Frequently Asked Questions
How diverse are the faculty, supervisors, and students within the USD program?
Among the four full-time faculty, one faculty member is Latina, while the other three are White. The full-time faculty is evenly split on gender, and represents diverse religious backgrounds. Among the adjunct faculty and community supervisors, one is Latino, while the others are White. Like the full-time faculty, the adjunct faculty and community supervisors are evenly split among male and female instructors, and come from diverse religious backgrounds. In 2010, 30% of the 60 students in the program come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Students in the program are predominantly female (54 female, 6 male). Although the majority of students in the program are Catholic, a large percentage of students come from various Christian and non-Christian backgrounds.
How long does it take to complete the program?
Full-time students who enter during the fall semester can complete the program in two years. Students who enter during the spring semester require two and a half years to complete the program since practicum sites only allow students to begin clinical work in the summer or fall.
When are courses scheduled?
Courses are scheduled Monday-Friday between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Each course is scheduled twice each year, usually in the fall and spring semesters. We offer a limited schedule during the summer.
What qualities are you looking for in an applicant?
The MFT program seeks to attract candidates who clearly demonstrate academic potential for graduate study and whose personal qualities will contribute to their success as therapists. As such, we anticipate that applicants will already possess strong interpersonal skills. We also seek individuals whose career goals match what we believe the program has to offer. We welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to enrich faculty and students alike.
Do I need to have a psychology or related degree to get into the MFT Program?
No. Although most of our students have undergraduate degrees in psychology, it is not necessary for you to have a psychology degree to enter our program. We have had students from a variety of backgrounds who have entered our program, including teaching, nursing, business, marketing, and many other disciplines.
How many students does the program accept each year?
The program seeks to enroll 25-30 new students each year. Since we offer classes twice a year, class sizes are generally between 15 - 20 students. This is small enough to permit students and faculty to know each other, yet big enough to offer a diversity of experiences and perspectives in each class.
How heavily do you weigh the GRE or MAT scores in your selection process?
The MFT program seeks to attract candidates who clearly demonstrate potential for graduate study and whose personal qualities will contribute to their success. The selection committee looks at GRE/MAT scores in the context of the applicant’s other academic work and personal achievements including; overall GPA, GPA over the last 60 units, applicant’s statement of purpose, three letters of recommendations, and the group interview with MFT faculty.
Does USD offer financial aid?
Yes. USD offers financial aid in the form of loans, assistantships, and merit scholarships. Please refer to the Financial Aid page for more information.
How is USD’s marital and family therapy program different from psychology, counseling and social work programs?
USD prepares students to work with couples and families from a systemic perspective, integrating the latest research on evidence based practice. Although students receive training in individual therapy, the emphasis of our training is on helping students understand individuals in the context of their close relationships and collaborating with the family to optimize care.
Will the program prepare me for a doctorate in family therapy or another related mental health field?
Graduates from our program have been successful in gaining acceptance into doctoral programs in family therapy and psychology. Our national accreditation is particularly an asset for those seeking a doctoral program in family therapy since many of the courses and clinical hours can be applied to the doctoral program. The program gives students a strong clinical foundation for entering a doctoral program. We encourage all students interested in doctoral programs to seek additional experience in research during their time at USD. Students have participated in faculty members’ research, and several students have published articles with the faculty. In addition, faculty can help interested students find specific research opportunities in the San Diego community.
Does the program help graduates find jobs?
The MFT program tries to help graduates find jobs in a number of ways. Students take a Professional Issues class while in the program, which focuses on important issues which family therapists need to know after graduation. It looks at topics such as working in a private practice, how to get on a managed care panel, and other employment related issues. The program has also prepared a resource guide for students entitled “A Job Guide for Graduate Students in Marriage and Family Therapy.” The guide provides a wealth of information, such as how to write a resume, interviewing, and resources on where or how to search for jobs. The program regularly receives job openings from employers and graduates that are made available to current students and alumni alike. An alumni list has also been developed to facilitate graduates posting and receiving job announcements. Finally, graduates of the program report that the reputation of the University, particularly the MFT program, has been a valuable resource in being hired for jobs.
