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

Azusa Pacific University's Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy focuses on a Christ-centered counseling approach, blending theoretical practice, psychotherapy, theology, and ethics. Admission requires no specified entrance exam, emphasizing professional preparation for individual and family counseling. The interdisciplinary curriculum equips students with advanced skills to make transformative therapeutic interventions. This hybrid program fosters compassionate care, integrating faith foundations to support meaningful impacts in clients' lives, without detailed unit or cost information provided.

• Master's with MFT emphasis
• Christ-centered counseling approach
• Interdisciplinary curriculum
• Theoretical and applied practice
• Focuses on individual/family counseling
• Professional counseling preparation
• Includes theology and ethics studies

Azusa Pacific University's Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy with a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Option emphasizes a Christ-centered, holistic approach. No entrance exam is specified for this hybrid program, which blends rigorous academic training with theology, ethics, and psychotherapy. Students develop advanced counseling skills to address interpersonal dynamics and support mental health across diverse populations, focusing on professional techniques for comprehensive relationship wellness without detailed unit or clinical hour requirements provided.

• Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
• Christ-centered counseling approach
• Interdisciplinary theological studies
• Professional counseling techniques
• Holistic mental health training

Azusa Pacific University's Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy with a Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1 Certificate concentration offers a heart-centered, hybrid program. It integrates interdisciplinary studies in theology, ethics, and psychotherapy, with no entrance exam mentioned. Students gain a solid foundation in professional counseling techniques through theoretical and practical training, guided by experienced faculty. The program emphasizes academic excellence and personal growth, preparing graduates to make meaningful impacts in mental health counseling for couples and families.

• Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy
• Interdisciplinary theological approach
• Professional counseling emphasis
• Comprehensive psychotherapy training
• Christ-centered counseling perspective

Azusa Pacific University's Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy is a hybrid program that integrates theology, ethics, and psychotherapy for comprehensive training. It requires a 3.0 minimum GPA and a professional interview for admission, with no entrance exam specified. Students complete 63-90 units at $860 per unit, gain over 225 clinical hours, and can earn the Gottman Couples Level 1 Certificate. The program meets California MFT licensure requirements and emphasizes culturally sensitive, holistic care, preparing graduates for impactful roles in mental health settings.

• 63-90 total program units
• $860 per unit cost
• Multiple campus locations
• 225+ clinical experience hours
• Meet California MFT licensure requirements
• Priority Fall Term Deadline: March 1
• Priority Spring Term Deadline: October 1
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• Professional interview required
• Gottman Couples Certificate opportunity

Azusa Pacific University's Marriage and Family Therapy program with a Substance Use Disorder Certificate concentration offers a hybrid, faith-integrated approach. It requires a 3.0 GPA and a final in-person interview, with no entrance exam mentioned. Students complete 63-90 units at $860 per unit, accrue over 225 clinical hours, and can obtain certificates like Gottman Couples Level 1. The curriculum meets California licensure requirements, emphasizing hands-on experience and flexible learning across multiple locations to address substance use issues in therapy.

• 63-90 total program units
• $860 per unit cost
• Multiple campus locations
• Gottman Couples Level 1 Certificate
• Substance Use Disorder Certificate option
• 225+ hours clinical experience
• Priority Fall Term Deadline: March 1
• Priority Spring Term Deadline: October 1
• 3.0 minimum GPA required
• Final in-person interview required

Azusa Pacific University's Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program with a Play Therapy Certificate concentration provides faith-integrated, hybrid training. Admission necessitates a 3.0 GPA and an interview, with no entrance exam specified. The 63-90 unit curriculum costs $860 per unit and includes over 225 clinical hours, offering opportunities for certificates like Gottman Couples Level 1. Designed to meet California MFT licensure, it prepares students to help individuals and families through play therapy techniques and interdisciplinary studies in theology and ethics.

• 63-90 program units
• $860 per unit cost
• Multiple campus locations
• California MFT licensure track
• Minimum 225 clinical hours
• Gottman Couples Certificate option
• Faith-integrated curriculum
• Priority Fall Deadline: March 1
• Priority Spring Deadline: October 1
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement

California Lutheran University's MS in Counseling Psychology (MFT) is a hybrid program accredited by AAMFT and approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, ensuring it meets state licensure requirements. The curriculum emphasizes therapeutic techniques, professional ethics, and practical skills for mental health counseling. Graduates are prepared to provide compassionate services to individuals, couples, and families. This master's-level program does not require an entrance exam, focusing on comprehensive training without standardized testing barriers.

