12 Top-Rated Part Time California MFT Programs

Part-time MFT programs are a great way to balance your career goals with your current commitments. California ranks among the top states to start this journey. The state boasts over 40 Board of Behavioral Science (BBS)-approved Marriage and Family Therapy master’s programs. Right now, 25,870 licensed MFTs work throughout the state.

Want to build your career without putting everything else aside? California’s part-time MFT programs give you the freedom to learn at your own pace. You can finish your degree in 2.5 to 3 years on average. These programs let you choose from online classes, no-GRE options, and faster completion tracks. The costs can vary by a lot. Public schools like Cal Poly Humboldt and San Francisco State University charge under $20,000. Some online programs cost approximately $92,690-$101,660. This piece explains 12 of California’s best part-time MFT programs to help you pick the right one for 2025.

1. Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University, a 48-year-old private, nonprofit institution, excels in psychology and counseling education. PAU gives aspiring therapists a great way to get flexible education options.

Palo Alto University Overview

Since its birth in 1975 as the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, PAU has grown into a specialized institution with multiple psychology and counseling programs. The Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program helps students pass professional counselor licensing exams and become culturally responsive practitioners. The program boasts a soaring win with 67% of MA graduates finding jobs before graduation.

Format and Flexibility

Students can pick from two learning formats that fit their schedules:

• Hybrid Format: Classes run weekday evenings (Monday-Thursday) between 4-6pm or 6-8pm, based on cohort. Students blend on-campus classes with online coursework via Zoom.
• Online Format: A fully remote option with live classes usually at 6pm Pacific time. Students do their practicum locally.

Students can finish in nine quarters (about 2.25 years) or eleven quarters (about 2.75 years). Most first-year students keep their full-time jobs during the day, but second-year practicum placements often need daytime hours.

Clinical Training

Clinical experience is the backbone of the program. Students must complete a minimum of 700 hours of counseling-related experience, with at least 280 hours of direct client contact. PAU’s Clinical Training Team helps students find practicum placements that match their interests. The university has mutually beneficial alliances with:

• School districts
• Teen counseling centers
• Adult psychological service agencies
• Community mental health agencies
• Hospitals
• Nonprofit organizations

Accreditation and Licensure

CACREP accreditation shows the program’s quality, with an eight-year accreditation term granted in January 2017. This recognition means the program meets high standards for both MFT and LPCC educational paths.

Graduates can register as Associate Marital and Family Therapists (AMFT) and/or Associate Professional Clinical Counselors (APCC) in California. The curriculum meets California’s requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure or dual MFT/LPCC licensure.

Tuition and Costs

The 2024-25 academic year costs $615 per unit plus $59 in fees, adding up to $674 per unit. Students typically spend about $57,939 for the full program. PAU’s cost breakdown includes:

• Quarterly tuition and fees: $8,225
• Annual tuition and fees (3 quarters): $24,675
• Housing costs per quarter: $10,507

PAU offers a comprehensive part-time MFT education with strong credentials and flexible formats that work well for busy professionals.

2. Southern California Seminary

Southern California Seminary takes a unique faith-based approach to marriage and family therapy education. The school blends biblical principles with clinical psychology training at its El Cajon campus.

Seminary Overview

The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) program prepares students for California MFT licensure. This 72-unit program includes 63 graduate-level credits that focus on MFT theories and techniques. Students also complete 9 credits of biblical foundation courses. The program blends psychological research and clinical skills with Christian principles. Graduates can address emotional, psychological, and relationship challenges from both scientific and faith viewpoints.

Students learn evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques and apply cross-cultural understanding to therapy. They practice Christian ethical standards and treat diverse populations within a recovery-oriented philosophy.

Format and Flexibility

The MAMFT program brings students together in cohorts that progress through courses as a group. This approach promotes cooperative study rather than competition. Each cohort:

• Meets once weekly from 4:00-10:00pm
• Follows a specific course sequence
• Learns through interaction rather than traditional lectures

Part-time students can complete the program in about five years by taking 6 units per trimester. Evening classes work well for professionals with daytime jobs. The timeline might vary based on course availability, student workload, and academic guidance.

Clinical Training

The program requires students to complete 300 supervised clinical hours. Students get hands-on experience with therapeutic techniques in real-life settings. The dean helps students find suitable clinical placement sites, which removes a common obstacle many face during practicum.

