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Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy, MA (MFT)

Study Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll develop a solid foundation in the theoretical and practical skills of professional counseling and meet the California requirements to get your license as a marriage and family therapist (MFT).  Learn from professionally active faculty-mentors and benefit from interdisciplinary studies in theology, ethics, and psychotherapy that equip you to care for the whole person. You’ll boost your résumé by earning the Gottman Couples Level 1 Certificate during core coursework, and you’ll have the opportunity to pursue a Substance Use Disorder Certificate, Play Therapy Certificate, or dual licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with additional units.

Program at a Glance

The School of Behavioral Sciences equips students for compassionate leadership in fields like physical therapy, social work, and psychology, guided by experienced faculty and hands-on learning.

Upcoming Events

 

Online Info Session
5-6:30 p.m. | Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Application Deadline

  • Priority Fall Term Application Deadline: March 1
  • Priority Spring Term Application Deadline: October 1

Apply Now

Program Information

  • Program Units: 63-90
  • Cost per Unit: $860
  • Base Cost: $54,180-$77,400*

Locations

  • Azusa (Main Campus), Inland Empire, Orange County, San Diego
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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

Couple in therapy session

Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Complete at least 225 hours of first hand clinical experience.
  • Learn from faculty-mentors with extensive professional experience.
  • Integrate spirituality and values with practice.
  • Meet current California MFT licensure requirements.

By the Numbers

1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
10 :1 Student-to-faculty ratio
14 % Projected increase in marriage and family therapist employment from 2021-31.

Get Started

James smiling

James Lee: Helping Others in Time of Need

As James Lee ’24 pursues his God-given calling to become a marriage and family therapist, APU grows him professionally and spiritually. 

Program Details

The MFT program is dedicated to the education and training of competent, self-aware, and culturally sensitive family therapists. Using a foundation in Christian faith, a systemic family psychology approach, and an integration of theories of psychotherapy, students explore personal, ethical, and social values as they prepare to serve the needs of their communities.

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

Prerequisites

Students who enter the MFT program with a bachelor’s degree in a major other than psychology are required to take Abnormal Psychology before beginning the program, or show proof of having already done so. The course must have been taken within the previous eight years and completed with a grade of B or better. Prerequisites may be waived on an individual basis.

Admission Requirements—Domestic Applicants

The university graduate and program admission requirements below must be met before an application is considered complete.

Applicants must submit:

  • Graduate application for admission
  • $45 nonrefundable application fee
  • Official transcripts from all institutions leading to and awarding the applicant’s bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and all postbaccalaureate study
    • An official transcript is one that Azusa Pacific University receives unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and that bears the official seal of the college or university. A cumulative minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average on the posted degree is required for regular admission status. Provisional admittance may be granted to individuals with a lower GPA if competency can be shown through multiple measures.
  • Professional interest essay covering:
    1. Brief background information that would help another person get to know you as a unique person
    2. Why you have chosen to pursue an MFT at this time in your life
    3. Why you are applying to Azusa Pacific University for your MFT
    4. The experiences you have had that prepare you for this program
    5. Strengths and weaknesses that would affect your performance as a therapist
    6. Your professional goals
  • Two recommendations from professionals who have current knowledge of applicant’s academic or clinical ability and potential (e.g., professors, clergy, supervisors, employers).

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
gpadmissions@apu.edu

Applicants must also:

  • Participate in a final in-person interview

What to Expect

Once the Graduate and Professional Admissions office receives the completed admission materials, faculty from the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy review the applicant’s file. The applicant is then notified of the committee’s decision to invite the applicant for an interview.

Admission Requirements—International Applicants

Azusa Pacific University is authorized under federal law by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State to enroll nonimmigrant, alien undergraduate and graduate students. APU issues and administers both the I-20 and DS 2019 (F-1 and J-1 status documents respectively).

To apply for a graduate program at APU, the following requirements must be fulfilled in addition to meeting the domestic applicant and program-specific admission requirements specified above.

International applicants must also:

  • Demonstrate proficiency in English through a placement test with the Academic Success Center, or through a TOEFL/IELTS score that meets program-specific requirements. Refer to APU’s English proficiency requirements to learn more. Request that official test scores be sent to APU. All other forms of proof indicated in the English proficiency requirements must be submitted directly to International Services.
  • Provide a Graduate Affidavit of Financial Support (PDF) and a bank statement from within the last six months proving financial ability to pay for education costs through personal, family, or sponsor resources.
  • Submit a copy of a valid passport showing biographical data, including your name, country of citizenship, date of birth, and other legal information.
  • Get foreign transcripts evaluated. International credentials (transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees) must be evaluated by a foreign transcript evaluation agency. View our policy and a list of approved Foreign Transcript Evaluation Agencies.

Send official transcripts to:

Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000
gpadmissions@apu.edu

What to Expect

After all admission materials have been received by the Student Services Center, the faculty or department chair reviews the applicant’s file. The applicant is notified in writing of the admission decision.

Delivering high-quality graduate programs takes a comprehensive support system. Your investment in an advanced degree includes those services and personnel that partner with you in pursuit of higher education. Below is a detailed breakdown of the fees associated with the benefits and services included in your degree program.

Department of Marriage and Family Therapy

Tuition and Fees
  Cost
Clinical Psychology: MFT (per unit) $860
Audit (per unit) half-price tuition

View a complete list of university fees.

All stated financial information is subject to change. Contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020 for more information.

Financial Aid

Several types of financial aid are available to graduate students. The resources range from federal loans and state grants to, for some graduate programs, fellowships and scholarships. For details about financial aid available for your program, please contact the Student Services Center at (626) 815-2020.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

School of Behavioral Sciences Alumni Tuition Discounts

APU’s School of Behavioral Sciences  offers an alumni tuition discount for APU alumni starting in the following graduate programs:

Students must be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress with a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. If qualifications are met, the discount may be renewed each term. APU will pay $500 per term (up to $2,000 over the course of the program). This discount cannot be combined with other institutional aid. Contact Student Financial Services for complete eligibility details.

Note: Award and eligibility are applicable for the 2022-23 academic year and apply to students admitted beginning fall 2020. The discount is subject to change.

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

If you have questions, we’re here to help! Connect with a representative who can walk you through the program details and application process.

Contact Your Admissions Representative

Department of Marriage and Family Therapy

Phone

(626) 815-5009

Mail

Department of Marriage and Family Therapy
Azusa Pacific University
PO Box 7000
Azusa, CA 91702-7000

Hours

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Student Services Center

Contact (626) 812-3016 or admissions@apu.edu, and visit apu.edu/ssc for details on the admissions process, financial aid, and class registration.

International Services

International students should contact +1-626-812-3055 or international@apu.edu, and visit apu.edu/international/.

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Featured Faculty

Jenss Chang

Jenss Chang

Associate Professor, Department of Marriage and Family Therapy

Joy Bustrum

Joy Bustrum

Professor, Department of Marriage and Family Therapy

Aimée M. Vadnais

Aimée M. Vadnais

Program Director, Director Clinical Training, Associate Professor, Department of Marriage and Family Therapy

Career Outlook and Outcomes

Azusa Pacific campus

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Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.
 
*Base Cost (cost per unit x program units) is provided to aid in program comparison only.
All stated financial information is subject to change. View Tuition tab above.

Related Programs

School Psychology, EdS, with embedded Educational Psychology, MAEd, and School Psychology Credential

  • Azusa
  • Orange County

Available Concentrations:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Clinical and Educationally Related Mental Health Counseling