MA in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling

California students may develop varying clinical skills to improve the lives of others with this online dual emphasis MFT and PCC program. This graduate program increases your career opportunities with preparation for a professional career as a clinical practitioner.

Master of Arts in MFT and PCC Overview

With a combined emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling, this online graduate program explores therapy through a multifaceted lens. Students will learn systemic and individual models of treatment and will be prepared to assist and serve diverse communities. This program meets the education requirements for licensure in California as a Marriage & Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).

Students in this program benefit from:

  • Faculty mentors who are available to address academic and professional questions
  • A program designed and taught by experts in their field
  • Clinical support team members who are available to address practicum-related questions.
  • The opportunity to pursue dual licensure (MFT and PCC)

Next Session

Spring I (Jan 6, 2025)

Estimated Tuition

$730/Credit

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Ways to Learn

Online

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Program Benefits that Benefit You.

Finish Faster

You can transfer up to 12 semester credits or 18 quarter credits of relevant coursework saving you money and moving you more quickly through course requirements.

A Better Balance for Work and School

Affordable, asynchronous classes that fit your work schedule, offered 100% online so you can learn while you earn.

Dual Licensure Advantage

Dual licensure may give you a competitive edge when seeking a new job or promotion. Stand out in the job market.

Imagine Your Future In Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy & Professional Clinical Counseling

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    Vanessa Soto

    Someone considering their degree, definitely go for it. Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it’s easy. I think one of my biggest challenges during my degree was doing it all throughout COVID, but I had a really good support system. The ups and downs is kind of what helps you out throughout the process.

    Vanessa Soto
    MA in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling
    The counseling program prepared me for my surprise career in behavioral health by providing me with a strong background and practical experience in counseling techniques and a strong skill set in research and critical thinking—key in building a leadership career.
    Robert P.
    MA, Professional Clinical Counseling
    The professors realized I have a life and wanted to pursue my dreams. They didn’t make me feel like I had to choose between family and school. They made me feel like I could be successful in both.
    Dominique H.
    BA, Psychology
    All of my instructors inspired me. They were working in the field as well as teaching, so the stories they shared made it relatable and attainable. The staff and faculty are all very positive and provide motivation for the students.
    Quinton J.
    BA, Psychology
    WSCUC

    University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    Admission Requirements

    Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

    • Completed application
    • Autobiographical Essay
    • Signed Ethical and Responsibility Statement form
    • Acknowledgement of Program Handbook receipt
    • Acknowledgement of Licensure Limitation Policy
    • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
    • Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted
    Residency Restrictions

    This program meets the requirements for licensure in most states.


    Contact a University Enrollment Coach for additional details.

    Transcripts

    Only credits from regionally accredited institutions may be accepted in transfer. Failure to report any previous academic work at another college or university may be considered a violation of academic integrity.

    No grad level exam required

    This Master’s degree program does not require applicants to take costly exams like the GRE. Why? Because we value your professional and life experience. You should get credit for what you already know.

    HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS? Request more information>

    Program Resources

    KEY RESOURCES

    MFT Program Handbook PCC Program Handbook MFT Clinical Handbook MFT Program Licensure Limitations Acknowledgement Form MFT Student Achievement Data Student, Faculty & Clinical Supervisor Demographics Outcome Based Education Framework


    Program Curriculum

    • The courses listed below are required for the completion of the combined Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor Emphases Option (Offered at California Campuses only)

      Code Course Name Credits
      Combined Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor Emphasis Option

