Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A.

Program Director: Cynthia McGrady, Ph.D.

Overview

The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program prepares theologically minded counselors with the knowledge, skill, and insight to practice counseling in clinical venues, faith-based treatment centers, and church settings. The curriculum facilitates the integration of Christian theology, psychological theory, character formation, and professional practice. Students are expected to engage in their own counseling to enhance personal growth, self-awareness and understanding of the therapeutic process in preparation for work in this field. The program is approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences and covers the content areas required for licensure in the state of California.

Admissions Process and Requirements

Admission to the Fresno Pacific University Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program is based on a review of each applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement by the admission committee.

Application Process

To be considered for admission to the MA in Marriage and Family Therapy program, please submit the following items:

• Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
  • Fpu.edu/applysem
• Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post-baccalaureate work.
  • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
  • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
  • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an enveloped sealed by your institution to:

Fresno Pacific University

Office of the Registrar

1717 S. Chestnut Ave

Fresno, CA 93702

• If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor's degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale), a letter of explanation is required.
• Reference Forms – Two references are required for the MA in Marriage and Family Therapy program. One spiritual refence from a pastor or other ministry leader (not a family member), and one academic reference.
  • The FPU Biblical Seminary reference form is available at fpu.edu/sem-ref
• Short Answer Questions – After submitting your application, you'll be sent a list of short answer questions via email. These questions will help us get to know your character and career goals. Your file will not be reviewed for admission until your responses are received.

Pre-requisite classes for the MFT program

FPU requires students to have the following courses before starting in the MFT program: Introduction to Psychology and either Abnormal Psychology or Human Development. Please contact your admissions counselor about your options if you don't have one of the pre-requisite classes.

Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file and have been reviewed by the admissions committee.

Please view other admission policies and information in the Admissions Policies and Requirements section of the catalog.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure at fpu.edu/about/disclosure-documents.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Student learning objectives shape the curriculum across all degree programs and represent four domains: character formation, confessional commitments, cultural competencies, and relevant skills or capacities. PSLOs 1, 2, and 3 are shared across all Seminary degree programs while PSLOs 4-9 are specific to the MFT program.

1. Demonstrate commitment to live as a disciple of Jesus in Christian community.
2. Articulate commitment to a biblical theological Christian perspective.
3. Interpret diverse cultural contexts of ministry using theological perspectives integrated with social scientific approaches.
4. Practice marriage and family therapy consistent with applicable laws and ethics.
5. Articulate and apply multiple, theoretically-consistent counseling skills.
6. Accurately attend and attune to self, other, and system.
7. Synthesize and interpret relevant clinical, contextual, and scientific data to make accurate professional judgements.
8. Synthesize integrative views of humanity, theology, and counseling to explain human phenomena and promote shalom.
9. Demonstrate effective clinical documentation skills and produce quality academic products.

Credit-Bearing Grades

MFT students taking required COUN courses and courses required for counseling licensure must earn a B- or better.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Degree Pathways

Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A. Three Year Pathway  

Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A. Four Year Pathway