Overview

The Marriage and Family Therapy M.S. at San Diego State University is a comprehensive graduate programme designed to train highly competent entry-level therapists. This intensive course of study spans two and a half years, including three summer sessions, to ensure students gain the depth of knowledge required for professional practice. By following a cohort-based model, the university fosters a collaborative learning environment where students progress together through their academic and clinical training.

Why Marriage and Family Therapy at San Diego State University?

The programme is distinguished by its commitment to social justice and its focus on diverse communities. It is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), ensuring that the curriculum meets high national standards. Students benefit from small class sizes, typically with 30 individuals or fewer, which allows for personalised interaction with expert faculty members who are active practitioners in the field.

A significant strength of the programme is its emphasis on clinical experience. Students begin their practical training early at the Center for Community Counseling and Engagement, gaining hands-on skills in a supportive environment. The curriculum is culturally infused, teaching systemic and social constructionist ideas that prepare graduates to work effectively within various social contexts and with underserved populations.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 8548 per year
National fee: USD 8548 per year
Local fee: USD 8548 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Modules may include:

Marriage and Family Therapy
Clinical Training
Systemic and Social Constructionist Theory
Culturally Responsive Therapy
Decolonial Healing
Community Counseling and Engagement

Careers with Marriage and Family Therapy

Graduates are prepared to address the interpersonal and relational aspects of human behaviour across a variety of professional settings. The programme equips students with the skills necessary to facilitate change and provide therapeutic services in diverse environments. Common career paths for graduates include roles within the following sectors:

Non-profit organisations
Educational organisations
Health care organisations
Private practice

The training focuses on preparing therapists who can navigate the social contexts in which psychological and relational problems arise, with a specific emphasis on serving diverse and multicultural communities.

Programme Structure

Courses include

Seminar in Multicultural Dimensions in Counseling

Marriage and Family Therapy Theories and Best Practices II

Family and Systemic Treatment of Substance Abuse

Seminar

Practicum

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 32 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Counselling Psychology View 769 other Masters in Counselling Psychology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Personal statement

Experience profile

Coursework

Disclosure form

Unofficial transcripts

Letters of recommendation

Video

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Out-of-State

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8548 USD / year

≈ 8548 USD / year

Additional Details

Non-resident tuition: Add $444 per unit to the basic tuition and fees listed above.

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Marriage and Family Therapy

About

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

San Diego

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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