Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in California 2025

The University of Southern California offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) through a dynamic online format, tailored for aspiring therapists seeking flexibility without compromising on quality. This program stands out for its rigorous curriculum that merges theoretical foundations with hands-on clinical training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the complexities of modern therapy practices. With a strong emphasis on cultural competence and telehealth, students are equipped to serve diverse populations across various settings. The program also facilitates a clear path to licensure in California, supported by supervised clinical experiences and a focus on integrating research into practice. Highlights include a holistic approach to mental health, preparing students for a wide range of career paths in the field.

• Fully online MFT program
• 2-year full-time enrollment
• California licensure pathway
• Field work in residence state
• Holistic mental health approach
• Telehealth and in-person skills
• Cultural humility focus
• Supervised clinical work
• Multiple career opportunities
• Research-practice integration

Biola University's Talbot School of Theology offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy that stands out for its integration of clinical training with spiritual formation. This on-campus program requires 67 credits, typically completed in three years, and includes over 300 practicum hours plus a year-long clinical internship, preparing students for California licensure. With a cost of $866 per credit, the total tuition is approximately $58,022. The program emphasizes a Christ-centered approach, biblical integration, and intercultural competence, alongside a personal psychotherapy component. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, with deadlines on February 1 and March 15 for the fall semester. Accredited by WSCUC/ATS/BBS, it fosters professional excellence within a supportive cohort community.

• On-campus, 67 total credits
• 3-year standard completion time
• Cost per credit: $866
• 300+ practicum hours
• Year-long clinical internship
• Prepare for CA licensure
• Christ-centered approach
• Cohort community learning
• Accredited by WSCUC/ATS/BBS
• GPA requirement: 3.0
• Fall semester deadlines: Feb 1, Mar 15
• Personal psychotherapy component
• Intercultural competence focus
• Biblical integration throughout
• Spiritual formation emphasis

Touro University Worldwide offers a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) with a concentration in Organizational Systems in MFT, tailored for licensed mental health professionals seeking to advance their careers. This 100% online program eliminates the need for GMAT/GRE scores, focusing instead on developing expertise in trauma intervention, systemic therapy, and organizational leadership. With an affordable tuition of $700 per semester credit and the flexibility of 8-week course sessions, students can complete the program in approximately 3 years. The program allows for the transfer of up to 6 credits and offers six starts annually, accommodating working professionals. Accredited by WSCUC, it requires a minimum Master's GPA of 3.4 and 300 post-degree clinical hours.

• 100% online doctoral program
• $700 per semester credit
• 60 total credit hours
• No GMAT/GRE required
• 3-year typical completion time
• Transfer up to 6 credits
• 6 program starts annually
• 8-week course sessions
• Two concentration options
• WSCUC accredited
• For licensed mental health clinicians
• 3.4 minimum Master's GPA
• Minimum 300 post-degree clinical experience

The University of La Verne offers a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, a 61-credit program that blends academic rigor with practical clinical training over three years of full-time study. Designed to meet California's licensure requirements, the program focuses on preparing students to serve diverse communities with an emphasis on equity and inclusion. With late afternoon and evening classes, it accommodates working professionals, requiring a minimum of 225 fieldwork hours. The program, accredited by WASC Senior College, starts in the Fall with an application deadline of February 1, priced at $915 per unit. It's ideal for those aiming to make a significant impact in mental health through a community-engaged approach.

• 61-credit MS program
• 3 years full-time
• California LMFT licensure preparation
• Late afternoon/evening classes
• Minimum 225 hours fieldwork
• Starts Fall semester
• Application deadline February 1
• $915 per unit
• WASC Senior College accredited
• Diversity and inclusivity focused

Chapman University's MA in Marriage and Family Therapy stands out with its COAMFTE-accredited curriculum, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Over three years, students engage in 60 units of coursework, benefiting from small class sizes and personalized mentorship. The program emphasizes hands-on training through its onsite clinic and telehealth services, preparing graduates for diverse clinical settings. With flexible scheduling options, including evening classes and part-time enrollment, it caters to working professionals. Admission is competitive, requiring a 3.3 GPA for GRE waiver, and offers two start dates annually to accommodate students' schedules.

