Best MFT Programs in California Online

California, the most populous state in the US, has a distinct need for mental health resources. Due to the diverse population and unique challenges such as immigration access, substance abuse, and non-traditional families, marriage and family counselor careers have never been more coveted.

California is one of the best states to become a marriage and family therapist as there are many MFT degree program options and many communities with MFT positions to fill. Below are some resources you can utilize to begin the first steps of your MFT career.

2025 - Best Online MFT Programs in California

CounselingPsychology.org's Best Online MFT Programs in California rankings offer an essential guide for prospective students. The rankings are based on key factors, including program completion rates, the cost of living, institutional competitiveness, program diversity, and faculty experience. These criteria comprehensively evaluate each program's quality and suitability for students. To learn more about the detailed methodology behind these rankings, visit the rankings methodology page. This resource aims to help students make informed decisions in selecting the best marriage and family therapy programs.

1.

Alliant International University-San Diego

San Diego, CA

Alliant International University's online MA in Marital and Family Therapy prepares students for licensure with a curriculum focused on clinical training and cultural competence. The program emphasizes practical experience, ethical practice, and innovative therapy techniques

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2.

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda, CA

Loma Linda University offers an online or on-campus MS in Marital and Family Therapy, focusing on integrative therapy approaches, ethical practices, and diverse client populations. The program is designed to prepare students for licensure and careers in various clinical settings.

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3.

Fuller Theological Seminary

Pasadena, CA

Fuller Theological Seminary offers an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, integrating Christian faith with professional counseling practices. The program emphasizes clinical competence, ethical practice, and cultural sensitivity, preparing students for licensure and diverse career opportunities.

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What is an MFT Degree?

An MFT (Marriage and Family Counseling) degree is a degree that is most commonly achieved by marriage and family therapists, counselors, and psychologists. MFT degrees offer coursework and hands-on experience to provide context on common issues that arise between family members and couples for mental health professionals who want to help treat these issues. Marriage and family therapists also work to treat each family member or unit in a couple individually to give them the tools they need to succeed in their relationships.

Why is COAMFTE MFT Accreditation Important?

All students who want to become licensed marriage and family therapists must graduate from an MFT graduate degree program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Keep in mind that if your degree is technically a counseling degree with an MFT concentration, it may be accredited by CACREP. Accreditation ensures that the program is held to high standards and that it will leave you eligible for licensure and employment as an MFT. When you’re ready to begin applying to an MFT program, be sure to confirm the accreditation on the program’s website.

Can I Get an MFT Degree Online in California?

California has many online MFT degree programs available to students who cannot commute to campus daily. Typically, these programs offer online coursework, with in-person training after the first year of study. Here are some examples in California:

Pepperdine University: Though Pepperdine University is based in Malibu, all Californians are eligible to apply for their Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy program. Classes are offered 100% online with in-person supervised training in the student’s own community.

Pacific Oaks College: Pacific Oaks College’s Master’s Degree in Arts of Marriage and Family Therapy is offered 100% online with supervised practice hours offered in Los Angeles and Pasadena. The program fulfills the state’s licensure requirements and provides a number of sub-specializations within the MFT specialization, including:

• Trauma Studies
• African American Families Studies
• LGBTQ Studies
• Latinx Family Studies

Short Length MFT Programs in California

Students interested in MFT careers may wonder about how quickly they may complete a program. While program length will vary based on school, degree level, and whether the student attends full-time or part-time, there are plenty of options in California where students can complete a degree that leaves them eligible for licensure without spending years and years in school – for an average Master’s in MFT program, 2.5 to 3 years is commonplace. Here are some examples of short master’s-level MFT programs in the state:

Affordable MFT Programs in California

The cost of attending an MFT degree program in the state can vary widely. In addition to tuition, students will need to factor in costs for books, technology, and mandatory fees. Budget-minded students may be concerned about finding an affordable MFT program. For the most common MFT degree type (the master’s degree in MFT), tuition can exceed $33,000 annually on the high end. However, many programs can be completed for under $20,000. Some of the most cost-effective programs in the state include:

MFT Degree Levels

There isn’t just one type of MFT degree. Several different MFT degree levels and types are available nationwide to provide a thorough MFT education to all students, regardless of their current level of education.

The most common type of MFT degree by far is a master’s degree, which is the lowest level degree that a marriage and family therapist can have to get licensed. In some states (including California), doctoral degrees in MFT are also available for those who want to become experts in this popular and essential psychological practice.

Do I Need a GRE for an MFT Program?

