Pacific Oaks College
M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus-Based
Pasadena Campus
45 W. Eureka St.
Pasadena, CA 91103
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
WASC
Concentrations/Specializations Offered
M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy, Trauma Studies
Students pursuing a degree in any of our three culturally centered MFT specializations may choose to add a secondary specialization in Trauma Studies. Those MFT degree students interested in this additional specialization must submit a request to their academic adviser prior to the completion of their second semester.
MFT degree students wishing to qualify additionally for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California may do so via selection of the LPCC Specialization, which requires 280 face-to-face hours of clinical training before graduation and includes the following courses, totaling 5 credits:
MFT 670 Career Development Theories and Techniques (3 credits)
MFT 681 Advanced Topics in Addictions Counseling (1 credit)
MFT 683 Advanced Topics in Psychopharmacology (1 credit)
LMFT Track or Dual LMFT/LPCC Track
LMFT, unless you select the LPCC specialization (see above)
Length of Program
60-68 credits required for completion
2½ years full-time or 4 years part-time
On ground attendance includes a 16-week fall and spring semester and a 12-week summer semester. A full-time time student entering with 0 credits and successfully completing 9 credits per semester would complete the program in 8 semesters. The addition of the LPCC specialization and/or any other MFT specialization could add an addition 1-2 semesters to completion of the degree.
Schedule/Format
Traditional MFT: Hybrid (virtual/in-person), Tues/Thurs virtual, Mondays on ground, evenings
Specializations: In-person only, weekdays in evenings or weekends in daytime, 3 days per week for full-time
Program Start
Fall, Spring, Summer
Estimated Total Program Tuition
$69,000 - 78,200
Religious Orientation
None
Entering Class Size and Classroom Sizes
Max class size is 24, typically more like 12 students
Fieldwork Hours Accrued During Program
Students must complete 225 hours of the pre-graduate portion of the 3,000 supervised hours required for the California MFT licensing exam to qualify for graduation. Most students secure clinical training placements within community agencies in California in the Los Angeles and Pasadena areas.
Personal Psychotherapy Requirement During Program
Prior to starting their practicum experience, all MFT students are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of individual personal therapy with a licensed mental health professional (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, Licensed Psychologist). Hours may begin being counted from time of enrollment at Pacific Oaks. Documentation of individual therapy hours will be submitted to the Clinical Training office. An additional 16 hours of personal therapy are to be added to the original 20 hours for a total of 36 hours of Individual therapy required for graduation from the MFT program.
Comprehensive Exam/Culminating Project/Thesis/Etc:
Capstone project (clinical portfolio)
Application Process
Application Deadline
Rolling admissions
Undergraduate GPA Required
n/a
GRE Requirement
none
Prerequisite Courses
n/a
Application Highlights
Resume
Personal statement
Your Pacific Oaks Application includes a Personal Statement, which provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your writing and communication skills. It also allows Pacific Oaks College to learn more about your educational goals. If given an offer of acceptance, your personal statement will be assessed for content, writing style, grammar and mechanics, as well as reflection and self-assessment. Based on an evaluation of your personal statement, upon matriculation you may be required to participate in the Academic Writing Seminar.
The following format is required to ensure readability of your personal statement. Your essay must be a minimum of 500 words, and no more than 1,000.
Describe two challenges in your life you have experienced. Explain what those challenges mean to you and how those challenges will help you pursue your professional goals at Pacific Oaks College. Incorporate one source in your response as a means to support your statement. Lastly, explain how will you contribute and uphold the Pacific Oaks mission and core values during your course work and professional development.
Two letters of recommendation; one must be from a current or previous supervisor
Interview
Essay for specialization
Interview Requirement
Group interview with other applicants, meet with department chair and core faculty.
Program Summary
The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) master’s program is a unique degree program for developing clinically-skilled, culturally-attuned marital and family therapists and counselors. This MFT graduate program integrates a commitment to understanding the power of culture, oppression, and society on the developmental process.
By understanding various cultures and the impact of social-political context on the developing mind and behavior, this master of Marriage and Family Therapy program provides a sound foundation for graduates to work effectively as therapists that exhibit integrity, sensitivity, flexibility, insight, compassion, and personal presence.
This MFT program is different from BSW and other social work degrees & pathways. If you are interested in learning more about each, check out our Voices page with the differences between LMFT and LCSW programs and careers so you have the information to make the best decision for your future.