Program is currently paused for admissions
Program Overview
The Drexel University PhD program in Couple and Family Therapy (CFT) develops the next generation of couple and family therapy scholars interested in research related to family-based psychotherapy, families and health and health disparities. Doctoral students are trained to advance the knowledge base of couple and family therapy through education, research and clinical service with a particular emphasis on evidenced informed treatment modalities.
Student Opportunities
- Funded assistantships
- Paid tuition
- Opportunities for travel funds to national and internship conferences
- Develop critical and analytical thinking with respect to systems theory and therapy
- Trained to consider contextual issues, varied backgrounds and different lived experiences, as well as equal opportunity
- Opportunities to develop teaching and clinical skills
- Opportunities to publish and present with faculty
Program Strengths
- Faculty research expertise in salient public health issues such as trauma, substance use, suicide
- 6:1 faculty to student ratio
- Varied faculty research interests focusing on translational research
- Multiple research methodologies including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies
- Opportunities for community-based work
Our Alumni
Graduates of the Couple and Family Therapy PhD program serve as researchers in public and private institutions, faculty in graduate programs of couple and family therapy, psychology, social work or medical schools.
About the Mentoring Model
Drexel's Couple and Family Therapy doctoral program is a mentoring model. Each year a limited number of faculty members accept doctoral students. You should confirm that the faculty members that you are interested in doing research with are taking applicants prior to completing your essay for admission into the doctoral program. Your research interest should be somewhat aligned with the faculty that you are interested in working with.
Faculty Mentors
Other Core Faculty
COMPLIANCE
Drexel University has a compliance process that may be required for every student. Some of these steps may take significant time to complete. Please plan accordingly.
Visit the College of Nursing and Health Professions Compliance pages for more information.
Admissions
Application Deadline
We admit new students each fall. Our fall '26 admissions cycle is complete. Fall '27 admissions will be announced in late summer. We will begin reviewing for fall 2026 admissions during fall quarter. If accepting applications, the priority due date for fall 2027 admissions is December 1, 2026.
Required Applications Materials:
Graduate college application and fee
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended.
Resume/CV
Three (3) recommendation letters: A minimum of two letters shall be from academic references.
Application essay: Please email Rikki Patton, PhD, program director, at rap362@drexel.edu to request a copy of this year's essay prompts.
For international applicants: test scores for English proficiency
To Apply:
Go to https://drexel.edu/admissions/apply/grad-instructions, register and complete the application.
Have questions about applying? Contact Rikki Patton, program director, rap362@drexel.edu.