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Graduate Certificate in Advanced Family Systems

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Family Systems (AFS) is designed for people who are looking to expand their general and theoretical knowledge of current systems based intervention practices. Students who complete the Graduate Certificate will receive doctoral level exposure to both theories and techniques of intervening in relationship systems. This knowledge can be applied across a diverse range of settings or situations where knowledge and skills in understanding and managing human relationship systems is necessary.

The Graduate Certificate Program in Advanced Family Systems Family is a 24 credit hour program (8 courses). Students who decide to continue their studies in Family Therapy may apply these credit hours towards the Ph.D. in Family Therapy or the Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) once accepted to the program.

Students can expect to complete the Graduate Certificate program in 10-15 months depending on the pace of study. Summer attendance is required.

Degree Plans
Below is a sample degree plan for a full-time student who begins their studies in Fall trimester. Degree plans will be modified based on a student’s enrollment date and pace of study.

Degree Plan: 24 credit hours

Fall (September)
Winter (January)
Summer (April)

AFS 5010: Solution-Focused Therapy

AFS 5030: Bowenian Family Systems

AFS 5020: Narrative-Based Therapy

AFS 5040: Ericksonian-Based Therapy

AFS 5110: Language Systems

AFS 7311: Human Sexuality and Gender

AFS 6430: Systems Inquiry Through Qualitative Means

AFS 6310: Supervision and Teaching

Graduation and Celebration