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

Focused on Psychological Trauma, California Lutheran University's Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a Marital and Family Therapy emphasis is a hybrid program offering hands-on training in community counseling centers. Students complete a 12-month practicum, gaining up to 750 clinical hours and specializing in trauma and attachment theory. The program highlights cultural competence, systemic therapy, and high licensure exam pass rates. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program, allowing for direct access to advanced clinical education.

• 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

Specializing in Attachment Theory, California Lutheran University's hybrid Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a Marital and Family Therapy emphasis provides rigorous training in systemic approaches and clinical practice. Students engage in cohort-based learning, accruing up to 750 clinical hours in community centers, with options for trauma specialization. The program fosters cultural competence and ethical practice, leading to high licensing exam success. An entrance exam is not mandated for this master's program, streamlining admission for aspiring therapists.

• 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

With a concentration in Family Court Mediation, California Lutheran University's Marital and Family Therapy hybrid program equips students for mental health careers through systemic understanding and clinical specialization. The cohort model includes a 12-month practicum, 750 clinical hours, and training in diverse theories, supported by high exam pass rates. Emphasizing cultural competence and ethics, it prepares graduates for mediation roles. This master's-level program does not require an entrance exam, facilitating entry for those focused on family court applications.

• 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

University of San Francisco's campus-based M.A. in Counseling Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration provides specialized training meeting California's rigorous licensure requirements. This BBS-accredited program blends clinical theory with practical skills and ethical practice, preparing students for LMFT licensure through the School of Education. Students develop advanced therapeutic techniques to address diverse mental health challenges. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

• BBS accredited program
• Meets California licensure requirements
• Part of School of Education
• Professional Clinical Counselor License track
• Specialized mental health training

Located in Silicon Valley, University of San Francisco's hybrid Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program emphasizes social justice and community mental health. This 60-credit curriculum features evening and weekend classes designed for working adults, with a cohort-based learning model and fall semester entry. Students gain cultural competence and advocacy skills to support vulnerable populations. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

• 60-credit graduate program
• Silicon Valley location
• Evening and Saturday classes
• Cohort-based learning model
• Fall semester entry
• Social justice focused curriculum
• Community mental health emphasis
• Working adult-friendly schedule

The University of San Francisco's hybrid Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program offers a comprehensive 60-credit MA in Counseling Psychology designed for working professionals. With flexible evening and weekend classes in a cohort-based model, students gain clinical experience through small class sizes. This program prepares graduates for dual licensure as both Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Clinical Counselors, featuring a year-round semester schedule. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program.

• 60-credit MA Counseling Psychology
• LMFT license-eligible program
• Cohort-based learning model
• Evening and Saturday classes
• Year-round semester schedule
• Optional LPCC licensure pathway
• Small class sizes

This fully online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at USC equips students with skills for both in-person and telehealth therapy over two years. The program integrates research with clinical practice, emphasizing cultural competence and holistic mental health approaches. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in mental health agencies and private practice, with fieldwork completed in the student's state of residence. No entrance exam is required for admission to this master's program.

• 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

USC's 24-month Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students for California MFT licensure through a rigorous online curriculum emphasizing cultural humility and evidence-based practices. The program includes supervised fieldwork, cohort-based learning, and focuses on equity and social justice, with scholarship opportunities up to $30,000. No entrance exam is required for this master's program, which boasts a 98% career effectiveness rate and 92% clinical exam pass rate.

• Full-time: 24 months program
• Online and on-campus options
• 60 total program units
• $2,354 per unit cost
• California MFT licensure preparation
• Cohort-based learning model
• Scholarship opportunities available
• 98% alumni career effectiveness
• 92% clinical exam pass rate
• Fieldwork and clinical practice

National University's Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy delivers a comprehensive 12-credit online program completed in just 10 months. This COAMFTE-accredited certificate offers multiple specialization areas including Child and Adolescent, Couple, and LGBTQ Family Therapy, allowing professionals to tailor their education to specific clinical interests. The curriculum emphasizes systemic therapy techniques and cultural competence while aligning with state licensure requirements. With weekly course starts and no physical residency requirements, this program provides exceptional flexibility for working professionals seeking to advance their MFT skills. No entrance exam is required for this graduate-level certificate program.

