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Go beyond your master’s degree with the 100% online Post-Master’s Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University. Through NU’s marriage and family therapy certificate, you can hone your skills without committing to a doctoral program. With this certificate, you’ll refine your existing knowledge while gaining a wealth of experience from your mentoring professors.
Tailor your NU online marriage and family therapy certificate to fit your career goals with one of these areas of emphasis:
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
The Post-Master’s Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy can be completed in 18 credits. Each course runs 8 weeks, and you’ll receive 3 semester credits per course.
Areas of EmphasisStudents can select any six courses from all the courses listed below or they can select a group of six courses based on an area of emphasis.
This course provides an advanced overview of the theoretical literature related to the practice of marriage and family therapy. The course offers an opportunity to critically examine systems theories from cybernetics to natural systems. Students will also have an opportunity to reflect on common factors influencing MFT clinical practice and integration of various systems-based models.
MFT-8102 – Dynamics of Family InteractionThis course examines the theoretical and empirical contributions to the understanding of diverse couple and family systems. The specific focus of the course is on the processes and dynamics of interaction within these relationships, highlighting that from a life course perspective, these dynamics change over time. The course will include content on the history of family life and diverse family types, exploring various family structures and roles. Legal processes related to families will also be reviewed. Conceptualizations of effective functioning in couple and families will be studied and various factors that impact couple and family systems will be addressed.
MFT-8208 – Child and Adolescent Assessment and DiagnosisIn this course students will evaluate the scholarly literature on clinical assessment and diagnosis of childhood and adolescent disorders. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and assessment procedures will be viewed through a systemic lens and critiqued for their cultural sensitivity. Ethical concerns related to the assessment of children and adolescents will also be discussed.
MFT-8209 – Family Therapy with AdolescentsThis course evaluates theory and research on systemic interventions with adolescents and their families. Students will establish an ethical framework that is developmentally informed and culturally sensitive. This course emphasizes how families can support adolescents through the difficult transition of increased independence from the family, as well as how to engage an adolescent in the therapeutic process.
MFT-8210 – Early Childhood and Parenting InterventionsThis course reviews theory and research on interventions for early childhood, emphasizing play therapy and parenting interventions. Since a developmental-informed approach is critical for early childhood, play therapy theoretical foundations and techniques will be explored in-depth. From a systemic lens, children’s emotional and behavioral difficulties are viewed in the context of the couple relationship, family structure, and parenting behaviors. As a result, students will learn to integrate several interventions for changing dynamics and behaviors within the parent system. Issues of cultural sensitivity and ethical practice will be considered for each topic discussed.
MFT-8211 – Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Children and AdolescentsThis course evaluates theory and research on evidence-based, systemic interventions with children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders including attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disabilities (ID), and learning disorders (LD). Students will establish an ethical framework for family therapy that is developmentally informed and culturally sensitive. This course presents marriage and family therapists as critical members of multidisciplinary treatment teams for ADHD, ASD, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
This course provides an advanced overview of the theoretical literature related to the practice of marriage and family therapy. The course offers an opportunity to critically examine systems theories from cybernetics to natural systems. Students will also have an opportunity to reflect on common factors influencing MFT clinical practice and integration of various systems-based models.
MFT-8102 – Dynamics of Family InteractionThis course examines the theoretical and empirical contributions to the understanding of diverse couple and family systems. The specific focus of the course is on the processes and dynamics of interaction within these relationships, highlighting that from a life course perspective, these dynamics change over time. The course will include content on the history of family life and diverse family types, exploring various family structures and roles. Legal processes related to families will also be reviewed. Conceptualizations of effective functioning in couple and families will be studied and various factors that impact couple and family systems will be addressed.
MFT-8308 – Emotion and Differentiation Focused Couple TherapyThis course will focus on and emphasize the roles of two major human development forces that influence behavior in relationships: connection (attachment and inclusion) and separation (individuality and differentiation). There are ongoing debates in the MFT world about the role these two forces play in intimate relationships and clinical models differ in how to go about engaging clients in these realms. This course will give students the opportunity to discover more about these life forces and how their principles are applied in therapeutic conversations with couples. Learners will also be asked to consider both of these influences from a clinical research perspective throughout the course.
MFT-8309 – Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy Models and Evidence Based PracticeThis course will focus on and emphasize couple therapy modalities that have been validated, in some way, by research. There are other models not covered in this course that have some empirical evidence (e.g., there is considerable evidence for EFT’s effectiveness) but the models emphasized in this course are largely built on principles of cognitive-behavioral psychology. Two primary models will be covered throughout the course: Gottman’s couple therapy model and Jacobson’s and Christensen’s Integrative Couple Therapy. This course places heavy emphasis on empiricism and students will be encouraged to be thinking like “scholar-practitioners” throughout the course.
MFT-8310 – Systemic Sex TherapyThis course focuses on physiological, psychological, and sociocultural variables associated with human sexuality and then maintains a focused emphasis on systemically oriented sex therapy including methods of conducting sexual assessments and both individual and relational therapy designed to help clients with variety of sexual issues, sexual dysfunctions, and sexual challenges within relationships.
