Program Overview

MS in Counseling Psychology (MFT) Program Overview

The MS in Counseling Psychology (MFT) program at California Lutheran University is designed to provide students with a high level of academic and clinical preparation in the field of marriage and family therapy. The program focuses on teaching a relational and systemic model for providing counseling services, with an emphasis on diversity, cultural competence, and social responsibility.

Program Highlights

• The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and meets all the educational requirements set forth by the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
• Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a 12-month practicum placement in the on-site Community Counseling Center.
• The program offers a range of specialization courses, including Psychological Trauma, Attachment Theory, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Private Practice.
• Graduates of the program have achieved outstanding results on the California LMFT state licensing exams, with pass rates significantly higher than the statewide averages.

Curriculum

The 60-credit curriculum requires the successful completion of the following courses:

• PSYC 510: Psychopathology
• PSYC 512: Systems of Counseling and Psychology
• PSYC 515: Survey of Psychopharmacology
• PSYC 516: Counseling Skills
• PSYC 517: Lifespan Development
• PSYC 518: Gender and Sexuality
• PSYC 520: Law and Ethics
• PSYC 522: Cultural Diversity
• PSYC 524: Substance Abuse and Dependency
• PSYC 526: Domestic Violence and Abuse
• PSYC 530: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interviewing
• PSYC 534: Group Therapy
• PSYC 540: Principles and Techniques in Child Therapy
• PSYC 541: Principles and Techniques in Adolescent Therapy
• PSYC 542: Principles and Techniques in Couples Therapy
• PSYC 543: Principles and Techniques in Family Therapy
• PSYC 550: Survey of Psychological Testing
• PSYC 561: Research Synthesis and Evaluation
• PSYC 591: Counseling Practicum I
• PSYC 592: Counseling Practicum II
• PSYC 593: Counseling Practicum III

Admission Requirements

To apply to the MS in Counseling Psychology (MFT) program, students must submit the following:

• Official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities attended
• Two recommendation forms from individuals who know the applicant professionally or academically
• A personal statement (3-5 pages, double-spaced) outlining the applicant's interests, goals, and motivations for pursuing a career in marriage and family therapy
• A resume or curriculum vitae
• Completion of a prerequisite requirement form, which includes a minimum of 3 credits of statistics and 9 credits of undergraduate or graduate-level psychology coursework

Program Format and Location

The program is offered in a full-time (2-year) or part-time (3-year) format, with classes held in the late afternoon and evening at the Thousand Oaks campus, or during the day at the Oxnard campus.

Why Pursue an MFT?

The field of marriage and family therapy is growing rapidly, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 41% increase in employment opportunities from 2010 to 2020. Marriage and family therapists work with individuals, couples, and families to address a range of mental health issues, including relationship problems, anxiety, depression, and trauma. The MFT degree from California Lutheran University provides students with the education and training needed to become licensed therapists and pursue a rewarding career in this field.

Why Cal Lutheran?

California Lutheran University is a private, non-profit university that is committed to providing students with a high-quality education and a supportive learning environment. The MS in Counseling Psychology (MFT) program at Cal Lutheran is designed to meet the needs of working professionals, with classes offered in the late afternoon and evening. The program is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and meets all the educational requirements set forth by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Graduates of the program have achieved outstanding results on the California LMFT state licensing exams, and have gone on to pursue successful careers in a range of settings, including private practice, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.