MRFM 801 Marriage and Family Theory 1 (3 credits):
This course will provide students with a foundation of family systems theory and promote an understanding of family dynamics from a generational perspective.  Students will study Bowenian Family Therapy and begin learning foundational counseling techniques as well as techniques specific to this leading theoretical model. Students will also be encouraged to apply cultural humility to their understanding of family systems.

MRFM 802 Marriage and Family Theory 2 (3 credits):
This course will introduce Eco-systemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT). Students will continue to build on their foundational clinical skills and will learn to use ESFT techniques in working with families. Students will be expected to identify how issues of social injustice, marginalization, and limited access to resources can impact a family’s ability to sustain positive changes post therapy.

MRFM 803 Marriage and Family Theory 3 (3 credits):
In this course, students will study two postmodern family therapy models: Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Narrative Therapy. Students will continue to build on foundational counseling techniques and will learn how these evidenced-based trauma-informed treatment models can promote healing and change for individuals, couples, and families.

MRFM 810 Theology of Marriage and Family (3 credits):         
This course introduces the student to theological consideration in the study of Marriage and Family Systems theory and practice. An authentically Christian understanding of marriage and family must be informed by Scripture and the Christian tradition. Students will explore these theological resources as they develop a confessionally informed and academically rigorous perspective on marriage and family.

MRFM 840 Theology of Marriage and Family Professional Paper (3 credits):
This course directs the student in the formulation of a theological and theoretical framework for counseling based upon reading, course work, and continuing research in the field of family systems. The paper length is 40-50 pages. The formulation of a theology of marriage and family must consider biblical exegesis, biblical theology, and the history of Christian thought with reference to marriage and family and integrate these with perspectives and insights from systems theorists on these issues.

MRFM 845 Advanced Family Therapy (3 credits):
This course builds upon the theoretical base of Marriage and Family systems through exposure to the process and techniques of counseling couples, individuals and families. Therapeutic interventions based on multigenerational systems orientations will be emphasized. Opportunity is provided for clinical involvement through simulated family and marriage configurations.

MRFM 850 Advanced Couples Therapy (3 credits):
This course will examine theories, models and processes of couples counseling and assessment. Students will develop skills through interactions with practice clients and exploration of case studies.

MRFM 855 Holistic Approaches to Prevention and Enrichment in Family Systems (3 credits): 
This course trains students in prevention models and enrichment methodologies with special emphasis on the pedagogy of psychoeducational interventions.

MRFM 860 Trauma and Family Systems (3 credits):
This course examines the psychological impact of trauma on children, teens, adults, and family systems. Topics include: emotional regulation, cognitive processing, psychopharmacological treatments and strategies to engage a family in counseling.

MRFM 870 Diversity Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy (3 credits):
This course identifies the foundational concepts of race, culture, and gender in family therapy. Topics include: gender roles, family structures, class, spirituality, race, migration, oppression, cultural identity, grief and loss within cultural contexts, sexuality within cultural contexts, and white privilege

MRFM 875 Professional Standards and Ethics (3 credits):
This course describes the ethical principles of the AAMFT Code of Ethics and their application. Topics include: professionalism, ethical decision making, multiple relationships, competency, integrity, dangerousness, abuse, neglect, moral values, spirituality issues in counseling, and ethical practice management.

MRFM 885 Qualitative Research Methodology (3 credits):
This advanced graduate research methodology course introduces doctoral students to a variety of qualitative research methods and the qualitative research process of creating suitable research questions, doing fieldwork, analyzing and interpreting data, and the procedures for writing a report. Students will gain knowledge in qualitative research approaches, such as narrative study, grounded theory, phenomenology, and case study; develop a workable research design pertaining to an area of interest, and write a prototype research report.

MRFM 886 Quantitative Research Methodology (3 credits):
This course introduces students to the process of quantitative research and basic statistics, including an exploration of designing, conducting, and reporting quantitative research studies. The course examines alternative approaches to experimental, quasi-experimental, and field studies using quantitative measurement.   It includes formulating testable hypotheses, assessment of measurement reliability and validity, and use of descriptive and inferential data analysis. Additionally the evaluation of quantitative research studies published in various journals will be conducted. Finally, students will develop appropriate research proposals demonstrating their mastery of the course content.   

MRFM 887 Mixed Methods Research (3 credits): 
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of mixed methods research studies. Students will explore the types of research problems that are uniquely suited for mixed methods research, mixed methods purpose statements and research questions, types of mixed methods designs, and reporting mixed methods studies. Students will develop an appropriate mixed methods research proposal demonstrating their mastery of the course content.

MRFM 904 Pre-Practicum in Marriage and Family Therapy (3 credits):
This course prepares students for their upcoming practicum experience by training students in practical aspects of doing systemic therapy with individuals, couples, and families. The course includes an overview of ethical, content, and logistical items in preparation for successful completion of the practicum.

MRFM 905 Practicum in Marriage and Family Therapy (2 credits per semester):
Building on the MRFM904 Pre-Practicum course, this Practicum course is offered in every full semester, Fall, Spring, and Summer and must be completed at least three times. Students must accrue a minimum of 100 supervised hours of direct service to clients in an approved clinical setting each semester for a total of 300 supervised hours of direct client contact. The course covers topics of professional roles and functions in clinical settings, ethical decision making, and strategies for providing marriage and family therapy with diverse populations. This course is graded pass/fail.

MRFM 910 Dissertation Proposal (3 credits):
This course guides students through the process of creating their dissertation proposal and gathering their dissertation committee. Utilizing online discussions, student evaluations, and faculty feedback, this course will provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge obtained in previous research courses to develop their dissertation proposal and to critically evaluate their peers’ research proposals. By the conclusion of the course, each student will gather his/her dissertation committee and complete his/her dissertation proposal. This course is pass/no credit.

MRFM 901 Dissertation 1 (3 credits):
This course is a continuation of MRFM910 and guides students through the Proposal Defense, IRB approval process and data collection phase of the dissertation process. Utilizing online discussions, student evaluations, and faculty/committee feedback, this course will provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge obtained in previous research courses and MRFM910, to complete the Proposal Defense, IRB Approval and data collection of their dissertation and to critically evaluate their peers’ research data collection work. By the conclusion of the course, each student will defend their proposal, achieve IRB approval and begin the data collection for their dissertation. This course is pass/no credit.

MRFM 902 Dissertation 2 (3 credits):
This course is a continuation of MRFM920 and guides students through the completion of data collection, data analysis and the writing phase of the dissertation process. Utilizing online discussions and faculty/committee feedback, this course will provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge obtained in previous research courses and MRFM910 and 920 to complete the data collection, data analysis and Dissertation Defense process. By the conclusion of the course, each student will defend their dissertation and complete the archival process. This course is pass/no credit.

MRFM 922 Thesis/Dissertation Continuation (2 credits):
Students who have not successfully defended their thesis/dissertation by the end of MRFM903 or MRFM921 must register for MRFM922 until the project is completed.