Special Notification

  • No application fee required.
  • Please see the bottom of this page for information about the cost of attendance.

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 with a blend of synchronous asynchronous classes. 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

Mental Health Administration and Supervision, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, Academic Teaching, Academic Administration, Research, Clinical Positions

Application Deadlines

Quarter Application Open Priority Deadline Final Deadline
Autumn of 2025 Aug 1, 2024 Nov 30, 2024 May 31, 2025

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 fully online 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.

LLU Doctoral Programs Disclosure Regarding Qualifying Degree Programs

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
Integrating faith and health
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

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 2025-2026

Year of Program
Months Enrolled 		Year 1
9 		Year 2
12 		Year 3
12
Tuition & Fees $17,208 $26,768 $31,792
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance
(May or may not be purchased through the school) 		$3,500 $3,500 $3,500

Other Educational Costs

Non-required costs that can be funded with scholarships/loans.

Year of Program
Months Enrolled 		Year 1
9 		Year 2
12 		Year 3
12
Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
Students will be assigned one of the following Living Expense Budget Options:
  • On Campus Dorm
    		•  $12,015 $16,020 $16,020
  • LLU Owned Rental Property
    		•  $19,800 $26,400 $26,400
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents
    		• $20,655 $27,540 $27,540
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents
    		•  $7,290 $9,720 $9,720
  • Off Campus
    		•  $19,800 $26,400 $26,400
    Transportation Allowance $3,150 $4,200 $4,200
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $3,285 $4,380 $4,380
    Federal Student Loan Fees $216 $216 $216
    Cost of Obtaining Professional License 0 0 0
    Dependent Care
    (See Budget Revision Request form)     		Available upon Request
    Disability-Related Expenses
    (See Budget Revision Request form)     		Available upon Request

    Notes

    No quarterly enrollment fees for online students.
    • 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.