Denver University Graduate Program

Welcome, Univeristy of Denver Graduate School of Social Work Students!

Background

Did you know that the Denver Family Institute evolved at DU in the Graduate Social Work program? In 1982, we were called the Family Therapy Training Center of Colorado, and we began in the social work program at DU. With the department’s support and blessing, DFI became a stand-alone post-degree institute in 1990 and then obtained accreditation from COAMFTE.

DFI and DU continue to enjoy the mutual benefits of a 25-year partnership to all involved, especially the students.

Internship Program:

The joint program give the opportunity for GSSW second year and advanced standing students to apply for an internship at DFI in order to take the first year courses at DFI while in graduate school. A discount on the coursework, in the form of a scholarship, provides further incentive to take the courses while in graduate school for those interested in marriage and family therapy and additional clinical training. Our students report that the DFI coursework offers an excellent addition to their DU training. “It’s like the icing on top of the cake,” said one recent student.  Additional feedback from DU students on the courses is available through GSSW and at DFI.

How does it work? Students take the first year courses and gain credit for them at GSSW while interning at DFI (or at our sister company, DFTC). Students commit to staying at DFI for the 2nd year of the program, which they will complete as a post-grad. 

Benefits

Students report some unanticipated extra benefits from enrolling in the Joint Program. The DU/DFI Joint Program students get to know each other in a unique way and develop bonds that often last for years. In addition, the coursework at DFI adds to the overall DU experience. Students meet other DFI students from different graduate schools or post-graduate students working in the community or in private practice. Our Wednesday evening classes also allow students to keep weekends free for their personal lives or to do clinical work. If you are looking to be the best clinician you can be and want to learn more about systems work and relational therapy, consider your internship at DFI or DFTC.

Visit the DU-GSSW website for more details.

Visit our prospective students page to find out how to apply!

Thank you for your interest in DFI!