Social Work - Couple & Family Therapy (MCFT)
Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.
500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.
Course Fees
Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.
MCFT 700. Foundations of Couple and Family Therapy: Theory and Practice3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Couple and Family Therapy Program.
Description: This course covers foundational elements of family therapy theory & practice. By the conclusion of the course, students are expected to demonstrate a conceptual competence in basic family therapy theory, as well as knowledge around the history and evolution of the family therapy field.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 701. Family Therapy Assessment and Treatment in Diverse Populations3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): Restricted to students enrolled through Kent School of Social Work.
Description: This course will focus on more in-depth assessments and interventions regarding specific problem populations faced in martial and family therapy practice. Emphasis will be given to a critical review and evaluation of the evidence based practices as well as interventions or strategies that represent integrative approaches in the field. Special attention will be given to the use of the DSM-IV and pharmacology as it is related to MFT practice.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 702. Couple Therapy: Theory and Practice3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: This course provides the student with a framework for managing difficult and controversial issues in the field of couple therapy. The student will become versed in couple assessment and couple interventions. Protocols regarding special issues in the field of couple therapy will be taught including divorce, sexual problems, infidelity, domestic violence, etc. The course will examine pertinent ethical issues and concerns as it relates to the field of couple therapy.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 703. Contemporary Issues, Community Intersections & Collaborations in CFT3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the CFT Program and SW 700 or MCFT 700.
Description: This course will review social problems and contemporary issues facing families. Particular emphasis will be placed on social problems such as domestic violence, divorce, child maltreatment, substance abuse, school bullying and health concerns. Contemporary issues such as technology, same-sex marriage, and Immigration will also be addressed. Student development of competencies to practice within defined contexts, such as healthcare settings, schools and military settings, and with colleagues from other disciplines will be faciliated. The tools for learning will include lecture, discussion, role-playing, case reviews and teamwork on projects designed to develop and enhance specific skills.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 704. Integrating Family Therapy: Theory and Practice3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the CFT Program.
Description: This is the capstone course in the MSCFT Program designed for each student to refine their own theory of change. Utilizing critical thinking skills, students will work to integrate MFT intervention models and skill sets in the areas of assessment, treatment /intervention planning, and outcome evaluation. Students will be assisted in integrating the clinical theory, practice, and research coursework with their study of change in larger social systems. This course also provides an opportunity for individual students to tailor and deepen their learning about areas of personal clinical interest previously covered in the curriculum.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 705. Professional Issues & Ethics in Couple & Family Therapy3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the CFT Program and SW 702.
Description: This is a capstone seminar in professional issues taken in the last semester of the MSSW/MFT Specialization Program. This course reviews and integrates the graduating student's learning experiences in SW 721-725 and SW 703 in the area of professional issues and ethics. The course is designed to assist the graduating student in their professional development, legal responsibilities, current professional ethics, the role of professional associations, licensure legislation, independent practice considerations, and inter-professional cooperation. The students using variable credit option must have permission of instructor and a course of proposed study outlined prior to registrations.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 706. Foundations of Couple and Family Therapy: Theory and Practice II3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): MCFT 700 or SW 700.
Description: This course covers family theory and practice, including the development of the relational/systemic perspective, early and contemporary models of M/CFT, evidence-based practice, and the biopsychosocial perspective. By the conclusion of the course, students are expected to demonstrate conceptual competence in family therapy theory and epistemological issues, as well as knowledge of the history and evolution of the family therapy field.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 707. Human and Family Development Across the Lifespan3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): MCFT 700 and MSSW 601 This course surveys human development across the individual's lifespan, from birth to death, emphasizing the clinical relevance for family therapists.
Description: This course provides in-depth exposure to biopsychosocial and lifespan models for assessing and treating individual and relational adjustment challenges from a systemic perspective. Theory and clinical applications specific to the biopsychosocial perspective, human and family development, and health will be reviewed. Child, adolescent, and elderly assessment methods consistent with a systems orientation will be presented, followed by an overview of family-based and multi-disciplinary approaches for clinical intervention grounded in a developmentally sensitive biopsychosocial perspective.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 708. Independent Study1-4 Units
Prerequisite(s): Admission to CFT Program, consent of Program director, and permission of the instructor.
Description: The student will be required to submit a proposal for investigating some area or problem in social work not ordinarily offered in the social work program or the marital and family therapy program. The report of the student's study will be presented in a written report.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 710. Couple and Family Therapy Practicum I1 Unit
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: Students will conduct assessment and therapy with individuals, couples, families, and other systems under the supervision of an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor or AAMFT Supervisor.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 711. Couple and Family Therapy Practicum II1 Unit
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): SW 710.
Description: Students will conduct assessment and therapy with individuals, couples, families, and other systems under the supervision of an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor or AAMFT Supervisor.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 712. Couple and Family Therapy Practicum III2 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Summer Only
Description: Students will conduct assessment and therapy with individuals, couples, families, and other systems under the supervision of an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor or AAMFT Supervisor Candidate.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 713. Couple and Family Therapy Practicum IV1 Unit
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: Students will conduct assessment and therapy with individuals, couples, families, and other systems under the supervision of an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor or AAMFT Supervisor Candidate.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 714. Couple and Family Therapy Practicum V1 Unit
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Description: Students will conduct assessment and therapy with individuals, couples, families, and other systems under the supervision of an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor or AAMFT Supervisor Candidate.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 721. Family Therapy Supervision I3 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): Admission to CFT program.
Corequisite(s): MSSW 610, or MCFT 710.
Description: Supervision of student work with a variety of families and family problems in community agency settings.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 722. Family Therapy Supervision II3 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): MCFT 721.
Corequisite(s): MSSW 611, or MCFT 711.
Description: Supervision of student work with a variety of families and family problems in community agency settings.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 723. Family Therapy Supervision III3 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Summer Only
Prerequisite(s): MCFT 722.
Description: Supervision of student work with a variety of families and family problems in community agency settings. Significant field experience conducting therapy and assessment with individuals, couples, families, and other systems is a requirement of this course.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 724. Family Therapy Supervision IV3 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): MCFT 723.
Corequisite(s): MSSW 612, or MCFT 713.
Description: Supervision of student work with a variety of families and family problems in community agency settings.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 725. Family Therapy Supervision V3 Units
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): MCFT 724.
Corequisite(s): MSSW 613.
Description: Supervision of student work with a variety of families and family problems in community agency settings.
Course Attribute(s): CBL - This course includes Community-Based Learning (CBL). Students will engage in a community experience or project with an external partner in order to enhance understanding and application of academic content.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
MCFT 726. Post-Master's Paracticum/Supervision0 Units
Prerequisite(s): Completion of all program course requirements.
Description: Supervision of student work with a variety of families and family problems in a community agency setting.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