Accreditation and Licensure

The Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) has granted the institution Reaffirmed status as a Category IV institution. This accreditation runs for ten years from November 2016. TRACS has recognition from the U.S. Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education.

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences has approved the MAMFT program. This approval ensures graduates meet state requirements for MFT licensure. The seminary also has approval from California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals. Graduates can pursue certification as drug/alcohol counselors with minimal extra coursework.

3. Alliant International University

Alliant International University stands out with its Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy program. The program’s COAMFTE accreditation and multiple study options make it an excellent choice for students pursuing professional licensure in California.

University Overview

The California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant delivers a detailed 60-unit MFT program. Students learn to become professional marriage and family therapists. The curriculum teaches relationship dynamics and interaction patterns while students learn treatment models for multicultural environments. Many graduates work in hospitals, clinics, social service agencies, educational institutions, and private practice. Students learn to view mental health from a systemic point of view, develop assessment skills, and master integrative approaches to major systemic theories.

Format and Flexibility

Students can choose from several flexible options:

• On-campus options at Los Angeles, Irvine, Sacramento, and San Diego locations
• 100% online format with local clinical placements
• Completion timeframes: Full-time students finish in two years, part-time in three years
• Calendar options: Traditional semester-long schedule or accelerated eight-week terms

Clinical Training

The program requires a minimum one-year practicum that gives students:

• 300-500 direct client contact hours (200+ with couples and families)
• 100 hours of individual and group supervision
• 50 professional development hours through workshops, seminars, and personal therapy

Students can earn over 1,000 of their required 3,000 hours for California MFT licensure during practicum. The university helps students find suitable community-based clinic placements.

Accreditation and Licensure

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) has accredited this program. This makes Alliant one of the few California schools with this recognition. COAMFTE accreditation helps graduates transfer their licenses between states. The curriculum meets all academic requirements for California’s MFT license examination.

Tuition and Costs

The program’s cost depends on your chosen format:

• On-ground program: $1,389 per unit ($73,500 total)
• Online program: $1,078 per unit ($57,000 total)
• Each semester has a $130 institutional services fee

Students can access federal aid, scholarships, grants, and flexible payment plans. The National Health Services Corps offers up to $50,000 in loan reimbursement when graduates work in underserved areas for two years.

Alliant International University Best Fit For

This program works best for students who want:

• COAMFTE-accredited education with interstate license mobility
• Flexible learning options (online or campus-based)
• Strong multicultural competence training
• Career opportunities in various therapeutic settings

4. Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University’s MFT program is 30 years old and is the only COAMFTE-accredited program in the Inland Empire. The program offers complete training through online and on-campus formats that fit working professionals’ schedules.

Overview

The Master of Science in Marital and Family Therapy program delivers excellent academic and clinical preparation. Students learn systemic and relational practice in a Christian environment that values whole person care. Graduates know how to handle various mental health challenges like co-occurring disorders, serious emotional disorders, crisis care, and complex relational issues. The curriculum builds strong skills in cross-cultural awareness, diversity, ethics, evidence-based modalities, and family systems approaches. Students can specialize in Medical Family Therapy to work with patients facing illness, injury, or disability.

Format and Flexibility

The program adapts to your schedule with multiple completion options:

• On-campus program: 2 years full-time or minimum 3 years part-time
• Online program: 2.5 years full-time or minimum 3.5 years part-time

Students get five years to finish their degree. First-year classes run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while second-year sessions happen on Mondays and Wednesdays. The program discourages full-time work during full-time study. Clinical training usually happens on days without classes.

Clinical Training

The program requirements include:

• 300 direct face-to-face client contact hours (100 must include relational/systemic hours)
• 100 hours of clinical supervision (50 hours must include observable data)
• Field experience lasting at least twelve months

The program maintains close supervision with one hour of supervision for every five hours of clinical contact.

Accreditation and Licensure

The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) and California Board of Behavioral Sciences have approved the program. Graduates qualify for California Marriage and Family Therapist licensure. Adding four units allows students to pursue California Professional Clinical Counselor licensure.

5. Pacific Oaks College

Pacific Oaks College stands out with its Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program. The program helps professionals develop clinical skills and cultural awareness they need in therapeutic practice.

