University of La Verne’s MFT Program Guide

Looking for an MS in marriage and family therapy program that leads to professional licensure? The University of La Verne offers a reliable 61-credit program that takes about 3 years of full-time study and starts each Fall semester. Students get both theoretical knowledge and practical experience through a well-laid-out curriculum that includes at least 225 hours of fieldwork at approved sites.

The program aligns with all current Board of Behavioral Sciences academic requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in California. The University of La Verne’s regional accreditation from WASC Senior College and University Commission ensures education of the highest standards. This piece will help you find essential resources like books, articles, literature reviews, statistics, and citation organization tools as you explore different MFT degree programs.

Program Snapshot

The University of La Verne’s MS in Marriage and Family Therapy program offers a well-laid-out yet adaptable academic journey for aspiring therapists. Students need 61-62 semester hours to graduate, which takes about three years for full-time students and four and a half years for part-time students. Full-time students usually take nine credit hours each semester, while part-time students enroll in three to six credits.

Weekly classes fit conveniently into evening slots from 4:00-6:25 PM or 6:50-9:15 PM, Monday through Thursday. Students can easily balance their education with work and personal life. New students start their journey each fall semester.

Students should think over the estimated total program tuition of $53,070 while planning their educational investment. Small entering class sizes of 12-14 students create an intimate learning environment where students receive individual attention and build meaningful connections with faculty and peers.

California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences requires students to complete a one-year traineeship with 225 hours at approved sites. The program connects students with supervised fieldwork placements in various settings like community mental health agencies. Students must complete at least 10 hours of personal psychotherapy during their fieldwork placement based on their priorities through individual, couple, family, or group sessions.

First-year courses build a strong foundation in counseling theories, ethics, multicultural counseling, and human development. The second year takes students deeper into specialized topics such as family therapy, couples therapy, substance abuse counseling, and group therapy. Students spend their final year gaining practicum experience and studying specialized courses in career development, aging, and human sexuality.

The WASC Senior College and University Commission accredits this MFT degree program. The program remains available to students from a variety of backgrounds as it has no specific religious orientation.

Pathways and Specializations

The Marriage and Family Therapy program at University of La Verne has a rich history that dates back to 1973. This MS program will prepare you for a career as a licensed marriage and family therapist with strong multicultural skills.

The program’s core mission helps you become a skilled multicultural professional in marriage and family therapy. Every part of the curriculum weaves in diversity and multicultural principles. These skills will help you serve families, couples, and children’s psychological needs in our changing multicultural society.

Students can choose between full-time and part-time study options. Full-time students usually finish in approximately 3 years, while part-time students need about 4½ years. You can pick a pace that matches your life situation and career goals.

The curriculum blends solid theory with hands-on experience and uses the Recovery Model’s best practices. You’ll learn about different theoretical approaches that show a systems view. This well-rounded training will give you versatility in your therapy practice.

Students who complete this program meet all academic requirements from California’s Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure. The BBS is currently reviewing the curriculum to determine if it qualifies for professional counselor (LPCC) licensure.

Students who want to practice outside California should note that the program hasn’t verified other states’ licensure requirements. You’ll need to check your state’s specific regulations if you plan to practice elsewhere.

The program creates an environment that values diversity and inclusion. You’ll learn to create welcoming spaces for clients whatever their background or identity.

Learning Options and Flexibility

La Verne University’s MFT degree program fits different schedules without sacrificing quality education. Students attend evening classes once a week from 4:00-6:25 PM or 6:50-9:15 PM, Monday through Thursday. This schedule lets you keep your day job or manage personal commitments during your educational experience.

The program’s flexibility goes beyond class times. You can take full-time classes with nine credit hours per semester or choose part-time study with three to six credit hours. This lets you set a pace that matches your life situation.

New students join the MS in marriage and family therapy program each fall semester. Students interested in Fall can apply from September until February 1 (9:00 PST). You must submit official transcripts that show you completed your undergraduate degree and prerequisites before starting classes.

Small class sizes of 12-14 students enhance your learning. This creates perfect conditions for shared learning and meaningful interactions with faculty.

Students with prior graduate work can transfer credits. You must submit these requests in your first semester. The MFT Program Chair reviews each case based on relevance. Only courses from regionally accredited universities with B grades (3.0) or higher qualify for transfer. Students can transfer up to 12 semester hours.

The Program Chair can approve a Leave of Absence if you need a break. You can take up to two semesters off without reapplying. The program expects regular participation until you complete your degree.

La Verne University makes its MFT program available while keeping high academic standards through these options.

Admission Requirements

The University of La Verne’s MS in marriage and family therapy program has specific admission requirements. The Fall admission cycle starts each September and closes on February 1. Students need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA.

Required prerequisites include:

• Introduction to Psychology and Abnormal Psychology courses (minimum C-/credit grade)
• Completed PsychologyCAS application
• Official transcripts from all prior institutions
• Statement of purpose (APA style, 2-3 pages) that outlines professional goals
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Three letters of recommendation from qualified professionals[192]

Candidates should have at least one year of volunteer or paid experience working with families, children, couples, or individuals[191]. The program team reviews applications and invites selected candidates to online Zoom interviews in February and March.

International students need to prove their English proficiency through these minimum scores:

• TOEFL: 100 iBT, 250 (computer-based), or 600 (paper-based)[192]
• IELTS: 6.5
• Duolingo English Test: 120[181]

Students must confirm their acceptance by May 15. The program requires completion of all prerequisites before enrollment—students cannot take prerequisites alongside MFT courses.

Why Choose This Program

University of La Verne’s program stands out with its dedication to training culturally aware marriage and family therapists. The program welcomes students of all backgrounds – ethnic, cultural, religious, sexual orientation, age, and ability. This creates an enriching educational environment that celebrates human diversity in all its forms.

The Recovery Model forms the program’s theoretical base. Students learn to build hope, develop a secure sense of self, create supportive relationships, and strengthen social inclusion. The model emphasizes coping skills, cultural awareness, and finding meaning. This approach helps therapists realize their clients’ full potential for recovery.

Learning alongside experienced academics and practicing clinicians enhances your educational experience. Their varied views guide your growth as a therapist. The curriculum focuses on clinical practice that expands your knowledge and builds your therapeutic skills.

The program opens doors to rewarding careers in mental health agencies, social services, school counseling, treatment facilities, hospitals, private practices, and community colleges. Graduates benefit from a strong alumni network that supports both students and professionals.

The program has three main goals: producing therapists who follow best practices, teaching students to apply theory and research well, and building awareness of cultural diversity in the profession.