Application Process

Application Deadline

Priority Deadline for Admission to 2-year Fall Cohort: February 15*

Deadline for Fall 2022: July 29

Because admission to the MSMFT program is competitive and spots are limited, applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applying to the program early may result in a competitive advantage in the application review process, and some favorably reviewed applicants may be placed on a waitlist or offered admission to a later term if not initially admitted to the term of their choice.

Please note: applicants to the Fall Quarter will not be reviewed before February 15th.

Undergraduate GPA Required

Cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or above

GRE Requirement

None

Prerequisite Courses

Applicants are strongly recommended to have completed courses in the social and behavioral sciences prior to admission. A course in introductory social science research or statistics, and coursework in Theories of Personality (or Counseling Theories), Abnormal Psychology, and Lifespan Development (or Developmental Psychology) are recommended. The appropriateness of an applicant's academic preparation will be evaluated.

Application Highlights

• Reference Forms
  Within the Application for Admission, you will be prompted to list four references:

  • You must provide one (1) reference from a pastor or denominational leader, one (1) academic reference, AND two (2) references that are either academic or professional.

• Essay Responses
  Once you have completed the Application for Admission, you will be prompted to upload and submit your essay responses to the following questions into the application portal.

  • Religious Autobiography
    Reflect on your past Christian experience, including the most significant spiritual event/influence in your life, the role of Christ in your religious experience, your involvement in Christian service, and your reason(s) for attending your church. (minimum 250 words; maximum 500 words)Your response should convey an accurate current representation of yourself, your Christian experiences, and the relationship of future life goals to your study at Fuller. It will also serve as a writing sample to assist the Admissions Committee in determining academic potential and possible scholarship eligibility.

  • Statement of Purpose
    Please answer each item, briefly (between 200-300 words) yet thoroughly.

    1. How is a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy the next step in your personal and vocational development? How is it an outgrowth of your present or previous career? What factors have contributed to your current desire for a career in this field?

    2. Describe the most important personal experiences that have shaped your interest in seeking training as a marriage and family therapist.

    3. Describe your work or volunteer experience in the counseling field, particularly in marriage and family.

    4. Briefly describe your goals for emotional and interpersonal growth during the next few years.

  • The following essay question is in addition to your other application materials, and is optional.

    1. In applying to Fuller’s Marriage and Family Therapy program do you have a vision, tentative or otherwise, for how your training might serve the social and/or relational needs of an organization (including, but not limited to, local congregations)? In what ways, apart from providing psychotherapeutic services, do you anticipate using your skills in some form of organizational intervention, or marriage or family oriented ministry? How important is this to you?

Interview Requirement

None, unless the department deems it necessary.