In the process of completing the MCFCT 60-credit program, students acquire knowledge and skills that are anchored in both the theoretical constructs and the practical application of systemic family counseling in a variety of settings. For example, with an emphasis on systemic assessment and intervention, MCFCT students are prepared to fulfill the role of counselor with individuals, couples and families in community and government agencies, gerontological programs, hospitals, businesses, and mental health treatment facilities. Additionally, if MCFCT students choose electives in substance abuse and addiction counseling and/or differential diagnosis and treatment planning, they can bring a systemic approach to their work with individuals, couples, and families in treatment centers that provide services for addiction and co-occurring disorders. Similarly, with electives in counseling children and adolescents, and the selection of a clinical placement with this population, MCFCT students can specialize in working with youth and their families from a systems perspective.
At a larger systemic level, students in the MCFCT program learn about the organization and administration of mental health and human service agencies, e.g., the political and economic dimensions related to professional, ethical, and legal counseling practice, as well as how a variety of family-based services can be delivered in these settings, including counseling, prevention and intervention services, assessment and diagnosis (of both mental health and systemic challenges), advocacy, consultation, and research and program evaluation. At the personal level, each student will be expected to explore their own family of origin in order to gain a greater understanding of how a counselor’s family background can influence her/his approach to counseling.
The required core courses establish the basic knowledge and skills pertinent to the counseling profession, while the MCFCT emphasis courses provide the specific knowledge, skills and practices to prepare students for work as marriage, couple, and family counselors. As such, the MCFCT program provides the educational background for licensure as both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in New Jersey. A graduate’s ability to apply for licensure in Pennsylvania and other states will depend upon each individual state’s licensing board requirements.
Lastly, the development of multicultural competencies and client and family advocacy skills in relation to diversity and equity issues is central to the mission of TCNJ, the School of Education, the Department of Counselor Education, and the MCFCT program. To these ends, ways of advocating for policies, programs, and services that are equitable, responsive, and necessary to promote the optimal development of individuals and families are taught in COUN 530 Multicultural Counseling, and in all of the MCFCT emphasis courses listed below.
In order to view COUN 530, or any of the other master course syllabi in the MCFCT program, simply click on the course name, which is a hyperlink that will take you directly to the syllabus. To return to this report after viewing the syllabus, click on the back button located at the top left of your screen.