7 Accelerated MFT Programs in California
Want to accelerate your career with an MFT program? That’s a smart decision. Marriage and family therapy stands out as one of the fastest-growing counseling specializations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth of 15% from 2022-32.
The financial benefits make this career path attractive. Marriage and family therapists earn a median annual salary of $63,780 as of May 2024. You can complete some of the shortest online MFT programs in just 18-24 months, which helps you enter this growing job market sooner.
California provides excellent opportunities to start your educational experience. The state has more than 40 Board of Behavioral Science-approved MFT graduate programs. About half of these programs offer partial or fully online formats, including Pepperdine’s respected online MFT program. California’s educational options cater to your needs effectively, whether you want the quickest MFT program or one with specific specializations.
Pepperdine Online MFT Program
Time to completion: 27 months
Pepperdine University stands out among graduate programs in California with its flexible online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. The Graduate School of Education and Psychology has carried forward Pepperdine’s mission to prepare students for purpose, service, and leadership since 1971.
Key features
Pepperdine’s online MFT program has a detailed curriculum that works well for both working professionals and full-time students. You can complete this accelerated MFT program in just 27 months. The program uses a cohort-based structure and keeps class sizes small—with just 14 students per class. This setup promotes collaborative learning and individual-specific attention.
The academic year has four 11-week terms. Each course combines both live and self-paced components. Live class sessions last 2 hours and run Monday through Thursday between 5:00-7:30 PM PST. You can complete the remaining coursework according to your schedule.
The curriculum takes a closer look at current psychotherapy methods and covers essential topics such as:
- Human development and psychological assessment
- Family therapy theories and therapeutic techniques
- Multicultural counseling approaches
- Trauma in diverse populations
- Substance abuse counseling
The program will give you practical experience through clinical training in your community. Your practice begins in the second term, and dedicated clinical training staff helps you find suitable practicum sites.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- You can finish in just 27 months, making it one of the fastest MFT programs available
- No GRE needed for admission
- Clinical training happens in or near your community
- Small classes (average of 14 students) provide individual attention
- Preparation for both LMFT and LPCC licensure paths
- Strong focus on diversity and inclusion throughout the curriculum
Cons:
- Tuition costs more than some public universities
- Some forum discussions suggest online programs might offer less mentorship than on-campus options
- Live class sessions need availability at specific evening hours
- Some states may require additional direct client hours for licensure
Program accreditation
The Pepperdine online MFT program has regional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This accreditation confirms the program’s quality and rigor.
Notwithstanding that, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology lacks specialized programmatic accreditation. So if you plan to practice in states requiring specialized accreditors, check additional licensure requirements.
Program tuition
The program needs 62-68 units to graduate. With each unit costing about $2,030 (2025-2026 rates), total tuition ranges from $105,400 to $115,600. Other sources estimate online format tuition at $105,400.
Pepperdine University’s Board of Regents adjusts tuition rates yearly by 2-5%. Your total cost includes tuition plus estimated budgets for living expenses, books, supplies, and transportation.
Financial aid options include:
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $20,500 per academic year)
- Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
- Private education loans
- Scholarship opportunities
Who is the Pepperdine online MFT program best for
The Pepperdine online MFT program works best if you need flexibility while pursuing clinical training. This program fits well if you:
- Balance career and education
- Need mostly self-paced learning with limited live sessions
- Like learning in small groups with peers
- Want to finish quickly through an accelerated MFT program
- Plan to practice in California, where the program meets LMFT or LPCC licensure requirements
- Care about diversity, cultural competence, and social justice
Students praise the program’s welcoming atmosphere and practical approach. Graduate Krystal Espinoza shared, “Pepperdine embraces everyone from all populations, cultures, socioeconomic statuses, age, and more”. Tony Martello, another graduate, highlighted the program’s specialized focus: “I’ve really appreciated the experience in using play therapy when working with children and having to use creativity to engage them”.
Touro University Worldwide – Fastest MFT Program
Time to completion: 18 months
Touro University Worldwide lets you become a marriage and family therapist quickly through its fully online program. When you look at accelerated MFT programs, Touro stands out. Its non-clinical track takes as little as 18 months to complete, making it the fastest MFT program you’ll find in California.
Key features
You’ll love the flexibility of Touro University’s MFT program with its learn-at-your-own-pace format. The program doesn’t require set login times, cohorts, group projects, or live lectures. You just need to complete weekly reading and writing assignments by their deadlines.