Overview

Students can get their Marriage and Family Therapy degree at the Pasadena campus or online. The program weaves cultural understanding and social-political contexts into therapeutic development. Students learn to become therapists who show integrity, sensitivity, flexibility, insight, and compassion. Pacific Oaks goes beyond traditional MFT training with specialized tracks in African-American Family Studies, Latinx Family Studies, LGBTQIA+ Studies, and Trauma Studies. These focus areas help students build expertise while meeting California MFT licensure requirements.

Format and Flexibility

Students start and progress together in a cohort model throughout their educational trip. This creates a transformative cultural experience as students learn from different communication styles, family structures, and cultural practices. Part-time students typically finish in four years, while full-time students complete the program in two-and-a-half years. Working professionals can attend evening classes, which run during weekday evenings.

Clinical Training

The program requires 225 hours of supervised clinical experience as part of California’s 3,000 supervised hours needed for MFT licensure. Students work with clinics and community organizations across Los Angeles and Southern California. This hands-on experience prepares them to step into Marriage and Family Therapy Associate roles after graduation. Students seeking Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) certification need 280 face-to-face clinical training hours before graduating.

Accreditation and Licensure

The WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission accredits the college. The MFT program meets all SB 33 and Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements (Business and Professions Code Sections 4980.36c, d e 4980.39, 4980.40, and 4980.41). This prepares graduates to take the California MFT licensing exam.

6. Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide offers a fully online Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program. The program combines convenience with high academic standards for students nationwide. This nonprofit institution is part of the Touro College and University System that serves over 23,000 students at campuses of all types.

Overview

Touro University Worldwide builds its foundation on Judaic values that emphasize community service and intellectual pursuit. The university prepares students to become skilled, ethical, and culturally aware marriage and family therapists. Students learn through a scientist-practitioner model that helps graduates make meaningful contributions to the therapy field. The career outlook is promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 16% job growth over the next decade with a median annual salary of $58,510 for marriage and family therapists.

Format and Flexibility

The program gives students excellent flexibility through:

• Multiple tracks: Clinical Track (COAMFTE-accredited), LPCC Track, or Non-Clinical Track
• Asynchronous learning: No mandatory login times, exams, cohorts, group projects, or live lectures
• Accelerated schedule: Eight-week courses with six start dates annually
• Completion timeframes: Full-time students finish the clinical track in two years, while part-time students can take up to five years to complete their degree.

Students complete weekly reading, watch pre-recorded videos, participate in discussions, and submit writing assignments. The program includes all materials with no extra textbook costs.

Clinical Training

The COAMFTE-accredited clinical track needs:

• 300 total practicum client contact hours (minimum 100 must be with couples/families)
• 100 supervision hours with site and TUW supervisors
• 50 raw data observation hours (maximum 25 can be audio)

While Touro doesn’t locate practicum sites for students, the program helps with the process. Students get resume assistance and access to lists of previous placement sites.

Accreditation and Licensure

Touro has earned several prestigious credentials:

• Western Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) institutional accreditation
• Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) program accreditation
• California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) approval

So the program meets educational requirements for MFT licensing in all 50 states. Some states need additional coursework. Currently, 41 states accept the standard degree plan and the remaining nine states need minor additions.

7. Hope International University

Hope International University, established in 1928, stands out as a private Christian institution. The university’s Fullerton, California campus blends faith principles with professional counseling education.

Overview

The university provides two distinct paths for future marriage and family therapists. Students can choose between a 60-unit Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) on campus and a 61-unit Master of Science in Counseling with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSC) fully online. Both programs equip students to treat mental health issues from a systems point of view for individuals, couples, and families. Students learn through a curriculum that really combines theory, practice, and research while staying true to Christian principles. Graduates find careers in hospitals, clinical/social service agencies, churches, educational institutions, and private practices.

Format and Flexibility

The university offers flexible scheduling that works well for busy professionals:

• On-campus MAMFT: Classes run 8-16 weeks with morning, afternoon, and evening options
• Online MSC: Students learn at their own pace through 8-week modules in Fall/Spring terms (16 weeks total) and 8-10 week Summer terms

Students can complete either program based on their schedule. Full-time students graduate in about two years, while part-time students typically finish in three years. The university requires all students to complete their degree within six years of enrollment.

