, relational and cross-cultural learning contexts that prepare our students to provide socioculturally attuned family systemic services across a variety of mental health settings to individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Our students receive mentored experiences from licensed clinicians and AAMFT-approved supervisors at our campus-based Student and Community Counseling Center and community-based field placements as they complete clinical requirements.

The program requires a minimum of two and a half years to complete, and students have a maximum of seven years to finish the program. Full-time students typically complete requirements in two and a half to three and a half years. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pass the National Marital and Family Therapy Exam

CFT Program Mission Statement

We prepare students for careers as ethical Couple and Family Therapists who treat mental and emotional disorders, while promoting optimum relational health through a systemic, holistic approach. The focus is systemic and relational, with a commitment to fostering an open culture of social, relational and cross–cultural contexts of learning that are essential for effective therapist training. Educating students with a critical eye on research, we prepare relational therapists who value inclusion and prize diversity such that they are prepared to offer a continuum of mental health services across a variety of settings for the benefit of the community and society.

CFT Program Anti-discrimination Policy and Diversity Statement

We encourage applications from persons from a variety of sociopolitical contexts, such as racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, veterans, sexual and gender minorities, and individuals from a variety of religious and spiritual backgrounds. Our faculty members provide open and supportive learning environments where students are invited to engage in personal and reflective processes about their own and others’ experiences, beliefs and values. We seek to train systemic and relational therapists who can approach clients with integrity, respect and sensitivity for differences in beliefs, values, and lifestyles.

In accordance with the AAMFT Code of Ethics we believe: Marriage and family therapists provide professional assistance to persons without discrimination on the basis of race, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, health status, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or relationship status (AAMFT Code of Ethics Section 1.1.)

Courses

Most of the courses for this 54-credit program take place Monday - Thursday in three-hour blocks beginning at either 3:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. However, some classes meet on weekends (Friday evening or Saturday during the day).

Course syllabi are available for review by prospective students on request. Email SEHDacademicservices@ucdenver.edu with the course number and prefix.

Tuition and Costs

The full list of tuition per credit hour for content classes (excluding practicum and internship classes) and associated fees can be found on the Student Finances Website.

Helpful Links & Documents


Accreditation & Licensure

Sample Courses

  • CMFT 5150 - Foundational Family Therapy Theories 3 credits
  • CMFT 5161 - Individual and Contemporary Family Therapy 3 credits
  • CMFT 6180 - Family Issues: Multicultural Intersectional Systems through the Lifespan 3 credits
  • CMFT 6000 - Introduction to Sex Therapy 3 credits
Course Catalog

Recommended Completion Time:2.5 to 3.5 years

Max Transfer Credits:0

Required Credits for Completion:54

Admission Requirements


Due to the competitive nature of this program, faculty are only able to review complete applications; this includes letters of recommendation, transcripts and all other required elements of the application. In order to secure your application as “complete” in sufficient time for faculty review and consideration, we highly recommend submitting your application at least one to two months prior to the deadline to ensure we have ample time to work with you on your application should items be missing. To avoid your application remaining incomplete at the time of the posted deadline, please be sure to complete the steps below as early as possible.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Application Open November 1
Application Deadline February 1

Spring Semester

Application Open July 1
Application Deadline September 1

Application Requirements

  • Three recommendation letters
  • Official Transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Resume/CV
  • Written Statement
  • $50.00 application fee

Admissions Interview: Upon successful completion and review of your file, qualified applicants are invited to attend a REQUIRED half-day interview on the Denver campus. During this interview, applicants will be oriented to the program and participate in small and large group interviews. Participation in the interview is mandatory and you will not be accepted into the program without attending. We do not conduct individual interviews for admission to our program. Final selection of the applicants will be based on their performance in the interview.

  • International Applicants only: Proof of English Language Proficiency (International applicants should review the following information regarding English language proficiency)

For more information, email education@ucdenver.edu or call 303.315.6300.

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