<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>National University's online Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage &amp; Family Therapy with a specialization in General Family Therapy program is designed to offer an exploration of the history of the family therapy field, systems theory and major family therapy models, and the processes and dynamics of marital and family systems. Coursework includes methods of therapy with adolescents, advanced couple therapy, family systems approaches to addiction, and family life education. You'll have the opportunity to develop skills in clinical assessment procedures and statistical design and analysis. This program is also intended to examine quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods related to marriage and family therapy. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>If you're considering applying to the Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage &amp; Family Therapy with a specialization in General Family Therapy program, you must already possess a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a clinical/therapy field from an accredited institution. You may also have a professional or educational background in psychology or counseling. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>The Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage &amp; Family Therapy with a specialization in General Family Therapy program requires a minimum of 69 credit hours; some students may need to complete additional Foundation Curriculum credits. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Number</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td><b>Required Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>FT 7101</td><td> Foundations for Doctoral Study in MFT</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT 7102</td><td> Scholarly Writing in MFT</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT 7103</td><td>Research Methods in MFT</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT 7104</td><td>Statistical Design for MFT Research</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT 7105</td><td>Assessment in MFT Research and Intervention</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT 7106</td><td>Quantitative Research Design in MFT</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT 7107</td><td>Qualitative Research Design in MFT</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT 7108</td><td>Advanced Data Analysis Strategies in MFT</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT 7109</td><td>Planning Dissertation Research in MFT</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT 8951</td><td>MFT Doctoral Practicum I</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT 8961</td><td>MFT Doctoral Internship I</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT 8962</td><td>MFT Doctoral Internship II</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT 8965</td><td>MFT Doctoral Internship and Portfolio</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT 8970</td><td>MFT Supervision</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Specialization Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>MFT 8101</td><td> Advanced Theories in MFT</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT-8102</td><td> Dynamics of Family Interaction</td></tr> <tr><td>MFT-XXX</td><td> Four additional electives from any of the Department of Marriage and Family Sciences specialization courses</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Examination Course</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>CMP 9700M</td><td> MFT Doctoral Comprehensive Examination</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Dissertation Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9901A</td><td> Components of the Dissertation</td></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9902A</td><td>The Dissertation Proposal</td></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9903A</td><td>Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Data Collection</td></tr> <tr><td>DIS 9904A</td><td>The Dissertation Manuscript and Defense</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate">What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>After completing the Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage &amp; Family Therapy with a specialization in General Family Therapy program, you could be able to seek academic opportunities in colleges and universities. You could also pursue clinical positions in private practices, community mental health service organizations, counseling centers, and K-12 schools. Some positions may require licensure. </p> <p>Examples of positions you could pursue as a graduate include: </p> <ul><li>Marriage/Family Therapist </li><li>School Counselor </li><li>Postsecondary Professor</li></ul>