Best Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) Degree Programs in California 2026

This campus-based MA program at Azusa Pacific University integrates Christian faith with systemic family psychology for California MFT and LPCC licensure. Students complete 63 units with 300 direct client hours and 40 personal psychotherapy hours. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA; international students need TOEFL iBT 90. No entrance exam is mentioned for domestic applicants. Optional certificates in play therapy and substance use disorders are available.

• 63 units of coursework.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required.
• Bachelor's degree prerequisite.
• TOEFL iBT 90 for international students.
• 40 hours of personal psychotherapy.
• 300 hours of direct client experience.
• Two to six year completion time.
• Optional play therapy certificate.
• Optional substance use disorders certificate.
• Meets California MFT licensure requirements.

Azusa Pacific University's hybrid MFT program with Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Option prepares students for counseling careers through interdisciplinary studies in theology, ethics, and psychotherapy. The program equips counselors to work with individuals, couples, and families. Specific admission requirements including entrance exams are not detailed in the provided information.

• Master's degree program.
• Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis.
• Professional counseling preparation.
• Theoretical and applied practice.
• Interdisciplinary studies included.
• Theology, ethics, psychotherapy components.
• Equips counselors for families.
• Solid foundation in counseling.

This hybrid MFT program at Azusa Pacific University includes a Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1 Certificate concentration. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with applied practice, integrating theology and ethics. The program prepares students to serve individuals, couples, and families. Specific admission requirements including entrance exams are not detailed in the provided information.

• Master's degree program
• Marriage and Family Therapy concentration
• Hybrid delivery format
• Clinical Psychology foundation
• Professional counseling preparation
• Interdisciplinary studies included
• Theology and ethics integration
• Psychotherapy coursework
• Department of Marriage and Family Therapy
• School of Behavioral Sciences

Azusa Pacific University's hybrid MFT program offers comprehensive training with a holistic, culturally sensitive approach. Integrating theology and ethics, it prepares students for California licensure with 225+ clinical hours and opportunities like the Gottman Couples Level 1 Certificate. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and professional interview, but no entrance exam is specified. The program is military-friendly and available at multiple campus locations.

• 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 hybrid MFT program with a Substance Use Disorder Certificate concentration prepares students for licensure through a Christian faith-integrated approach. The program offers flexible learning across California locations with 225+ clinical hours. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and final interview, but no entrance exam is specified. Students can earn additional certificates including Gottman Couples Level 1 while meeting state requirements.

• 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

• 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) program prepares students for California licensure through a hybrid format combining online and on-campus learning. The curriculum aligns with AAMFT core competencies and meets Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements, covering marital and family therapy practices with clinical training components. This graduate-level program requires a bachelor's degree for admission but does not specify entrance exam requirements. The program emphasizes professional preparation through comprehensive coursework and practical experience.

• MS in Counseling Psychology
• Marriage and Family Therapy concentration
• Graduate level program
• Meets BBS educational requirements
• AAMFT core competencies addressed
• California licensure preparation
• Hybrid delivery format
• Curriculum goals section available
• Program highlights page exists
• How to apply information provided

California Lutheran University offers a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a Marital and Family Therapy emphasis, featuring a Psychological Trauma concentration. This cohort-based hybrid program includes a 12-month practicum at an on-site counseling center and comprehensive exam preparation mirroring California MFT licensing tests. Students develop expertise in systemic thinking, diversity, and ethical practice while specializing in trauma treatment. The graduate program prepares for licensure without specifying entrance exam requirements, offering clinical training with up to 750 hours and specialization options.

• Master of Science degree.
• Marital and Family Therapy emphasis.
• Cohort-based program model.
• 12-month practicum placement.
• On-site Community Counseling Center.
• Clinical specializations available.
• Psychological Trauma specialization.
• Some online specialization options.
• Comprehensive licensing exam preparation.
• California MFT licensure preparation.

California Lutheran University's hybrid Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program features a Marital and Family Therapy emphasis with an Attachment Theory concentration. Students complete a 12-month practicum at an on-site counseling center while specializing in attachment-based approaches through a six-credit specialization. The cohort-based structure supports professional development and prepares graduates for California MFT licensure with comprehensive exam preparation. This graduate program requires a bachelor's degree for admission but does not specify entrance exam requirements, offering clinical training in Thousand Oaks and Oxnard locations.

• Master of Science degree.
• Marital and Family Therapy emphasis.
• Hybrid delivery format.
• On-site Community Counseling Center.
• 12-month practicum placement.
• Clinical specialization options.
• Attachment Theory specialization available.
• Cohort-based program structure.
• Thousand Oaks and Oxnard locations.
• Prepares for California MFT licensure.

California Lutheran University's MS in Counseling Psychology program with a Marital and Family Therapy focus offers a Family Court Mediation concentration through a hybrid delivery format. Students train in systemic approaches for working with individuals, couples, and families, completing a 12-month practicum at an on-site counseling center. The program prepares for California MFT licensure with comprehensive exams mirroring state tests and emphasizes diversity, ethics, and hands-on clinical experience. This graduate program does not specify entrance exam requirements but requires a bachelor's degree, offering cohort-based learning in Oxnard and Thousand Oaks.

