Q. What is the acceptance rate to your program and what is the cost?
A. We typically receive about 300 applications and accept a maximum of 24 students.
B. The total cost of the degree depends on when you are able to complete your fieldwork. Students are allowed to begin fieldwork during the second year and most finish it in the 3rd year. This would result in 4 semesters at the full-time rate (currently = $4200 per semester) = $16,800; PLUS 1 summer semester at the end of the first year with 2 classes through Open University (currently $990 per class) = $1980; Plus 2 semesters of 3-6 units of fieldwork in the third year (part time rate currently at $2800 per semester) = $5600 for a Total = $24,380.
It is not known if there will be an increase in tuition over the next 3 years.
Q. What do you look for in an applicant?
A. We assess applicants based on their GPA, application materials (e.g., statement of purpose, letters of rec), experience, and dispositions. We highly recommend that all of our applicants gain experience in the mental health field prior to applying, either through internships, volunteer work, or employment. We look for applicants who have a passion for what they do and demonstrate healthy and professional boundaries. We are also looking for applicants who have a demonstrated interest in both school counseling and marriage and family therapy.
Q. What is the difference between a Marriage and Family Therapist, a Social Worker, and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor?
A. There are many similarities between these fields. This article provides a good overview: http://www.psychotherapynotes.com/whats-the-difference-between-an-mft-an-lpc-or-lpcc-and-an-lcsw/
We recommend you look at 1) the ideal job you would want and see what degree is required and 2) the course descriptions within each program you are interested in. By comparing and contrasting programs and jobs, you will find your ideal fit.
Q. I already have my Masters. Can I get my PPS credential through your program? Can I get my CWA through your program?
A. No, we do not offer a PPS credential only program. We do not offer a CWA only Program.
Q. What are the steps to obtaining MFT licensure?
A. The Board of Behavioral Sciences is responsible for the process of MFT licensure. You can review FAQs here: https://www.bbs.ca.gov/pdf/publications/mft_faq.pdf
Q. Will I be able to get my Ph.D./Ed.D/Psy.D. after this program?
A. Ph.D. programs (Doctor of Philosophy) offer academic degrees that prepare students for careers in academia or alt-ac jobs. They require a writing sample (typically a thesis) for admissions. If you are interested in completing our thesis option (instead of the comprehensive exam), you should be intrinsically motivated and arrive with a clear research agenda. You should also already have strong academic writing and research skills.
Ed.D. programs (Doctor of Education) offer a professional degree that requires strong experience in the field of education.
Psy.D. programs (Doctor of Psychology) offer a clinical degree. They are typically geared toward students who already have a Master's degree in Psychology. A Master's degree in Psychology does NOT provide a path to licensure without a Psy.D. or a Ph.D. A Master's degree in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy already provides a path to licensure, so getting a Psy.D. is somewhat redundant, but still an option.
Depending on the school, your budget, the degree you choose, and your location, obtaining entrance to a doctoral program can be fairly easy or almost impossible. We suggest you research potential degrees you are interested in and their requirements in order to figure out what you need to do to best prepare yourself for doctoral admissions.
Q. How much support will I have during the program?
A. You will have the support of 2 tenured faculty (Dr. Michael Carter and Dr. Emily Hernandez), 1 tenure-track faculty (Dr. Deborah Ribera), 1 full-time lecturer (Professor Monica Borunda), and several long-time adjunct professors. You will have a faculty advisor as well as the support of the Division of Special Education and Counseling for any questions that come up. You will have extensive peer support from a peer mentor and your fellow cohort members. That all being said, we strongly encourage all of our students to take a proactive approach to their graduate education. The program requires intense commitment both time-wise and personally.
Q. How big are your class sizes?
A. Our class sizes range from 12 (for clinical classes) to 24 with some lecture size classes.
Q. Do you provide us with fieldwork placements?
A. Not directly. We provide a fieldwork placement fair the year before you begin fieldwork. We also maintain a list of agencies and schools with which we have a current fieldwork contract. You are responsible for finding the school and/or agency that feels like the right fit for you. We consider fieldwork to be a bridge to employment, and indeed many of our students find employment at their fieldwork sites after they graduate. Therefore, we want to empower you to follow your interests and strengths in order to initiate and establish your own professional network.
Q. Is your program accredited?
A. Yes, the university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission. Our MFT program has been reviewed and approved by the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences. Our PPS/CWA credential program is accredited by the California state Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Q. Will I be able to work in another state with my degree?
A. We only maintain responsibility for California standards. Students are responsible for understanding the licensing and/or credentialing regulations in the state or country where they would like to work. The following websites may provide you with resources: https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/licensure-requirements/state-professional-counselor-licensure-boards
Q. Does this program also prepare students for the LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor)?
A. Yes, it does. It is not necessary to pursue both the LPCC and the MFT, though some people have dual licensure. Please let your advisor know if you would like to pursue the LPCC. The Master's degree in Counseling with an option in Rehabilitation Counseling also provides a path to the LPCC.