Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) prepares students for licensure as both a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in California and in most other states. The program is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE, see program website for the status of accreditation) and the International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education (IACSTE, see program website for status of accreditation), ensuring recognition in all other states as well as most countries internationally. The state-of-the-art curriculum prepares students to work in public mental health, community agencies, rehabilitation centers, schools, private agencies and private practice, and/or to pursue doctoral study in family therapy and related fields. The curriculum emphasizes strengths-based approaches, social justice, evidence-based practices, community mental health, and development of the person-of-the-therapist, while providing foundational training in several areas of specialization, including children, adolescents, couples, groups, trauma, substance abuse, and severe mental illness. Well prepared with extensive practicum experiences in the first year, students begin intensive training in the field during the second year at community mental health agencies, public mental health, school-based and other mental health-related placements. Finally, the program's culminating experience enables students to further develop their areas of interest.

Complete a general application to the University meeting the following requirements.
Earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and have been in good standing at the last institution attended.
Applicants must have an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher to be eligible for consideration.
Official Transcripts: Submit official transcript(s) to CSUN's Office of Admissions and Records directly from the institution(s) attended. *If you attended CSUN, you do not need to submit official transcripts for coursework completed at CSUN.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test is required for ALL applicants (updated for Fall 2025).
RECOMMENDATIONS- All applicants are strongly encouraged to submit two (2) or three (3) letters of recommendation from a
professional or academic reference.
PERSONAL STATEMENT- Write and upload a statement of purpose that responds to the following prompts. Your statement may be no longer than two (2) double-spaced pages in 12-point Times New Roman font.
CURRENT RESUME- Include both paid and volunteer experiences. Please upload your resume to the Department Application.
Duolingo English Test - 105
IELTS - 6.5, TOEFL Internet Based score - 79, TOEFL Paper-based score - 550