• MS in Counseling Psychology.
• Marital and Family Therapy focus.
• Hybrid delivery format.
• Cohort-based program structure.
• 12-month practicum placement.
• On-site Community Counseling Center.
• Clinical specializations available.
• Trauma specialization offered online.
• Attachment theory specialization.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy specialization.

This campus-based Master's in Counseling Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration is BBS-accredited and meets California's educational requirements for licensure. Housed in the School of Education, it prepares students for both MFT and Professional Clinical Counselor licenses through coursework and supervised practice. No entrance exam requirement is mentioned for this traditional master's program.

• Master's degree program
• BBS accredited
• Marriage and Family Therapy focus
• School of Education program
• California licensure preparation
• Marriage and Family Therapist license
• Professional Clinical Counselor license
• Meets California educational requirements
• Campus-based delivery
• Traditional format

A hybrid 60-credit Master's in Counseling Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration, this cohort-based program has fall entry and meets one evening weekly plus occasional Saturdays for working adults. Located at the South Bay campus in San Jose, it emphasizes social justice and community mental health with faculty from clinical backgrounds. No entrance exam requirement is specified for this master's-level program.

• 60-credit program.
• Cohort-based model.
• Fall entry dates.
• Classes one evening per week.
• Occasional Saturdays.
• Designed for working adults.
• Master's degree level.
• Concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy.
• Hybrid delivery format.
• Located in South Bay, San Jose.

The University of San Francisco's hybrid Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program offers a 60-credit MA in Counseling Psychology, preparing students for LMFT licensure with flexible evening and weekend schedules. This cohort-based program features small classes and clinical experience, with a unique pathway to dual licensure as both an MFT and Professional Clinical Counselor. No entrance exam requirement is specified 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

Loyola Marymount University's Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy with a clinical art therapy concentration integrates verbal and nonverbal therapeutic approaches. This full-time two-year program requires 60 semester hours and includes clinical traineeships, preparing graduates for California MFT licensure and ATCB registration. Admission requires prerequisites in studio arts or psychology, with a part-time three-year option available. The program emphasizes art therapy modalities, requiring at least 350 art therapy hours and up to 840 traineeship hours with weekly supervision. No entrance exam is specified for this master's level program.

• Master of Arts degree
• 60 semester hours required
• Full-time two-year program
• Part-time three-year option
• Clinical traineeships included
• Daytime class attendance
• Prerequisites in arts/psychology
• B average required
• California MFT licensure preparation
• ATCB registration preparation

Loyola Marymount University offers a Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy with specialized art therapy training. This graduate program requires 60 semester hours over two years full-time or three years part-time, including 11 practicum units and up to 840 clinical hours (minimum 350 in art therapy). It prepares students for California MFT licensure and Art Therapy Credential Board registration. Prerequisites include studio arts or psychology coursework, with a B average required for admission. Classes are on-campus during daytime hours. No entrance exam is mentioned for this master's program.

• Master of Arts degree.
• Full-time two-year program.
• Part-time three-year option.
• 60 semester hours required.
• 11 practicum units included.
• Up to 840 clinical hours.
• Minimum 350 art therapy hours.
• Supervision by licensed professionals.
• Prerequisite courses required.
• B average maintained.

University of La Verne's MS in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 61-credit program completed in approximately three years full-time, beginning each fall. Classes are scheduled in late afternoons, evenings, and some Saturdays on campus, with no entrance exam required. Priced at $990 per unit with financial aid available, the program includes at least 225 hours of fieldwork and meets California licensure requirements. This military-friendly program prepares graduates for careers as marriage and family therapists under the guidance of program director Jerry Kernes.

• 61 credit program
• 3 years full-time
• Fall start term
• Late afternoon classes
• Evening classes
• Some Saturday classes
• $990 per unit cost
• Financial aid available
• 225 fieldwork hours
• California licensure requirements

The University of La Verne's 61-credit MS in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students for California LMFT licensure over three years of full-time study. This campus-based program emphasizes clinical experience with at least 225 hours of fieldwork, flexible evening and weekend classes, and a curriculum focused on diversity and real-world practice. Starting in fall semesters, it requires no entrance exam and costs $915 per unit, with WASC accreditation and a February 1 application deadline. The program is military-friendly and develops compassionate therapists through guidance from experienced faculty.

• 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

Chapman University's MA in Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited 60-unit master's program that can be completed in 2.5-3 years full-time with part-time options available. Classes are held on campus during evenings, Monday through Thursday, with possible Friday sessions. Admission requires a minimum 3.3 GPA or GRE scores, with deadlines in January and September. The program includes clinical practicum at an onsite training clinic, providing supervised experience with adults, couples, families, and children through both in-person and telehealth modalities.

• 60 units required for graduation.
• Program takes 3 years full-time.
• 2.5-year plan available for fall start.
• Part-time attendance options available.
• Classes offered Monday-Thursday evenings.
• Possible Friday afternoon classes.
• Average class size 25-30 students.
• Admission deadlines January 15 and September 15.
• GRE required if GPA below 3.3.
• Optional GRE if GPA 3.3 or higher.