Clinical Training

Clinical experience is important to both programs:

• MAMFT program: Students must complete at least 400 clinical training hours, with a minimum of 300 direct client contact hours
• MSC program: Students need 300 direct client hours plus 50 hours of professional development

Students must receive departmental approval before starting their practicum. Hope Counseling Center offers a convenient on-site option to get clinical hours, along with many community-based training sites.

Accreditation and Licensure

The MAMFT program has earned prestigious accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). The MSC program currently seeks COAMFTE accreditation. California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) recognizes both programs’ educational requirements for licensure. Graduates can take licensing examinations after completing 3,000 supervised hours. Hope International University holds regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

8. Mount St. Mary’s University

Mount St. Mary’s University offers a Marriage and Family Therapy program in the heart of Los Angeles. The program focuses on social justice and serves communities of all backgrounds.

Overview

The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at Mount St. Mary’s University prepares students to become licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. Students learn to blend cultural awareness with clinical skills, which helps them tackle today’s social challenges. Mount St. Mary’s stands out by focusing on underserved communities throughout Southern California. The program teaches several therapy approaches including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and family systems methods.

Format and Flexibility

Working professionals can attend evening classes that start after 4:00 pm on weekdays. Students who choose the part-time track can finish in about three years, making it perfect to balance work and study. The program structure starts with core courses, moves to practicum preparation, and ends with clinical work. Many classes blend in-person learning with online sessions to fit busy schedules.

Clinical Training

Students must complete 225-250 direct client contact hours with supervision. The university works with many community organizations, hospitals, and schools where students get real-world experience. Students also join regular group supervision sessions that build professional skills through peer feedback.

Accreditation and Licensure

The program meets California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements for MFT licensure. Graduates can register as Associate Marriage and Family Therapists and start collecting the 3,000 supervised hours needed for full California licensure.

9. St. Mary’s College of California

St. Mary’s College of California is an excellent choice in the scenic Bay Area for students looking for quality part-time MFT programs in Northern California.

Overview

St. Mary’s College of California in Moraga offers a Master of Science in Counseling program with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration. The program helps students become culturally-responsive practitioners through theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The curriculum follows Lasallian educational philosophy and takes an integrated approach to mental health treatment. Students learn about contemporary issues in family therapy and develop skills in assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based interventions.

Format and Flexibility

Working professionals can attend evening classes scheduled between 4:30-9:30pm on weekdays. Students who choose the part-time track typically complete the program in 3-4 years, compared to the full-time 2-year schedule. The academic year includes fall, January, spring terms, with optional summer sessions. This structure lets students balance their professional commitments while advancing their education at their own pace.

Clinical Training

Students start with classroom-based skills development before moving to supervised fieldwork experiences. The program requires 225 direct client contact hours with clients from various backgrounds and settings. The college partners with community agencies, schools, and clinics throughout the Bay Area to provide practicum placement opportunities.

Accreditation and Licensure

The program meets California Board of Behavioral Sciences’ educational requirements for LMFT licensure. Graduates can register as Associate Marriage and Family Therapists (AMFTs) and start collecting their 3,000 supervised hours needed for full licensure.

10. Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University, a Christian-based institution, offers a marriage and family therapy program that blends theology with psychological theory and professional practice. This unique approach helps counselors prepare for both church and clinical settings.

Overview

The Marriage and Family Therapy program at Fresno Pacific University combines theological viewpoints with counseling expertise. The curriculum helps students combine theology, theory, personal growth, and professional practice. Students get ready to meet California state licensure requirements through academic training combined with faith-based principles. The program provides complete preparation for student membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and state licensure examinations.

Fresno Pacific Format and Flexibility

Students can attend the program at both the Fresno Main Campus and Visalia Campus locations. The MFT program opens enrollment in the fall semester each year, which helps students plan ahead. Students should take courses in a prescribed order because they follow a developmental sequence. Working professionals can choose the part-time option to balance their education with current commitments while earning their degree.

Fresno Pacific Clinical Training

Students need personal counseling throughout their studies to improve growth, self-awareness, and understanding of the therapeutic process. This requirement shows the program’s belief that personal development matters as much as theoretical and skill development. Eligible students can get financial help for personal therapy costs through a Therapy Assistance Fund during their Practicum year.

Fresno Pacific Accreditation and Licensure

The WASC Senior College and University Commission accredits Fresno Pacific University. The Board of Behavioral Sciences approves the MFT program, which covers all content areas needed for California licensure. Graduates can apply to become Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Associates in California. The program also helps students meet requirements for AAMFT membership.

