Marriage and Family Therapy

M.S.

The Marriage and Family Therapy Master's program provides quality foundational training to prepare students to be licensed Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Clinical Counselors in California and most states.

Why Study Marriage and Family Therapy?

Marriage and family therapists plays an important role in the family dynamic. If someone is experiencing marital issues or a family member is struggling with mental illness, a therapist can improve communication, deal with conflicts, and create a safe and functioning home environment.

If you aim to be one of the people providing support to those in need, a master's in marriage and family therapy prepares you to do just that.

Why Study Marriage and Family Therapy at CSUN?

Multiple Options

The master of science in marriage and family therapy at CSUN prepares graduates to work in a variety of settings including:

  • Public mental health
  • Community agencies
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Schools
  • Private agencies
  • Private practices
  • Pursuing doctoral study

Designed with Students in Mind

In in this program, you’ll take only one course at a time. This lets you focus on the demands of each class. Typically, these programs feature two courses per term in back-to-back, eight-week formats. Scheduling is year-round, meaning the typical master’s degree can be completed in less than two years.

Ready for Licensure

You'll graduate from this program with the qualifications you need for specific licenses including a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) license and a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) license in California and in most other states.

The program is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and the International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education (IACSTE), ensuring recognition in all other states as well as most countries internationally.

What You'll Learn

CSUN's state-of-the-art curriculum has six learning outcomes designed to help you successfully begin your career.

  • Knowledge: You'll be able to demonstrate knowledge of family therapy theories and intervention.
  • Ethics: Gain a practical understanding of the legal and ethical standards of MFT practice in California.
  • Research: Use research to implement best practice strategies with diverse clients and issues.
  • Diversity Awareness: Understand reflective practices that promote personal growth and self-awareness. You'll learn to critically and accurately evaluate how your beliefs, behaviors and cultural context affect clients and shape your practice.
  • Assessment: Conduct psychosocial, family, clinical, diagnostic, crisis and progress assessments of clients that account for individual as well as family system dynamics and larger sociopolitical and cultural contexts.
  • Clinical Intervention: Employ effective, evidence-based and culturally responsive therapy interventions with clients.

Curriculum

Admission Information

To be considered for admission to CSUN as a master’s student, you will need to:

Learn more about applying for a master's program at CSUN.

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