Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling, MA

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Overview

The foundation of global society is the family, yet modern families face increasing pressures from busy schedules, economic stress, shifting roles, and complex relationships. Couples and families often find themselves overwhelmed by challenges that strain communication, connection, and emotional well-being. In these moments, skilled counselors play a vital role in helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s difficulties with understanding, compassion, and evidence-based care.

The Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling at Western Michigan University prepares students to meet these needs with confidence and competence. Offered in collaboration with the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, the program integrates theory, research, and hands-on practice to address the realities faced by contemporary families. Students develop strong clinical skills, cultural awareness, and a systemic perspective essential for effective family-centered counseling. Graduates are prepared to support healthy relationships, strengthen families, and contribute to communities through counseling practice.

Meet Navia, Alumna

Navia Walker reflects on how the close-knit program shaped her growth as a counselor.

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Attend an informational session!

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Learn more about the program by attending one of our virtual information sessions. These sessions offer the opportunity to meet with a faculty member—and occasionally a current student—to gain a deeper understanding of the program structure, coursework, and application process. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and engage in conversation about how the program can support their professional goals.

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Why apply?

Comprehensive, 60-Credit Curriculum
In addition to core counseling courses, the program emphasizes a family systems approach, preparing students to effectively conceptualize and treat couples and families across diverse settings.
Hands-On Clinical Training
Students complete required practicum and internship hours through two on-site clinics operated by the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology—one in Kalamazoo and one in Grand Rapids.
Extensive Community Connections
Beyond on-campus clinics, WMU offers strong partnerships with community agencies and school counseling sites, expanding opportunities for meaningful, real-world practicum experiences.
Preparation for Professional Practice
The program blends theory, research, and applied learning to ensure graduates are confident, skilled, and ready to work with today’s couples and families.

Program of Study

The Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling 61-hour program trains students to apply family systems theory, assessment, and therapy to a range of presenting issues and to modify counseling systems, theories, techniques, interventions, and preventive practices to make them culturally appropriate for diverse couples and families. Students learn to encourage couples and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for confronting their problems in a constructive manner. Because students will work with diverse clients, students learn strategies for identifying and eliminating barriers, prejudices, and processes of intentional and unintentional oppression and discrimination. The program includes a 100-hour practicum and a 600-hour internship at a community setting in which students have adequate exposure to couple and family cases. This option leads to licensure as a professional counselor. Working with an advisor, the option can also lead to licensure as a marriage and family therapist.

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Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work with individuals, couples and families in a variety of professional counseling settings. This option leads to licensure as a professional counselor. Working with an advisor, the option can also lead to licensure as a marriage and family therapist.

Industry highlights

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow about 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, reflecting continued strong demand in the field.

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