Post-Master’s Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy

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100% Online Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy

Complete your studies on your own time.

New start date every Monday

Start your first course when it’s convenient for you.

12 Months to your Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy

Finish your marriage and family therapy certificate in just 6 courses.

National and Northcentral have merged, and this program is now offered by NU. Learn more.

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Post-Master’s Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy

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.

Prepare to Enhance Your Career with a Post-Master’s Certificate

Tailor your NU online marriage and family therapy certificate to fit your career goals with one of these areas of emphasis:

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Course Details

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 Emphasis

Course Sequence

Students 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.

Child and Adolescent Family Therapy

MFT-8101 – Advanced Theories in MFT

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 Interaction

This 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 Diagnosis

In 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 Adolescents

This 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 Interventions

This 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 Adolescents

This 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.

Couple Therapy

MFT-8101 – Advanced Theories in MFT

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 Interaction

This 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 Therapy

This 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 Practice

This 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 Therapy

This 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 Supervision

It 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.

General Family Therapy

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.

Medical Family Therapy

PSY-8147 – Psychopharmacology

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 Therapy

This 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 Applications

This 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 Illness

This 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 Bereavement

In 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 Intervention

This 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.

Therapy with Military Families

MFT-8103 – Assessing and Treating Family Violence

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 Addiction

This 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 Lifespan

This 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 Families

This 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 Populations

This 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 Populations

This 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.

Certificate Requirements

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:

Program at a Glance

Total Credit Hours: 18 Credit Hours*
Courses: 6 Courses
Recommended Completion Time: 12 Months
Next Start Date: Every Monday
Classroom Size: One

Admissions

Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.

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.

To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today

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Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.