Earn an M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Learn to heal through understanding by sharing your experiences to move from theory to practice.
Pacific Oaks College offers Master’s degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy with the option to pursue one of four specializations at our Pasadena campus. Pacific Oaks can provide you with the tools necessary to help families manage and overcome hardship.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists is positioned to grow much faster than average.
The Marriage and Family Therapy program at Pacific Oaks offers four specializations centered on addressing the unique challenges that are faced by individuals in these groups:
- African American Family Studies
- LatinX Family Studies
- LGBTQIA+ Studies
- Trauma Studies
“Specializations broaden your understanding and thinking of the world around you.”
– Andrew Kami, Ph.D., Core Faculty, Trauma Studies Coordinator
Because we commit to providing an education centered on culture, our students are immersed in an environment that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and equality. Through experiential learning, real-world practice, and a strong curriculum, Pacific Oaks helps prepare you to make an impact as a clinician in a variety of settings.
Marriage and Family Therapy Virtual Information Sessions
Click here to view the MFT-Traditional and MFT-Trauma Information Session recording.
Learn the importance of becoming a culturally-competent and supportive clinician with an M.A. degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pacific Oaks College. Discover how an optional specialization in Trauma Studies can prepare you to provide supportive, trauma-informed care for clients and families who have experience a broad-range of trauma, from PTSD to immigration. During this event participants heard from and asked questions of Dr. Andrew Kami, Core Faculty member in the School of Cultural and Family Psychology.
Click here to view the MFT, LGBTQIA+ Specialization Virtual Information Session recording.
During this virtual information session participants learn why having a MFT degree with a Specialization in LGBTQIA+ Family Studies from Pacific Oaks College will provide training and background in the history, identity, and belief systems in LGBTQIA+ individuals and families and will empower them to provide affirmative therapy for all communities and individuals. During this event Dr. Eugenia Rodriguez, Core Faculty, School of Cultural and Family Psychology, answered participants questions about the degree program.
A few things that set us apart:
- Benefit from flexibility and convenience: Classes occur on nights and weekends to accommodate the working professional.
- Save time with Credit for Learning from Experience: Bachelor’s students can earn up to 24 transfer credit hours that you can apply toward your degree.
- Take advantage of our scholarships and financial aid:Â Inquire today to learn about scholarships for incoming students along with other financial aid opportunities.
- Have confidence in knowing we are an accredited, nonprofit institution: Accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Pacific Oaks College is a leading institution in education and human development.
What’s amazing about classes at PO is you relate the topics to yourself and your own experiences. We learn about ourselves. When we are emotional about a subject, we learn to recognize the emotion as a clue to our own healing. PO is making me a better person and a better future therapist.”
– Jaime Allen, MFT alumna, 2019
M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
- African American Family Studies (online)
- LatinX Family Studies (online)
- LGBTQIA+ Studies (on-campus)
- Trauma Studies (on-campus and online)
Dual specializations are also available.
The online MFT programs are in a 100% synchronous format, with class meetings delivered live to encourage students to engage together as a learning community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When can I start?
You can apply year-round, with multiple start dates throughout the fall, spring, and summer.
What kind of student support will I receive?
Academic advisers will help you pursue the best learning path for your goals. The Financial Aid Office will help you understand and pursue various
financing options. Campus resources include CARE (Center for Achievement, Resources, and Enrichment), library services, and much more.
Is Pacific Oaks accredited?
Yes. Pacific Oaks College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
About Pacific Oaks College
Rooted in the extraordinary potential that lives in every human being, Pacific Oaks offers an environment where your perspective and experience can play an integral part in your educational journey. Through our unique progressive approach to teaching and learning, everyone in our classrooms is both student and teacher. Students relate subjects to their own personal experiences—sharing with the teacher and fellow students.A nonprofit, accredited, higher education institution, Pacific Oaks College offers teacher credentialing preparation as well as bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in a variety of fields, including business and management, education, early childhood education, human development, marriage and family therapy, psychology, and social work.
