Cultivate Skills and Strengthen Connections with MFT Programs in San Diego

Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego

When you join one of our San Diego marriage and family programs in California, you’ll grow the skills to help families, couples, and communities thrive. Continuing education has never felt as luxurious, thanks to San Diego’s stunning beaches, lively culture, and amazing culinary scene. When you aren’t studying with colleagues or building connections in the field, you’ll enjoy everything that this Southern California gem has to offer, from diverse neighborhoods to delicious local bites.

Whether you join our MA in marriage and family therapy San Diego or pursue the doctoral program, you’ll create strong ties with the local community and gain distinction in a crowded job market. Our COAMFTE-accredited Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program provides practical training and experience needed to excel in clinical psychology. The MFT program in San Diego prepares students to be a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. It emphasizes systemic approaches to therapy, hands-on clinical experience, and course offerings focused on emotional and social development. You’ll learn from reputable mentors in professional psychology, as well as a supportive network of fellow students all throughout your counselor education. You’ll be adept at handling individual and group counseling, and providing clinical assessment. You can contribute to the public health and well-being of families in San Diego.

The Alliant International University campus is located near world-class medical facilities, ensuring an abundance of clinical experience, diverse firsthand case studies, and countless professional networking opportunities for students in our professional psychology graduate programs. With perfect weather and friendly locals, it’s never been easier to strike a work-life balance.

San Diego MFT Degrees

MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

Learn to navigate changing family dynamics through our cutting-edge MA degree. Whether you are interested in mental health counseling, child therapy, or marriage family therapy, our COAMFTE-accredited program combines behavioral science insights, hands-on clinical experience, and a diverse course curriculum. With a holistic, theoretically based, and systemic/relational orientation, , this therapy education program is perfect for anyone looking to pursue a career in the field of marriage family therapy. Graduate students are prepared for meaningful careers as licensed marital and family therapists (LMFT) in California.

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PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

Make family relationships your specialty at our PhD in marriage and family therapy San Diego program. This PhD program provides the advanced training to pursue a career as a professional marriage and family therapist. To prepare for clinical mental health counseling practice, students receive intensive theoretical and practical skill-based training in the counseling program. Students gain real-world experience with a diverse clientele in community-based practicum and internship sites, under the oversight of supervisors who meet rigorous AAMFT professional standards. The therapy education program requires continuous active practice of marital and family therapy, including a doctoral internship.

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In addition to our 114 credit post-baccalaureate program offered on-campus, we are now offering an on-campus and online 69 credit post-master’s program.  

Program Highlights

Training Hours

As an integral part of our MFT degree programs, we offer holistic hands-on training, including direct client contact, personalized supervision, and top-tier professional development in relational and systemic thinking. Students complete intensive academic training along with a practicum under supervision, and meet the clinical hours needed for LMFT license eligibility.

Cultural Intelligence

Cultural competency is at the core of our coursework and clinical training. We prepare students to engage with a wide range of family relationships after graduation. 

Engaging Coursework

Our diverse coursework covers qualitative and quantitative research methods, compelling case studies, advanced relational  theories, and other topics. On the San Diego campus, you’ll build a strong foundation for clinical practice in the classroom. 
 

Program Requirements

MA

Applying for the MA program requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 minimum GPA. We also ask for a statement of purpose, resume, and letters of recommendation, among other documents. 

PhD/Doctorate

Our doctorate in marriage and family therapy San Diego program requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. We also require that you submit a 4–6 page essay with a specific research direction, your current resume, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.

FAQs

Is it required of me to have a counseling psychology or a related degree to be eligible for the MFT Program?

While many of our students hold undergraduate degrees in psychology, having such a degree is not a prerequisite for admission to our program. In fact, we welcome students from a wide range of academic backgrounds and many other disciplines. The university provides clear admission guidelines and the application process is straightforward.

How long does it take to complete the MA family therapy program?

The MA MFT degree program is a 60-credit program and takes a minimum of two years to complete, either across six semesters or 13 terms, depending on which calendar is applicable to you.

What career can I expect from studying in one of the MFT programs in San Diego?

As a graduate student of the master’s degree in family therapy, you’ll engage in practical learning that emphasizes community-centered counseling and mental health support. The programs are designed to meet California’s licensure requirements, so you’re well-prepared to work with individuals, couples, and families. You will have opportunities to work in private practice, community mental health centers, schools, hospitals, and counseling agencies.

What scholarship and financial aid options are available for family therapy education?

Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant International University offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid.