Prepare for the growing field of marriage and family therapy at a health sciences university deeply rooted in healthcare education. SMU’s Master of Marriage and Family Therapy program prepares students for clinical practice through relationship-centered training shaped by real-world healthcare environments.
The MFT program at SMU prepares compassionate, skilled clinicians to support individuals, couples, and families in healthcare and community settings. As a trusted health sciences university with more than 115 years of experience educating healthcare professionals, SMU emphasizes relationship-centered, systems-based practice and collaborative care to address the mental, relational, and psychosocial dimensions of health.
Choose from two tracks aligned with distinct clinical pathways. The General Couples and Family Therapy track provides comprehensive preparation for MFT licensure in California, grounded in relational and systems-based practice. The Medical Family Therapy track is healthcare-embedded, immersing students in medical settings where they work alongside interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
As demand for marriage and family therapists continues to grow, SMU prepares graduates for real-world clinical practice in healthcare and community settings. Our MFT program combines relationship-centered training with thoughtful, technology-informed preparation—reflecting SMU’s healthcare focus and equipping graduates to practice with confidence in today’s care environments.
Applicants are considered for admission to the MFT program based upon the following criteria:
Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
This program will be seeking COAMFTE accreditation in 2028.
Application Fee: $60
Non-Refundable Tuition Deposit
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program, please visit Student Accounts.
Some university scholarships are available. In addition to scholarships, financial aid is an important resource to help cover your education costs. Our financial aid office is available to work with you to put the best possible financial plan together. Available loan types:
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
The MFT program at SMU prepares compassionate, skilled clinicians to support individuals, couples, and families in healthcare and community settings. As a trusted health sciences university with more than 115 years of experience educating healthcare professionals, SMU emphasizes relationship-centered, systems-based practice and collaborative care to address the mental, relational, and psychosocial dimensions of health.
Choose from two tracks aligned with distinct clinical pathways. The General Couples and Family Therapy track provides comprehensive preparation for MFT licensure in California, grounded in relational and systems-based practice. The Medical Family Therapy track is healthcare-embedded, immersing students in medical settings where they work alongside interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
As demand for marriage and family therapists continues to grow, SMU prepares graduates for real-world clinical practice in healthcare and community settings. Our MFT program combines relationship-centered training with thoughtful, technology-informed preparation—reflecting SMU’s healthcare focus and equipping graduates to practice with confidence in today’s care environments.
Applicants are considered for admission to the MFT program based upon the following criteria:
Samuel Merritt University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510.748.9001.
This program will be seeking COAMFTE accreditation in 2028.
Application Fee: $60
Non-Refundable Tuition Deposit
Students offered admission pay a non-refundable tuition deposit of $350 to secure their seat in the class. Application fees and tuition deposits are non-refundable, whether or not the student withdraws in the first week of the term.
Tuition
For a detailed summary of annual tuition, all fees for the program, and a cost estimator for the entire program, please visit Student Accounts.
Some university scholarships are available. In addition to scholarships, financial aid is an important resource to help cover your education costs. Our financial aid office is available to work with you to put the best possible financial plan together. Available loan types:
Detailed information about financial aid, budgeting, total cost, and application processes is available using the button below.
In accordance with COAMFTE standards,
The program includes a requirement of 300 clinical hours (150 of which must be relational) within the program of study.
The program prepares students for licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) in California.
