Updated at: 13-03-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

The field of marriage and family therapy is one of the most rewarding fields to work in. You will bring happiness to many people’s homes, and that’s before you even start counting the money.

Visualize yourself as the reason why some marriages lasted until death did them part. Do you agree that this is a major success?

So don’t think it’s a waste of time and money to try to enroll in one of the top MFT programs in the country, especially in California.

So, why California, you ask?

When compared to other states, California’s universities are among the best in the country, and the state is widely recognized for its high quality of higher education.

Myocfamilylawyer.com reports that the current divorce rate in California is 75%. In the Golden State, three out of every four marriages end in divorce.

The title of “Divorce Capital of the World” has been attached to California for quite some time.

The employment outlook is strong, so it makes sense to pursue an MFT degree in the state.

We have compiled a list of the top MFT programs in California for 2023, including information on tuition, admissions requirements, and more.

For a quick summary of this post’s contents, peruse the table of contents down below.

Best MFT Programs In California

Best MFT programs in california

MA in marriage and family therapy – Chapman university

One of the most illustrious California universities, with a student-to-professor ratio of only 14:1, this school has a graduation rate of 65% and a wide range of degree options. This MFT Program is geared toward preparing professionals and family members in the field of family law to advance equality and democracy. In many instances, it is geared toward educating caregivers on how to better support their families and spouses.

Alliant International University – Marital and Family Therapy (M.A.) – San Francisco

Alliant International University – Marital and Family Therapy (M.A.) – San Francisco

If you live in California and are interested in Marriage and Family Therapy, this is one of the best programs you can enroll in, guaranteed to help you and your loved ones. Alliant International University, one of California’s most prestigious institutions, offers this and related degree programs with a student-to-instructor ratio of 15 to 1. The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)’s Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) has granted this program its seal of approval.

California Lutheran University M.S. in Counseling Psychology, Marital and Family Therapy (MFT)

Another option for an MFT degree in California is California Lutheran University’s Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program. Hope International University is one of the most prestigious schools in California, boasting a student-to-professor ratio of just 14:1. The results you and your loved one(s) can expect from Marriage and Family Therapy are:

Loma Linda University M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy

The faculty and staff of this Marriage and Family Therapy program are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals of earning a COAMFTE-accredited clinical and academic background. Professional practice skills necessary for working with individuals, couples, groups, and families in a variety of settings must have been learned prior to completion of this program.

Hope International University- Marriage and Family Therapy

Hope International University- Marriage and Family Therapy

Hope International University’s marriage program is next on our list of the best marriage and family therapy (MFT) programs in California.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, and a graduation rate of 30%, Hope International University is one of the most prestigious colleges in California.

To put it simply, this curriculum can equip you for pastoral care and counseling work with families, primarily in the context of the church and the wider community.

Furthermore, it will serve as academic preparation for certification by the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners.

Take note that the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges has given their stamp of approval to this specific program.

University of La Verne’s Marriage and Family Therapy

Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at the University of La Verne has been preparing professionals to address the evolving needs of families since 1973.

They provide both full-time and part-time study options so that students can earn a degree while also contributing to the company’s bottom line. Many classes meet in the late afternoon and early evening, providing additional scheduling options.

The Master of Family Therapy degree at La Verne requires a total of 61 semester or two-year hours of study. Full-time students are expected to take nine credits during the first semester, while those studying part-time take between three and six classes during the same time period.

In addition, the program recognizes all spouse and family licenses issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), as well as any credentials issued by the California Community College System.

In addition, it will allow you to work toward an MFT certification at your own pace.

The Marriage and Family Therapy program at the University of La Verne has been granted accreditation by WASC Senior College and University College.

The minimum required undergraduate GPA to apply to this program is 3.0. Additionally, you need to have taken and successfully completed the following courses in psychology.

USC Rossier College of Education

There isn’t a better MFT program in the Golden State than this one. You’ll be able to educate and influence the way mental health is taught and practiced in classrooms, community clinics, and private practices with the knowledge and skills you gain from this program.

You’ll also be better able to handle the stresses of marriage and parenting, as well as the challenges of dealing with children who exhibit challenging behaviors.

The requirements of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences are met by this course material. If you follow this program and the rest of the order, you will be able to get a marriage license and a medical license for your family.

Marriage and Family Therapy at Hope International University

We continue our tour of the top marriage and family therapy graduate programs in California with Hope International University.

