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NSU's Department of Couple and Family Therapy offers three COAMFTE-accredited degree programs in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — the Master of Science (M.S.) in Couple and Family Therapy, the Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (D.M.F.T.), and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Couple and Family Therapy.
The M.S. program is South Florida's only COAMFTE-accredited master's degree in couple and family therapy, preparing graduates for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a 100% job placement rate. The D.M.F.T. is the first campus-based COAMFTE-accredited doctoral program of its kind in the United States. The Ph.D. prepares students for advanced careers in research, supervision, teaching, and clinical leadership.
All three programs are offered on campus at NSU's Fort Lauderdale campus, with access to over 70 community-based clinical externship sites across South Florida.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Couple and Family Therapy
South Florida's only COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science (M.S.) in Couple and Family Therapy prepares graduates for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Florida and other states. The 60-credit, on-campus program offers three specialized concentrations and has maintained a 100% job placement rate..
What Sets Us Apart:
- South Florida's Only COAMFTE -Accredited M.S. Program — NSU meets the gold standard for MFT education, recognized by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
- 100% Job Placement Rate — Graduates consistently secure positions in private practice, healthcare organizations, employee assistance programs, and more.
- Three Specialized Concentrations — Medical Family Therapy, Equine-Assisted Therapy, and Solution-Focused Coaching.
- Licensure-Ready Curriculum — Fulfills academic requirements for LMFT licensure in Florida and most other states.
M.S. Program Mission
The mission of the Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Master of Science (M.S.) in Couple and Family Therapy program is to provide training using a relational/ systemic theoretical lens in working with individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations. The program curriculum emphasizes the ethical and professional practice of couple/marriage and family therapy, offering professional and scholarly services to the community. The program provides a global perspective of research, scholarship, and service and participates in reflective practices through self-evaluation and input from our communities of interest, as we strive to maintain the highest professional standards.
M.S. Program Vision
The vision of the Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Master of Science (M.S.) in Couple and Family Therapy Program is to embrace a systemic/relational paradigm while providing clinical training to support community needs. The M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy Program trains students to become competent couple/marriage and family therapists with the ability to work systemically with all communities and populations.
Our program further strives to uphold all ethical, legal, and professional standards in the field.
Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy
NSU's Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Couple and Family Therapy is an 81–114 credit COAMFTE-accredited doctoral program preparing graduates for advanced careers in research, clinical supervision, teaching, and senior clinical practice. A master's degree in a clinical field is required for admission.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Advanced Research Training — Develop expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies through interdisciplinary studies, clinical internships, and specialized electives.
- Pursue Licensure While Enrolled — The Ph.D. curriculum is structured to allow students to pursue LMFT licensure during their studies, enabling a seamless transition into new clinical roles.
- COAMFTE-Accredited Ph.D. Program — NSU's Doctor of Philosophy in Couple and Family Therapy is COAMFTE-accredited, meeting educational requirements for licensure in Florida and most other states.
Ph.D. Program Mission
The mission of the Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Couple and Family Therapy program is to develop students who are committed to advanced academic and clinical practice and who are prepared for leadership in the field of couple/marriage and family therapy through research, supervision, teaching, and clinical theory and practice. Additionally, students in the Ph.D. program are committed to serving communities as ethical practitioners while focusing on the relational strengths and resources of clients with an appreciation and respect for all.
Ph.D. Program Vision
The vision of the Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Couple and Family Therapy Program is to develop students who are committed to academic, research, and clinical innovation and prepared for advanced leadership in the field of couple/marriage and family therapy. The application of systemic/relational theory is the foundation for our training with an emphasis on serving communities in a variety of settings.
Our program further strives to uphold all ethical, legal, and professional standards in the field.
Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (D.M.F.T.)
NSU's Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (D.M.F.T.) is the first campus-based COAMFTE-accredited D.M.F.T. program in the United States. The 75–108 credit clinical doctorate prepares experienced therapists for advanced careers in private practice, clinical supervision, agency administration, and educational training at NSU's Fort Lauderdale campus.
What Sets Us Apart:
- First in the Nation — NSU's D.M.F.T. is the first campus-based COAMFTE-accredited Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy program in the United States.
- Clinical-Focused Doctoral Training — The curriculum integrates systemic theory, applied clinical research, and hands-on practicum experience, preparing graduates to launch private practices, lead clinical programs, and train the next generation of therapists.
- Expansive Career Pathways — Graduates pursue careers as private practitioners, agency administrators, clinical supervisors, and senior clinicians.
- Licensure-Ready — Meets educational requirements for LMFT licensure in Florida and most other states.
Learn About the D.M.F.T. Program
D.M.F.T. Program Mission
The mission of the Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (D.M.F.T.) Program is to develop practitioners and professionals whose chief contributions are as clinicians, supervisors, educators, and applied researchers in the field of couple/marriage and family therapy. Graduates of the D.M.F.T program are trained to practice within ethical and professional bounds using systemic/relational models with communities. Graduates are able to work in agencies, treatment facilities, medical offices, private practices, and other sites providing services to the community while focusing on respect for all across all settings.
D.M.F.T. Program Vision
The vision of the Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (D.M.F.T.) Program is to foster professional advancement and excellence while providing graduates with high level training that supports the needs of our communities across all settings in which clinical, research, and supervisory services are provided.
Our program further strives to uphold all ethical, legal, and professional standards in the field.
Student Resources
NSU family therapy students have access to academic and career advising, program forms through SharkLink, NSU library resources, and dedicated faculty support throughout their degree program.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Marriage and Family Therapy Club — A student organization at NSU's Department of Couple and Family Therapy offering professional development, networking with faculty and practicing LMFTs, workshops, and community service opportunities. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Friends of Stable Place — A student organization connecting NSU students with equine professionals for hands-on practice, research, and leadership development in equine-assisted therapy. Participate in workshops, community service, and volunteer opportunities at Stable Place. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Community Outreach
NSU's Department of Couple and Family Therapy provides students with three distinct clinical training opportunities in South Florida:
Family Therapy Clinic — NSU's on-site Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy Clinic serves as the primary internship site for family therapy students. Therapists work with all populations using a strengths-based, solution-focused approach, typically achieving meaningful change within 5 to 10 sessions.
Medical Family Therapy — A collaborative program between NSU's Department of Couple and Family Therapy and the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, offering short-term therapeutic support to patients with medical issues through the Ziff Medical Clinic. Students gain experience working alongside NSU physicians in an integrated healthcare setting.
Clinical Externship Sites — Graduate students select from over 70 community-based externship sites across South Florida's tri-county area, including hospitals, addiction treatment centers, childcare facilities, schools, homeless shelters, equine therapy programs, and private practices.
Contact Us
For general inquiries and questions, please email familytherapy@nova.edu.