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Systemic Couple and Family Therapy
Graduate Certificate in Counseling
Expand your capacity to help families and couples navigate challenges in their relationships. With five master’s-level courses, Capella’s Graduate Certificate in Systemic Couple and Family Therapy examines the foundational principles and professional ethics of the field. You’ll explore effective assessment and intervention strategies and the intricacies of family systems. The credits earned in this certificate may be applicable to a master’s degree at Capella.
This certificate program is not designed or intended to prepare students for professional licensure in the fields of counseling or marriage and family therapy in any U.S. jurisdiction.
At a glance
- 100% Online
- 5 Core courses
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- This certificate requires a total of 20 program credits
- You’ll need to complete five courses
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MFT5008
Foundations of Couple and Family Therapy
4 quarter credits
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. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration to this course.
4 quarter credits
MFT5222
Professional Ethics in Marriage and Family Therapy
4 quarter credits
Learners examine the ethical and legal responsibilities framing marriage and family therapy and apply the criteria for state licensure. Learners also explore how a therapist¿s personal beliefs, background, and worldview influence clinical practice; identify approaches to protecting clients from the therapist's potential preconceptions; and assess the role of advocacy in marriage and family therapy. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
MFT5270
Systemic Family Therapy Theory and Practice 1
4 quarter credits
Learners engage in a comparative study of the prominent schools of thought within the field of marriage and family therapy. Learners demonstrate knowledge of the key theoretical assumptions, therapeutic strategies, and techniques used within the field. Learners also evaluate and apply systemic, modern, and post-modern theoretical models when working with couples and families. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
MFT5271
Working with Families Across the Lifespan
4 quarter credits
Learners build an understanding of families as systems, in particular family development, transitions, assessment, and intervention across the lifespan. Learners also incorporate contextual factors in the application of systemic assessment and intervention strategies. Prerequisite: BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling and Therapy learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 or PSYC4700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
4 quarter credits
MFT5273
Couple and Marital Therapy
4 quarter credits
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.
- 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
- $512 per credit
- $175 resource kit
- 20 total quarter credits
- 0 max transfer credits
$10,240
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 12 months
*This is only an estimate, effective July 7, 2025, and is subject to change.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include your resource kit, travel expenses and practicum costs.
Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses are not included. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer.
New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs. Review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Get the details
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for certificates?
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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.
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