Marriage & Family Therapy (M.A.)
Overview
The marriage and family therapy (MFT) program prepares Christian counselors with the knowledge, skill and insight to practice counseling in the church or clinical settings. The curriculum integrates theology, theory, personal formation and professional practice. Students are expected to engage in their own personal counseling for their own growth. The program covers the content areas required for the California marriage and family therapy licensure exams and student membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
This program may be combined with the master of divinity degree. Please check with the seminary admissions office for details.
Our Graduates
Our graduates pursue careers in many areas:
- Licensure as a marriage and family therapist
- Private practice
- Pastor and missionary work
Courses
The following courses are part of this program. Please speak with an admissions counselor for specific course information.
- Biblical Interpretation 1 (BIB 725)
- Theology for Integration (BIB 760)
- The Church and God's Mission in the World (BIB 720)
- Christian Thought (THEO 705)
- Introduction to Counseling (COUN 710)
- Clinical Assessment (COUN 730)
- Human Development (COUN 726)
- Psychopathology (COUN 740)
- Family Violence (COUN 728)
- Professional Ethics in Counseling 1 (COUN 720)
- Professional Ethics in Counseling 2 (COUN 722)
- Human Sexuality (COUN 752)
- Counseling Families (COUN 734)
- Counseling Children (COUN 736)
- Research, Testing & Family Assessment (COUN 744)
- Trainee/Practicum Assessment (COUN 764)
- Practicum 1 (COUN 793A)
- Practicum 2 (COUN 793B)
- Practicum 3 (COUN 793C)
- Substance Abuse (COUN 760)
- HIV/AIDS (COUN 742)
- Psychopharmacology (COUN 758)
- Aging and Long-Term Care (COUN 732)
- Group Counseling (COUN 754)
- Mentoring/Connecting (MIN 705)
- Cross-Cultural Counseling (COUN 750)
- Interpersonal Communication (COUN 724)
- Discipleship and Ethics (THEO 730)
- Person, Family and Culture (COUN 738)
- Advanced Family Studies (COUN 790)
- Thesis (COUN 799)
- Ministry Discernment (MIN 770)
Unique Features
- Small class sizes create personal relationships between students and faculty
- Integration of Christian beliefs
- Faculty bring a broad range of clinical experience and assist students toward a fitting practicum placement
- Convienent schedule for working adults now offered at our Visalia Center
Admissions Requirements
- Commitment to and desire for Christian ministry and service
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school (minimum 2.5 GPA)
- Application form and fee ($50)
- Bible knowledge requirement
- Personal profile statement
- Three references
- Writing sample
Prerequisites for the MFT Program
- Completed questionaire
-
Prerequisite undergraduate psychology courses:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology
- Human Development (or Adult or Child Development)
- Psychology class of student’s choice
- GRE or MAT results
- 50 hours of face-to-face counseling with regular supervision by a qualified supervisor (i.e. volunteering on a telephone hotline,volunteering at a substance abuse recovery program,or volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center)
- Interview with the MFT faculty
Further Info
Cost: $430 per unit (Financial aid is available.)
Units: 65
Post-Graduation Requirements for Licensure in California:
(See www.bbs.ca.gov for more information.)
- 3,000 hours of supervised work experience (including hours gained during practicum)
- 104 weeks of supervision
- After completing the hours, students must complete the MFT Standard Written Examination and the MFT Written Clinical Vignette Examination
Degree Level
GraduateFaculty
Meet the faculty members teaching in this program.
Alumni Interview with Stephanie Zimmerman
Apply Now
If you know you're ready for FPU, why wait? Classes are available now. Apply today!