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Prepares graduates for careers as professors, researchers, clinical supervisors, and senior clinicians. Requires a dissertation based on original research. A master's degree in a clinical field is required for admission.
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 doctoral program is offered on campus at NSU's Fort Lauderdale campus and integrates systemic theory, clinical practice, and applied research. The D.M.F.T. meets the educational requirements for LMFT licensure in Florida and most other states.
D.M.F.T. Career Outcomes
Graduates of NSU's D.M.F.T. program pursue careers as:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) in private practice
- Clinical supervisors in community mental health and healthcare settings
- Agency administrators and program directors
- Senior clinicians in hospitals, outpatient centers, and integrated care teams
- Educators and clinical trainers in professional development settings
NSU’s Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy program perfectly aligns with my goal of empowering individuals and families to build healthier, stronger relationships. It offers invaluable opportunities to deepen my expertise while equipping me to create meaningful, lasting change in the lives of others. This program is the foundation for achieving my vision of transformative impact.
Juli Ann Tamaria Knight Campbell
NSU was more than just my dream school. It was where I found the confidence to grow into the therapist I always hoped to become, all through the Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy program. It gave me the education, opportunities, and support to thrive in my career while connecting with and empowering those I serve.
Desiree Barrionuevo, M.S. | Doctor of Mariage and Family Therapy, ‘25
My passion for the Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy program reflects the mission behind NSU offering the only on-ground, accredited DMFT program in the country. Located in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, pursuing a Doctor of Marriage and Therapy degree elevates the field, allowing MFTs to work as part of an integrative care team, earning the credibility and respect of our fellow medical professionals.
Sarah Margulis
I am passionate about my Marriage and Family Therapy doctoral program because it deepens my understanding of family systems and equips me to create meaningful change in individuals and relationships. This journey allows me to integrate personal experiences with advanced research and practice, fostering growth and healing in diverse communities.
Abigale Thomas, LMFT |
Quick Facts
Tuition
Financial aid, scholarships, and graduate assistantships may be available to eligible students.
Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.
Credits & Requirements
Application Deadline
February 1- Priority application deadline for August admission
June 30 - Final, based on seat availability
Delivery Options
D.M.F.T. Earning Potential
D.M.F.T. graduates typically earn 20–30% more over their careers than master's-level therapists, with the greatest gains in private practice, supervision, and agency leadership roles (BLS, 2024).
| Career | Median/Average Salary |
| Senior Clinican/Private Practice | $100,000–$200,000+/year |
| Clinical supervisor | $65,000–$85,000/year |
| Agency Administrator | $80,000–$100,000/year |
| Licensed MFT (LMFT) | $80,000–$100,000/year |
| Home Healthcare MFT | $122,120/year |
| Government/State Agency MFT | $89,030/year |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Salaries vary by location, experience, and practice setting.
Why Earn Your D.M.F.T. at NSU?
First in the Nation
NSU's D.M.F.T. is the first campus-based COAMFTE-accredited doctoral MFT program in
the United States.
Licensure-Ready
Fulfills academic requirements for LMFT licensure in Florida and most other states.
Applied Clinical Project (ACP)
Complete a clinical doctoral project rather than a traditional dissertation, conceiving,
proposing, implementing, and evaluating a real clinical program under faculty supervision.
Specialized Electives
Organizational consulting, international counseling and therapy, school-based family
counseling, and more.
Clinical Network
Build your professional network through faculty relationships, community externships,
and South Florida's clinical community.
Accreditation
NSU's D.M.F.T. program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
It is the first campus-based COAMFTE accredited D.M.F.T. Program.
The program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state of Florida and many other states.
Graduate Achievement Data
Accredited programs report Graduate Achievement Data (PDF) data for each cohort in the program.
D.M.F.T. Curriculum
The 75–108 credit D.M.F.T. curriculum integrates systemic theory, clinical practice, language and thinking systems, and qualitative and quantitative research. Graduates complete an Applied Clinical Project (ACP) rather than a traditional dissertation.
View Curriculum Requirements
D.M.F.T. Practicum and Program Requirements
In addition to coursework, D.M.F.T. students complete:
- Four internal practicums at the on-campus Brief Therapy Institute under live faculty supervision
- External and clinical practicums in the community
- 1,000 client contact hours and 200 supervised hours
- Clinical Portfolio — a doctoral-qualifying capstone assessing clinical skills and theoretical knowledge
- Applied Clinical Project (ACP) — a minimum of 9 ACP credits completing an original applied clinical research study
D.M.F.T. Program Requirements — Frequently Asked Questions
Students complete four terms of internal practicums at NSU's on-campus Brief Therapy Institute, 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 assessing students' clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, and scholarly writing. Students must complete the Clinical Portfolio before registering for external and clinical practicums.
The ACP is an original applied research study in couple and family therapy completed under faculty mentorship — replacing the traditional dissertation. A minimum of 9 ACP credits over three terms is required. Students must meet with their ACP 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 D.M.F.T. Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement and submit the Informed Acknowledgment Form.
D.M.F.T. or Ph.D.: 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 D.M.F.T. is a clinical terminal degree for practicing therapists seeking advanced clinical skills, while the Ph.D. prepares graduates for academic, research, and senior leadership roles.
Doctor of Philosophy in Couple and Family Therapy (Ph.D.) — 81–114 credit hourss
Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (D.M.F.T.) — 75–108 credit hours
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.
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.