After months of groundwork and preparation, Lincoln Christian University is excited to offer a new Master of Arts (MA) in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) degree under the direction of Dr. Marj Buchholz-Castronova.
The 13-course program is currently offered only in Las Vegas using an adult learning model. All courses are either seven weeks long, with two courses offered back-to-back each term (fall and spring) or in a one-week intensive of a weekend intensive (two Friday/Saturday). There is a one-week break between classes in the fall and spring terms and it takes two years to complete the program (by taking a third class one of the two summers you are in the program). Students are also doing clinical practicum throughout the two years. The program will be accepting cohorts two times a year and Lincoln Christian’s tuition is comparable to other Southern Nevada universities.
This graduate program approaches marriage and family therapy from a Christian world view and will nurture and equip its students to bring healing for relational wholeness to individuals, families, marriages, churches and communities. Students of the program will also prepare for eligibility for the next step in gaining licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
The curriculum is guided by the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) core competencies, and code of ethics, as well as the state of Nevada requirements for MFT licensure. The program integrates socio-contextual views that highlight spirituality, culture and gender.
Castronova holds a BA from Concordia College (Moorhead, MN), a MS from Colorado State University, and a PhD from Loma Linda University. Both her master’s and doctorate degrees are from MFT programs that are accredited through the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE). Dr. Castronova’s professional experience includes clinical, administrative, and instructional experience in California, Colorado and Nevada.
Dr. Castronova is passionate about the profession of marriage and family therapy and says, “Since 2010 U.S. News and World Report has consistently listed the Marriage and Family Therapy profession as one of the best jobs with growth potential.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nevada is in the top five states for highest annual mean wage for marriage and family therapists.
Why choose Lincoln Christian University? Castronova says, “I am excited to be a part of a university that is committed to integrating a foundation of spirituality into training students to work with couples and families, as there is often a mutual influence between spirituality and the family. It is important to note that spirituality is often the essence of many cultures; so in learning to be a therapist who is culturally diverse, addressing spirituality is essential in the healing process.”
Anyone interested in learning more about this graduate degree program offered at 8965 S. Eastern Ave. Ste 150, in Las Vegas may get more information by calling (702) 898-3000 or by email. Classes for the 2014 cohort begin August 18, 2014.