Inside SDSU’s MFT Program
Looking to build your career in marriage and family therapy at SDSU’s MFT program? The timing looks perfect. The profession’s growth rate will jump 11% over the next decade – much faster than other careers. California expects to open about 3,170 jobs in this field yearly for the next ten years.
SDSU’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program stands out from other MFT programs in San Diego. The program’s prestigious accreditation comes from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Students complete this full-time program in 2.5 years through a cohort model that welcomes new students once a year. The program’s graduates are ready to provide therapy services with a strong focus on social justice in settings of all types. California ranks among the top states to pursue this career path. The state offers plenty of MFT degree options and communities needing qualified therapists.
This piece dives into SDSU’s program’s unique features – from its curriculum structure to admission requirements and career outcomes. You’ll see how this program might line up with your professional goals.
Program Snapshot
SDSU’s MFT program follows a rigorous cohort model where 30 students complete their coursework together. This 65-unit master’s program spans two and a half years of continuous study. Students start in early June of their first year and finish at the end of August in their second year, including three summer sessions. The program runs full-time Monday through Friday, with many first-year classes scheduled during evening hours. Part-time options are not available.
Students get hands-on clinical experience at the Center for Community Counseling and Engagement (CCCE) early in their training. The clinical component requires 13 academic units split between practicum (6 units) and traineeship (8 units). Graduation requirements include completing at least 300 direct clinical contact hours with individuals, couples, and families. Students must dedicate 100 of these hours to relational work. The program requires 50 hours of live supervision through methods like in-session observation, two-way mirrors, or audio/video recording.
The program’s results speak for themselves. Graduation rates range from 73.3% to 100% for recent cohorts. Job placement success varies between 84% and 100%, while licensure rates consistently hit 82.14% to 100% across cohorts. These numbers highlight how well the program prepares its graduates.
Students pay approximately $19,678 in total program tuition, making it one of the most affordable COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs in San Diego. The program requires students to complete 12 hours of personal psychotherapy, which helps their professional growth and self-awareness.
Classes combine different teaching approaches effectively. Students learn through block sessions (6-8 hour blocks), circle discussions, small 6-student practicums, traditional lectures, and shared learning experiences. This mix of teaching methods helps students build both theoretical knowledge and practical therapy skills.
Pathways and Specializations
SDSU’s MFT program stands out with its specialized pathways and multicultural competence curriculum. Students learn in a culturally-rich environment that shapes therapists ready to serve diverse communities. The program’s dedication to social change and diversity creates this dynamic atmosphere.
Students with intermediate-to-advanced Spanish skills can benefit from the Spanglish Family Therapy Training Certificado. This specialized track equips them with theoretical, cultural, and linguistic skills to conduct therapy in Spanish/Spanglish. The Department of Counseling & School Psychology awards a Certificate of Completion to students who meet all requirements. Students must complete 15 units of Spanish-speaking clinical coursework and a final project that shows their cultural and linguistic expertise. Spanish/Spanglish courses become available with enough Spanish-speaking students. These include Cross-Cultural Counseling Pre-practicum, Fieldwork Practice with focus on Spanglish and Decoloniality of Language, plus Practicum and Traineeship experiences.
The curriculum provides focused training in family counseling within school settings. Students learn about relationships between families and larger systems. This integrated approach helps them work effectively in organizations of all types – from non-profits and schools to healthcare settings and private practice.
Clinical training remains a cornerstone of the program. Students start their experience at the department’s Center for Community Counseling in San Diego’s City Heights neighborhood. This location lets them serve specific populations and connect with local schools through community outreach. They then move on to program-approved community mental health agencies or schools with diverse client populations.
Each clinical site must provide students a chance to work with culturally diverse families, couples, and individuals. Sites need AAMFT Approved Supervisors or equivalents who can supervise through audio/video recordings or live observation. This ensures high-quality training throughout the student’s educational trip.
Learning Options and Flexibility
SDSU’s MFT program stands apart from other graduate programs with its structured, intensive format that demands full-time dedication. Classes blend different teaching approaches – from traditional lectures to hands-on learning blocks lasting 6-8 hours. Students start with evening classes in their first year and later shift to varied schedules throughout the week, with some weekend sessions.
Students move through the curriculum together in cohorts, creating a truly immersive experience. Your cohort becomes your support system and learning community as you work through the program’s challenging requirements together. This setup naturally reflects the relationship-focused nature of therapeutic work and creates chances for deep personal and professional growth.
The program uses many different teaching methods to support various learning styles. Circle-format discussions, shared small group activities, and field-based learning shape your experience. During the first summer and fall, “unstructured group” activities give you safe spaces to explore cultural and family influences.
Clinical training follows a clear path forward. Students begin practicing therapy under live supervision in small groups of six after completing core coursework. These intimate settings help you get detailed feedback and improve your skills before moving to community placements.
Specialized language tracks give bilingual students unique preparation opportunities. Spanish-speaking students can join the Spanish/Spanglish clinical training track. Students from Silk Road language backgrounds get access to specialized practicums. These options need enough enrolled students to form dedicated sections.
SDSU’s intensive approach helps students complete all requirements quickly, even though it doesn’t offer the part-time flexibility of other San Diego MFT programs. This focused, immersive training prepares you well for clinical practice.
Admission Requirements
The SDSU MFT program has a competitive selection process that reviews candidates across several areas. You’ll need to submit two different applications – one through Cal State Apply and another specific to the program through Interfolio.
Domestic applicants need a minimum GPA of 2.85, while international students must have at least 3.00. The program accepts only 6-10% of total applicants. You won’t need to worry about GRE scores since they aren’t required.
Your application package should include three recommendation letters from people who know your personal qualities and professional capabilities. You’ll also need to include a personal statement, curriculum vitae or resume, and official transcripts from every school you’ve attended.
The program’s unique admission requirement includes a 5-6 minute video where you share your passion for becoming a therapist. If your original application looks promising, you’ll move on to a group interview that assesses your interpersonal skills, multicultural awareness, and professional readiness.
Once admitted, you must keep your GPA at 3.0 or higher and earn at least a C grade in every class. The program also requires you to complete 300 direct clinical contact hours (including 100 relational hours) and receive 100 hours of MFT supervision. These high standards ensure you’ll be really prepared for professional practice.
Why Choose This Program
SDSU emerges as a standout choice when you think over choosing the right MFT program. The program delivers exceptional value at approximately $50,000 while other similar programs cost up to $120,000. This affordability comes with top-tier quality, backed by prestigious COAMFTE accreditation.
SDSU’s program sets itself apart through its intensive clinical approach. Students start their hands-on clinical work in their first semester – something rare in MFT programs across the country. This early practical experience combined with strong foundations in psychodynamic theory and interpersonal therapy prepares graduates effectively for their professional journey.
The program’s success shows in its outcomes. Graduates benefit from:
- Strong job prospects with high ratings from local employers
- High praise for their clinical skills and cultural competency
- Great earning potential with San Diego MFTs earning a median annual salary of approximately $75,000
The program’s faculty excellence shines through their teaching expertise and deep commitment to student success. Their approach creates dynamic learning experiences that boost both personal growth and professional skills.
SDSU brings together academic excellence, hands-on clinical training, and career preparation effectively. Students get an affordable, accredited program that consistently produces graduates who are in high demand throughout the therapeutic community.