Couple and Family Counseling

The Couple and Family Counseling program at the University of Colorado Denver is designed to prepare students for successful careers as mental health professionals specializing in relational and family systems. This comprehensive program provides a blend of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and experiential learning to equip graduates with the competencies needed to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of couple and family issues. Students will explore various therapeutic techniques, including systemic, relational, and evidence-based approaches, while gaining an understanding of developmental, cultural, and contextual factors that impact family dynamics. Throughout the program, students participate in supervised practicum and internship experiences at community agencies, fostering real-world application of their clinical skills. The curriculum emphasizes ethical practice, multicultural awareness, and client-centered care, preparing graduates to work with diverse populations in various settings such as outpatient clinics, private practice, hospitals, and community organizations. The program also integrates knowledge of mental health, human development, and counseling theories to promote holistic treatment approaches. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) with a specialization in Couple and Family Counseling, enabling them to serve as mental health clinicians dedicated to improving interpersonal relationships and family well-being. The faculty comprises experienced professionals committed to mentorship and fostering a collaborative learning environment, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the evolving needs of clients and the mental health field. The University of Colorado Denver’s Couple and Family Counseling program is rooted in a commitment to social justice and inclusivity, emphasizing culturally competent practice and community engagement. This program is ideal for individuals passionate about making a difference in clients’ lives through relational healing, and it provides a solid foundation for those wishing to pursue further certifications or doctoral studies in counseling or clinical psychology.

Successful completion of the MA degree requires a minimum of 63 graduate semester hours.

This master's specialization is a rigorous program that includes course work (classroom and online), practicum and internships designed to prepare you for state licensure eligibility. The practicum experience in this program can't be matched by any other counseling program in the state. That's because CU Denver students get real-world counseling experience in our Counseling Center, with live supervision and constant feedback from licensed clinicians.

To complete this program, you'll take the required courses, practicum and internships. You'll also take a comprehensive exam or write a thesis. And, you'll have the option of taking the National Counselor Exam for Licensed Professional Counselors. This program also prepares you for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Your application will include:

• Current resume or curriculum vita (please include all teaching and/or other educational certificates held and the state that issued them)
• Written Statement. 
• Three letters of recommendation. Letters should be from present or former employers, coworkers, etc. Recommendations should not be more than two years old. The recommenders are sent an email with a link to the recommendation form. When a recommender submits the form, we receive an email notifying us that a recommendation has been submitted on your behalf. The recommendation includes a space for your recommender to cut and paste their recommendation.
• One official transcript from every previous college/university attended 
  
  Please submit transcripts from (a) institutions granting previous degrees and (b) institutions from which courses have been taken that you wish to transfer into the program. Transcripts should be issued to you, collected by you, and subsequently sent to the School of Education & Human Development in the original, unopened envelopes. Instructions on where to mail transcripts are provided in the application.

All international students must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirement.

TEST SCORES: TOEFL, IELTS, OR PTE

​SCORE REQUIREMENTS:

TOEFL

Minimum TOEFL Score Accepted: 75 IBT / 537 PBT

IELTS

Minimum IELTS Score Accepted: 6.5

The TOEFL/IELTS requirement can be waived if an applicant has graduated from the ESL Academy. Information regarding other considerations for exemption, including country of citizenship/origin, and special circumstances can be found here. Please note that some graduate level programs will require a higher score on the TOEFL/IELTS and applicants should consult the department for additional details

PTE ACADEMIC

Minimum PTE Academic Score Accepted: 51

TThe Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) is currently in a pilot review at the University of Colorado Denver. We will accept a 51 PTE Academic score with the following subscores:

CU Denver students receive over $30 million in scholarships and grant packages each year. On average, a full-time undergrad determined to have a financial need is awarded just under $7,000 (part-time undergrads received $4,000).

The University of Colorado Denver offers a comprehensive program in Couple and Family Counseling designed to prepare students for professional practice in the field of mental health with a focus on relational systems. This program equips students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical understanding necessary to work effectively with individuals, couples, and families facing complex emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. The curriculum integrates evidence-based approaches and emphasizes multicultural competence, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to serve diverse populations in a variety of clinical settings. Students have opportunities to engage in supervised practicum and internship experiences that provide real-world counseling experience under the supervision of licensed professionals. The program covers key topics such as family systems theory, counseling techniques, ethical and legal issues, assessment, and intervention strategies tailored to relational dynamics. Graduates are eligible for licensure as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) with a specialization in Couple and Family Counseling, which allows them to work in private practices, community agencies, hospitals, or school settings. The faculty comprises experienced practitioners and researchers dedicated to advancing the field through innovative teaching and scholarly activities. The university's strong ties to local health and human service agencies facilitate internships and employment opportunities after graduation. The program emphasizes ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, and lifelong learning, fostering graduates who are committed to improving the mental health and well-being of individuals and their relationships.