Antioch University California Campuses
Program Overview
Antioch University offers two primary pathways for aspiring Marriage and Family Therapists in California:
- Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (Los Angeles & Santa Barbara campuses): This on-campus program prepares students for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and/or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) in California. (
- Master of Arts in Couple and Family Therapy (Low-Residency Program): Designed for working professionals, this program combines online MFT coursework with periodic in-person residencies, offering flexibility without compromising on comprehensive training.
Both programs emphasize social justice, multicultural competence, and experiential learning, aligning with Antioch’s mission to educate socially conscious practitioners.
Key Features
- Accreditation: Programs meet educational requirements for California licensure.
- Delivery Formats:
- On-Campus: Traditional classroom settings in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
- Low-Residency: Online coursework complemented by in-person residencies.
- Program Length:
- On-Campus: Approximately 2 years full-time.
- Low-Residency: Designed to be completed in under 3 years.
- Specializations:
- On-Campus: Options include Addiction and Recovery, Child Studies, LGBT-Affirmative Psychology, Psychological Trauma Studies, and Spiritual & Depth Psychology.
- Low-Residency: Focus on systemic therapy with a strong emphasis on social justice.
Curriculum
Both programs offer a robust curriculum covering:
- Theories of psychotherapy and family systems
- Human development across the lifespan
- Ethical and legal considerations in therapy
- Multicultural counseling and social justice
- Research methods and program evaluation
The on-campus program allows for deeper specialization through elective tracks, while the low-residency program integrates social justice themes throughout its core courses.
Clinical Training
- On-Campus Program: Students engage in supervised clinical training through partnerships with over 100 affiliated mental health agencies in California.
- Low-Residency Program: Students complete a five-semester clinical internship, accruing 500 direct client contact hours and 100 hours of supervision, often at sites near their residence.
Both pathways ensure graduates meet California’s clinical experience requirements for licensure.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (preferred)
- Personal statement reflecting commitment to the field
- Two letters of recommendation
- Interview (may be conducted virtually for low-residency applicants)
Specific prerequisites may vary; applicants should consult the program’s admissions page for detailed information.
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Tuition: Approximately $700–$800 per quarter unit (subject to change).
- Financial Aid:
- Federal financial aid available for eligible students.
- Scholarships and grants offered through Antioch University.
- Flexible payment plans to accommodate various financial situations.
Prospective students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office for personalized assistance.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for licensure as LMFTs and/or LPCCs in California, leading to careers in:
- Private practice
- Community mental health agencies
- Hospitals and healthcare settings
- Educational institutions
- Non-profit organizations
The programs’ emphasis on social justice and cultural competence equips graduates to serve diverse populations effectively.
Why Choose Antioch?
- Social Justice Focus: Curricula designed to address systemic inequalities and promote equity in mental health care.
- Flexible Learning Options: Choice between traditional on-campus experience and low-residency format to suit different lifestyles.
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from practitioners actively engaged in the field.
- Strong Clinical Partnerships: Access to a wide network of clinical training sites across California.
How to Apply
- Complete the online application form on Antioch University’s official website.
- Submit required documents, including transcripts, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
- Schedule and complete an admissions interview (if applicable).
- Await admission decision and, if accepted, begin the enrollment process.
For more information and to start your application, visit the Antioch University Admissions Page.