Program Overview
The Doctor of Couple and Family Therapy (DCFT) on-campus program is no longer accepting applications. However, the Online Doctor of Couple and Family Therapy (DCFT) program is currently accepting applications.
The Drexel Doctor of Couple and Family Therapy (DCFT) is an advanced clinical degree program designed to for individuals interested in assuming leadership roles in different environments, including but not limited to: clinical settings, program administration and within education.
Mission
Our mission is to prepare leaders who think systemically, promote cultural humility and socially just-informed practices and programs, transfer knowledge to practice and policy, evaluate and practice evidence-informed couple and family therapy approaches and actively contribute to the ongoing development of the profession.
Program Description
Students can complete the program in 3 years full time or 4-4.5 years part-time. Course scheduling includes a combination of day, evening, and online meetings. The plan of study includes courses in theory and practice, health policy, teaching and research methodologies. Each student will be paired with a faculty member who will mentor them throughout the program.
Curriculum
The curriculum focuses on developing competencies in four areas.
Advanced Clinical Practice
You will study historical, contemporary, postmodern and evidence-based clinical practices in areas such as couple and sex therapy, gender and sexual orientation and trauma informed care. You will learn how to develop culturally responsive practices and programs and will complete a one-year internship as a master clinician and one-year of supervision requirements.
Clinical Education
Courses in professional development and a teaching practicum develop competencies needed for employment in higher education as clinical educators, educational program developers and evaluators.
Professional Development
Courses in leadership, professional issues and family healthcare policy will give you the knowledge and skills required to assume leadership roles in education, clinical practice and policy development across a wide spectrum of couple and family focused endeavors.
Scholarship
Courses in research methodology and biostatistics will prepare you to communicate information effectively through peer-reviewed forums and publications. A capstone project will require you to develop and create a publishable research project.
Common Questions:
What is the Difference Between a PhD and a Practice Doctorate?
While there is some overlap between the PhD in CFT and DCFT, the major distinction is that the DCFT focuses on the advanced clinical development of individuals who are committed to a clinical career trajectory geared toward community-based work in health care agencies. The Drexel PhD in Couple and Family Therapy prepares students for careers as researchers and educators. The DCFT program emphasizes advanced clinical skill development and the ability to translate research into policy and practice.
What makes the Drexel DCFT program unique?
- Commitment to the provision of socially-just practices that promote cultural humility
- Supervised clinical experience
- Teaching experience and practicum
- Advanced training in couple therapy and sex therapy
- Mentorship from experienced and internationally recognized faculty