MFT-8311 – The Couple Life Cycle in MFT Practice and SupervisionIt is important for clinicians and clinical supervisors to be aware of the challenges and critical points of change and/or distress for couples throughout the couple life cycle. Throughout this cycle couples are challenged with how to face difficult circumstances and maintain a strong relationship. This course involves a look at the development of couples and their relationship cycle. The course will incorporate an overview of different issues that present in couples’ relationships and examine the couple’s dynamics through a lens of diversity. Students will learn about different models of couple’s therapy and assessments pertaining to couple therapy. In addition, the students will learn about the importance of creating a therapeutic alliance with the couples.
This area of emphasis allows students to select courses from a broad range of electives to fit their personal and professional goals
Note: Students can select any six (6) doctoral level MFT courses (excluding the first course in the program and dissertation courses) to meet the requirements of the General Family Therapy emphasis. Courses from the Department of Psychology can be included in the General Family Therapy emphasis with approval from the Dean or designee.
This doctoral-level course presents an overview of psychopharmacology, alternative therapies, and principles that focus on helping to identify those individuals who can benefit from the use of pharmacologic intervention, as well as useful methods of evaluating treatment efficacy. Research on neurophysiology, and biologic actions and side effects of psychopharmacological and alternative agents will be reviewed. DSM-5 is used for disorder classifications throughout this course. This course may serve as a foundation for further study for individuals planning to prescribe or consult, within their scope of practice, as a non-physician mental health professional.
MFT-8402 – Medical Family TherapyThis course is designed to introduce students to the theory, concepts, and practice of medical family therapy. Students will learn about collaborative healthcare, medical specializations, assessments commonly used in healthcare settings, and the ways in which biopsychosocial components of patients’ and families’ lives may impact their experience of health and illness.
MFT-8403 – Medical Family Therapy ApplicationsThis course addresses the many facets of creating and maintaining effective integration of behavioral health and medical care. Through this course, students will gain an in depth understanding of the practice of medical family therapy (MedFT). Students will discover how the clinical, operational, and financial components of care intersect and impact psychosocial care delivery.
MFT-8404 – Families, Health, and IllnessThis course addresses the challenges faced by individuals, couples, and families who are experiencing a chronic illness. Throughout this course, students will have the opportunity to identify health complaints and diseases, explore the psychosocial barriers and facilitators to effective treatment, and discover the ways in which cultural beliefs and norms impact the illness experience.
MFT-8408 – Loss and BereavementIn this course, students will explore various aspects of grief and loss. The course will include theory and cultural beliefs and values surrounding death and dying and will highlight clinical approaches to assisting people in navigating grief and loss experiences. This course will also focus on self of the therapist experiences and self-care practices of helping professionals.
MFT-8601 – Gerontology and Systemic InterventionThis course deals with the biological, social, cognitive, and psychological aspects of aging. Ancillary aspects of aging are also explored, including: issues related to long-term care, end of life issues, the cultural context of human development, and the impact of socioeconomic status (poverty) on the elderly. A significant focus of the course is the application of systemic treatment/theory to the elderly adult population and multigenerational families.
This graduate-level course offers an overview of treatment/clinical approaches for MFTs working in the context of family violence. Theory and research related to definitions, causes, consequences, and characteristics of affected family members will be explored. The course will also include the examination of family violence in diverse contexts, as well as consideration of ethical dilemmas associated with situations pertaining to family violence and abuse.
MFT-8115 – Family Systems Approaches to AddictionThis course provides an overview of a variety of addictive substances and how a systemic therapist approaches treatment of addiction. Students will be expected to consider self-of-therapist issues and diversity concerns as it relates to exposure to and treatment of addiction. A variety of approaches to treating addiction will also be addressed.
MFT-8507 – Military and Veteran Cultures Across the LifespanThis doctoral-level course focuses on military and Veteran cultures, including culturally informed clinical practice, research, and policies across the lifespan.
MFT-8508 – Trauma and Resilience in Military and Veteran Couples and FamiliesThis course focuses on precursors, assessment, diagnoses, indicated treatments, research practices, and policies related to trauma and resilience across military and Veteran populations.
MFT-8509 – Ethical Challenges and Moral Injuries Across Military and Veteran PopulationsThis course focuses on ethical standards, moral injury, compassion fatigue, burnout, and common ethical challenges that occur in clinical practice, research, and supervision with military and Veteran populations.
MFT-8510 – Behavioral Health Care with Military and Veteran PopulationsThis course focuses on evidence based treatment and research pertaining to behavioral health challenges that are experienced by military and Veteran populations. Attention is given to clinical assessments and treatment as well as current evidence based research, including biopsychosocial complications associated with each behavioral health challenge.
The University may accept a maximum of 6 semester credit hours from a graduate-level program to NU’s Post-Master’s certificate program. Coursework must have been completed at an accredited college or university within the last seven years with a grade of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit Policy for additional information.
The Post-Master’s Certificate has the following graduation requirements:
Total Credit Hours: 18 Credit Hours*
Courses: 6 Courses
Recommended Completion Time: 12 Months
Next Start Date: Every Monday
Classroom Size: One
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To apply to the Post-Master’s Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy program, you must have a completed a master’s level or higher degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution.
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