Special Notification
Program changes impacting program eligibility and completion:
- The program no longer has two concentrations (prior COAMFTE and prior non-COAMFTE).
- We no longer have a two-year program completion option.
- Eligibility criteria has changed and only individuals with a completed master's degree (prior to enrollment not application) in Marital and Family Therapy/Couple and Family Therapy or Clinical Counseling are eligible to apply.
Program Description
The Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy (DMFT) program builds upon a relational/systemic philosophy, follows the practitioner-evaluator model, and focuses on applied skill development for use in clinical practice, supervision, and administrative positions. Our DMFT program uses an online learning modality in which 50% of the courses are taught synchronously and 50% are taught asynchronously. The synchronous courses have a virtual classroom component and students and instructors will meet weekly in the evening during the quarter for lecture and discussion. The asynchronous courses do not meet weekly but students receive instructor guidance throughout the quarter.Program Length
3 yearsPossible Careers
Community Mental Health Administration, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, Mental Health Administration within the elementary and secondary school settings, Academia—Adjunct and Full-time faculty positions, Research, Clinical positions in many mental health settings
Admissions Requirements
- Complete online application
- Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy/Couple and Family Therapy or Clinical Counseling. Must be a qualifying degree for licensure (LMFT or LPCC) in the applicant’s state.
- 3.3 master’s level GPA
- Oral interview with faculty member(s)
- Three letters of recommendation (2 academic and 1 professional preferred)
- Background check
- No GRE admissions requirement
Discipline Accrediting Agency
The program offered by Loma Linda University is the only DMFT program granted accreditation through the Council on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), the accrediting body associated with American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). COAMFTE accreditation means students meet national practice standards for marital and family therapy. This accreditation facilitates graduates’ eligibility to practice across the country as well as in California.State Accrediting Agency
The academic programs at Loma Linda University are regionally accredited by the WSCUC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges [WASC] Senior College and University Commission).
Expected Cost of Attendance
Academic Year 2022-2023
| Year of Program: | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $18,964 | $22,412 | $15,516 |
| Fees | — | — | $2,250 |
| Books & Supplies | $2,335 | $2,335 | $2,335 |
| Instruments | — | — | — |
| Misc (e.g., Boards, Licensing exam, Uniforms) | — | — | — |
| Total | $21,299 | $24,747 | $20,101 |
Notes
No quarterly enrollment fees for online students.Estimated Living Expenses
Academic Year 2022-2023, off campus, with a roommate
| Year of Program: | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Months enrolled | 9 | 12 | 12 |
| Room & Board | $14,985 | $19,980 | $19,980 |
| Transportation | — | — | — |
| 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.