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Welcome to the Department of Couple and Family Therapy at NSU's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Couple and Family Therapy
Advance your skills to work with individuals, groups, couples, and families, and consult with organizations using a systemic, relational perspective. Our M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy program at NSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine offers personalized mentoring, and a supportive professional community.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Specialized Electives: Explore specialties like medical family therapy, solution-focused coaching, and equine-assisted family therapy.
- 100% Job Placement Rate: Receive top-quality training leading to professional positions in various clinical and organizational settings.
- Accredited Excellence: NSU’s M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy is Florida's only fully COAMFTE-accredited program, meeting licensure requirements across all 50 states, D.C., and U.S. protectorates."
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
Immerse yourself in historical and contemporary theories, research, and methodologies of family therapy to excel in the field. Our Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy at the College of Osteopathic Medicine offers a flexible 81–114 variable credit program tailored to propel you toward your career goals in academic, supervisory, clinical, or community settings.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Enhanced Clinical Skills: Develop expertise in showcasing the significance of qualitative and quantitative research through interdisciplinary studies, clinical internships, and specialized electives.
- Pursue Licensure While Learning: Seamlessly transition into new roles within the field by pursuing licensure during your studies.
- Accredited Excellence: NSU’s M.S. in Couple and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited program, meeting licensure requirements in Florida and many 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.)
Ignite your career as a couple and family therapist with a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy degree from NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. With our innovative and interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on practicum experience, you'll gain the skills to launch your own counseling business, clinical programs, and educational training.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Integrative Curriculum: Our program integrates systemically oriented theory, clinical practice, and applied clinical research.
- Expansive Career Pathways: Prepare for a career as a private practitioner, agency administrator, clinical supervisor, or senior clinician, and expand and enhance your existing clinical skills to become a top-level practitioner.
- Prestigious Accreditation: NSU's D.M.F.T. program is the first campus-based COAMFTE-accredited program in the US. It meets the educational requirements for licensure in Florida and many other states.
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
Whether you're seeking guidance from academic and career advisers, accessing important forms and information through SharkLink, or exploring NSU library resources, we've got you covered.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Join the Marriage and Family Therapy Club for personal and professional development opportunities in family therapy. Engage with professors and practitioners, and connect with peers through social events, workshops, and community service. Follow the club on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
The Friends of Stable Place welcomes all NSU students to collaborate with equine professionals for practice, research, and leadership skills. Participate in educational workshops, social gatherings, and community service initiatives, and contribute to the development of Stable Place through volunteering. Connect with the club on Facebook or Instagram.
Community Outreach
Ready to make a difference in today's world? At NSU, you have numerous avenues to address issues affecting communities. One impactful way to begin is by joining forces with like-minded individuals who share your passion for change.
Family Therapy Clinics (Internship Site): The Brief Therapy Institute (BTI) emphasizes highlighting clients' strengths and resources to find innovative solutions to their challenges. Therapists are equipped to work with all populations, fostering change typically within 5 to 10 sessions.
Medical Family Therapy: Medical Family Therapy is a joint effort between NSU’s Department of Couple and Family Therapy and Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine to offer short-term therapeutic support to patients dealing with medical issues. This service is an additional resource available to patients referred by their NSU physicians through the Ziff Medical Clinic.
Clinical Externship Sites: Graduate students can choose from over 70 community-based externship sites for their clinical training. Options include hospitals, addiction treatment centers, childcare facilities, schools, homeless shelters, equine therapy programs, and private practices in the tri-county area. Whether you're seeking guidance from academic and career advisers, accessing important forms and information through SharkLink, or exploring NSU library resources, we've got you covered.
Contact Us
For general inquiries and questions, please email familytherapy@nova.edu.