Alliant International University
(The California School of Professional Psychology)
M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy
Online and Campus-Based Options
On-Campus Locations:
Los Angeles
1000 South Fremont Avenue #5
Alhambra, CA 91803Irvine
2855 Michelle Drive #300
Irvine, CA 92606Sacramento
2030 W. El Camino Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95833.San Diego
10455 Pomerado Rd.
San Diego, CA 92131
Program details below are quoted from program websites, supplied here for informational purposes only, and subject to change at any time. Refer to the program website for current information, deadlines, complete admission requirements, etc. It is the responsibility of the prospective student to verify with program administrators program details and that the program still meets BBS requirements for licensure in the state of California.
Program Snapshot
Accreditation
COAMFTE
Concentrations/Specializations Offered
Chemical Dependency Specialization Track
MFT graduate students have the option to earn a specialization in chemical dependency. This CAADE-accredited chemical dependency specialization provides a unique opportunity for you to prepare to work with individuals, couples, and families facing addiction through professional development hours, directly related to chemical dependency treatment.
Understanding how to treat addiction is one of the most valuable professional tools an MFT can have. When working with families who are struggling with addiction, it’s imperative to know the best care clinical practices for treating chemical dependency.
This specialization covers how to treat families from a systemic perspective, with a focus on treating clients who are experiencing addiction and substance abuse. This will be a part of your internship hours at a residential treatment center or intensive outpatient program, not as a separate clinical internship that would require increased hours. This specialization is embedded into the MA program and does not require any additional coursework.
LMFT Track or Dual LMFT/LPCC Track
LMFT
Length of Program
The MA MFT degree program is a 60-credit program and takes a minimum of two years to complete, either across six semesters or 13 terms, depending on which calendar is applicable to you.
Schedule/Format
Class schedule varies by campus.
Program Start
Fall and Spring
The master’s program is offered as both a semester-long and eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during each of those respective enrollment periods. You can find our eight-week term academic calendar here.
Estimated Total Program Tuition
In-person: $73,500
Online: $57,000
Religious Orientation
None
Entering Class Size and Classroom Sizes
Online Program: 15-34 started the program annually (Estimate based on the last two years of reported data)
Los Angeles: 14-20 started the program annually (Estimate based on the last four years of reported data)
Sacramento: 11-21 started the program annually (Estimate based on the last four years of reported data)
San Diego: 32-41 started the program annually (Estimate based on the last four years of reported data)
Irvine: Data unavailable at this time
Fieldwork Hours Accrued During Program
500 hours of direct client contact, 250 supervision hours, and at least 100 professional development hours, giving you 800 to 1200 hours to apply towards your license.
Personal Psychotherapy Requirement During Program
None
Comprehensive Exam/Culminating Project/Thesis/Etc:
Comprehensive exit exam that mimics licensing exam
Application Process
Application Deadline
Students may apply at any time, though certain programs have deadlines for specific start dates. Contact Admissions directly at admissions@alliant.edu, call 866-U-ALLIANT or 858-635-4698 for the latest information on deadlines for each program. Not all programs are offered every semester or term, so please contact admissions to verify the next available start date for your program of choice.
Undergraduate GPA Required
GPA Minimum 3.0 or GPA Exemption Petition
In addition to the GPA Exemption Petition, applicants who have an undergraduate or graduate (if applicable) GPA below 3.0 and whose most recently earned degree is not in psychology or a related field (e.g., anthropology, child development, communications, education, family studies, human development, social work, sociology) must have completed coursework in the following two areas with a grade of “C” or better before matriculation into the program:
Introduction to Psychology or General Psychology
Human Development or Child Development
GRE Requirement
None
Prerequisite Courses
Only if GPA is less than 3.0 and degree not in psych or related field (see above)
Application Highlights
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Completed online application (fee: $65)
Essay (2-4 pages)
Your background
Your interest in the field
Any professional organizations to which you belong
Honors, activities and other creative accomplishments
Your professional goals
Resume
Two Letters of Recommendation
Official Transcripts from degree granting institutions
Interview Requirement
Interview with faculty
Program Summary
The nuclear family has evolved and the American household no longer looks the same as it has in the past, yet the family unit remains the cornerstone of our society. In this online, COAMFTE-accredited marriage and family therapy master’s degree program, you'll learn to help individuals and families, regardless of their home structure or circumstance.
Many modern families and couples rely on the help of therapists to guide them through life changes and challenging times. With a family therapy education, you can help make a difference as a therapist or mental health counselor in how these people relate to one another, and provide them with the tools to make their lives better.
As a graduate from the program, you'll have the education and skills you need to join the profession with confidence as a couple and family therapist or mental health counselor. Some of the topics you’ll touch on in the marriage and family therapy master’s program include parent-child therapy, group therapy, trauma and crisis intervention, and more. Learn more about course offerings below.