Southern California Seminary

M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy

On-Campus and Online

Southern California Seminary Campus
2075 E. Madison Ave.
El Cajon, CA 92019

MAMFT 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

TRACS (Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools)

Concentrations/Specializations Offered

  • Eighteen units of required biblical foundation studies are included in the MAMFT program. MAMFT students may earn the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree by taking an additional 9 units of graduate biblical studies.

  • CCAPP (California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals)

    For additional CCAPP and LAADC certificate options, the following 3-unit course must be added: SS-331 Personal & Professional Growth must be completed within the MAMFT program.

  • LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor)
    For additional LPCC license, additional courses will be required, including CO-777.

LMFT Track or Dual LMFT/LPCC Track

LMFT (With one additional class, the MACP degree also meets educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.)

Length of Program

81 units, 3 years

Schedule/Format

Each group progresses through the course of instruction in a specific sequence while attending courses usually held once each week from 4:00-10:00p.m. By taking a full-time load of 6 units each trimester, the program can be completed in five years. Course availability, student load, adherence to student advisement, and other factors may extend or shorten the anticipated completion timeline.

Program Start

A group is formed when at least 12 students have enrolled.

Estimated Total Program Tuition

$47,466

Religious Orientation

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of biblical study and truth. Our distinctives cumulatively make our institution unique among biblical seminaries in a day and age where the Word of God is not taken at face value, and core doctrines are being diluted.

Entering Class Size and Classroom Sizes

A group is formed when at least 12 students have enrolled.

Fieldwork Hours Accrued During Program

300 hours. The dean helps students find a site.

Personal Psychotherapy Requirement During Program

None

Comprehensive Exam/Culminating Project/Thesis/Etc:

None

Application Process

Application Deadline

Rolling admissions

Undergraduate GPA Required

There is a minimum requirement (SCS would not share that info), but the Dean has final say on whether she will waive that requirement or not.

GRE Requirement

None

Prerequisite Courses

  • Complete 6 units of undergraduate coursework that includes:

    • Introduction to Psychology, or its equivalent, and

    • Abnormal Psychology that emphasizes use of the current DSM.

  • If a student does not meet the coursework requirement, admittance may be granted as a Special Status student. MACP/MAMFT courses may be taken but any unfulfilled prerequisite coursework requirements must be fulfilled before graduation.

Application Highlights

  • Write two essays, saving them as one document. The 2-essays would include:

    1. Biography and Salvation Experience (for all applicants) Compose a 400-600 word essay about how and when you became a Christian. Also include any Christian ministry(s) you have been involved with, and any leadership roles you have held. We are also interested in your assessment of your strengths and weaknesses, interpersonal relationships, and any other relevant information you wish us to consider in the application process.

    2. Reasons for Pursuing Graduate Studies in Psychology

      • For MACP/MAMFT applicants: Please compose a 600-800 word essay presenting your reasons for pursuing the MACP/MAMFT program. Discuss any psychology background you may have, and your motivations for becoming a counselor. Also discuss any post-graduation plans you have.

  • One reference from pastor/chaplain

  • Undergo specified psychological testing (MMPI) at personal expense (may be waived in certain instances).

Interview Requirement

Be interviewed by the Dean or authorized by designated Behavioral Sciences Adviser

Program Summary

The MAMFT program uses cohort dynamics to develop an environment that facilitates cooperative study and interactive learning. Group cohesion, student cooperation, and mutual support replace competition. Lecture is minimized and interaction among participants and instructor is encouraged. A group is formed when at least 12 students have enrolled. Each group progresses through the course of instruction in a specific sequence while attending courses usually held once each week from 4:00-10:00p.m. By taking a full-time load of 6 units each trimester, the program can be completed in five years. Course availability, student load, adherence to student advisement, and other factors may extend or shorten the anticipated completion timeline.

Eighteen units of required biblical foundation studies are included in the MAMFT program. MAMFT students may earn the Master of Arts in Christian Ministry degree by taking an additional 9 units of graduate biblical studies.

Purpose

The curriculum leading to the MAMFT degree is designed to prepare students for working with couples and families as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California. The MAMFT degree teaches students to incorporate popular family systems theories with other psychological, empirically- validated theories and techniques to tailor effective therapy for each individual, couple, or family.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of the MAMFT program the student will be able to:

  1. Apply a variety of evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques and modalities that may be utilized to improve, restore, or maintain healthy individual, couple and family relationships.

  2. Identify and apply cross-cultural mores and values to effective therapy, including the wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds common among California’s population.

  3. Demonstrate values such as integrity, sensitivity, flexibility, insight, compassion and Christian ethical standards of conduct throughout the academic process.

  4. Prove competency in the assessment and treatment of diverse people groups within a recovery-oriented philosophy.

  5. Bring glory to God by understanding and applying biblical truth to the study and application of marriage and family therapy.

Southern California Seminary is more than just another Bible seminary, offering generic degrees in Ministry and Theology. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of biblical study and truth. Our distinctives cumulatively make our institution unique among biblical seminaries in a day and age where the Word of God is not taken at face value, and core doctrines are being diluted.

You have goals. Southern California Seminary can help you achieve them. Do you need a bachelor’s degree to help fulfill God’s call on your life? Do you need a master’s or doctoral degree to take the next step in your ministry or career? SCS has a program—either Online or On-Campus—designed to renew your mind and deepen your faith in Jesus Christ.

 SCS is seeking students with a hunger for learning about God and a desire to dig deeper into the Bible. From your first visit until your graduation, we will strive to support you in your spiritual growth, and prepare you to minister in the 21st century.