Spotlight: MS in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy

Family counselor asks kids questions with parents behind them

The Master of Science in Professional Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy program is offered by Grand Canyon University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences and is designed for individuals who wish to serve others as professional counselors.

Read on for insight into what you will learn when earning this degree.

The Application of Family Systems Theory to Marriage and Family Therapy

While completing this program’s coursework, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of family systems theory and how to apply it to the assessment and treatment of couples and families. Also, you will have the opportunity to develop your practical counseling skills through supervised internship and practicum experiences so that you may perform as a qualified professional counselor after graduation.

The Skills Needed for Working with Diverse Client Populations

Both your coursework and field experience will broaden your knowledge and improve your mastery of the skills that you need to work with diverse client populations. Additionally, you will explore social and cultural diversity issues in counseling, analyze counseling ethics and practice developing a counseling treatment plan.

The Foundational Competencies for Effective Marriage and Family Counselors

As you complete coursework in the Master of Science in Professional Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy, you will examine a wide range of topics to develop competencies in areas such as counseling ethics and legal standards; substance abuse disorders and relapse prevention; human sexuality and the nature of aging; and psychological and behavior dysfunction.

This program’s content is in alignment with the standards established by the National Board for Certified Counselors, and graduates have the training necessary for pursuing national certification and licensure in Arizona as a counselor.

You can find out more about Grand Canyon University’s online counseling programs by visiting the College of Humanities and Social Sciences or clicking the Request More Information button on this page.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.

Scroll back to top