Online Doctor of Couple and Family Therapy (DCFT) Program

The goal of Drexel University’s online Doctorate in Couple and Family Therapy is to produce advanced clinicians in marriage and family therapy. With a commitment to diversity competency, and an emphasis on topics like trauma and addiction, this doctorate in marriage and family therapy program will prepare you to find greater success in clinical or other leadership roles.

What Is a Couple/Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT/DCFT) Degree?

A doctorate in marriage and family therapy is a practice doctoral degree open to master’s or post-master’s prepared couple and family therapists. This degree was designed for couple and family therapy professionals seeking advanced clinical practice education and training.

The mission of Drexel’s Doctor of Couple and Family Therapy program is to prepare individuals to take leadership roles in the couple and family therapy field as administrators, advanced practice couple and family therapy clinicians and educators who effectively transfer knowledge to practice and policy, collaborate across systems, engage in cultural humility, and actively contribute to the ongoing development of the profession. The DCFT program prepares you to work with diverse individuals, couples, and families across multiple healthcare settings, with a particular focus on clinical issues and evidence-informed practices related to couples therapy, trauma and addiction.

Doctor of Couple and Family Therapy Program Features

• 100% online
• 1:1 mentoring opportunities with faculty from Drexel’s respected College of Nursing and Health Professions
• A teaching practicum, internship, and portfolio development ensure you gain hands-on experience
• Courses cover a broad range of topics to prepare you to be a leader in the field, including supervision, advanced ethics, teaching, grant writing and research skills, sex therapy, trauma, and addiction

Requirements for The Doctor of Couple and Family Therapy Program

Drexel’s online Doctorate in Couple and Family Therapy is a part-time 71-credit program that can be completed in three years.

Eligible applicants should have a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. You will be asked to provide a personal essay, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation, and should prepare for an in-person or virtual interview.

For a full list of requirements, please see the Admissions Criteria page.

What Can I Do with a Doctorate In Marriage and Family Therapy?

As a graduate of Drexel’s online doctorate in marriage and family therapy, you’ll be prepared to:

• Practice as an advanced clinician in couple and family therapy
• Take on leadership roles as educators or administrators in the field
• Build collaborative professional relationships across disciplines
• Critically evaluate and synthesize theory, research, and health policy to advance professional practice
• Communicate information effectively through peer-reviewed forums, publications, and professional practice

This doctorate in marriage and family therapy degree prepares you for leadership roles in clinical practice, higher education, and public policy development.

Doctor of Couple and Family Therapy Salary Expectations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean average salary for a marriage and family therapist is $54,150. Between 2019-2029, employment in this field is expected to grow 22%, much faster than average for all occupations. Your actual salary will vary based on factors like location, years of experience, and job title.

Doctor of Couple and Family Therapy (DCFT) Program FAQs

Is the doctorate in marriage and family therapy program fully online?
The Doctor of Couple and Family Therapy program is 100% online , which means you don't have to come to Drexel's campus. It is important to note that this program, while online, does include some synchronous courses, which means you will meet for class online at a set weekly time with your instructor and classmates. The rest of the curriculum is asynchronous, which allows you to work on your weekly course work when it is convenient for your schedule each week. For the internship requirements, the College of Nursing and Health Professions team will help you to find a location near your home.

Will a dissertation be required?
As a practice doctorate program, a traditional dissertation is not required. Instead, you will complete a capstone portfolio consisting of specific professional projects and accomplishments across the domains of scholarship, teaching, clinical practice, and leadership and service, which you will develop throughout the program and finalize in three capstone portfolio focused courses in the third year of the program.

Are there any clinical requirements?
Yes. There is a three-quarter clinical internship requirement in the third year of the program, which will include relational (couple/family) clinical hours. In the second year of the program, the department’s Director of Clinical Training will begin the process of working with you to identify and secure an appropriate internship site based in your state of residence. You are required to complete a clinical internship regardless of your professional licensure status.

For Questions, Please Contact:

Adelina Marini
Admissions Coordinator
COFTAdmissions@drexel.edu

State restrictions may apply to some programs. Learn more.