USC launches Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy online program

USC Rossier School of Education announces the launch of its new Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy online (MFT online) program. The innovative program is designed to prepare therapists for both in-person and telehealth settings, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to positively impact their communities.

In today's rapidly evolving mental health landscape, the need for versatile and culturally competent therapists is more critical than ever. The MFT online program addresses the growing demand for mental health services in a digital age, ensuring that individuals and families receive the care and support they need, regardless of their circumstances or location. The online format offers students the flexibility of online learning, expert-led courses and a supportive community.

“We believe in a holistic approach to addressing mental health issues, blending scientific research with practical application,” said USC Rossier Part-Time Master Lecturer Linda Hoffman, who is taking the lead in building the MFT online. “I am honored to oversee the development of the online version of our esteemed Marriage and Family Therapy program. Our dedicated team is committed to faithfully translating our comprehensive on-ground curriculum to an accessible and engaging online format. Together, we are expanding our reach and preparing future therapists to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and families.”

The MFT online’s faculty are experienced practitioners who are adept at navigating the complexities of delivering psychotherapy to clients from diverse sociocultural backgrounds in an online therapy setting. Faculty understand the importance of factors such as body language, facial expressions and community contexts in providing effective therapy, and the curriculum is meticulously designed to help students develop these skills.

Graduates of the MFT online program will have a wide range of career opportunities available to them, including public mental health agencies, school-based mental health, community mental health, residential treatment centers and private practice. The comprehensive curriculum ensures that students are prepared for success in a variety of mental health professional pathways. Some graduates even go on to pursue doctoral degrees.

In addition to providing a solid foundation in marriage and family therapy, the program also meets the requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Program coursework satisfies the academic requirements for licensure in California including pre-degree hours of supervised professional experience. Upon completing the program, graduates must complete additional supervised professional experience to obtain licensure in the state of California. While the MFT online program provides a pathway to licensure in California, students may need to fulfill additional requirements depending on the state in which they plan to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, so students interested in pursuing licensure in a state other than California should research the specific requirements for that state.

“The launch of the MFT online program marks a significant milestone in USC Rossier’s commitment to providing innovative and comprehensive education in the field of mental health care,” said Pedro Noguera, dean of USC Rossier. “The new program reflects our dedication to excellence and our mission to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities. I know they will contribute to and make an impact in the field of marriage and family therapy."

Learn more at Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy online (MFT online).