Program Length Full-Time: 3 Years
MFT Program Chair: Jerry L. Kernes
MFT Program Faculty: Summer Forlenza, Yesim Keskin
Program Policies
All students admitted into the MFT program at the University of La Verne are governed by, expected to be familiar with, and abide by the Program’s policies as described in the MFT Program Policies and Procedures Handbook located on the program’s website.
The MFT Program Policies and Procedures Handbook is designed to orient and guide students admitted to the MFT Program through their educational journey at the University of La Verne. It contains information regarding the policies and procedures that govern both administrative and academic matters. Where appropriate, students may be referred to additional documents for further information on program policies and procedures. The MFT Program Policies and Procedures Handbook applies to all students active in the program (i.e. to all students whose MS in MFT degree has not posted). Clarification of matters contained in this handbook may be obtained from the Program Chair. MFT students should note that the policies outlined in the Program Policies and Procedures Handbook may be more stringent than the policies contained in the university catalog.
MFT students are expected to abide by the policies outlined in the MFT Program Policies and Procedures Handbook and will be held accountable to them.
Statement on Diversity and Nondiscrimination
The MFT program embraces diversity within its various forms. The MFT program welcomes students, faculty, and staff from diverse ethnic, cultural, religious, sexual orientation, age, and ability backgrounds. The program is committed to creating and maintaining a positive educational experience and affirmation of all aspects of human diversity.
The MFT program is committed to providing equal access and opportunity for all members of the University community in a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment. In accordance with the requirements and prohibitions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal and California laws, the program (and University) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital status, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable law as to the admission or enrollment of any student, or its educational programs and activities; the employment of any member of the faculty or staff; the selection and treatment of volunteers or unpaid interns; or to the election of any officer or trustee of the University.
Mission, Philosophy, Program Goals, and Student Learning Outcomes
The MS in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) specialization prepares students for careers as licensed marriage and family therapists. The primary mission of the MFT program is to prepare masters students to become multiculturally competent professionals in the specialty of marriage and family therapy. Principles of diversity and multiculturalism are infused throughout the curriculum to meet the psychological needs of families, couples, and children in a changing and multicultural society. The MFT curriculum combines theoretical training with practical experiences to prepare students for professional counseling careers, emphasizing the best practices of the Recovery Model. In addition to the Recovery Model, students receive exposure to a range of theoretical orientations that reflect a systems perspective.
The MFT program has six goals, each with associated student learning outcomes:
Goal 1: Knowledge: Produce graduates who are knowledgeable of the theoretical foundations, core concepts, and techniques of marriage and family therapy.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1.1. Students will identify and explain major theoretical models in marriage and family therapy.
1.2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of systemic concepts and terminology in clinical case presentations and discussions.
1.3. Students will compare and contrast core MFT theories and articulate their relevance to case conceptualization.
Goal 2: Practice: Produce graduates who are skilled in application of the relational/systemic practice of marriage and family therapy.
Student Learning Outcomes:
2.1. Students will apply systemic theory to assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning in clinical settings.
2.2. Students will demonstrate effective relational and communication skills in therapy sessions.
2.3. Students will integrate feedback and supervision into ongoing clinical practice to improve therapeutic outcomes.
Goal 3: Ethics: Produce graduates who have a strong understanding of, and demonstrated ability to apply legal, ethical, and professional standards of marriage and family therapy.
Student Learning Outcomes:
3.1. Students will identify and analyze ethical dilemmas using ethical and relevant legal codes.
3.2. Students will demonstrate ethical decision-making in clinical documentation, confidentiality, and boundaries.
3.3. Students will articulate professional responsibilities related to licensure, supervision, and continuing education.
Goal 4: Diversity: Produce graduates who demonstrate culturally responsive and inclusive services across diverse populations and contexts.
Student Learning Outcomes:
4.1. Students will identify and critically examine the impact of culture, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and other identity factors on family dynamics.
4.2. Students will demonstrate culturally responsive clinical practices that honor clients’ diverse backgrounds.
4.3. Students will reflect on their own cultural identities and biases and apply this insight to therapeutic engagement.
Goal 5: Research: Produce graduates who are able to integrate research and evidence-based practices into clinical decision-making and program evaluation.
Student Learning Outcomes:
5.1. Students will critically evaluate current research literature relevant to MFT practice.
5.2. Students will integrate evidence-based interventions into treatment planning and clinical decision-making.
5.3. Students will apply basic program evaluation methods to assess clinical outcomes or agency effectiveness.
Goal 6: Community: Produce graduates who engage in outreach, advocacy, and service that promotes mental health and strengthens family systems in their communities.
Student Learning Outcomes:
6.1. Students will participate in community engagement and outreach activities related to mental health and family support.
6.2. Students will identify systemic barriers to mental health access and propose advocacy strategies to address them.
6.3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the therapist’s role in promoting social justice and family well-being at the community level.
Grading Policies
The MFT program uses the following grades in evaluation of students’ performance (A, A-, B+, B, B- , and F) or (CRD, NCR). The minimal passing grade for all letter grade courses is B-. The minimal passing grade for all CRD/NCR (Credit/No Credit) courses is “CRD.” A final grade lower than a B- in a letter grade course or “NCR” in a CRD/NCR course is evaluated as failing the course and the course must be retaken for course credit to be obtained. MFT students may retake a course for credit only once. Any student failing any course in the program twice will be dismissed from the program.