Chapman University's MA in Marriage and Family Therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited 60-unit graduate program completed over 3 years full-time. With small class sizes of 25-30 students and evening scheduling, it emphasizes practical clinical training through supervised practicum experiences at an on-site MFT clinic. The program prepares graduates for California licensure, offering two annual admission periods and optional GRE submission. It focuses on developing skills to work with diverse populations in counseling, private practice, and mental health settings.

• 60-unit graduate program
• 3-year full-time option
• COAMFTE accreditation
• Two annual admission periods
• 25-30 student class sizes
• Optional GRE submission
• Evening class schedules
• On-site MFT training clinic
• 20-30% acceptance rate
• Financial aid available

Biola University's Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 67-credit on-campus program that integrates clinical training with spiritual foundations through the Talbot School of Theology. Students develop therapeutic skills while focusing on personal formation and ethical practice, preparing for California licensure. The program includes a year-long internship with over 300 practicum hours under licensed supervision and emphasizes intercultural competence in diverse Southern California settings. Admissions require a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA, three reference letters, essays, and a resume, but no entrance exam is specified. Tuition is $866 per credit, totaling approximately $58,022 for the complete program.

• On Campus format.
• 67 total credits.
• $866 cost per credit.
• 3-year standard completion time.
• WSCUC/ATS/BBS accreditation.
• Year-long internship included.
• 300+ practicum hours.
• Biblical integration in courses.
• Personal development focus.
• Intercultural experience emphasized.

University of the Pacific offers a hybrid Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program with a Marriage and Family Therapy emphasis, combining flexible online and in-person classes. This licensure-eligible program features a two-year curriculum covering family systems, psychopathology, ethics, and includes essential practicum experiences. With small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, the program emphasizes experiential learning and serving diverse communities. Admissions require a bachelor's degree, and while no specific entrance exam is mentioned, financial aid is available. Graduates are prepared for mental health counseling careers in various therapeutic settings.

• Master of Arts degree.
• Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.
• Hybrid program format.
• Two-year program length.
• Small class sizes.
• Experiential learning focus.
• Prepares for licensure.
• Curriculum includes family systems.
• Covers psychopathology and ethics.
• Includes counseling practicum.

University of the Pacific's Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy prepares students for licensure as MFTs through a comprehensive two-year curriculum. This campus-based program emphasizes experiential learning with small class sizes and dedicated faculty mentorship. Students develop advanced counseling skills, cultural competence, and critical thinking abilities through rigorous academic training and hands-on practicum experiences. The program focuses on treating individuals, families, and groups facing mental health and substance abuse challenges, positioning graduates for rewarding careers in therapeutic settings. No specific entrance exam requirement is mentioned for this master's level program.

• Master's in Counseling Psychology
• Licensure-eligible program
• Two-year comprehensive curriculum
• Flexible hybrid learning format
• Small class sizes
• Experiential learning approach
• Community-engaged faculty
• Culturally diverse practice focus
• Practicum experience included
• In-demand mental health career

Touro University Worldwide's online Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) program offers a specialized concentration in Organizational Systems in MFT. This 60-credit doctoral program is designed for licensed mental health clinicians with a master's degree and focuses on advanced therapy, research, and leadership skills within organizational contexts. The program features an accelerated admissions process with six starts per year and eight-week sessions, requiring a 3.4 GPA, two letters of recommendation, and a doctoral entrance essay. Notably, no GRE or residency is required. The curriculum includes core courses and concentration-specific content, culminating in a research project. While affordable at $700 per credit, this program does not lead to licensure and typically takes three years to complete.

• 60-credit hour program
• $700 per semester credit
• 100% online delivery
• No GRE or GMAT required
• No residency required
• Accelerated admissions process
• Six starts per year
• Eight-week sessions
• Two concentration options
• Organizational Systems in MFT

The University of Southern California's online MFT master's program provides comprehensive preparation for California licensure without requiring entrance exams. This two-year program blends research and practice with a focus on cultural humility, requiring 3,000 clinical hours and fieldwork in students' home states. Graduates are prepared for careers in community mental health, private practice, teaching, or doctoral studies. The program accepts applications with bachelor's degrees, transcripts, recommendations, and optional personal statements, offering financial aid through USC's resources.

• Master of Science degree.
• Marriage and Family Therapy program.
• Online delivery format.
• Full-time: 2 years.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Letters of recommendation needed.
• Transcripts from all institutions.
• Resume/CV required.
• Personal statement optional.
• Field work in state.

USC's online Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy is a rigorous 24-month program preparing students for California MFT licensure. This cohort-based program emphasizes cultural humility, social justice, and evidence-based practices through 60 units of coursework and supervised fieldwork. With a 92% clinical exam pass rate and 98% career effectiveness, graduates are equipped for diverse settings including private practice and public clinics. The program requires no entrance exam and offers scholarships up to $30,000, making it both academically prestigious and financially accessible.

• 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