Special Notification

  • No application fee required.
  • Please see the bottom of this page for information about the cost of attendance.
  • This program accepts students who reside in California and approved SARA statesNo international students are accepted at this time. Students from each of the United States, its territories, and international students are invited to apply to the on-campus MFT MS program.
  • Course curriculum includes both synchronous and asynchronous course formats.
  • Practicum placements are completed in person and in the geographic location of the student. All practicum sites require approval of the program.
  • 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.

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, 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.

Program Website

Program Length

2.5 Years

Possible 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.

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

Discipline Accrediting Agency

The Marital and Family Therapy MS programs are nationally accredited by COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education).
Graduate Achievement Data

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
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 2024-2025

Year of Program
Months Enrolled
Year 1
9
Year 2
12
Year 3
6
Tuition & Fees $24,597 $40,995 $8,188
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance
(May or may not be purchased through the school)
$4,000 $3,000 $1,500

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
6
Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
Students will be assigned one of the following Living Expense Budget Options:
  • On Campus Dorm
  • $11,835 $15,780 $7,890
  • LLU Owned Rental Property
  • $18,900 $25,200 $12,600
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents
  • $19,800 $26,400 $13,200
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents
  • $7,200 $9,600 $4,800
  • Off Campus
  • $18,900 $25,200 $12,600
    Transportation Allowance $3,150 $4,200 $2,100
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $3,150 $4,200 $2,100
    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.