Students must receive Advanced Standing to enroll in Practicum and apply for graduation. Practicum is the culminating activity for the MFT program. Students are eligible to apply for Advanced Standing when they have completed (or are currently enrolled in) 43 semester hours, are currently in good standing, and attain a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0. To apply for Advanced Standing, students must submit an application for Advanced Standing, along with an Application for Graduation (with receipt of graduation fee) to their Academic Advisor/Program Chair. Approval for Advanced Standing can take 2-3 weeks to complete.
Students must be continuously enrolled in the program until their degree is completed. Details concerning continuous enrollment are presented in the MFT Program Policies and Procedures Handbook
All requirements for the master’s degree are to be completed within five years from the time of first course registration post admission for the MFT program at the University of La Verne. Appeals for extension of time limitations must be made in writing to the Graduate Appeals Committee.
Students may be dismissed from the program under several circumstances including, but not limited to: academic dishonesty, academic disqualification, failure to maintain minimum academic standards, failure of program activities measuring student competencies, failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress, unethical or unprofessional conduct, circumstances interfering with training, well- being of others, or felony conviction. Students dismissed from the program may not apply for readmission.
In California, completion of this program fulfills the academic requirements of the Board of Behavioral Science (BBS) for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). The program has submitted for review of its curriculum by the Board of Behavioral Science (BBS) to determine if it meets the academic requirements for licensure as a professional counselor (LPCC). The program has not confirmed whether it meets other states' licensure and certification requirements. Students pursuing licensure in other states are responsible for verifying compliance with their respective state's regulations.
Required Completion of Direct Client Contact Hours
Aligned with BBS standards, the program requires completion of a minimum of 280 direct client contact hours, completed while taking the required Practicum I and Practicum II classes.
Professional Liability Insurance
Students are expected to purchase their own professional liability insurance while they are enrolled in Practicum classes.
Students entering the counseling profession benefit professionally, personally, and academically from experiencing personal psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a necessary training experience for counseling professionals. Therefore, all students enrolled in the MFT program are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of personal psychotherapy during their year of Practicum. The therapy may include individual, couples, family, or group therapy, depending on the individual student’s issues and preferences. The program will not request any information about the content of the personal psychotherapy process.
MFT students’ professional conduct and attitude should reflect an understanding of professional ethics codes, such as those set forth by the American Association for Marriage and Family therapy (AAMFT) and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). The MFT program is a professional training program and as a result, students are expected to consistently demonstrate professional behavior.
This includes but is not limited to:
Admission Requirements
The graduate psychology programs participate in a Centralized Application Service (PSYCAS). Applications are accepted beginning in September each year. All applicants must have their applications completed by February 15 for consideration of Fall admission.
- Completed PSYCAS application.
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants are required to submit final official transcripts for all prior coursework.
- A minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 is required.
- Prerequisite courses (minimum C-/credit grade): Introduction to Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology.
- Statement of purpose.
- Curriculum Vitae or resume.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- International students must submit proof of proficiency in the English language via a satisfactory total TOEFL or Duolingo score. The minimum required TOEFL total score for the 3 versions of the TOEFL are as follows: 600 (paper-based version), 250 (computer- based version), and 100 (internet-based version). Duolingo English Test score of 120 or higher.
Following receipt and review of application materials by the MFT Admissions Committee, applicants who are being considered for admission will receive an invitation for an interview. Applicants will interview in February and March. Applicants will receive notification of their admission status in April and admitted students must respond no later than May 15. Only admitted students may enroll in MFT courses.
Prior to enrolling in the fall, admitted students must provide an official transcript indicating the completion of their undergraduate degree and required prerequisites. Simultaneous enrollment of prerequisites and MFT courses is not permitted. Applicants who fail to complete all required prerequisites before the start of the Fall semester are not allowed to register for their courses.
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities, who need reasonable modifications, special assistance, or accommodations in the program, should direct their request to the Program Chair at the time of the program orientation.
Students must register with the Accessibility Services Department and provide documentation of their disability to receive services. If a
student with a disability feels that modifications, special assistance, or accommodations offered by the program are insufficient, that student should seek the assistance of the Accessibility Services Department.
Student Self-Disclosure while in Program
Several courses in the program require students to explore their worldview as it affects their work with clients. Because of the effect that students’ personal experiences and perspectives might have on their work with clients, these courses often include experiential activities including self- disclosure, group process, role plays, and exploration of personal issues as they affect the therapeutic relationship.
Program Requirements and Progression through Program
Students are continuously evaluated on their professional, ethical, and legal conduct while in the program. Several activities measure students’ competency while in the program including: ethical/professional conduct, course grades, practicum performance, and completion of the personal psychotherapy requirement. In addition, students are evaluated on their ability to engage in self-reflection and evaluation.
Transfer Credit for Previous Graduate Work
Students who have completed previous graduate work at another university may request transfer credit for this work. Request for transfer of academic credit and coursework will be reviewed by the Program Chair on a case-by-case basis for recency and academic applicability. Only courses completed within 5 years from date of admission into the MFT program, at a regionally accredited university, with a grade of B (3.0) or better may be considered for transfer. The maximum number of transfer credits is 12 semester hours. Transfer credit may reduce course load during various semesters of the program but does not shorten residency requirements or the number of years required to complete the program. Practicum units are non-transferable and are not accepted for transfer credit. Students requesting transfer credit for previous graduate work must submit official transcripts and copies of relevant syllabi to the Program Chair for formal review by November 1 of their first semester in the program. Requests for transfer credit past that date will not be honored. The Program Chair decides whether or not to award transfer credit.
MFT students who are in good academic standing may request a leave of absence from the program for personal, medical, or financial reasons. Because of the sequential nature of the curriculum, a leave of absence is normally granted for one academic year but may be granted for a single semester if warranted.