Special Notification

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

Program Description

The PhD in Systems, Families and Couples is a 4-year doctoral program that provides students with the opportunity to develop specialized expertise in research, teaching, leadership and practice within the field of family science. The program follows a scientist-practitioner model where students are provided considerable hands-on experience and mentorship.

The program provides elective concentrations in:

  • Medical Family Therapy
  • Community Mental Health Practice
  • Clinical Supervision
  • Global Mental Health

Program Website  |  Catalog

Program Length

3-4 years full-time (part-time options available)

Possible Careers

Graduates of the PhD program in Systems, Families, and Couples are well-prepared to serve in the field of family science in the areas of couple and family therapy and family studies. Our alumni work as university faculty members, social and behavioral science researchers, program directors, advanced clinicians and clinical supervisors. Our alumni have also used their degrees outside of the family science in areas such as systems consulting and ministry.

Application Deadlines

Quarter Application Open Priority Deadline Final Deadline
Autumn of 2025 Nov 4, 2024 — Apr 25, 2025

Admissions Requirements

Acceptance into the PhD in Systems, Families and Couples program is based on an integrated evaluation of the following criteria:

  1. Master’s degree. 
  2. A grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.3 in their master’s degree program
  3. Three letters of reference (2 academic and 1 professional)
  4. Official transcripts for all college and graduate study
  5. Oral interview with department faculty
  6. Prior to matriculation students must pass a background check

*International students: TOEFL, 550 (pencil test) or 213 (computer scored or 80 (internet based test) (English as a second language only).

Prerequisites

Although there are no specific course prerequisites, individual applicants whose master’s degree does not reflect this perspective may be asked to enroll in additional courses.

Discipline Accrediting Agency

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), the accrediting body associated with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

This program is the only Certified Family Life Education (CFLE) approved academic doctoral program in California, allowing students to become Certified Family Life Educators upon graduation.

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 2024-2025

Year of Program
Months Enrolled 		Year 1
9 		Year 2
12 		Year 3
12 		Year 4
12
Tuition & Fees $22,476 $29,057 $29,057 $18,125
Books, Materials, Supplies & Equipment Allowance
(May or may not be purchased through the school) 		$3,000 $2,500 $3,000 $2,500

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 		Year 4
12
Living Expense (Food & Housing Allowance)
Students will be assigned one of the following Living Expense Budget Options:
  • On Campus Dorm
    		•  $11,835 $15,780 $15,780 $15,780
  • LLU Owned Rental Property
    		•  $18,900 $25,200 $25,200 $25,200
  • LLU Owned Rental w/ Dependents
    		• $19,800 $26,400 $26,400 $26,400
  • Undergraduate Dependent w/ Parents
    		•  $7,200 $9,600 $9,600 $9,600
  • Off Campus
    		•  $18,900 $25,200 $25,200 $25,200
    Transportation Allowance $3,150 $4,200 $4,200 $4,200
    Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $3,150 $4,200 $4,200 $4,200
    Federal Student Loan Fees $216 $216 $216 $216
    Cost of Obtaining Professional License 0 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

    • 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.
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