Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: CONTENT MAY NOT BE CURRENT. USE THE DROP DOWN ABOVE TO ACCESS THE CURRENT CATALOG.

Master of Science - Couple and Family Therapy


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This program is accredited by: COAMFT. More information can be found at: unlv.edu/provost/vpaa/accreditation

Plan Description


The Couple and Family Therapy Master of Science Degree Program, a 60 credit course of study, prepares candidates for licensure as a Couple and Family Therapist (CFT) in Nevada. CFTs work with individuals, couples, families, and groups on mental health, behavioral, personal and/or relational concerns. CFTs 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 CFT 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 CFT. 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.

Non-Degree Seeking Students interested in the program please refer to the Degrees Directory 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

Subplan 2: Non-Thesis

Subplan 1 Requirements: Thesis


Total Credits Required: 60

Course Requirements


Degree Requirements


  1. Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better in the program. Students who receive an F, or more than two Cs, will be separated from the program.
  2. A grade of B or better is required in any practicum or internship or the course must be repeated.
  3. Students are required to complete 6 credits of thesis.
  4. In consultation with their advisor, a student will organize a thesis committee of at least three departmental members. In addition, a fourth member from outside the department, known as the Graduate College Representative, must be appointed. An additional committee member may be added at the student and department’s discretion. Please see Graduate College policy for committee appointment guidelines.
  5. Every student will be reviewed each semester to determine adequate progress and retention in the program.
  6. The full time program is sequenced so that students take a certain number or courses or credits each semester, including summer. A student who does not follow the designated course sequence may lack prerequisites for their next courses, and, therefore, may need to wait for a course to be offered again in the next cycle. It is the responsibility of the student to discuss course sequencing and planned timing with their advisor. Not all courses are offered every semester or every year. There are many courses that are offered only once each calendar year. Thus, it is imperative that students take the recommended number of credits and stay in sequence in order for them to graduate in a timely manner.  

Graduation Requirements


  1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College as well as apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements.
  2. The student must submit and successfully defend their thesis by the posted deadline. The defense must be advertised and is open to the public.
  3. After the thesis defense, the student must electronically submit a properly formatted pdf copy of their thesis to the Graduate College for format check. Once the thesis format has been approved by the Graduate College, the student will submit the approved electronic version to ProQuest. Deadlines for thesis defenses, format check submissions, and the final ProQuest submission can be found here

Subplan 2 Requirements: Non-Thesis


Total Credits Required: 60

Course Requirements


Degree Requirements


  1. Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or better in the program. Students who receive an F, or more than two Cs, will be separated from the program.
  2. A grade of B or better is required in any practicum or internship or the course must be repeated.
  3. Students prepare a portfolio with either a clinical focus or research focus and are required to complete 6 credits of capstone.
  4. Every student will be reviewed each semester to determine adequate progress and retention in the program.
  5.  The full time program is sequenced so that students take a certain number or courses or credits each semester, including summer. A student who does not follow the designated course sequence may lack prerequisites for their next courses, and, therefore, may need to wait for a course to be offered again in the next cycle. It is the responsibility of the student to discuss course sequencing and planned timing with their advisor. Not all courses are offered every semester or every year. There are many courses that are offered only once each calendar year. Thus, it is imperative that students take the recommended number of credits and stay in sequence in order for them to graduate in a timely manner.  

Graduation Requirements


  1. The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College as well as apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements.
  2. The student must successfully complete the capstone.

Plan Graduation Requirements


Refer to your subplan for Graduation Requirements.  

Subplan 1: Thesis
Subplan 2: Non-Thesis

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