• COAMFTE accredited program
• 60 total program units
• 3-year full-time option
• 20-30% admission rate
• Classes Monday-Thursday evening
• Small 25-30 student classes
• Onsite MFT training clinic
• Optional part-time enrollment
• GRE optional with 3.3+ GPA
• Two annual admission periods

Fresno Pacific University offers a unique Master of Divinity/Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A. program, blending theological education with clinical training. This campus-based program is designed for those seeking to integrate faith with professional counseling practice, preparing students for California licensure. With 105 units, the curriculum covers psychology, theology, and personal formation, emphasizing cross-cultural communication and therapeutic techniques. Students benefit from diverse practicum opportunities, experienced faculty, and options for online coursework. Accredited by ATS and WASC, the program boasts a 71% pass rate on clinical exams, making it a standout choice for aspiring therapists.

• 105 total program units
• Prepare for California licensure exams
• Integrates theology and counseling
• Diverse practicum opportunities
• Published faculty with clinical experience
• Main campus in Fresno
• MFT and ministry combined courses
• Online course options available
• Accredited by ATS and WASC
• 71% licensed clinical exam pass rate

The University of Massachusetts Global offers a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy designed for those aspiring to make a difference in mental health counseling. This online program emphasizes a systemic therapeutic approach, preparing students to address the needs of diverse populations with compassion and expertise. With a curriculum that spans psychopathology, ethical practice, and cultural competence, graduates are well-equipped for various clinical settings. The program requires a 3.0 GPA minimum, includes 400 practicum hours, and must be completed within seven years, offering flexibility for working professionals.

• Total program 60 credits
• 400 practicum hours required
• 3.0 GPA minimum
• Seven-year completion timeline
• Systemic therapeutic approach
• Multiple practicum courses
• Advanced clinical assessment training
• Diverse therapeutic theories
• State-specific licensure preparation
• Individual and family development focus

University of Massachusetts Global's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Combined Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling is tailored for students seeking a dual focus. This 60-credit online program blends systemic therapy training with professional clinical counseling, emphasizing ethical practice and evidence-based interventions. Students complete 400 practicum hours, developing advanced clinical skills to support individuals, couples, and families. The program, which requires a 3.0 GPA and offers a seven-year completion timeline, prepares graduates for licensure and impactful careers in mental health counseling.

• 60-credit comprehensive MFT program
• 400 practicum hours required
• Systemic therapy training focus
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• Seven-year program completion timeline
• Advanced clinical competency development
• Dual emphasis option available
• Online and flexible learning
• Ethical and professional standards emphasis
• Multiple therapeutic intervention techniques

Loyola Marymount University's Master's in Marital and Family Therapy with a concentration in clinical art therapy stands out for its integration of psychological and artistic therapeutic approaches. This program, available in a two-year full-time or three-year part-time format, requires 60 semester hours, including 840 clinical traineeship hours with a minimum of 350 dedicated to art therapy. It prepares students for California MFT licensure and eligibility for the Art Therapy Credential Board. A background in studio arts or psychology is recommended, alongside personal psychotherapy and weekly clinical supervision. A B average is required for academic success.

• Two-year full-time or three-year part-time
• 60 semester hours required
• 840 clinical traineeship hours
• Minimum 350 art therapy hours
• California MFT licensure preparation
• Studio arts or psychology backgrounds
• Personal psychotherapy recommended
• Two clinical supervision hours weekly
• B average academic requirement
• Art Therapy Credential Board eligible

At Loyola Marymount University, the Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy with specialized art therapy training offers a rigorous two-year full-time curriculum, with a modified three-year option. The program demands 60 semester hours, featuring two clinical traineeships totaling 840 hours, including at least 350 in art therapy. Weekly supervision supports students' development, preparing them for California MFT licensure. Applicants with psychology or arts backgrounds are welcome, and maintaining a B average is essential for progression through this comprehensive and clinically rich program.

