Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

Our program’s cohort model and small class sizes promote a collaborative rather than competitive learning environment. You will become part of the “beloved community” and build relationships that can be an enduring source of support throughout your career. 

As a student, you will be expected to take part in discussions and write about how the concepts taught in the program apply to your own life. These discussions may include conversations about family history, relationship challenges and views on sexuality. You will take part in therapy-like practice sessions that may reveal your personal information. You always have the right to determine what information and how much you share in these exercises. In cases that do not involve harm to yourself or others, or child/elder abuse, faculty and other students will make an effort to keep information confidential.

The MFT program is offered online (synchronous) or in-person. The program stands out in preparing versatile therapists for both in-person and telehealth settings. Our faculty are experienced in navigating complexities and exploring cultural and social cues (such as body language, facial expressions, and/or community contexts and environments) of clients in online settings. The curriculum, meticulously designed around these insights is to help students optimally navigate an online learning environment to deliver both in-person and online therapy effectively.

If you do not currently live in California or do not plan to move to California before the start of the program, you are not eligible to apply.

In addition to completing coursework, you must fulfill a series of requirements to be eligible for California’s Marriage and Family Therapy license. These include:

• 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work
• Successful completion of both the California Law and Ethics exam and the clinical exam coordinated by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences

California requirements will meet most of the requirements for a similar license in many other states. However, if you plan to obtain a license in another state, identify whether the California MFT will satisfy the state’s requirements before beginning the program.

As an applicant, you will be automatically considered for limited, merit-based scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $30,000. There is no need to submit a separate application for these scholarships. The admission committee selects recipients based on academic achievement, demonstrated dedication to the USC Rossier mission and other distinguishing characteristics. Priority consideration is given to those who apply by the Regular Deadline. All USC Rossier scholarships are awarded at the time of admission.

View USC Rossier’s scholarship finder to identify other scholarships and funding opportunities. You do not have to be admitted to apply to these scholarships. Carefully note the scholarship application deadlines, which may occur before the final program application deadline.