University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global)
University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global), formerly known as Brandman University, is a private, nonprofit institution headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California. Established in 1958, UMass Global offers more than 55 degree, certificate, credential, and professional programs designed for working adults. The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), ensuring that its programs meet rigorous academic standards. UMass Global’s flexible online and hybrid programs are tailored to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals, providing accessible education across California and beyond.
Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling Program Overview
UMass Global’s Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling is a dual-emphasis program designed to prepare students for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) and/or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) in California. The program combines online coursework with supervised in-person fieldwork, allowing students to gain practical experience while maintaining flexibility. Students complete three practicum courses over six months, providing clinical service hours at community-based agencies. This comprehensive training equips graduates to assist individuals, couples, and families in managing a variety of psychological challenges.
Curriculum and Clinical Training
The curriculum encompasses a range of topics, including assessment techniques, ethical and professional decision-making, career counseling, advanced individual counseling, and diversity awareness. Students are trained to apply evidence-based counseling theories and interventions to clinical cases, developing treatment plans that consider cultural and environmental factors. The program emphasizes the importance of creating therapeutic environments that allow clients to thrive, with a focus on serving diverse communities equitably.
Clinical training is a central component of the program. Students collaborate closely with UMass Global’s Clinical Support Team to explore and secure approved practicum placement sites. Through these placements, students gain real-world experience by providing clinical services in various settings, such as county and community mental health clinics, foster care agencies, child welfare systems, court mediation, school counseling, or private practice.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must complete the formal application process, which includes submitting a completed application, an autobiographical essay, a signed Ethical and Responsibility Statement form, acknowledgment of the Program Handbook receipt, and acknowledgment of the Licensure Limitation Policy. A minimum GPA of 2.75 is required, along with official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted. Notably, this mft degree program does not require applicants to take exams like the GRE, valuing professional and life experience instead.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The program consists of 69 credits, with a tuition rate of $730 per credit. UMass Global offers financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to assist students in financing their education. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the financial aid office for personalized assistance and to explore opportunities for transferring up to 12 semester credits or 18 quarter credits of relevant coursework, potentially saving money and accelerating program completion.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue licensure as LMFTs and/or LPCCs in California. This qualification opens the door to a wide range of professional opportunities, including roles in private practice, community mental health agencies, hospitals and healthcare settings, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The program’s comprehensive curriculum and clinical training equip graduates to effectively serve diverse populations and address a wide range of mental health issues.
Why Choose UMass Global?
UMass Global’s MA in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling program offers a flexible and comprehensive education tailored for working adults. The program’s online mft coursework combined with in-person clinical training provides a balanced approach to learning. With support from the Clinical Support Team, students gain practical experience in real-world settings. The program’s emphasis on cultural competence and ethical practice prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions in their profession and community.
How to Apply
To apply for the MA in Marriage & Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counseling program at UMass Global, prospective students should complete the online application form and submit all required documents, including official transcripts, an autobiographical essay, and acknowledgment forms.