21 NCAC 31 .0503             RELATED DEGREE

(a)  An appropriate course of study for a "related" degree under G.S. 90-270.47(6)(e) is defined as a minimum of or quarter hour equivalent to a 45-semester hour graduate program. Thirty-three semester hours or their quarter hour equivalent shall consist of the following content and clinical training:

(1)           Theoretical Foundation of Marriage and Family Therapy (six semester hours);

(2)           Assessment and Diagnosis (three semester hours);

(3)           Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy (six semester hours);

(4)           Human Development and Family Relations (three semester hours);

(5)           Professional Identity and Ethics (three semester hours);

(6)           Research in Marriage and Family Therapy (three semester hours); and

(7)           Supervised Clinical Practicum or Internship (nine semester hours).

The remaining 18 semester hours shall consist of course work appropriate to the disciplinary specialty in which the degree is granted.

(b)  Applicants who were enrolled in a related degree program on or before July 1, 2011 shall be considered for licensure in accordance with this Paragraph. An appropriate course of study for an "related" degree under G.S.90-270.47(6)(e) is defined by the Board to consist of a 45-semester hour graduate program. Twenty-seven semester hours consist of the following content and clinical training:

(1)           General Family Studies (six semester hours). This category may include courses in marriage, family relations, child development, family sociology, or other related topics in which the marriage and family content is evident.

(2)           Marriage and Family Therapy Theory (six semester hours). This category includes specific and extensive content in marriage and family therapy content and systems theory theory, not just general counseling course content, as well as other theoretical approaches to marriage and family therapy. In addition, the Board shall consider course work in this category that exceeds six semester hours to be applicable toward meeting the requirements for General Family Studies.

(3)           Individual Studies. Theories of Personality (three semester hours), and Psychopathology or Abnormal Behavior (three semester hours).

(4)           Clinical Practicum in Marriage and Family Therapy, nine semester hours or 20 hours per week for 12 months.

The remaining 18 semester hours shall consist of course work appropriate to the disciplinary specialty in which the degree is granted.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 90-270.47(1)e; 90-270.51(b); 90-270.54(a)(1)a;

Eff. August 1, 1984;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2011; March 1, 1996; April 1, 1989;

Readopted Eff. July 1, 2019.