       
      MFT 502 History and Foundations of Therapeutic Practices

      3
      MFT 506 Ethical and Professional Issues 

      3
      MFT 510 Psychopathology & Diagnosis

      3
      MFT 512 Family Therapy Theories and Techniques: A Modern Emphasis

      3
      MFT 514 Couples Therapy

      3
      MFT 512 Assessment and Treatment of Substance Abuse

      3
      MFT 518 Child/Adolescent Psychopathology and Child Abuse Reporting

      3
      MFT 520 Advanced Individual Therapy I

      3
      MFT 521 Advanced Individual Therapy II

      3
      MFT 522 Individual and Family Development

      3
      MFT 524 Clinical Issues in Human Diversity

      3
      MFT 526 Family Therapy Theories and Techniques: A Postmodern Emphasis

      3
      MFT 528 Research and Bibliographic Methods

      3
      MFT 530 Theory and Practice of Group Therapy

      3
      MFT 534 Clinical Assessment

      3
      MFT 536 Psychopharmacology

      3
      MFT 538 Gender, Intimacy, and Sexuality

      3
      MFT 539 Crisis and Trauma Counseling

      3
      MFT 542 Community and Environmental Mental Health

      3
      MFT 545 Transition to Work and Career 3
      Practicum

       
      MFT 660 MFT Practicum I:A Systemic Lens of the Developing Therapist *    

      1.5
      MFT 661 MFT Practicum II:Contextualizing the Content of Therapy *

      1.5
      MFT 662 MFT Practicum III:Exploring the Therapeutic Process *

      1.5
      MFT 663 MFT Practicum IV:Theoretical Application and Capstone 1 * 1.5
      MFT 664
      		 MFT Practicum V: Social Context and Capstone 2 *
      		 1.5
      MFT 665 MFT Practicum VI:Beyond the Classroom and Capstone 3 *
      		 1.5
      *If a student does not complete the required practicum hours during the MFT 660, 661, 662, 663, 664, 665 course series, they will be enrolled in a required MFT 696 MFT Practicum Continuation course (0 credits) and required to pay a Graduate Practicum Continuation Fee, until the student completes the required practicum hours, or until the student's seven-year program completion timeline has expired. Students will accumulate hours toward their practicum requirements only when enrolled in  660, 661, 662, 663, 664, 665, or 696..

       
      Total Credits

      69






    Ways to Get Started

    Meet Our Faculty

    Jennifer Hayes PhD headshot in black and white

    arts-sciences

    Jennifer Hayes, Ph.D., LMFT, RPT-S

    Assistant Professor of Psychology

    Specialty

    Marriage and Family Therapy

    Professional Clinical Counseling

    Psychology

    Complex Trauma
    Vanessa Holtgrave

    arts-sciences

    Dr. Vanessa Holtgrave, Psy.D., M.S., CPsychol, AFBPsS

    Associate Professor of Psychology

    Specialty

    Clinical Assessment

    Child and Adult Psychopathology
    Melani Kovarkizi-Natneil -264-180 image

    arts-sciences

    Melani Natneil, Psy.D., LMFT

    Assistant Professor, Assistant Clinical Director

    Specialty

    Marriage and Family Therapy

    Professional Clinical Counseling
    Sara J Lee, Psy.D., LMFT

    arts-sciences

    Sara J Lee, Psy.D., LMFT

    Assistant Professor/ Psychology Assistant Clinical Director

    Specialty

    Marriage and Family Therapy

    Professional Clinical Counseling

    Children and Parenting

    Want More Information About Psychology and Counseling?

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Browse through frequently asked questions about psychology and counseling.

    Mental Health Therapy

    What does a mental health therapist do?

    The primary duty of mental health therapists is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. They do this by collecting information through interviews, observations, or tests. This can include diagnosing disorders; crafting service plans, and coordinating treatment with other health care professionals; and performing crisis interventions as needed. More info.

    Why work as an addiction counselor?

    Substance abuse counselors can be instrumental in helping those experiencing addiction. Their work is greatly needed and rewarding. They guide clients in changing their attitudes and behaviors by adapting to new life practices and utilizing important coping skills through therapeutic care, education and support. Explore more reasons. 

    Marriage and Family Therapy

    How do you become an LMFT?

    The most common path into the field is earning a MA in Psychology then completing two years of post-degree supervised clinical experience. All states require MFTs to be licensed, which generally involves passing the Marriage and Family Therapy National Exam and completing continuing education courses throughout their career. Learn more. 

    Child Psychology

    Why is child psychology important?

    Child psychology helps serve the population who need help the most – our young people. ADHD, anxiety and behavior disorders are among the most common disorders that can be diagnosed during childhood, but not all children, or parents, have the resources to address them. See the stats and more.
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