Master of Science - Couple and Family Therapy

Plan Description

The Couple and Family Therapy Master of Science Degree Program, a 60 semester hour course of study, prepares candidates for licensure as a Couple and Family Therapist (MFT) in Nevada. MFTs work with individuals, couples, families, and groups on mental health, behavioral, personal and/or relational concerns. MFTs are employed in a wide range of settings, including public and private, for-profit and non-profit agencies, hospitals and social service agencies.  They may practice independently after they are fully licensed. While there are similarities between MFT licensing requirements for most states, students are strongly encouraged to become familiar with the licensing requirements in the state(s) wherein they want to practice as an MFT. Students who are in their final semester of completing of their degrees may apply to the State of Nevada Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Professional Counselors for licensure as an MFT Intern. Once approved by the Board, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Intern is eligible to practice under the direct supervision of an AAMFT Approved Supervisor or AAMFT Supervisor Candidate. Further information on this process may be obtained by calling the board’s office. Students should be aware that the state’s post-master’s internship and the department’s pre-master’s internships are in no way related. The department does not offer, nor otherwise sanction, state internships.  

For more information about your program including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements

Application deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

The master’s degree program requires that applicants apply for admission to the Graduate College, as well as to the Department of Couple and Family Therapy as Applicants must provide official transcripts of all  college level  coursework. In addition, applicants are required to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores on both the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the general test. While there is no minimum GRE score for admission, students accepted into the program typically score 150 (verbal) and 141 (quantitative). We will accept scores from both the old and new test. (Note: the GRE must be taken by applicants within the last five years). Be advised that we must receive your GRE scores by the application deadline for you to be considered. Applicants who apply by the application deadline but do not take their GRE until after the application deadline will not be considered. A minimum grade point average of 2.75 for all undergraduate work and a 3.00 for the last two years of undergraduate work is required.

Applicants must also make arrangements for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly to the department, along with a departmental application form, and two writings (an autobiographical writing and an essay on the family). Potential students should visit the department website for specific application materials (http://mft.unlv.edu/index.html). Applications are accepted once a year, with a January 15 priority deadline. The application process also involves an extensive on-campus interview for viable candidates, with all candidates participating in interviews together. Classes begin in the Fall semester.

Note: Non-admitted students may take up to three selected courses (see course listing for prerequisites) prior to formal admission to the program (CFT 701, CFT 759 and CFT 763). If admitted, these courses are eligible to count toward the degree. However, program tuition remains the same. Please contact the Couple and Family Therapy graduate coordinator for more information.

 All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Plan Requirements

See Subplan Requirements below.  

Suplan 1: Thesis Track

Subplan 2: Non-Thesis Track

Subplan 1 Requirements: Thesis Track

Total Credits Required: 60

Subplan 2 Requirements: Non-Thesis Track

Total Credits Required: 60

Plan Graduation Requirements

Refer to your subplan for Graduation Requirements.  

Subplan 1: Thesis Track
Subplan 2: Non-Thesis Track