Students who successfully complete this 60-credit hour specialization will earn a Master of Science in counseling and human resource development specializing in marriage and family counseling. The specialization in marriage and family counseling is designed to meet the requirements of the South Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners. Once graduates complete an approved supervised clinical experience and pass the appropriate examinations, they are eligible for licensure as a marriage and family therapist. 

Students who have completed the requirements for the marriage and family counseling specialization and graduated from the program are endorsed for counseling in a marriage and family setting. Many marriage and family counselors work in private practice. Others may work in hospitals and clinics, social service agencies, community-based organizations and faith-based organizations.