Each 8-week course follows this structure:
- Weekly readings and pre-recorded videos
- Two weekly threaded discussion posts
- One midterm essay (5-8 pages)
- One final essay (8-10 pages)
- A self-reflective essay (1-2 pages)
The program offers three tracks that match your career goals:
- MFT Clinical Track – COAMFTE accredited, needs 72 credit hours (54 credits coursework + 18 credits practicum) and 300 total practicum client contact hours
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling (LPCC) Track – Builds on the clinical track with extra coursework, needing 82 total credit hours
- Non-Clinical Track – Quickest option at 54 credit hours with no practicum requirement, perfect if you’re not seeking licensure
New sessions start every eight weeks, giving you six chances per year to begin your journey.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Complete the non-clinical track in just 18 months
- Learn at your own pace – perfect for working professionals
- No textbooks to buy—everything’s included in your tuition
- COAMFTE accreditation for the clinical track
- Program meets licensing requirements in all 50 states
- Six yearly start dates for maximum flexibility
Cons:
- Heavy writing focus might be tough if writing isn’t your strong suit
- You’ll need to find practicum sites mostly on your own
- Course materials could use an update (from 1990s/early 2000s)
- Success depends on your self-motivation
- Older material might not reflect current practices
- Clinical track students pay $116 extra for capstone course materials
Program accreditation
Touro University’s MFT Clinical Track earned its COAMFTE accreditation in May 2020. This “gold standard” accreditation brings several benefits:
- Meets top standards for MFT programs
- Makes state licensure easier with a recognized degree
- Gets you ready for state and national exams
- Makes moving between states simpler
California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) has also approved the program for students wanting to become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC).
Program tuition
Touro University Worldwide makes online learning affordable. Each credit costs $500, so a 3-credit course runs $1,500.
Your total cost depends on your track:
- Non-Clinical Track: $27,000 (54 credits)
- Clinical Track: $36,000 (72 credits)
- LPCC Track: $41,000 (82 credits)
Your tuition covers all course materials. Clinical track students just pay $116 extra during the capstone course for exam prep materials.
Money help comes in several forms:
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
- Private education loans
- Tuition Assistance Program scholarships
- Special rates for military, alumni, and partner institutions
Who is the Touro University MFT program best for
Working adults who need flexible learning options will find Touro’s MFT program ideal. This program fits you perfectly if you:
- Want to learn online without scheduled sessions
- Like writing papers more than taking tests
- Need your degree as fast as possible
- Can study independently
- Want clear, affordable costs
- Plan to work in California or might move to other states
Students love the program’s flexibility, even though finding practicum sites takes extra work. One student put it best: “My experience with Touro University Worldwide’s program overall has been fantastic!”. This shows how well the program works for busy professionals.
University of San Diego – Accelerated MFT Program
Time to completion: 2 years
The University of San Diego stands out as a premier destination among MFT graduate programs in California. The campus experience combines smoothly with strong clinical partnerships. This program distinguishes itself through its state-of-the-art approach to therapist training and its connections with medical institutions.
Key features
USD’s Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy program helps full-time students graduate in just 2 years. This makes it a recognized accelerated MFT program. Students complete 51 units of coursework plus 6.5 units in continuing education.
The program’s cornerstone is its intensive 12-month clinical practicum. Students accumulate 500 direct client contact hours – at least 250 with couples and families. Graduates accumulate approximately 1,100 hours toward California’s 3,000-hour licensure requirement. The program welcomes about 30 new students each year and keeps class sizes between 15-20 students.
USD’s curriculum emphasizes a biopsychosocial, systems approach that centers on relationships. This viewpoint sees problems as results of complex interactions between biological, psychological, and social variables. The coursework covers everything in:
- Research in family therapy
- Psychopathology and developmental issues
- Assessment and treatment methodologies
- Ethical and legal considerations
- Diversity and multicultural counseling
USD leads many California programs with its mutually beneficial alliances with UCSD School of Medicine. Students work alongside physicians, nurses, and medical residents in integrated behavioral health settings.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- COAMFTE accreditation will give a high educational standard
- More affordable than some private alternatives at approximately $100,000 total
- Beautiful campus setting with small class sizes
- Strong partnerships with local agencies for practicum placements
- San Diego location offers a safe environment with balanced lifestyle
- State-of-the-art training approach with faculty who publish extensively on curriculum development
Cons:
- Program structure isn’t cohort-based, which might affect peer connection and support
- Private Catholic school affiliation might matter to some students
- Recognition internationally isn’t as wide as some alternative programs
- Alumni network is smaller compared to larger institutions
- Students starting in spring need minimum 2.5 years to complete the program
Program accreditation
The program has dual accreditation through the Board of Behavioral Sciences (California) and the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). In fact, this COAMFTE accreditation represents the standard-setting organization for family therapy designated by the Department of Education.
