Back to Nova Southeastern University
The first campus-based COAMFTE-accredited D.M.F.T. program in the United States. A clinical terminal degree preparing graduates for advanced practice, private practice ownership, agency administration, and clinical supervision. Requires an Applied Clinical Project (ACP) rather than a dissertation.
NSU's Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Couple and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited, 81–114 credit doctoral program offered on campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The program prepares 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. Students may pursue LMFT licensure concurrently with their doctoral studies.
Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy Career Outcomes
Graduates of NSU's Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy pursue careers as:
- University professors and academic researchers in marriage and family therapy
- Clinical supervisors in community mental health, healthcare, and private practice settings
- Senior clinicians and program directors in clinical and organizational settings
- Researchers contributing to the advancement of couple and family therapy theory and practice
The balance between academic and clinical training along with the dedication of the faculty make NSU’s Couple and Family Therapy graduate programs some of the most comprehensive approaches for those seeking their degree in CFT. Whether you want to focus on clinical practice, academia, or both, these programs prepare you to accomplish your professional goals as a CFT.
Kayleigh Sabo, | M.S. and Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy Alumna
Quick Facts
Tuition
Credits & Requirements
Application Deadlines
February 1: Priority Deadline
June 30: Final, Based on Seat Availability
Delivery Options
Why Earn Your Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy at NSU?
Live Clinical Casework
Ph.D. students work with their clinical practicum team at NSU's on-campus Individual,
Couple, and Family Therapy Clinic on live, community-referred cases under faculty
supervision.
Specialized Electives
Tailor your doctoral studies with electives in equine-assisted therapy, international
counseling and therapy, school-based family counseling, and other emerging specializations
in the field.
Full-Time Supervised Internships
Complete three consecutive terms of full-time, relationally focused clinical internships
in community settings, accumulating 1,000 client contact hours and 200 supervised
hours required for program completion.
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 or academic roles
upon graduation.
COAMFTE-Accredited Program
NSU's Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy meets the educational requirements for LMFT
licensure in Florida and most other states, recognized by the American Association
for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
Accreditation
NSU’s Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy is fully accredited with the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). This program meets the educational degree completion requirements for licensure in the state of Florida and many other states.
Graduate Achievement Data
Accredited programs report Graduate Achievement Data data for each cohort in the program.
Graduate Achievement Data (PDF)
Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy Earning Potential
Professor
$103,030/year
Median Salary
Source BLS, May 2024
Source BLS, May 2024
Researcher
$94,310/year
Median Salary
Source BLS, May 2024
Source BLS, May 2024
Senior Clinician (Private Practice)
$90,000–$122,000+/year
Median Salary
Source BLS, May 2024
Source BLS, May 2024
Clinical Supervisor
$65,000–$85,000/year
Median Salary
Source BLS, May 2024
Source BLS, May 2024
Agency Administrator
$80,000–$100,000/year
Median Salary
Source BLS, May 2024
Source BLS, May 2024
Psychologist
$94,310/year
Median Salary
Source BLS, May 2024
Source BLS, May 2024
Ph.D. Clinical Training and Community Outreach
- Family Therapy Clinic — Complete internal practicums at NSU's on-campus Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy Clinic on live, community-referred cases under faculty supervision.
- Medical Family Therapy — Gain integrated healthcare experience working alongside NSU physicians at the Ziff Medical Clinic.
- Clinical Externship Sites — Choose from over 70 community-based externship sites across South Florida, including hospitals, schools, addiction treatment centers, and private practices.
Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy Curriculum
The 81–114 credit Ph.D. curriculum integrates systemically oriented theory, clinical practice, and research through a combination of core and pathway courses. Graduates complete a doctoral dissertation based on original research in the field of couple and family therapy.
View Curriculum RequirementsPh.D. Practicum and Program Requirements
In addition to coursework, Ph.D. students complete:
- Four internal practicums at NSU's on-campus Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy Clinic
- Three consecutive terms of full-time community-based internship
- 1,000 client contact hours and 200 supervised hours
- Clinical Portfolio — a doctoral-qualifying capstone assessing clinical skills and theoretical knowledge
- Dissertation — an original research study completed under faculty mentorship
Ph.D. Program Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
Students complete four terms of internal practicums at NSU's on-campus Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy Clinic, working under live faculty supervision in teams of no more than six students for six hours per week.
A total of 1,000 client contact hours and 200 supervised hours are required. At least 400 of the 1,000 hours must be relational, with couples and/or families present in the session. At least 100 supervision hours must be conducted via live, video, or audio observation.
The Clinical Portfolio is a doctoral-qualifying capstone experience assessing students' clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and scholarly writing. Students must pass the Clinical Portfolio before registering for the internship.
Students conduct an original research study in couple and family therapy under faculty mentorship. A minimum of 9 dissertation credits over three terms is required. Students must meet with their dissertation committee chair at least once monthly.
Yes. Background checks, fingerprinting, and drug screening are required of all students in compliance with NSU policies. Contact the program director for details.
Before enrolling, prospective students must review the Ph.D. Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement and submit the Informed Acknowledgment Form addressing potential differences in MFT licensure requirements across states.
Professional Licensure Disclosure Information (PDF) Acknowledgement Form (PDF)Ph.D. or D.M.F.T.: Which Degree Is Right for You?
NSU's Department of Couple and Family Therapy offers two doctoral pathways. The key difference is career focus — the Ph.D. prepares graduates for academic, research, and senior leadership roles, while the D.M.F.T. is a clinical terminal degree for practicing therapists seeking advanced clinical skills.
Ph.D. in Couple and Family Therapy (Ph.D.) — 81–114 credit hours
Prepares graduates for careers as professors, researchers, clinical supervisors, and senior clinicians. Requires a dissertation based on original research.
Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (D.M.F.T.) — 75–108 credit hours
After Applying, What Happens Next?
If selected, you'll receive an invitation from the Department of Couple and Family Therapy to schedule an interview. This personal interview is the next step and does not guarantee admission. An ample amount of time and notification will be given for you to make appropriate arrangements. Depending on the time of year, the review process may take a few weeks. You can check your application status at any time via the online application portal. Once a decision has been made, notification is sent via email to the address on file.