Facebook Pixel Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling | Western Kentucky University

Master of Arts in Education in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling


The MAE in Counseling concentration in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling is accredited by CACREP. The concentration in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling qualifies graduates to obtain the Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) license which is the first post-graduation step in obtaining full licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Kentucky. Graduates also have the academic qualifications necessary to become a National Certified Counselor (NCC). The MCFC concentration is an excellent opportunity to develop and gain a formal specialty in family systems/relational theory; marriage, couple and family functioning; relationship counseling, as well as assessment and intervention; and much more.  

As a student, you will provide marriage, couple, and family counseling under supervision and, if you elect and are accepted, take part in scholarly activities associated with families, couples, groups, and individuals receiving services at the Talley Family Counseling Center. You will learn the current issues and trends affecting the profession along with the most recent developments in family and couples counseling theory and interventions. Finally, you will learn how to interact with local agencies and with people representing other mental health professions.

Elective Options: Graduate Certificates and Areas of Specialty

The Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling (MCFC) program offers elective courses in which students may specialize in Addictions Education, College and Career Readiness, Play/Expressive Arts Therapy. (Elective courses are offered pending faculty availability and enrollment.)

This interdisciplinary certificate program prepares students to provide counseling, education services, and/or support services to individuals experiencing addiction issues. Individuals who complete the program will be knowledgeable about the various components of addictions and gain skills related to their professional field such as prevention strategies, assessment procedures, intervention skills, treatment planning, and recovery support. This program is appropriate for both licensed eligible mental health professionals (i.e., Professional Counselors, Social Workers), as well as bachelor level employees (i.e., mental health support professionals, human resources administrators and staff).

Learn More

This certificate program is for graduate students who are interested in the college and career readiness of P-12 students; with a specific focus on interacting and intervening with this target population, as well as developing professional relationships with school-related stakeholders. The College and Career Readiness (CCR) certificate is created to support the career and college readiness needs of local, regional, and national P-12 students. It is offered online through WKU’s Bowling Green campus; courses are taught by CNS faculty with the integration of experts from local businesses and schools. Students will have opportunities to participate in action research and service learning consultation activities. This certificate program plays a leading role in Kentucky’s economic and social development by preparing CCR graduates to prepare P-12 students to join a high quality educated workforce in an area of local, regional, and national need. Additionally, it meets the needs of area schools by providing specific training to the personnel being hired or asked to work with students in the areas of college and career readiness. It also serves to help build and maintain networks between districts and industry in Bowling Green.

Learn More

The following Play Therapy courses are offered pending enrollment. 

  • CNS 569 Play Therapy (3 credit hours) Provides an overview of the essential elements and principles of play therapy including history, theories, and techniques. Assists students in understanding the development, social, cognitive, and emotional issues that impact children's behavior. (Offered summer semester beginning 2023)
  • CNS 611 Advanced Play Therapy (3 credit hours) Prerequisite: CNS 569. In-depth study of advanced principles of play therapy theories and techniques. Application of advanced knowledge of developmental, social, cognitive, and emotional issues that impact children's behavior. (Offered every other winter semester beginning 2024)
  • CNS 612 Expressive Arts Techniques in Counseling (3 credit hours) Introduction to principles of sandtray technique. Provides overview of history, theory, and interventions across the lifespan. (Offered every other winter semester beginning 2023)

APPLY NOW

Scholarship Opportunities & Financial Support

WKU offers generous scholarships that may help you further reduce the cost of the Hilltopper experience.

Learn More

Department of Counseling
and Student Affairs

Gary A. Ransdell Hall 3036
1906 College Heights Blvd. #51031,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
(270) 745-4953


Send Us A Message

Staff Directory

Open In Maps

 


Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.

 Last Modified 3/7/24