M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy in California
The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy is a unique degree program for developing clinically skilled, culturally attuned marriage and family therapists and counselors. This 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, our Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy program provides a sound foundation for graduates to work effectively as therapists who exhibit integrity, sensitivity, flexibility, insight, compassion, and personal presence.
Our California MFT program is different from a master’s degree in social work and other social work degree programs. If you are interested in learning more about each pathway, our Voices page explains the differences between Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) programs and careers to help you make the best decision for your future.
Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy Program Specializations
- M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy, African American Family Studies
- M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy, Latinx Family Studies
- M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy, LGBTQIA+ Studies
- M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy, Trauma Studies
Students pursuing a degree in any of our three culturally centered specializations may choose to add a secondary specialization in trauma studies. Those degree students interested in this additional specialization must submit a request to their academic adviser prior to the completion of their second semester.
Licensure
This Marriage and Family Therapy California master’s program satisfies all of the requirements of SB 33 and the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) (Business and Professions Code Sections 4980.36c, d e 4980.39, 4980.40, and 4980.41).
Pacific Oaks’ marriage and family therapy degree programs prepare graduates to sit for the California LMFT exam and to become a licensed therapist as recognized by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Specialization
Students who wish to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of California may do so by selecting the LPCC Specialization, which requires 280 hours of in-person clinical training before graduation and includes the following courses, totaling five 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)
Fieldwork Requirements
California MFT students must complete 225 hours of the pre-graduate portion of the 3,000 supervised hours required for the California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) exam to qualify for graduation. Most students secure clinical training placements with community agencies in California in the Los Angeles and Pasadena areas.
FAQs About the Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s Program
Q: Is the M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program offered online?
A: No. The Marriage and Family Therapy master’s program is offered in person at the Pacific Oaks California Campus.
Q: How long does the Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy program take to complete?
A: The M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program takes two-and-a-half years full-time or four years part-time to complete.
Q: What are the requirements for becoming a marriage and family therapist in California?
A: After graduating from a master’s program in marriage and family therapy in California, one must complete two years of clinical experience in the state of California. Once complete, the last step is to take the California licensing exam to be able to practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Learn more about how to become a marriage and family therapist in California.
Q: Are marriage and family therapists in demand?
A: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of marriage and family is growing at a much faster rate than the average for all occupations. The job outlook is projected to grow by 16% from 2023 to 2033, with an average of 7,500 openings projected each year.
Q: Where in California is this marriage and family therapy graduate program?
A: Our California campus is located in Pasadena.
Sample Marriage and Family Courses
Communication and Counseling Skills
This is an introductory class to develop basic interview/communication skills for use in interpersonal relationships, working with students and parents in educational settings, and an emphasis on the counseling relationship. This class trains the student to see oneself in social interactions in light of one’s social/cultural/ethnic context, and to be able to communicate to others clearly, effectively, and cross-culturally. There is a strong emphasis on active listening, which includes empathy, clarification, reflection of feelings, confrontation, and others. This will empower the student to function in the helper role of facilitator and counselor.
Interface of Society and Human Development
This course integrates a variety of theories of human development, with a variety of societal issues, forces, and dynamics including politics, economics, race, culture, gender, class, sex, privilege, and oppression. Using the students’ lived experiences and critical thinking, alongside classic and contemporary texts, the course will explore how and to what extent society impacts, influences and/or shapes human development, identity, and life choices─and, in turn, becomes a possibly significant factor in the development of mental health stressors, issues, symptoms, and needs in individuals and families
Clinical Theories of Child Development
This course provides the student with a basic understanding of the clinical theories pertaining to child and adolescent development. The physical, social, cultural, emotional, and cognitive aspects of growth and development will be discussed as well as how they manifest intrapsychically and interpersonally. The theoretical material covered in the course will include psychodynamic, ego psychology, object relations theory, attachment theory, and cognitive and social learning theories. Theories will be looked at critically and the influence of gender, social economic status, and culture on child development will be studied.
Admission Requirements
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of Pacific Oaks College
- Completed application for admission
- Application fee
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Two letters of recommendation; one must be from a current or previous supervisor
- Interview
- Essay for specialization
Pacific Oaks College prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers, including marriage and family therapy. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with our Marriage and Family Therapy California degree program. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California has the highest paid marriage and family therapists in the country, with a mean salary of $69,780 a year. California also has the highest employment level of MFTs in the country, with more than 30,000 jobs.
Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to the MFT program*. Pacific Oaks College is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.
*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions counselor.
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