Counseling and Human Resource Development (M.S.) - Marriage and Family Counseling Specialization

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Students listening to an instructor during class.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Naomi Timm-Davis, Assistant Professor
School of Education, Counseling and Human Development
Thompson Center 118, Box 2214
605-688-4447

Program Information

Students who successfully complete this 60-credit hour specialization will earn a Master of Science in Counseling and Human Resource Development specializing in Marriage and Family Counseling. Upon successful completion of the core requirements, and those of the Marriage and Family Counseling specialization and with the successful completion of the comprehensive written exam (CPCE), graduates are endorsed as having constructed appropriate entry level knowledge and as having met appropriate skill acquisition to be recognized as professional marriage and family therapists. Students in the Marriage and Family Counseling specialization are also responsible for having taken supporting area courses which supplement or enhance their chosen specialty.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure

Certification

All Master of Science students are eligible to begin the process for the National Certified Counselor certification. Upon graduation, Marriage and Family Counseling specialization students are eligible to apply to complete the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination.

Licensure

Graduation from this program does not grant immediate licensure as a marriage and family therapist. Licensure differs by state and is obtainable by completing additional client contact hours after graduation. Students are responsible for researching licensure requirements for the state in which they plan to practice.

The Marriage and Family Counseling specialization is designed to meet the requirements of the South Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners. Graduates of this specialization are eligible for training supervisee status under the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselors. Once graduates complete an approved plan for the remainder of the supervised clinical experience, they are eligible for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Course Delivery Format

Instruction occurs through didactic (classroom) and clinical experience. Most classes are enhanced with internet supplements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for competent ethical practice.
Demonstrate skills, knowledge, and awareness to counsel within a diverse society.
Describe and explain the process of change as expressed by individual and family counseling theories across the lifespan.
Identify and describe theories and models of career development, counseling, and decision-making.
Demonstrate essential interviewing, counseling, and conceptualizing skills.
Identify and apply approaches used for various types of group work.
Demonstrate knowledge of the basic concepts of standardized testing and other assessment techniques.
Discern evidence-based counseling practices.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills in conceptualizing and treating marriage, couple, and family counseling.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Master of Science	Thesis	60 Credit Hours
	Non-Thesis	60 Credit Hours

Core Requirements

CHRD 601 - Introduction to Professional Issues and Ethics Credits: 1
CHRD 602 - Research and Evaluation in Counseling and Human Development Credits: 3
or EDER 610 - Introduction to Research Credits: 3
CHRD 610 - Developmental Issues in Counseling Credits: 3
CHRD 661 - Theories of Counseling Credits: 3
CHRD 701 - Professional Issues and Ethics II Credits: 1
CHRD 702 - Advanced Human Sexuality Credits: 3
or CHRD 756 - Counseling the Addictive Client Credits: 3
CHRD 723 - Counseling the Family Credits: 3
CHRD 725 - Couples and Advanced Family Counseling Credits: 3
CHRD 728 - Child and Adolescent Counseling Credits: 3
or CHRD 706 - Introduction to Play Therapy: Theory and Techniques Credits: 2
and CHRD 710 - Clinical Experiences in Play Therapy I Credits: 1
CHRD 731 - Multicultural Counseling and Human Relations Credits: 3
CHRD 736 - Appraisal of the Individual Credits: 3
CHRD 741 - Crisis Counseling Credits: 3
CHRD 742 - Career Counseling and Planning Credits: 3
CHRD 755 - Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Planning Credits: 4
CHRD 766 - Group Counseling Credits: 3
CHRD 785 - Pre-Practicum Credits: 3
CHRD 786 - Counseling Practicum Credits: 3-5 (3 credits required)
CHRD 794 - Internship (COM) Credits: 1-6 (6 credits required)

Select one of the following options

Thesis

CHRD 798 - Thesis (COM) Credits: 1-6 (5 credits required)
Electives Credits: 1

Non-Thesis

Electives (Any prefix and course should be related to counseling) Credits: 6

Select from the following

The following is a list of potential electives, though it is not comprehensive. Note: *Prerequisites or permission of instructor may be required.

CHRD 706 - Introduction to Play Therapy: Theory and Techniques Credits: 2
CHRD 707 - Advanced Play Therapy and Techniques Credits: 2
CHRD 708 - Play Therapy: Filial and Family Credits: 1
CHRD 709 - Applications of Play Therapy Credits: 2
CHRD 710 - Clinical Experiences in Play Therapy I Credits: 1
CHRD 711 - Clinical Experiences in Play Therapy II Credits: 2
CHRD 713 - Administration and Management of Mental Health Organizations Credits: 3
CHRD 756 - Counseling the Addictive Client Credits: 3
CHRD 788 - Research Problems/Projects (COM) Credits: 1-3 (2 credits required)

Total Required Credits: 60 (Thesis & Non-Thesis)

Additional Program Requirements

All Master of Science students are required to purchase and carry professional liability insurance throughout the duration of the program. M.Ed. students will be required to purchase and carry professional liability insurance if enrolled in clinical courses.
Clinical course registration is completed by the department.
Students enrolled in the M.S. CHRD program need to complete a 100-hour practicum and an approved 600-hour internship. These experiences allow students to learn by doing, with active, sound supervision. Within their internship, a focus on family systems theory should be emphasized and at least 10% of direct client contact hours should be conducted with two or more clients present in session.

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: Not required
TOEFL: 79 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 110

Formal Application Process

In addition to applying for Graduate School, applicants must also apply to the CHRD program by April 1 for fall admission or by October 1 for spring admission. Admission is competitive; late applications will not be considered.

The CHRD department requires all applicants to submit the documents below by the appropriate admission deadline:

CHRD Disclosure Statement
Resume
A typed, one-page goal statement discussing your aspirations to the counseling field
Two completed CHRD Recommendation Forms (do not use the Graduate School reference forms).

Based on the rating score of the applicant’s file, the applicant will either be invited to the group screening interview top continue the admissions process or denied admission.

Criminal Background Check Requirement

Applicants who successfully complete the interview will be required to successfully complete and pay for a criminal background check before an official offer of admission is secured.

General Requirements

Graduate students should consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Master’s Degree Requirements .