This dual accreditation guarantees that students receive quality education that meets California’s licensure requirements.
Program tuition
USD’s total program tuition costs approximately $93,300. This investment is nowhere near the cost of some comparable private institutions in California.
Students can access various financial support options. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funds Project TeamUP, which gives 20 students per year $10,000 stipends during their clinical practicum year. These stipends prioritize students who:
- Provide behavioral health services in integrated care settings
- Offer services in languages other than English
- Work in rural or medically underserved areas
Who is the USD MFT program best for
We designed the USD program for students who want a rigorous in-person educational experience paired with exceptional clinical training opportunities. This program fits you perfectly if:
- Traditional campus environment with face-to-face interaction suits your learning style
- You want unique clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings
- Integrated behavioral health alongside medical professionals interests you
- Small class sizes and individual-specific experiences matter to you
- Local employers’ recognition of your degree matters
Graduates enjoy strong employment prospects. Alumni work at organizations like Rady Children’s Hospital, Sharp Healthcare System, UCSD Healthcare, San Diego Youth Services, and various school districts. The program prepares students well for doctoral education, and many graduates receive funding for continued studies.
USD’s MFT program has earned its reputation through state-of-the-art therapist training. The core team regularly publishes on curriculum development and therapeutic approaches. This steadfast dedication to excellence makes it an outstanding choice among accelerated MFT programs in California.
Alliant International University – MFT Graduate Program in California
Time to completion: 2 years
Alliant International University stands out as a leader in marriage and family therapy education. Its California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) has shaped mental health professionals for over 50 years. This 50-year-old presence makes it the life-blood of MFT graduate programs in California. Students can choose between in-person and online paths to get their license.
Key features
The Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy program at Alliant blends scholarship with practical experience. Students can choose from:
- Online program – Complete flexibility works great for professionals
- On-campus program – Four California locations serve students: Los Angeles, Irvine, Sacramento, and San Diego
The curriculum takes a comprehensive approach with a biopsychosocial, systems focus. Therapists learn to help couples and families whatever their structure or situation. The program covers everything in family science, parent-child therapy, group therapy, trauma intervention, and sex therapy.
Clinical training sets Alliant’s program apart. Students complete 300 hours of direct client contact, 100 supervision hours, and at least 100 professional development hours. This adds up to 600-1,300 hours toward their license requirements. Students start their hands-on experience in their second year.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- COAMFTE accreditation covers both online and on-campus programs
- Day, evening, and executive-format classes offer scheduling options
- Cultural competency and social justice remain core focuses
- Prominent faculty includes Dr. James Framo and Dr. Susan Johnson
- Small classes create a warm, supportive environment
- Chemical Dependency specialization comes at no extra cost
Cons:
- Tuition costs more than public schools
- Online lectures aren’t always available consistently
- Students need more help finding practicum placements for relational hours
- Online students pay extra for required residency travel and stays
- Administration’s expectations and communication could be clearer
- Term-based programs can have heavy workloads
Program accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) has accredited Alliant’s MFT program. This prestigious credential makes things easier as one of California’s few COAMFTE-accredited programs:
- Quality standards for MFT education are met or exceeded
- Licenses transfer more easily between states
- Getting licensed in new states becomes simpler
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences has approved the program. Graduates meet all state requirements to get their license.
Program tuition
Program costs vary based on format:
- On-campus program: $1,434 per unit (as of August 2025), totaling around $73,500
- Online program: $1,113 per unit (as of August 2025), totaling around $57,000
Financial help includes federal loans. The National Health Services Corps offers up to $50,000 in loan payback if you work two years in underserved areas.