• 100% Online Certificate
• 12 Total Credit Hours
• 4-6 Courses to Complete
• 10 Month Program Length
• New Course Starts Weekly
• Multiple Specialization Options
• No Physical Residency Required
• COAMFTE Accredited Master's Program
• Aligns with Licensure Requirements
• Multiple Areas of Emphasis Available

Focused specifically on Child and Adolescent Family Therapy, National University's Post-Baccalaureate Certificate provides specialized training in addressing the unique mental health needs of young clients and their families. This 12-credit online program spans 10 months and offers a military-friendly curriculum that prepares students for potential dual licensure pathways. The concentration emphasizes developmental psychology, family systems approaches to youth counseling, and evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents. With flexible weekly course starts and transferable credits, this certificate enables professionals to enhance their clinical expertise while maintaining current employment. No entrance exam is required for admission.

• 100% Online Certificate
• 12 Total Credit Hours
• 4-6 Courses to Complete
• 10 Months Program Length
• Multiple Specialization Options
• New Course Starts Weekly
• Potential Dual Licensure Path
• COAMFTE Accredited Master's Program
• Transferable Course Credits

Specializing in Couple Therapy, this Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from National University equips professionals with advanced skills in relationship counseling and dyadic interventions. The 10-month online program delivers 12 credits of focused coursework covering couple dynamics, communication patterns, and therapeutic approaches for intimate partnerships. Students benefit from multiple specialization options within the broader MFT framework while preparing for licensure requirements. The program's flexible structure with weekly course starts and no residency obligations makes it ideal for practicing therapists seeking to expand their couple therapy competencies. This graduate certificate program does not require any entrance exams for admission.

• 100% Online Certificate
• 12 total credit hours
• 10 months to complete
• 4-6 courses total
• Multiple specialization options
• New course starts weekly
• Potential dual licensure track
• No physical residency required
• Courses align with MFT licensure
• Semester credits per course: 3

This online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at University of Massachusetts Global focuses on systemic and relationship-based training, requiring 60 credits and 400 practicum hours. Students develop advanced clinical skills in psychopathology, ethics, and cultural competence, with a 3.0 minimum GPA and no GRE exam needed. The program prepares graduates for diverse mental health settings, emphasizing holistic care and state-specific licensure over a seven-year timeline.

• 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 online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy offers a combined concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling. The 60-credit program includes 400 practicum hours and systemic therapy training, with a 3.0 minimum GPA and no GRE required. It emphasizes ethical practice, evidence-based interventions, and cultural sensitivity, preparing students for licensure in various clinical environments over a seven-year period.

• 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

University of Massachusetts Global's online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy requires 60 credits over 2.5 years, including 400 clinical practicum hours. The program emphasizes licensure preparation across multiple states, with coursework in individual, couples, and family therapy. No GRE is required, and it features flexible online learning with expert faculty and supervised clinical placements. A 2.75 minimum GPA is needed, and the program costs $730 per credit, with a seven-year completion timeline.

• 60 total credit hours
• 400 clinical practicum hours
• Online program format
• 2.5 years average completion
• No GRE required
• 23 total courses
• 2.75 minimum GPA
• Licensure preparation focus
• Practicum support provided
• $730 per credit

Dominican University of California's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 63-unit hybrid program that uniquely integrates art therapy with clinical training. Students develop hands-on counseling skills through intensive coursework, professional workshops, and faculty mentorship. This program prepares graduates for dual licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists and Registered Art Therapists, emphasizing creative interventions for diverse populations. With small class sizes and flexible scheduling options like weekend courses, it offers personalized advising and comprehensive practicum training. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program, which focuses on building therapeutic expertise for meaningful mental health careers.

• 63-unit clinical licensure program
• In-person campus-based learning
• Full-time 36-month duration
• Tuition rate $988 per unit
• Spring/Fall application dates
• Bachelor's degree required
• Art/psychology background preferred
• Professional recommendation letters
• Practicum training included
• Career counseling options

Focused on the Marriage and Family Therapy concentration, Dominican University's Counseling Psychology MS program delivers rigorous 60-unit hybrid training aligned with California licensure requirements. Students acquire advanced counseling techniques and ethical expertise through 500 supervised practicum hours, developing skills in assessment, treatment planning, and intercultural therapy. This competency-based program emphasizes diverse population service and includes a personal psychotherapy requirement for professional development. With fall and spring admissions, it prepares compassionate therapists for clinical excellence without requiring an entrance exam, offering multiple counseling concentrations within a structured licensure track framework.

