Systemic Couple and Family Therapy
Graduate Certificate in Counseling

The online graduate certificate in systemic couple and family therapy from Capella University introduces you to the knowledge of family therapy.

This certificate is not designed to meet licensure requirements associated with a master’s degree in marriage, couple and family therapy.

Work toward your next degree

Coursework completed in this program may be applied toward an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy at Capella.

Scholar-practitioner faculty

Learn the latest in academic theory and applied practice from experienced faculty members who are actively engaged in their professions.

Engage in blended, flexible learning

Access our engaging, online learning environment anytime, anywhere, with any device, and set your own schedule while meeting deadlines.

Classes start May 6

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

100% Online
5 Core courses

Explore counseling courses

This certificate requires a total of 20 program credits
You’ll need to complete five courses

Show course with description

MFT5008	Foundations of Couple and Family Therapy This course provides an introduction to the profession of marriage and family therapy and its underlying systemic theoretical framework. Learners evaluate systems theories from a historical perspective and distinguish them from those of other individual-based mental health disciplines. Learners also analyze the history, philosophy, and clinical practice theories of marital and family therapy and examine the fundamental therapeutic concepts and skills needed to work with couples and families. Must be taken during the first quarter by learners who have been admitted to the MS in Marriage and Family Therapy degree program and the Systemic Couple and Family Therapy graduate certificate. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.	4 quarter credits
MFT5222 *	Professional Ethics in Marriage and Family Therapy Learners in this course examine the ethical and legal responsibilities framing marriage and family therapy and apply the criteria for state licensure. Learners also analyze the impact of a therapist’s values, culture, and ethnicity on clinical practice; identify approaches to protecting clients from one’s own potential biases; and assess the role of advocacy in marriage and family therapy. *Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.*	4 quarter credits
MFT5270 *	Systemic Family Therapy Theory and Practice 1 This course is a comparative study of the prominent schools of thought within the field of marriage and family therapy. Learners demonstrate knowledge of the tenets, therapeutic strategies, and techniques used within the field. Learners also evaluate therapy and counseling approaches to structural, strategic, transgenerational, behavioral, communication, and analytical models in working with couples and families. *Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.*	4 quarter credits
MFT5271 *	Working with Families Across the Lifespan In this course, learners build an understanding of families as systems, in particular family development, transitions, assessment, and intervention across the lifespan. Learners also integrate diversity and sociocultural factors in the application of systemic assessment and intervention strategies. *Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.*	4 quarter credits
MFT5273 *	Couple and Marital Therapy In this course, learners investigate systemic couples therapy theories, methods, and practices in terms of assessment, treatment planning, and intervention. Learners analyze issues related to diversity and ethical considerations pertaining to systemic couples therapy. Learners also examine contemporary issues in couples therapy as they apply to clinical practice. *Prerequisite(s): MFT5270.*	4 quarter credits

*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.

How much does a graduate certificate in counseling cost?

The total cost of your certificate will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, tuition discounts and other factors. See cost information below.

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter

$9,940 estimated tuition^*

$497 per credit, $175 resource kit fee, 20 total quarter credits, 0 max transfer credits

*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits and tuition discounts. Books, supplies and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.

Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50–$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.

Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid is also available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

Are there scholarships available for certificates?

Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.

10% Military discount
Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members and their spouses, Guard and Reserve members, and veterans.

Employer and association discounts

If your employer or organization is a partner with Capella, you may be eligible for a tuition discount.

Employer reimbursements

Many employers offer affordable tuition and career-building opportunities to employees. Talk to your manager or HR department to find out if you’re eligible.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.

See all our accreditations and recognitions.

What are the graduate certificate in counseling admission requirements?

Admission requirements

Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Counseling, Systemic Couple and Family Therapy program must provide the following information for admission:

Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
Your official transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Admission application – no application fee required
A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International student requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
Transcript evaluation

Learn more about international student admissions.

What support does Capella offer online students?

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a certificate student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your certificate with support from faculty, staff and online resources.

Faculty

Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty members who hold top credentials and have practical expertise in their fields.

Enrollment counselors

Our enrollment counselors will help you find the right degree and program and answer all your questions about Capella. They can also help you with the admissions process.