Special Notification
- No application fee required.
- Tuition waivers are available for those interested in adding a Play Therapy or Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate to their program. Click here for more information.
- Please see the bottom of this page for information about the cost of attendance.
Program Description
There are two MS in Marital and Family Therapy programs offered at Loma Linda University—one campus-based and one online. Students learn and progress through the MS MFT program as an academic cohort. This allows for a rich learning experience where students are supported, share academic resources and knowledge to create an environment of success in the program.
The MS in Marital and Family Therapy program aligns with Loma Linda University's vision of transforming lives through whole person care. Our mission is to bring health, healing, wholeness, and hope to individuals, families, and communities through education, research, clinical training, and community service. The MS program accomplishes this by addressing relational needs and concerns of individuals and families over the life course in the contexts of communities and global society.
Both programs are fully COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education) accredited. This is the national accreditation organization for marriage and family therapy programs throughout the United States. This accreditation ensures that students receive comprehensive academic and clinical training, and that they will be well-prepared to work with individuals, couples, families, children, and adolescents in diverse settings.
The Department of Counseling and Family Sciences offers a combined degree in Marital and Family Therapy (campus-based program only) with Counseling (MS/MS). This combined program also includes a Drug and Alcohol Counseling certificate.
Program Length
2 YearsPossible Careers
Graduates are in demand as administrators, educators, psychotherapists, medical family therapists, alcohol and drug specialists, family court mediators, clinic directors in environments such as, hospitals, universities, family court, group homes, private practice, and professional organizations. Qualified graduates of the School of Behavioral Health are given priority interviewing for behavioral health positions with Loma Linda University Health.Application Deadlines
There are currently no published application deadlines.Admissions Requirements
Students are admitted in Autumn and Winter quarters in the campus-based program and in Autumn quarter in the online program. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution. GREs are not required. Additional admission requirements include:
- Minimum grade-point average 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in bachelor's course work for at least the final 45 units prior to graduation
- Applicants must provide evidence of academic competence, professional comportment, and mature judgment.
- Individuals whose undergraduate degree is still in progress may be accepted pending satisfactory completion prior to beginning the master’s degree program.
- Applicants with an undergraduate degree offered in a language other than English must provide TOEFL scores in accordance with university policy.
- Health clearance
- A background check (required before matriculation to the program) Official transcripts on file
- Three letters of recommendation, as specified
- A personal statement (included in online application)
- Interview with department faculty as scheduled
Prerequisites
Please reference the Admissions Requirements.Discipline Accrediting Agency
The Marital and Family Therapy MS programs are nationally accredited by Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).Graduate Achievement Data Table
LLU MS MFT Licensing Disclosure
State Accrediting Agency
Loma Linda University is regionally accredited by the WSCUC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges [WASC] Senior College and University Commission).
Expected Cost of Attendance
The following estimated cost of attendance is based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. Estimated amounts may vary based on a number of factors. Students may use these estimates when applying for financial aid.
Required Program Costs
Academic Year 2024-2025
| Year of Program Months Enrolled |
Year 1 9 |
Year 2 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $44,640 | $46,055 |
|
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance (May or may not be purchased through the school) |
$4,500 | $4,500 |
Other Educational Costs
Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.
Notes
- Estimated amounts are for the academic year specified only. Amounts are based on full-time attendance for the number of months enrolled per academic year. International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on these amounts.
- Amounts are expected to increase each year consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
- To qualify for financial aid, most students must be enrolled at least half time in an aid eligible program and be taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.