Special Notification
Due to issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the GRE General Test is waived for all 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 applicants to doctoral programs in the School of Behavioral Health. Please do not submit GRE scores through ETS or report your scores in any application materials as they will not be taken into consideration.Program Description
The PhD in Systems, Families and Couples is a 3-4 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
Program Length
3-4 years full-time (part-time options available)Possible Careers
Graduates of the PhD program in Systems, Families, and Couples are multiculturally-informed and well-prepared to serve as ethically competent leaders who advance the field of family science in the areas of couple and family therapy and family life education. Our alumni most often work as faculty members in academic and clinical programs, social and behavioral science researchers, clinic directors, advanced clinicians and clinical supervisors, both nationally and internationally. Additional career paths that our alumni have taken have included organizational consultation and ministry.
Qualified graduates of the School of Behavioral Health are given priority interviewing for behavioral health positions with Loma Linda University Health.
Application Deadlines
| Quarter | Application Open | Priority Deadline | Final Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn of 2023 | Jul 21, 2022 | Nov 30, 2022 | Mar 31, 2023 |
Admissions Requirements
Acceptance into the PhD in Systems, Families and Couples program is based on an integrated evaluation of the following criteria:
- Master’s degree.
- A grade-point average (GPA) of at least 3.3 in their master’s degree program
- Three letters of reference (2 academic and 1 professional)
- GRE scores (taken within the last five years)
- Official transcripts for all college and graduate study
- Oral interview with department faculty
- 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.
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
Academic Year 2023-2024
| Year of Program: | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $21,096 | $28,128 | $21,096 |
| Fees | $2,925 | $3,900 | $3,900 |
| Books & Supplies | $4,000 | $1,600 | $1,100 |
| Instruments | — | — | — |
| Misc (e.g., Boards, Licensing exam, Uniforms) | — | — | — |
| Total | $28,021 | $33,628 | $26,096 |
Notes
Expected costs for the 2023-2024 academic year are based on full time attendance. From year to year, increases are anticipated consistent with inflation in the professional education sector.
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 |
| Room & Board | $15,885 | $21,180 | $21,180 |
| Transportation | $3,150 | $4,200 | $4,200 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,250 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
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.