M.S. Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling

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Our CACREP-accredited program prepares graduates for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) which is essential for employment in the mental health field and private practice. Students may complete the Master of Science (M.S.) in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling program within 2 years or also have the option of completing the program on a part-time basis. Students have the option of taking classes in the early evening and late afternoon. Graduates of the program are very successful in obtaining employment in mental health settings, working as out- and in-patient therapists, mobile therapists, substance abuse counselors, etc.

Strengths of the 60-credit Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling program include:

Accreditation

Accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Some states require graduation from a CACREP-accredited program to obtain Licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC).

Tuition Award

Students receive a 15% tuition award for taking 6 credits per semester.

Licensure and Certification

Graduates of the Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling program satisfy the academic requirements for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) and for National Counseling Certification (NCC). The Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling program does not meet the academic requirements for Licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), but with the LPC graduates of the program are able to provide marriage, couple and family counseling and many agencies prefer the LPC to the LMFT.

Time to Degree

Earning your Master's degree in Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling can be completed within two (2) years by taking 9-12 credits per semester.

Full-time and Part-time options

Students have the option to complete the program on a full-, half- or part-time basis if desired.

No Prerequisites

This program accepts students with Bachelor's degrees in a variety of areas. There are no undergraduate pre-requisites, other than having a bachelor's degree.

Integrated Approach

Students learn a variety of theoretical approaches to promoting therapeutic change.

Variety of Fieldwork Options

Students have the opportunity to experience a variety of mental health agencies for fieldwork.

Large Alumni Base

As a graduate of this program, you will be amongst more than 1,200 graduate who serve as leaders in the mental health profession.

Skill Development

Students learn to understand conflict as it relates to the family unit and learn to assist families and couples navigating those interactions. Students also learn to assist with issues such as anger management, self-esteem and grief and learn to create collaborative treatment plans for care.

Graduates may obtain employment in or work as:

  • Community mental health centers
  • Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers
  • Career counseling centers
  • Mobile therapists
  • Family based mental health therapists
  • Outpatient therapists
  • Behavioral specialists consultants (BSC)
  • Probation/parole officers

The stimulating curriculum is designed to include experiential learning, self-reflection papers, case study analysis and group activities. Nearly all of the courses are taught in a traditional rather than a distance education format.

Counselor Education Program Objectives

The educational experiences of Duquesne's Counselor Education program:

  • Are grounded in theories of wellness, holism and development
  • Involve community engagement and are informed by an understanding of systemic context and multicultural theory
  • Focus on the core elements of an effective helping relationship
  • Emphasize self-awareness, personal development and experiential learning

Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Graduate Statistics

Statistics 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22
Number of Graduates 4 2 3 5 4
Completion Rate  80% NA 100% 50% 84%
LPC Examination Pass Rate 100% NA 100% 100% 100%
Job Placement Rate 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

For additional information and statistics, please see the Annual Report (.pdf).

Admissions & Aid

Program Information

This CACREP-accredited program prepares graduates for licensure as a professional counselor (LPC) which is essential for employment in the mental health field and private practice.

Degree

Master's

Duration

2-year

Required Credit Hours

60

Contact Us

Counseling

Susan Burich

Assistant to the Program Director