Application Process

Application Deadline

• Our program applications are reviewed in rounds. Applications are evaluated using the same holistic process in each round, however, in later rounds, admission and scholarship opportunities may be limited and qualified applicants will be admitted based on available space in the cohort. Will open August 1.

  • Round 1: November 1, 2021

  • Round 2: January 15, 2022

  • Round 3: April 1, 2022

Undergraduate GPA Required

There is no minimum GPA required to apply to USC Rossier programs, but competitive applicants typically have a GPA of 3.0 or above. However, GPA is one of many elements evaluated in the admission committee’s comprehensive evaluation of candidates. Please see “optional essay” under Application Highlights.

GRE Requirement

None

Prerequisite Courses

None

Application Highlights

• Resume

  • Your résumé should be detailed enough to help the admission committee understand the various experiences – extracurricular, leadership or volunteer – that have shaped your interest in the program. Outline your roles and responsibilities within each organization and highlight any special achievements or accomplishments. In the “Supporting Information” section of the application, select “Documents”. Select the “add document” button under “CV/Resume.”

• Essays

  • Essay responses will be used to evaluate your personal, professional and educational perspectives and experiences and the ability to effectively communicate ideas and organize written thoughts. Responses to essay questions should be double-spaced with a 12-point font and one-inch margin on all sides. Include your full name at the beginning of each document. Upload each essay as a separate document in the appropriate section.

    • Personal Statement – Approx. 2,000 words

      Write a personal statement that addresses the questions below. Title each section using only the headers and keep your response focused on the topic of each question. The entire statement (responses to all 4 questions) should be approximately 2,000 words.

      1. Personal Biography: Describe how your personal background and significant life experiences have shaped your decision to become a marriage and family therapist. Discuss your motivation for entering the field of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Include the most relevant aspects of your education background, work experience and any volunteer activities.

      2. Motivation and Preparation: What is your understanding of what it means to be a MFT and the role that you would play in the healing process of those seeking help? What kind of experiences have you had that have given you a sense of what the field is about?

      3. Suitability for the Field: Discuss the qualities and strengths you possess that you believe will enable you to be an effective therapist. What are the areas in which you need to grow and how are you working to grow in these areas?

      4. Social Justice: Define what social justice means to you and identify ways in which you have tried to promote social justice.

    • Optional Essay – 250 words or less

      To aid the admission committee in evaluating your application, use this essay to discuss anything in your academic and/or professional history that may require additional explanation. This essay is optional. Encouraged if your GPA is less than 3.0.

• 2 Letters of Recommendation

  • USC Rossier requires two letters of recommendation to complete the application. Letters should come from supervisors and/or former instructors or faculty who can comment on significant contributions you have made in your workplace, your leadership skills as well as your commitment to life-long learning and your ability to perform well in master’s-level coursework.

• Timed writing assessment

  • The 30-minute timed writing assessment will allow you to demonstrate your writing, critical thinking and analytical ability. No advance preparation is required. You are allowed to take the assessment one time only.

Interview Requirement

After your application is submitted, competitive applicants will be invited by email to participate in an on-campus interview. The MFT interview is a full day event that includes an interview, programming about the degree and networking with other potential cohort members, faculty, students and alumni.