Program Description

The Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy (DMFT) program builds upon a relational/systemic philosophy, follows the practitioner-evaluator model, and focuses on applied skill development for use in clinical practice, supervision, and administrative positions. Our DMFT program uses an online learning modality in which 50% of the courses are taught synchronously and 50% are taught asynchronously. The synchronous courses have a virtual classroom component and students and instructors will meet weekly in the evening during the quarter for lecture and discussion. The asynchronous courses do not meet weekly but students receive instructor guidance throughout the quarter.

Program Website

Program Length

3 years

Possible Careers

Community Mental Health Administration, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, Mental Health Administration within the elementary and secondary school settings, Academia—Adjunct and Full-time faculty positions, Research, Clinical positions in many mental health settings

Application Deadlines

Quarter Application Open Priority Deadline Final Deadline
Autumn of 2024 Jun 1, 2023 Nov 30, 2023 Mar 31, 2024

Admissions Requirements

  • Complete online application
  • Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy/Couple and Family Therapy or Clinical Counseling. Must be a qualifying degree for licensure (LMFT or LPCC) in the applicant’s state. 
  • 3.3 master’s level GPA
  • Oral interview with faculty member(s)
  • Three letters of recommendation (2 academic and 1 professional preferred)
  • Background check
  • No GRE admissions requirement

Discipline Accrediting Agency

The program offered by Loma Linda University is the only DMFT program granted accreditation through the Council on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), the accrediting body associated with American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). COAMFTE accreditation means students meet national practice standards for marital and family therapy. This accreditation facilitates graduates’ eligibility to practice across the country as well as in California.

State Accrediting Agency

Loma Linda University is regionally accredited by the WSCUC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges [WASC] Senior College and University Commission).
Integrating faith and health
Loma Linda University educates and encourages a balanced life by living our values of humility, compassion, justice, integrity, excellence, freedom and self- control. You will be surrounded by faculty who are committed to healthcare innovation and research while engaging your spirituality.

Expected Cost of Attendance

Academic Year 2023-2024

Year of Program: Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Tuition $19,338 $24,612 $18,072
Fees
Books & Supplies $2,335 $2,335 $2,335
Instruments
Misc (e.g., Boards, Licensing exam, Uniforms) $216 $216 $216
Total $21,889 $27,163 $20,623

Notes

No quarterly enrollment fees for online students.

Estimated Living Expenses

Academic Year 2023-2024, off campus, with a roommate

Year of Program: Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Months enrolled 9 12 12
Food and Housing $17,280 $23,040 $23,040
Transportation $3,150 $4,200 $4,200
Miscellaneous Personal Costs $2,700 $3,600 $3,600

Notes

  • Amounts are what a student can apply to borrow for the number of months shown in each academic year based on living off campus with a roommate and not with a relative.
  • International students need to calculate 12 months of living expenses based on the numbers listed here.
  • In general, to qualify for financial aid a student must be enrolled at least half time taking degree requirements. Half time is 6 units in a quarter for undergraduate programs and 4 units in a quarter for graduate programs.