11. California State University – Chico

CSU Chico offers a three-year Marriage and Family Therapy program at its northern California campus. The program combines hands-on learning with strong academic standards.

Overview

CSU Chico’s Marriage and Family Therapy program requires 60 units to prepare students for California MFT licensure. The curriculum shapes research-informed, culturally-sensitive therapists who can excel in mental health settings of all types. Students develop through three key areas: academic research, clinical practice, and personal growth. The program values self-care as much as clinical learning. Students move through their courses as a group, which makes shared learning possible.

Format and Flexibility

The program schedules classes Monday through Friday from 8AM-5PM. Students attend classes 2-3 days each week. This daytime structure works well for part-time students who need to manage other responsibilities. The third year focuses on off-campus traineeships without additional coursework. Each cohort averages 18 students, allowing meaningful faculty interaction.

CSU Chico Clinical Training

Students build practical experience through both on-campus and off-site work. They complete 100-150 hours at the Counseling Training Clinic under faculty supervision. The program requires at least 360 hours of off-campus traineeships. Most students graduate with 400-500 total clinical hours.

CSU Chico Accreditation and Licensure

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits the program. It meets California BBS’s requirements for MFT licensure.

12. California State University – Dominguez Hills

CSU Dominguez Hills stands among the few public universities in Southern California that offers evening MFT programs. This makes it ideal if you work during daytime hours. The Master of Science program builds student expertise through systemic theory, research, and relational practice.

Overview

CSUDH’s Department of Marital and Family Therapy runs a detailed three-year, 64-unit degree program that meets California’s MFT licensure requirements. The curriculum emphasizes intersectionality, equity, and social justice while teaching students to address systems of oppression effectively. Students learn to promote wellness among individuals, couples, and families from underserved communities of all backgrounds. The program helps students become skilled at MFT theories and techniques through rigorous coursework that matches COAMFTE’s educational standards.

Format and Flexibility

The program employs a cohort model where students complete their requirements in 3 years. Evening classes are the norm, making this program perfect for:

• Working professionals who need daytime availability
• Students who want to study part-time with advisement
• People looking for a structured learning community

Clinical Training

Students begin their clinical training after finishing their first academic year through a three-semester practicum sequence. The hands-on experience requires:

• 300 direct client contact hours (at least 100 must involve relational systems)
• 50 minimum hours of supervision through live observation or recorded sessions
• 100 minimum hours of MFT relational/systemic supervision
• Clinical work that spans at least three semesters across twelve months

Accreditation and Licensure

The curriculum matches the educational standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. The Board of Behavioral Sciences has approved this as a qualifying degree to pursue MFT licensure in California. The 300 supervised clinical hours count toward the 3,000 hours needed for full licensure eligibility.

Find the Best Part-time MFT Today

Picking the right part-time MFT program needs you to think over several factors that line up with your career goals and life situation. California’s options are exceptional for future marriage and family therapists who need to balance their studies with other commitments. These 12 programs show the variety available in the state – from faith-based schools like Hope International University and Fresno Pacific to public universities like CSU Chico and CSU Dominguez Hills.

These programs shine when it comes to flexibility. You can take evening classes, weekend sessions, hybrid courses, or fully online options while keeping your day job. Most students complete their part-time tracks in 3-5 years, rather than the usual 2-year full-time path.

Your program’s accreditation needs careful attention. Programs with COAMFTE accreditation, like Alliant International University, Loma Linda, and Touro University Worldwide, are a great way to get license mobility between states. On top of that, all these programs meet California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements for LMFT licensure.

Clinical training stays pretty much the same across programs, with small differences in required hours. You’ll need 225-300 direct client contact hours before graduating, which count toward the 3,000 supervised hours needed for full California licensure. Many schools help you find practicum placements, though some expect you to locate your own sites.

Costs swing widely between public and private schools. Public universities like Cal State Dominguez Hills and Chico State offer affordable rates, while private schools range from moderate to premium options that exceed $90,000 for the complete program.

You ended up making your choice based on what works best for your schedule, learning priorities, location, specialty interests, and budget. No matter which program you pick, a part-time MFT degree from a California school will prepare you to help individuals, couples, and families direct their way through life’s challenges with effective therapy.