• Full-time two-year MA program
• Modified three-year option available
• 60 semester hours required
• Two clinical traineeships
• 840 total clinical hours
• Minimum 350 art therapy hours
• Weekly supervision provided
• California MFT licensure preparation
• Psychology or arts background accepted
• Maintain B average requirement

The Chicago School at Los Angeles offers an M.A. in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy, designed for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals and families. This program stands out for its COAMFTE accreditation, ensuring high-quality education and training. With options to complete the degree in two to three years, students can tailor their education to fit their schedules. The curriculum covers advanced diagnostic and therapeutic skills, preparing graduates to work with diverse populations. Notably, the program does not require GRE scores for admission, making it accessible to a wider range of students. The per-credit tuition is competitive, and the program offers flexibility with campus locations in Anaheim, LA, and online options.

• COAMFTE Accredited Program
• Two or Three Year Options
• No GRE Required
• Per Credit Tuition: $1,409
• Anaheim, LA, Online Campuses
• 300 Clinical Training Hours
• Multiple Career Settings
• Bachelor's Degree Flexible
• Transfer Credits Accepted

For those looking to advance their expertise in marital and family therapy, The Chicago School at Los Angeles provides a Psy.D. program that builds on master's level knowledge. This doctoral program focuses on a practitioner-scholar model, blending rigorous academic coursework with practical, culturally competent training. It requires 60 credit hours, including a comprehensive dissertation, and is ideal for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of family systems. Admission criteria include a license-eligible master's degree and a recommended GPA of 3.0 or higher. The program is located at the Los Angeles - Anaheim campus but does not lead to California MFT licensure, making it suitable for students aiming for broader clinical practice.

• Post-Master's Doctoral Program
• 60 credit hours total
• Practitioner-scholar model
• Culturally competent training
• Comprehensive dissertation required
• Requires license-eligible master's
• Graduate GPA 3.0+ recommended
• Los Angeles - Anaheim campus
• No California MFT licensure path

California Lutheran University's MS in Counseling Psychology (MFT) is a hybrid program designed to prepare students for licensure with a curriculum that meets AAMFT competency standards and is approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. It offers comprehensive training in therapeutic techniques, ethics, and practical skills for mental health counseling, ensuring graduates are ready to provide compassionate care to individuals, couples, and families.

• AAMFT core competency focused
• Board of Behavioral Sciences approved
• Meets state licensure requirements
• Professional mental health preparation
• Comprehensive therapeutic training

The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy at California Lutheran University focuses on Psychological Trauma. This hybrid program provides advanced clinical skills through hands-on training in community counseling centers, emphasizing systemic understanding, cultural competence, and professional ethics. It prepares graduates for licensure with high exam pass rates and offers specializations in areas like trauma and attachment theory.

• 12-month practicum placement
• Two community counseling centers
• 750 clinical training hours
• Cohort-based learning model
• Multiple clinical specializations
• High licensure exam pass rates
• Systemic therapy approach
• Diversity and cultural competence
• On-site clinical training
• Professional identity development

California Lutheran University's Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy, concentrating on Attachment Theory, is a hybrid program. It offers rigorous training in systemic therapy approaches and clinical practice, with hands-on experience in community counseling centers. The program focuses on cultural competence, ethical practice, and provides opportunities for specialization in trauma and private practice.

• Cohort-based learning model
• Two community counseling centers
• 12-month clinical practicum
• Multiple clinical specializations
• High licensing exam pass rates
• Diverse theoretical training
• Up to 750 clinical hours
• Systemic therapy approach
• Trauma specialization available
• Online trauma courses

The Marital and Family Therapy program at California Lutheran University, with a concentration in Family Court Mediation, is a hybrid program that prepares students for professional practice. It includes unique learning experiences like on-site counseling centers and specialized clinical training. The program emphasizes systemic understanding, cultural competence, and ethics, with graduates achieving high licensing exam pass rates.

• Systemic understanding approach
• 12-month practicum placement
• Two community counseling centers
• Clinical specialization options
• High licensing exam pass rates
• Cohort-based learning model
• Multiple location options
• Diverse theoretical training
• 750 clinical training hours
• Trauma specialization available