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The Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy is a 64-credit degree designed to graduate licensable MFTs (Marriage and Family Therapists) equipped to guide clients toward healing and relational restoration. Informed by systemic orientation, social justice, and evidenced-based practices, our mission is to integrate the science and practice of couple and family therapy, and to equip students with a solid foundation to promote the biopsychosocial, spiritual, and relational well-being of individuals, couples, and families in diverse communities. Furthermore, students will undergo personal development guided by self-of-the-therapist work. The 3-year degree program aims to provide students with the academic, clinical, and professional training, along with 300 client contact hours of applied, supervised clinical practicum, necessary to function as skillful mental health professionals in their local and global communities.
The MFT program is accredited by Western Association of Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and meets the educational requirements for MFT licensure with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS), according to California Business and Professions Code (BPC) §4980.36. The MFT curriculum aligns with the educational and clinical COAMFTE Standards. The Department permits enrollment in courses solely to students admitted to the M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy program.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Marriage and Family Therapists, the employment outlook grows 15% faster than the average for all occupations. A marriage and family therapist can gain employment in the public and private sectors. Career possibilities include the following settings: Outpatient care centers, inpatient care facilities and hospitals, Employee Assistance Programs, schools, social services agencies, substance abuse agencies, and private practice.
See the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for additional details: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm
Admission into programs leading to licensure does not guarantee that students will obtain a license. Licensure requirements are set by agencies not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU (California State University) and can change at any time. For example, licensure requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees, or associated costs to students who determine after admission that they cannot meet licensure requirements. Information concerning licensure requirements is available at the https://www.bbs.ca.gov/.
The Board of Behavioral Science (BBS) evaluated and determined that the Master of Science degree obtained from the CSUDH (California State University, Dominguez Hills) MFT program meets state requirements to pursue licensure for marriage and family therapy (MFT) in California. However, it is essential to note that each state regulates the licensure of MFT. Licensure in California does not denote licensure in other states, provinces, or U.S. territory. The MFT Department advises students to be aware of the limits of portability. As licensure requirements vary from state to state, students interested in pursuing licensure in a state other than California must consider the state licensure requirements. The department policy on informing students about limits of licensure acquires before students enroll in the program. The department explains and requires acknowledgment of the limitations of licensure across state-lines in the applicant's Cal State Apply application to the program and during New Student Orientation (NSO) before students enroll in any classes. The MFT department requires all prospective students, before enrolling in Semester one (1) courses, to sign and submit the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF INFORMATION POTENTIAL VARIANCES IN LICENSES REGULATION ACROSS STATES AND PROVINCES included in the Appendix of the MFT Handbook.
Additional information concerning variations and limits in licensing regulations across states, provinces, or U.S. territories is available from the MFT Department: mftdept@csudh.edu
We prepare students in systemic theory, research, and relational practice to critically and ethically engage concerns of intersectionality, equity, and social justice to improve systems of oppression and promote wellness among individuals, couples, and families of diverse and underserved communities.
The mission of the MFT Program is linked to the university’s mission and guides the program goals, program outcomes, and student learning outcomes which inform course content and assessments.
*Cohort Term/Year Students Entered Program | # of Students in Program | Advertised Graduation Rate (%) * | Job Placement Rate (%) ** | BBS Exam Pass Rate (%) *** |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fall 2016 | 16 | 81% | 83% | 66% |
Spring 2017 | 13 | 69% | 69& | 100% |
Fall 2017 | 24 | 79% | 75% | In progress |
Spring 2018 | 9 | 88% | 88% | In progress |
Fall 2018 | 30 | 80% | 76% | In progress |
Spring 2019 | 14 | 92% | 92% | In progress |
Fall 2019 | 12 | 83% | 83% | In progress |
Spring 2020 | 10 | 100% | 80% | In progress |
†Fall 2020 | 19 | 84% | 47% | In progress |
†Spring 2021 | 14 | 56%(8) | In progress | In progress |
Fall 2021 | 21 | 91%(19) | In progress | In progress |
Fall 2022 | 18 | In progress | In progress | In progress |
Fall 2023 | 27 | In progress | In progress | In progress |
Fall 2024 | 35 | In progress | In progress | In progress |
*Advertised Graduation Rate: The percentage of students based on the cohort term/year entered who graduated from the MFT Program within three (3) years (advertised length of completion).
**Job Placement Rate: The percentage of graduates based on the cohort term/year entered who reported employment within three (3) years of graduation, utilizing skills learned in the MFT Program.
***CA Law and Ethics Exam Pass Rate: The percentage of graduates based on the cohort term/year entered who passed the California Law and Ethics Exam. The BBS first administered the Law and Ethics Exam in January 2016; Associates must take the exam within the first year of registration as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.