For those considering a graduate degree in MFT in California, the necessity of the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) varies by program. Many MFT programs in the state do not require the GRE for admission, emphasizing other aspects of an applicant’s background, such as academic performance, relevant experience, and personal statements. For example, Alliant International University offers master’s and doctorate MFT programs that do not require the GRE for admission, focusing instead on a holistic review of applicants’ qualifications and experiences.

Master's Degree in MFT

As discussed, MFT master’s degrees (two-year graduate degrees) are the most common types of degrees available for those looking to begin a career in marriage and family therapy. They typically average at about $79,473 for the complete tuition, with 50-60 credits required upon graduation. They also require over 1,000 clinical hours working in the field before becoming licensed. Here are a few examples of MFT master’s degrees available in California:

University of Southern Califonia: The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive education for budding marriage and family therapists looking for a strong curriculum with plenty of hands-on experience. They pride themselves on student success rates — 92% of students in USC’s MFT master’s degree program passed their clinical exams, with 84% finding a job within the first six months following licensure.

California State University: This Master’s of Science with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy offered by California State University has a special focus on social justice and democracy and offers training placement in the second year of study.

Graduate Certificate in MFT

Graduate certificates are a quick and efficient way to specialize in marriage and family therapy when you already have a graduate degree in psychology. Students who already have a degree in marriage and family therapy can further develop their skills through this non-degree certificate.

MFT graduate certificates typically take a year or less to complete and require 15-30 credits. On average, students in California pay around 13,477 for their MFT graduate certificate in California. Here are a few options for MFT graduate certificates in California:

Antioch University: Students looking to specialize in marriage and family therapy through a graduate certificate program can do so through Antioch University, which has campuses in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. The program is offered primarily online with in-person clinicals to be designated in the city of the student’s choice. Unlike the typical graduate certificate length of around a year, Antioch University’s MFT graduate certificate takes three semesters to complete, which is a great option for students who want a more immersive program.

National University: This 100% online MFT graduate certificate is great for students living in San Diego, where the university is based, or anywhere else in California. The format is flexible, with enrollment taking place every Monday. National University’s MFT graduate certificate requires the completion of 18 credits which can be completed in as little as a year.

MFT Doctorate Degrees (Ph.D. or PsyD)

MFT doctoral degrees are the highest level of education a marriage and family therapist can achieve. These programs are less common than master’s degrees, but they ensure that students who graduate from them have expert knowledge in the field, and those who obtain doctorate degrees are practically guaranteed a successful career as clinicians or researchers.

MFT doctorate degree programs come in two forms — a PhD or a PsyD. MFT PhDs are typically more focused on research and theory, and PsyDs focus more on clinical practice. However, there is plenty of overlap. Doctorate degrees can take anywhere from 4 to 8 years of study and cost an average of $69,433 in California. California has a few choices in MFT doctorate degrees:

Loma Linda University: This PhD in Systems, Families, and Couples offered by Loma Linda University is a gem of MFT education in California. The program offers insight into the theory, research, and practice of family and couples therapy, mental health disorders, substance abuse, and all of the necessary topics associated with this specialization. The program takes four years to complete.

Alliant International University: Another great doctoral MFT program in California is Alliant International University’s PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy. This program focuses on the mental health clinical aspects of marriage and family therapy and offers a hybrid learning option that balances online courses and hands-on experience, allowing for both convenience and immersive expertise.

Becoming an LMFT in California

Once you’ve graduated from an MFT graduate degree program in California, you’ll need to fulfill the state’s licensure requirements. Here’s a general guideline to secure LMFT licensure in California:

• Supervised Experience: After completing your degree, you must accumulate supervised clinical experience. In California, you need a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised experience. At least 1,750 of those hours must be direct counseling with individuals, couples, families, or groups.
• Examination: You must pass the California Law and Ethics Exam, as well as the National MFT Exam administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB).
• Application Process: Once you’ve completed your education, supervised experience, and passed the exams, you can apply for licensure through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS). This involves submitting an application, required documentation, and paying applicable fees.
• Background Check: You’ll need to undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process.
• Supervision: During your supervised experience, you must work under the supervision of a licensed LMFT or other qualified mental health professional. Your supervisor will provide guidance, oversight, and evaluation of your clinical work.
• Continuing Education: After becoming licensed, you’ll need to complete continuing education requirements to maintain your license. In California, LMFTs must complete 36 hours of continuing education every two years, including six hours in law and ethics.

List of MFT Degree Programs in California

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