• 60 semester unit program
• Licensure track available
• 500 practicum hours required
• Meets California MFT requirements
• Diverse counseling techniques training
• Personal psychotherapy requirement
• Supervised clinical experiences
• Competency-based professional training
• Fall and Spring admission
• Multiple counseling concentrations

University of La Verne's MS in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 61-credit, three-year program focused on transforming students into skilled therapists. It integrates academic rigor with extensive clinical training, meeting California licensure requirements and emphasizing diversity, equity, and community engagement. Late afternoon and evening classes accommodate schedules, and the program includes 225+ fieldwork hours. Starting in fall with a February 1 deadline, it costs $915 per unit and does not require an entrance exam for admission.

• 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

The University of La Verne's 61-credit MS in Marriage and Family Therapy spans three years full-time, preparing students for California LMFT licensure through a curriculum emphasizing diversity and clinical experience. Evening and weekend classes offer flexibility, while 225+ fieldwork hours provide real-world practice. Accredited by WASC, the program costs $915 per unit and starts each fall with a February 1 application deadline. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program.

• 61-credit MS program
• 3 years full-time
• California LMFT licensure preparation
• Evening and weekend classes
• Minimum 225 hours fieldwork
• Cost per unit: $915
• Fall semester start
• WASC senior college accredited
• Application deadline: February 1

California Baptist University's Master of Science in Counseling Psychology offers a comprehensive online pathway to Marriage and Family Therapy licensure. This 62-unit program integrates a Christian worldview with advanced therapeutic skills, preparing students to restore relationships in diverse contexts. The curriculum includes mandatory practicum experience, professional ethics emphasis, and forensic psychology concentration options. No entrance exam is required for this master's level program. Students benefit from flexible online and on-campus learning options while meeting California licensure requirements through rigorous clinical training.

• Online and on-campus delivery
• 62-68 total program units
• MFT licensure preparation
• Christian worldview integrated
• Comprehensive clinical training
• Professional ethics emphasis
• Psychotherapy requirement included
• Forensic psychology concentration
• Multiple licensure pathways
• Practicum experience mandatory

California Baptist University's campus-based Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with Forensic Psychology concentration provides specialized training for MFT licensure. This 62-unit program emphasizes the application of therapeutic skills in legal and correctional settings while maintaining a Christian worldview foundation. Students develop advanced clinical competencies through comprehensive coursework and practical experience. No entrance exam is required for this master's program. The curriculum includes individual psychotherapy requirements and prepares graduates for diverse counseling roles with particular focus on forensic applications.

• Online and on-campus delivery
• 62-unit comprehensive program
• Christian worldview integration
• MFT licensure preparation
• 24 hours individual psychotherapy required
• Comprehensive final examination
• Bachelor's in Psychology preferred
• Professional ethics coursework
• Multiple counseling theory courses
• Practical skills development

California Baptist University's dual degree program combines Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with Master of Arts in Counseling Ministry, offering comprehensive 92-unit training for MFT licensure. This campus-based program uniquely blends clinical psychology with faith-based counseling perspectives, preparing graduates for both clinical and congregational settings. Students complete extensive practicum experience and comprehensive examinations without entrance exam requirements. The program accepts students from psychology or ministry backgrounds, providing holistic mental health training with strong ethical foundations for serving diverse populations.

• Dual master's degree option
• 92 total program units
• Prepares for MFT licensure
• Clinical and spiritual training
• Comprehensive practicum experience
• Psychology or ministry background accepted
• Includes comprehensive examination
• Diverse counseling course offerings
• Professional ethics training
• Multiple counseling application courses

Loyola Marymount University's Master's in Marital and Family Therapy specializes in clinical art therapy, blending psychological and artistic approaches over two years full-time or three years part-time. The 60-credit curriculum includes 840 clinical traineeship hours with at least 350 dedicated to art therapy, preparing graduates for California MFT licensure. Students from studio arts or psychology backgrounds develop advanced therapeutic skills through weekly supervision and are eligible for Art Therapy Credential Board certification. No entrance exam is required for this master's-level program, which emphasizes hands-on training in a Roman Catholic-affiliated, military-friendly campus environment.

• 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 integrates art therapy training without a specific concentration, offering a full-time two-year path or modified three-year option. This 60-semester-hour program requires 840 clinical hours, including 350 in art therapy, and prepares students for California licensure through two clinical traineeships and weekly supervision. Accepting applicants with psychology or arts backgrounds, it maintains a B average requirement and does not mandate an entrance exam. The campus-based program supports military students and combines academic rigor with practical experience in a Roman Catholic setting.

• 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