Who is the Alliant MFT program best for
This program works best if you want both theory and hands-on experience in an accelerated MFT program. You’ll love this program if you:
- Want a program with history and expert faculty
- Need flexible online or campus options
- Care about cultural diversity and social justice
- Like smaller classes with personal attention
- Want real clinical experience during your studies
Employers often seek out Alliant graduates. One student mentioned that supervisors “always are happy to hire Alliant students because they know what they are doing”. While it’s not the fastest MFT program out there, Alliant offers strong education backed by decades of excellence.
Loma Linda University – Online and On-Campus MFT Program
Time to completion: 2 years
Loma Linda University stands out among MFT graduate programs in California with its unique approach rooted in Seventh-day Adventist values. The program focuses on whole person care and offers two Master of Science paths in Marital and Family Therapy. Students can choose between campus-based and online options that serve the needs of families in a variety of communities.
Key features
Students in the Loma Linda MFT program move through their academic work together in cohorts. This creates a supportive environment where they share resources and knowledge. The campus program takes 2 years full-time or at least 3 years part-time. Students choosing the online format need 2.5 years full-time or 3.5+ years part-time.
Loma Linda’s program goes beyond traditional MFT education by focusing on:
- Blending health, science, and Christian faith principles
- Training to work with active-duty military and veterans
- Professional self-care as part of the coursework
- No GRE or prerequisite courses needed to apply
Students must complete at least 300 direct client contact hours, and 100 of these hours must include relational/systemic work. They also need 100 hours of clinical supervision, half of which must use observable data like video, audio, or live supervision.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- The only COAMFTE-accredited program in the Inland Empire
- Students can choose between online and on-campus learning
- A dedicated Director helps students find clinical placements
- Students can intern throughout Loma Linda University Health system
- Graduates get priority interviews for behavioral health roles at Loma Linda University Health
- Students can add Play Therapy or Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificates with tuition waivers
Cons:
- Tuition costs more than public schools
- Some students might not prefer the faith-based approach
- The counseling department offers limited scholarships
- Students must drive 30+ minutes to reach larger social settings
- Students report some outdated textbooks
- Religious content is less integrated than some students expect
Accreditation
The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) fully accredits both program formats. This prestigious recognition means graduates receive detailed academic and clinical training to work with individuals, couples, and families.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission has granted regional accreditation to Loma Linda University. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences has approved the program, which meets all state licensure requirements.
Program tuition
Program costs depend on the format and study length. Students need 90 quarter units to graduate, with total costs around $77,580 for the Master’s degree.
Students can save money through special incentives. Those pursuing the MS degree can get tuition waivers for Play Therapy or Drug and Alcohol Counseling certifications. These waivers only cover units beyond the main degree requirements.
Who is the Loma Linda MFT program best for
The program works well for students who want values-based education in an accelerated MFT program format. You might find this program ideal if you:
- Want a Christian environment that combines learning with whole person care
- Need flexibility between online and on-campus study
- Like learning in cohorts with shared resources
- Want clinical experience in a large health system
- Have interest in working with military populations or substance abuse
- Need strong placement support and career connections
Students say the program creates a welcoming environment where “students are very welcoming and helpful when it comes to studies and working on projects together”. While not the fastest MFT program out there, Loma Linda offers solid education that balances academic excellence with spiritual and professional growth.
University of Massachusetts Global – Dual Licensure Track
Time to completion: 2.5 years
UMass Global stands out among accelerated MFT programs by offering a dual licensure option that combines Marriage and Family Therapy with Professional Clinical Counseling education. This approach creates broader career paths after graduation and makes it an attractive choice for aspiring therapists.
Key features
The program consists of 60 credit hours split between didactic coursework for core knowledge and practicum training for clinical skills. Students need to complete 400 clinical hours at community agencies while they take six practicum courses. The program takes about 2.5 years to complete, making it a reasonably fast MFT program that maintains high educational standards.
UMass Global’s curriculum centers on systems theory. The program teaches therapists how to assess client information within a framework that creates an environment where clients can “thrive, grow, and persevere through life’s challenges”.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Dual licensure path (MFT and PCC) expands career options
- Dedicated Clinical Support Team helps during placement
- Clinical Faculty Representatives provide guidance throughout 14-16 months of advancement and practicum
- Clear, straightforward pricing structure
Cons:
- Program unavailable in Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Washington DC
- State licensure has specific limitations that need verification
- Students must find their practicum sites (with support)
- Students need to complete 20 hours of personal therapy during enrollment
Program accreditation
The WASC Senior College and University Commission accredits the program. The curriculum follows American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) educational guidelines. Each state interprets these guidelines differently, so UMass Global has created state-specific guides with licensing board websites, accreditation requirements, and practicum expectations.
