Program Overview
- Program Duration
- 5 trimesters (20 months)
- Format
- Hybrid
- Accreditation
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Curriculum
- Sequential Course Curriculum
Important Application Deadlines
-
SEP 3
September 3, 2026
Applications Open
Sacramento
-
MAY 2
May 2, 2027
Fall 2027 Priority Application Deadline
Sacramento
-
JUL 4
July 4, 2027
Fall 2027 Standard Application Deadline
Sacramento
Key Points of Contact
-
Rosie Vazquez Mares
Admission Counselor
-
Gabe Yandell
Program Director - Couple & Family Therapy Programs
What Is SMU's Master of Marriage and Family Therapy Program?
SMU's hybrid MFT program combines graduate education with extensive clinical preparation for professional practice. Students gain:
- A choice of two clinical pathways focused on General Couples and Family Therapy or Medical Family Therapy.
- Supervised clinical experience that develops the skills to assess clients and provide evidence-based, relationship-centered care.
- Preparation for professional licensure and practice across behavioral health, healthcare, and community settings.
Why Choose the Samuel Merritt University MFT Program?
Students can choose a pathway that aligns with their professional goals, including a Medical Family Therapy option that prepares them to address how emotional and relational factors influence health and recovery. As part of a university dedicated to healthcare education, MFT students learn in an environment where behavioral and physical health are connected, preparing them to contribute to whole-person care.
#1
Best Career Prospects
#1 University in CA for postgrad jobs.
#1
Early-Career Salaries
Forbes ranks us #1 for early-career salaries.
86%
Employers Prefer SMU
86% of employers prefer hiring SMU grads.
Admission
Applicants are considered for admission to the MFT program based upon the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum recommended cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Two short essays on PsychologyCAS.
- Three letters of reference.
Financial Aid
Investing in your next step.
Many Master of Marriage and Family Therapy students use scholarships, loans, employer assistance, and financial aid to support their graduate education.
Samuel Merritt University works closely with students throughout the financial aid process—from completing the FAFSA to understanding scholarship opportunities and developing a financial plan that supports their educational and professional goals.
Scholarships for MPA students include:
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Federal Direct Graduate Loans
In addition to tuition and fees, financial aid can also cover:
- Books and supplies
- Room and board
- Transportation
- Personal expenses
- Other fees as determined by program/college
Your financial aid package at Samuel Merritt University is personalized to you. We develop your financial aid package using guidelines set by the Department of Education and the estimated costs of each program. Once you receive your financial aid package, check the budget against your actual living expenses, and we can make necessary adjustments to meet your needs.
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
Cost
For the current expected cost of the Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program, please
download the Full 2026-2027 Tuition Guide. Samuel Merritt University strives to support the future of
healthcare through financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Learn more about the support available for you:
Accreditation
Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of the Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
The program will be seeking COAMFTE accreditation in 2028.
Curriculum
- Systemic Theories I
- Systemic Theories II
- Treatment Across the Lifespan
- General Systems Theory
- Clinical Psychopathology
- Psychological Testing
- Ethics and the Law in Couple and Family Therapy
- Play Therapy
- Couples Therapy
- Research in Family Therapy
- Practicum I
- Practicum II
- Practicum III
- Sex Therapy
- Culturally Competent Therapy
- Trauma, Violence, and Abuse
- Substance Abuse in CFT
- Psychopharmacology
- Graduate Capstone
ELECTIVE COURSES
- Best Practices in Couple and Family Therapy
- Intro to Medical Family Therapy
- Telehealth Treatments in CFT
- Beginning Internship
- Advanced Internship
- Grief and Loss
- Beginning Internship (MedFT track)
- Advanced Internship (MedFT track)
More About This Program
Program Outcomes
In accordance with COAMFTE standards,
- The program will contribute to the field of couple and family therapy through a) training competent students, b) producing research and scholarship for contemporary problems; and c) providing treatments through a lens of inclusivity.
- Program will contribute to the Northern California community through a) placing students to serve clients in practicum placements, b) placing students to serve clients in internship placements, c) serving diverse/underserved clientele.
- Program will contribute to the University through fulfilling the University mission: educate students to become highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who positively transform the experience of care in diverse communities
Immersive Learning Experiences
The program requires 300 clinical hours (150 of which must be relational) within the program of study.
Licensure
The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at Samuel Merritt University is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in California, as set forth in California Business and Professions Code Section 4980.36.
