California State University, Dominguez Hills

M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy

On-Campus

CSUDH
1000 E. Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747

M.S. MFT Program Page

 

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

The Department of Marital and Family Therapy aligns with the educational and clinical COAMFTE Standards.

Concentrations/Specializations Offered

None

LMFT Track or Dual LMFT/LPCC Track

LMFT/LPCC dual-track

Length of Program

63-unit program full-time allows students to complete the program requirements in three years. Options for a part-time or accelerated plan of study are only available with advisement and approval from the Department’s program coordinator and chair.

Schedule/Format

Courses are offered primarily in the evening to accommodate students who work during the day. Students must expand their availability in year two to accommodate traineeship and the Program’s practicum course.

Program Start

Fall

Estimated Total Program Tuition

$20, 736

Religious Orientation

None

Entering Class Size and Classroom Sizes

Fieldwork Hours Accrued During Program

Students must complete three semesters of fieldwork, Practica, during which each student must complete 300 client contact hours of psychotherapeutic training and experience. Moreover, students must enroll in Practicum: MFT Traineeship each term they are active in clinical practice. State law and BBS requirements for licensure mandate 3,000 hours total of experience, training, and supervision for licensure (which requires passing two written examinations); the CSUDH MFT program allows students to earn 300 to 1,300 hours towards the 3,000. Students are placed and overseen by the MFT Fieldwork Coordinator and receive training and supervision from their on-site supervisors. Traineeship experience occurs at community agencies in the greater Los Angeles area and surrounding communities. Clinical instruction, provided during Practica, offers students with regulation and assessment of clinical competencies through case presentation, observation, and consultation of cases.

Personal Psychotherapy Requirement During Program

While personal therapy is not a requirement of the CSUDH MFT Department or a licensure requirement, the Department strongly recommends that Students engage in individual therapy.

Comprehensive Exam/Culminating Project/Thesis/Etc:

Students graduating with a master’s degree from the CSUDH MFT program must demonstrate competency in the field of Marital Family Therapy (MFT). The MFT program utilizes culminating activities to assess the understanding and application of all the material covered throughout this Program. Students will complete the MFT 598: Advanced Therapeutic Approaches and Applications course and required culminating signature assignments during their final term. The program’s culminating experience also includes the MFT Comprehensive Examination.

Application Processs

Application Deadline

February 1

Undergraduate GPA Required

A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or better in the most recent 60-semester units of upper-division course work undertaken as a student.

GRE Requirement

Completion of the Graduate Record Examination General Aptitude (GRE) Test; an average GPA of 3.5 or attainment of a previous master’s degree waives this requirement.

Prerequisite Courses

1. PSY235IntroductiontoResearchMethods(3)

Examination of the design, conduct and interpretation of research studies, both experimental and non-experimental, as demonstrated in a wide range of psychological phenomena. Includes a consideration of philosophy of science and preparation of research reports. Two hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory per week.

2. PSY360TheoriesofPersonality(3)

A study of basic theories of personality including type theories; trait theories; psychoanalytic, learning, biosocial, self and holistic-integrative theories.

3. PSY363AbnormalPsychology(3)

The causes and manifestations of abnormal behavior. Field study and case study.

Application Highlights

  • Personal Statement /Autobiographical Essay – address your educational/personal experiences, interest/knowledge in the field of MFT, career objectives and other areas of interest.

  • Writing Sample - select from 1 of 4 writing prompts provided in Cal State Apply to assess applicants’ written skills.

  • Three (3) electronic letters of recommendation addressed to the MFT Admissions Committee on letterhead with the recommender’s signature.

    • At least two letters must be from a University or College professor who can attest to your ability to perform at the graduate level.

    • Applicants out of school for a substantial period can elect to submit letters from an employer or someone in the mental health-related field that can speak to your ability to perform at the graduate level.

    • Additional letters may be included but are not required.

    • Do not submit your Cal State Apply Application until your (3) recommenders save their letters on Cal State Apply; the MFT department will not process applications without the letters of recommendation.

  • Professional CV/Resume – applicants at a minimum, should include objective, education in reverse chronological order, professionals experience, and relevant skills.

Interview Requirement

  • The MFT Department hosts prospective student interviews in a group format designed to emulate a typical classroom experience that will enable faculty to evaluate whether applicants’ educational goals are congruent with the Program’s mission.

  • The MFT Department strongly encourages all applicants to self-reflect about the group interview that can serve as essential data in the decision-making process about the Program’s fit with their goals.

Program Summary

The Department of Marital and Family Therapy aligns with the educational and clinical COAMFTE Standards. It offers a qualifying Master of Science (M.S.) degree program evaluated by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) required to pursue a license as a marriage and family therapist in the state of California. The Department permits enrollment in courses solely to students admitted to the M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy program.

This 2.5 to 3-year degree program consists of comprehensive educational experiences in the study of theories and techniques of marriage and family therapy (MFT), along with 300 client contact hours of applied, supervised clinical practicum that involves the 3,000 supervised hours of experience required to be eligible for the MFT licensure.

We prepare students in systemic theory, research, and relational practice to critically and ethically engage concerns of intersectionality, equity, and social justice to improve systems of oppression and promote wellness among individuals, couples, and families of diverse and underserved communities.

The mission of the MFT Program is linked to the university’s mission and guides the program goals, program outcomes, and student learning outcomes which inform course content and assessments.