Systems, Families & Couples, PhD

Special Notification

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

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 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 2024	Nov 6, 2023	Feb 26, 2024	Apr 26, 2024

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.

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

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	$22,152	$28,625	$28,625	$17,693
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.