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. Ultimately, we are looking at a holistic application rather than one single aspect.
The GRE or MAT score is just one of many indicators that the program looks at when holistically evaluating an applicant’s potential for academic and clinical 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, 2 letters of recommendations, and the group interview with MFT faculty.
The program seeks to enroll approximately 30 new students each year. Since we offer classes 2 times a year, class sizes are generally kept between 15 - 20 students and many are comprised of both 1st and 2nd year 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.
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, and many students come from various undergraduate disciplines including teaching, nursing, business, marketing, and many other disciplines.
Full-time students who enter during the fall semester can complete the program in 2 years. Students who enter during the spring semester require 2 and a half years to complete the program since practicum sites only allow students to begin clinical work in the summer or fall. The program is year-round, including summer.
30% of the faculty (full-time and part-time) come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and represent a range of religious affiliations. 40% of the current students come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds and represent a range of religious affiliations.
Most courses are scheduled Monday-Friday between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm; a few are scheduled in the early evening. Each course is scheduled 2 times each year, usually in the fall and spring semesters. A small number of courses are offered in the summer. The schedule tends to look the same semester to semester, which allows students to plan their schedule in advance.
The USD MFT Program has many strengths including national accreditation, full time and part time faculty who are currently practicing in the field, faculty who have written a number of the MFT books that are used in curriculum around the nation, a diverse range of practicum sites, extensive supervision support during practicum, a focus on international work and cultural competency, a great reputation in the mental health community in San Diego, and a new HRSA grant providing additional financial opportunities for students. Click here for more information about our program's strengths.
Graduates from our program have been successful in gaining acceptance into doctoral programs in family therapy, psychology, and other disciplines. 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.
The MFT program assists graduates in finding jobs in a number of ways. The program has prepared a resource guide for students entitled “A Job Guide for Graduate Students in Marriage and Family Therapy.” This guide provides a wealth of information, such as how to write a resume, interviewing, resources on where or how to search for jobs, in addition to information about agencies that have hired USD alumni in the past. This manual is not just focused on the San Diego area; it also includes information on other areas throughout California as well as resources for out of state job searches. The program regularly receives job openings from employers and graduates that are made available to current students and alumni. 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 getting hired.
