# Online MFT Program in California [Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info?programcode=MSC/MFCT) ## Master of Science in Counseling - Marriage, Family and Child Therapy (CA only) Learn how to work with diverse clients in various clinical environments, such as private practice, hospitals, schools, non-profit organizations, and public or private mental health agencies. Help clients achieve their goals through the application of skills to support individuals, children, families, couples, and groups. Courses in this program are aligned to California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) educational requirements. Ignite Your Passion Start when you're ready [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) Courses --- ## Browse courses for your online counseling degree Education should hold practical value. That’s why our courses meet rigorous academic standards and provide you with skills and knowledge immediately applicable to your career. Look for this icon to see which skills you’ll learn in a course. ### Core Courses ### General Education Courses ### Electives ## Requirements: 60 credits You’ll need 60 credits to complete this Master of Science in Counseling degree. > 22 Core Courses The Master of Science in Counseling/Marriage, Family and Child Therapy features 22 core courses to develop the confidence and skills needed in a clinical mental health environment. > Admissions Course To be admitted into the program, students must successfully complete [MFCC/502](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-courses/mfcc502.html), Graduate Portfolio I. --- ## Schedule Your academic counselor will help schedule your courses for the Master of Science in Counseling - Marriage, Family and Child Therapy. --- ## Program Purpose Statement The Master of Science in Counseling - Marriage, Family and Child Therapy program prepares you for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in jurisdictions where it is offered. In order to practice as a counselor in most states, you must be licensed as a MFT (marriage and family therapist), LPC (licensed professional counselor), or other comparable state professional license designation. License requirements vary by state. Stay updated on the licensure requirements in any state in which you desire to practice. [Review state licensure requirements](https://www.phoenix.edu/state-licensure-requirements/mfct.html). --- ## California The Master of Science in Counseling - Marriage, Family and Child Therapy degree program meets the California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) educational requirements for registration with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). Upon successful completion of all educational requirements and required postgraduate supervised clinical hours, graduates are eligible to sit for the LMFT and LPCC licensure exams in California. [Review state licensure requirements](https://www.phoenix.edu/state-licensure-requirements/mfct.html#california). [Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info?programcode=MSC/MFCT)[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information) ## Earn career-relevant skills in weeks – not years. Learning shouldn’t take years to put into practice. That’s why we’re empowering you to build career-relevant skills with every five- to six-week course. We’ve worked with the labor market researcher Lightcast to identify in-demand skills for occupations and mapped those to our related associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. [Learn about skills](/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html) Tuition --- ## Paying for school Tuition is based on number of credit hours per course. Courses are typically 3 credits, but can range from 1-6 credits. Costs do not include savings opportunities like transfer credits and scholarships. [Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#masters-social-behavioral) ### Master's cost per course $2,289/ course Cost breakdown Cost per credit  Credits per course Resource fee **$698** x3 + $195 --- Estimated cost per course $2,289 **What affects the overall cost of my program?** Your full program cost can vary by:  - **Savings opportunities.** Get your degree faster and for less with eligible transfer credits, scholarships and work experience credits. Students with eligible credits and relevant experience can save up to $6,800 and 9 credits off their master’s degree. - **Admission requirement cost.**You must take and passGraduate Portfolio I before being admitted into the program. This six-week, noncredit assessment costs $150. - **Subsequent graduate portfolio costs.**You must take and pass Graduate Portfolio II and Graduate Portfolio III to progress in the program and into clinical courses.Graduate Portfolio II and Graduate Portfolio III cost $150 each. - **California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF).**If you’re a California resident or enrolled in a residency program, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for STRF which is currently $0 per $1,000 of institutional charges. The STRF assessment is nonrefundable. - **Liability insurance.**The Master of Science in Counseling/Marriage, Family and Child Therapy requires liability insurance through the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists for the practicum and internship. The estimated third-party cost is $95. With our Tuition Guarantee, you pay one flat, affordable rate from the moment you enroll to the day you graduate from your program. **Earn your master’s degree faster and for less with eligible savings opportunities:** [Find master’s degree savings](/tuition-financial-aid/savings-explorer-results-masters.html)[Explore scholarships](/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships.html) --- [Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#masters-social-behavioral) ### Other ways to save on time and tuition Because we believe everyone deserves an affordable education, we work hard to help our students achieve one. Here’s a few ways you can save time, save money and avoid starting from scratch.  #### Transfer credits Your prior eligible college credits can lower your cost and help you graduate sooner. As a transfer-friendly university, we accept eligible credits from 5,000+ accredited institutions.  [Transfer your credits](/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html) #### Employer tuition benefits Are you employed? Check to see if your employer has an alliance agreement with us for education benefits. This can help you save money while gaining skills that could apply to your job.   [Check employer benefits](/tuition-financial-aid/employer-tuition-benefits.html) #### Credit for life experience We look at all your relevant experience, from parenting to past jobs, to help you get the college credits you deserve. For every 3 credits earned, shave 6 weeks off your degree. [Earn college credit](/tuition-financial-aid/savings-explorer-results-masters.html) #### Alumni savings Are you a Phoenix alum? If so, you’re eligible for special tuition rates and can save up to $2,200 on a master’s degree. You can also save with an alumni scholarship.  [Save with exclusive rates](/tuition-financial-aid/alumni-offer.html) #### Military savings If you’re an active-duty service member in the U.S. Armed Forces or an eligible spouse or dependent, you may be eligible for a lower, military tuition rate and can save on tuition.   [Get military savings](/military.html) #### We can help you get started Chat with an experienced advisor who can guide you through tuition, financial aid, scholarships, transfer credits and more. [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)PreviousNext 1. View 1 2. View 2 Budget & borrow ## How to pay for college Paying for school can be intimidating, but we’re here to help you make sense of it. Our finance advisors can walk you through your options like federal financial aid and savings opportunities to minimize your debt. Plus, we can help you figure out your financial plan. [Explore federal financial aid](/tuition-financial-aid/federal-financial-aid.html) Careers & Outcomes --- ## What can you do with a Master of Science in Counseling - Marriage, Family and Child Therapy? Discover where your degree might take you and make informed choices about your future. **An MSC - MFCT can prepare you for:** - Counselor  - Clinical Therapist - Family Therapist - Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) **Top skills learned in this program:** - Professionalism - Diversity - Human Development - Career Counseling - Psychotherapy - Group Dynamics - Clinical Assessments - Research - Marriage and Family Therapy ## Ready to get started? Start your application for free or request additional information. [Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info)[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information) ## What you’ll learn When you earn your online Master of Science in Counseling - Marriage, Family and Child Therapy degree, you’ll be equipped with a concrete set of skills you can apply on the job. You’ll learn how to: - Develop a professional identity as an advocate and steward for the counseling profession.  - Integrate social and cultural diversity competencies into their practice as a mental health professional. - Integrate human growth and development theories and principles into their clinical practice.   - Integrate career development theories and principles into their clinical practices.  - Integrate counseling theories, models, and techniques into their clinical practices.  - Integrate group counseling theories and practices into their clinical practices.  - Execute assessment and testing processes and procedures to guide their clinical practice. - Evaluate research and programs to inform professional practice Integrate theories, principles, and methods of marital and family systems approaches into their clinical practice. - Integrate theories, principles, and methods of marital and family systems approaches in clinical practice. **Program handbook:**[Master of Science in Counseling - Marriage, Family and Child Therapy Program Handbook (Online)](https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/edu/degrees/doc/mfct-online-program-handbook.pdf) 13%Growth According to the [Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/marriage-and-family-therapists.htm), job growth for marriage and family therapists (MFTs) is projected to be much faster than average between ((edu.BLSyears)). ((edu.BLSdisclaimer)) Admissions --- ## Apply for free – no application fee, no obligation. Starting your degree is a big decision — and we want you to feel great about it. That’s why we remove obstacles from your application. - No cost to request prior transcripts - No GMAT - No essay required [Explore admission requirements](/admissions.html)× How to enroll at University of Phoenix ## Receive 1-on-1 support You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 90% of our surveyed students.[1] Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today. [1] Transactional Survey, August 2021-22 (18,645 respondents) **Call or chat with us 7 days a week.** [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) Gabriel G., Enrollment Rep ## Receive 1-on-1 support You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 85% of our surveyed students.[1] [1] Transactional Survey, September 2022-August 2023 (23,739 respondents) Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today. **Call us at 844-937-8679 or chat with us 7 days a week.** [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) Student Experience --- ## An education that fits your busy life ### Balancing family, work and school Work toward your degree without giving up what matters most. Start your degree year-round and take one class at a time. [Learn about our flexibility](/life-as-a-phoenix/time-management.html) ### Around-the-clock support and resources You have a support team available up to 14 hours a day, 5 days a week.  [See student resources](/student-resources.html) ### Computer requirements for courses Many course assignments will require you to use a computer to complete and submit your assignment.  [More on technology recommendations](/student-resources/computer-requirements.html) Faculty Spotlight --- ## Professionals dedicated to you Your success is a top priority for our deans and faculty members. They bring an average of ((edu.facultyExperience)) years of experience and hands-on perspective to the classroom, and help bridge the gap between academics and industry knowledge. Accreditation --- ## Accredited for 45+ years Since 1978, University of Phoenix has maintained institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC),[hlcommission.org](https://www.hlcommission.org/). Learn more about the value of University of Phoenix accreditation and how it benefits our students. [Learn more](/about/accreditation.html) ## Counseling articles - [What Is Behavioral Science?](/articles/counseling/what-is-behavioral-science) — Online Degrees | September 18, 2025 • 8 minutes - [How to Become a Mental Health Counselor](/articles/counseling/how-to-become-a-mental-health-counselor.html) — Online Degrees | November 05, 2024 • 8 minutes - [What to do with a Masters in Counseling?](/articles/counseling/what-can-you-do-with-a-masters-in-counseling) — Online Degrees | April 06, 2022 • 6 Minutes ## Frequently asked questions about this master's program 1. Admissions 2. Online Learning 3. Program Length 4. Graduation and Outcomes Admissions ### What are the admission requirements for this master’s degree? To be eligible for a master’s degree program, you must meet the following criteria: - You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or have a valid visa if you’re living in the U.S. - You have earned a bachelor's (or comparable undergraduate) degree from an approved, college or university with institutional accreditation, or hold a comparable degree from a recognized institution outside the United States - You have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) shown on a bachelor's (or comparable undergraduate) degree posted transcript - You have not previously been expelled from a higher education institution - You will complete all required forms for admission, as well as submit official test scores and transcripts from all colleges and universities you've attended Learn more about[admission requirements](/admissions.html) ### Do I need a bachelor’s degree in a specific field to apply? No specific bachelor’s degree field is required to start a master’s degree. You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) shown on a bachelor's (or comparable undergraduate) degree from an accredited institution. Learn about[transferring credits](/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html). ### How do I apply? Sign up for a University account to start the process. Complete your program application in about 20 minutes.[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) ### Are standardized tests (GMAT/GRE) required for admission? We have an open admissions policy that allows you to apply without standardized test scores, so GMAT/GRE test results are not required.[What is required for admissions?](/admissions.html) ### Is there an application fee? No, application to University of Phoenix is free. We strive to remove barriers for new students that might interrupt higher education goals, including fees for application. Explore[costs and tuition](/tuition-financial-aid.html). Online Learning ### What is the online learning experience like at University of Phoenix?   At University of Phoenix virtual learning creates an engaging online experience with the flexibility that fits your lifestyle.  Experience one-on-one connections with experienced faculty and collaboration with your classmates—all without the commute to class.  Know more about[student life](/student-resources.html).  ### Can I work full-time while completing my online master's degree? As a university for working adults, we’ve created the flexibility to balance family, work and school. With a classroom that’s open 24/7 you can take one 5-6 week course at a time, allowing you to go to school on your schedule. Find out more about[learning online](/student-resources/going-to-class.html). ### Is academic advising available to online students? Academic advisors are available 6 am to 7 pm, 5 days a week to provide guidance and support throughout your educational journey.[Sign up](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info)to connect with advisors. ### How do I contact my instructors or get help with assignments?   You can ask questions directly to your instructor about assignments and any other topics in your virtual classroom platform – Blackboard. You will also use Blackboard to collaborate with classmates, review assignments, receive feedback from your instructor, and stay on track with homework. Learn more about your[virtual classroom](/student-resources/classroom-resource-center.html).  Program Length ### How long does it take to earn a master's degree? Our online master’s programs can take anywhere from 12-37 months to complete depending on the degree or academic field you choose to pursue. Some[competency-based programs](/competency-based-degrees.html)may be completed sooner.  ### Can I shorten the time it takes to finish my degree? You may be able to shorten your path to graduation. Some master’s degrees have[competency-based options](/competency-based-degrees.html)to finish sooner. Other saving opportunities include transfer credits and credit for past work experience to help you finish your degree faster and for less. Learn more about master’s degree saving opportunities. Graduation and Outcomes ### Will my diploma specify that the degree was earned online? No, a University of Phoenix diploma does not indicate that the degree was earned online. The diploma only shows that the degree was earned in a specific field of study. We also offer continued opportunites after you graduate.[Explore alumni benefits](/alumni.html). ### Are career services available for online students? Every student at University of Phoenix has access to free[career tools and resources](/career-services.html#career-tools). You can define your career goals, get help with your resumé, and prepare for your job search. You can also use our[career guides](/career-guides.html)to explore on-the-job skills and opportunities for enhancement in your career of choice.  While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.