With only 14 students for every professor at Hope International University, it is easily one of the best schools in California.

The primary focus of this program is to equip you for pastoral counseling and care within the context of local churches.

Aside from that, it will provide the academic groundwork necessary to sit for the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners’ licensing exam.

It is important to know that the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges has given their stamp of approval to this course.

Loma Linda University’s Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

Loma Linda University’s

Loma Linda University’s Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy program is next on our list of the top MFT schools in California.

The primary goal of this Marriage and Family Therapy program is to offer students an exceptional clinical and academic foundation in accordance with the standards set forth by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Professional practice skills for working with individuals, couples, groups, and families in a variety of settings are a requirement for graduation from this program.

Interestingly, in addition to your MFT, you’ll also walk away with a certificate in drug and alcohol counseling.

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy has granted Loma Linda University’s Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy program accreditation.

The minimum GPA required to participate in this program is 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) in the last 45 units required for a bachelor’s degree.

Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy at the University of San Francisco

Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy at the University of San Francisco

This course will prepare you to become a highly skilled and respected MFT.

To advance your career in marriage and family therapy, consider enrolling in one of the top MFT graduate programs in California, such as this one.

It’s a specialized course of study that trains marriage and family therapists to help people of all ages and backgrounds, including those with severe brain injuries, regain their physical and emotional health.

Take note that the WASC has granted accreditation to this particular course of study.

There is no requirement for a final exam, capstone project, or thesis to apply. A grade point average of 2.75 or higher is required.

MFT/Art Therapy Program at Phillips Graduate University

Phillips Graduate University’s MFT/Art Therapy program is a good option if you want to work with families and couples.

This institution offers excellent training opportunities and is home to one of the finest Master of Family Therapy (MFT) programs in California, both of which bode well for your professional development.

This MFT curriculum takes an interdisciplinary approach to training future counselors to work with couples and families today.

In addition, the course content was designed so that successful graduates can immediately begin practicing as licensed marriage and family doctors.

All applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a scale from 4.0) and hold a bachelor’s degree from a college or university that meets the requirements for participation in the program.

Take note that this MFT has been endorsed by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and has WASC accreditation.

California Lutheran University (MFT) Master’s in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Specialization

The California MFT Program also includes California Lutheran University’s Master of Science in Counseling Psychology.

With only 14 students for every faculty member at Hope International University, it is easily one of the best schools in California.

Studying the topics covered in Marriage and Family Therapy can set you up for success in the field. It’s because the skills you develop in the clinic will complement what you learn in the classroom.

In addition, you’ll gain introspective and communicative abilities from this program that will help you better understand families in an interactive setting and adapt to the needs of a wide variety of people and situations.

You will also have the opportunity to complete a year-long practicum at Cal Lutheran’s Community Counseling and Parent-Child Study Center.

To be eligible for this program, you need a bachelor’s degree from a school that has been officially recognized by the appropriate accrediting bodies in your country, and you must have a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale from 4.0).

You also need at least three hours of statistics coursework under your belt. You need to take 9 more hours of college-level or graduate-level psychology courses.

This MFT is WASC-approved, so take note.

FAQs

What s an MFT degree?

A Master of Family Therapy (MFT) degree program is a post-graduate academic endeavor that delves into the complexity of family and relationship dynamics.

If you’re interested in learning more about how relationships affect mental health and what you can do to help, enrolling in a Master of Family Therapy program is a great place to start.

How long does it take to become a LMFT in California?

Over the course of at least 104 weeks, you’ll need to log at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience. There is a post-degree work experience minimum of 1,700 hours and a post-graduate education maximum of 1,300 hours that can be applied to this minimum.

How long is the California MFT exam?

There are 75 multiple-choice questions on the California Law and Ethics Exam for LMFTs, and you have 90 minutes to complete the test. To be eligible for the Clinical Exam, you must first pass this test.

What Educational Requirements do I need for MFT programs in California?

A master’s degree and two years of clinical experience are required to enter the field of marriage and family therapy, as stated by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Veterinarians are medical professionals and as such, must complete their education at an institution recognized by the state.

In addition, the following abilities are necessary for a career as an MFT. This set of abilities is crucial to your professional success, so keep that in mind.

Conclusion

The best MFT programs are listed below, and I’m confident you’ll be able to find one that suits your needs. Before picking a school, it’s a good idea to read up on the prerequisites for enrolling in the program of your choice. Finally, please tell us about the top California institution in your opinion that offers an MFT degree.