Course Descriptions

FMST 615: Applied Research Methods in Family Science (3 credits) — Provides overview of research methodology used to study families, family processes, and clinical work with families. Introduces how to critically evaluate research, design studies, and apply methodological tools to issues in family science.

FMST 711: Family Therapy: Theory and Techniques (3 credits) — Introduces major theoretical models of family therapy and examines their application in clinical case conceptualization. Develops knowledge of family patterns, processes, and systemic/relational approaches to clinical practice.

FMST 712: Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Couple and Family Therapy (3 credits) — Examines the ethical principles, legal responsibilities, and professional standards that guide the practice of couple and family therapy. Emphasis is placed on applying ethical principles and professional codes of ethics to real-world clinical situations.

FMST 713: Culture, Gender, and Ethnicity in Couple and Family Therapy (3 credits) — Explores how culture, gender, and ethnicity shape family dynamics and influence the practice of couple and family therapy. Examines culturally attuned approaches and develops skills for working effectively with diverse populations. 

FMST 722: Psychopathology and Family Systems (3 credit) — Introduces beginning therapists to the assessment, treatment planning, and interventions related to different forms of psychopathology within the context of couple and family relationships. Emphasizes the application of major theoretical models of family therapy and empirically grounded practices in the couple and family therapy literature. Prerequisite: program admission or approval from the program director.

FMST 731: Couples Therapy: Models and Techniques (3 credits) — Examines major theoretical models and evidence-based approaches to couples therapy. Emphasis on core techniques, intervention strategies, and skill development for working with diverse couple relationships.

FMST 732: Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental and Emotional Disorders in Family Systems (3 credits) — Assist intermediate therapists to understand processes regarding diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders within the context of couple and family relationships. Integrates diagnostic frameworks with systemic intervention to develop effective, evidence-based treatments plans with a specific focus on children and youth. 

FMST 733: Sexual Issues in Couple and Family Therapy (3 credits) — Examines physiological, psychological, and relational aspects of human sexuality, sexual wellness, and sexual dysfunction. Reviews common sexual concerns within couple and family relationships and their assessment and treatment. Explores theoretical perspectives, cultural considerations, and intervention strategies to support healthy sexual functioning and intimacy.

FMST 741: Advanced Application of Couple and Family Therapy Models and Techniques (3 credits) — Focuses on the integration and advanced application of theoretical models and clinical techniques in couple and family therapy. Includes refining intervention skills, engaging in complex case analysis, and developing personal theory of change for working with various family systems. Professional issues regarding therapist self-care and applying for licensure are also discussed.

FMST 751: Normative and Non-Normative Individual and Family Development (3 credits) — Explores various patterns of development across the lifespan within individual, couple, and family contexts. Emphasis on developmental theories, risk and protective factors, and their implications for family therapy practice. 

FMST 781: Clinical Treatment with Individuals, Couples, and Families (6 credits) — Provides clinical experience in assessment and treatment of individuals, couples, and families. Students apply systemic/relational therapeutic models and techniques, develop professional competencies, and receive feedback to enhance clinical skills in real-world settings while accumulating the required 300 face-to-face client contact hours, at least 100 of which are with families and/or couples, over a 12-month period.

FMST 782: Couple and Family Therapy Supervision (9 credits) — Provides supervision of clinical experience in couple and family therapy, emphasizing skill refinement, case conceptualization, and professional development. Students receive mentorship and feedback to enhance therapeutic effectiveness and ethical practice in diverse clinical settings.

FMST 890: Advanced Clinical Project (3 credits) — Provides opportunity to conduct an in-depth analysis of a clinical case while applying theoretical models, clinical techniques, and ethical considerations. Focuses on demonstrating mastery of clinical case conceptualization and presentation. Supervised by one or more faculty members.

FMST 896: Family Science Thesis (6 credits) — Provides opportunity to conduct original research in family science using proper design and methods. Focuses on demonstrating mastery of research methods and contributing to the field of family science. Supervised by one or more faculty members.