Tuition
The program has a simple tuition structure at $730 per credit. Students need 60-69 credits depending on their track, bringing total costs between $43,800 and $50,370. These rates place UMass Global in the mid-range among MFT graduate programs in California.
Who is the UMass Global MFT program best for
This program suits students who want flexible online education with clear paths toward dual licensure. The program works best for:
- Working professionals who need flexible schedules
- Students pursuing both MFT and PCC credentials
- People who want strong clinical placement support
- California residents since the program meets state licensure requirements
- Self-motivated learners who excel in online formats
Graduates can work in various roles such as licensed marriage and family therapists, couples therapists, family counselors, group therapists, and child/adolescent therapists.
Hope International University – Christian-Based MFT Program
Time to completion: 2-3 years
Hope International University stands out among MFT graduate programs in California with its Christian-based approach. The program blends faith principles with academic and clinical training. Students become mental health professionals through complete education while keeping their spiritual foundations strong.
Key features
The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program spans 60 units. It combines academic research, theory, and clinical training within a Christian framework. Students can create individual-specific schedules that let them complete the program in two to three years. This makes it one of the quickest options among accelerated MFT programs.
Your education includes hands-on experience through clinical training. You must complete at least 325 hours with 225 direct client contact hours with couples, individuals, families, and groups. The on-site Hope Counseling Center serves as a convenient spot to build these clinical hours.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- One of seven COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs in California
- Classes available in morning, afternoon, and evening
- Active practitioners serve as faculty mentors
- Orange location doesn’t require parking permits
- Strong employer network helps with post-graduation placement
Cons:
- Graduate students have few financial aid options beyond loans
- Program costs are high with limited scholarship options
- Systems still use Outlook instead of Gmail
- North Orange County has high living costs
- Practicum requirements make the second year more challenging
Program accreditation
The program has earned accreditation from both the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and the International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education (IACSTE). The program meets California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences educational requirements.
Tuition
The program costs $775 per unit (2025-2026 rates), totaling around $46,500. Extra costs include:
- MFT practicum fee: $1,200
- California-required seminars: $200
- Semester parking fee: $200
- Student fee: $500
Who is the Hope International MFT program best for
HIU’s program suits students who want faith-integrated therapy education. This program might be right if you:
- Want Christian principles in your therapeutic education
- Like on-ground learning with flexible schedules
- Need strong connections with employers
- Want complete clinical training with mentor support
- Seek a COAMFTE-accredited program that offers better license portability
Start Your Accelerated MFT in CA Today
Your career path and professional growth depend a lot on picking the right MFT program. California has become a top choice for future therapists with its range of fast-track programs that fit different priorities. You’ll likely find one program that lines up with what you want among these seven options, whether it’s quick completion, lower costs, faith-based learning, or specialized clinical training.
These programs take different amounts of time to finish. Touro University offers an 18-month track, while UMass Global needs about 2.5 years. Many programs let you earn both LMFT and LPCC credentials at once. This double certification opens up more job options and could boost your earning power.
Program accreditation makes a big difference. Schools like Pepperdine, Touro, USD, Alliant, Loma Linda, and Hope International have COAMFTE accreditation. Their credentials help you practice in other states easily. This becomes crucial if you plan to work outside California later.
Program costs vary widely. Touro’s non-clinical track starts at around $27,000, while Pepperdine’s program costs over $100,000. Most schools offer financial aid, but scholarship amounts are different at each place. You should weigh the cost against value carefully before you commit.
The quality of clinical training shapes how ready you’ll be to practice. USD and Pepperdine’s reliable partnerships provide solid clinical experiences. Other programs help students find practicum placements differently. These hands-on experiences build the foundation of your therapy skills.
Your way of learning should guide which program you pick. Self-motivated students who need flexibility do well with fully online options. Cohort-based programs give you structured support and networking chances. Faith-based programs blend spiritual viewpoints with clinical training for students wanting values-based education.
Marriage and family therapy ranks among the fastest-growing counseling fields, with strong job prospects ahead. Now you know about these seven fast-track California MFT programs. This knowledge helps you make a choice that fits your career goals, learning style, and personal situation.