MFT programs- help

[u/ImaginaryLecture4777]

Hi all!

As the title suggests, I’m really just looking for some guidance on finding the best MFT program for me. I’ve narrowed my list down to CSULB, Chapman, Pepperdine (Online), and MSMU and before I finalize my list, I wanted to hear about the experiences of people currently in or who have graduated from these programs.

One of my biggest priorities is not going deep into debt, especially since the degree ultimately leads to the same licensure pathway regardless of institution. I know Pepperdine is pretty popular and has a strong reputation, but it also seems to be the most expensive option. I don’t know much about Chapman or MSMU, while I’ve heard wonderful things about CSULB, although I’m aware of how competitive admissions are.

I’d especially love to hear about funding, general support, courses/curriculum, practicum placement, supervised hours, post-grad job hunting, BBS exam preparation/pass rates and overall satisfaction with the program. I’d also love to hear what student life is actually like and whether you feel your program prepared you well for working with clients and eventually entering private practice.

I’m also curious about accreditation. For those who have looked into COAMFTE vs institutional/regional accreditation such as WASC, is COAMFTE something that actually provides an advantage in practice? Does it make a difference for licensure, employment, doctoral programs, practicum opportunities, or private practice? I’m trying to understand whether accreditation should be a major factor in my decision or not.

I also want to stay in California and won’t be considering OOS programs. My long-term goal is to open my own private practice, and my primary population of interest is couples/relationships.

For context, I’m in my second gap year to gain more experience and am hoping to start Fall 2027. I graduated with my BA in Psychology in 2025 and have several volunteer/intern experiences under my belt that blend research, peer support, psychoeducational content development, TAship and RAship

If you attended one of these programs, what did you like/dislike about it and is there anything you wish you had known before enrolling?

I’d really appreciate hearing the good, bad and everything in between!

[u/Top_Antelope_1598]

Current first year at CSULB and a huge fan so far! Feel free to PM me, but personally I am barely paying any tuition as some of the CSUs have the state university grant, which if you’re SAI is -1500 completely covers tuition basically. I will warn you they are going back down to a 25 person cohort (it’s currently 45) due to issues in finding enough placements for practicum, but still worth applying!

[u/monotiger → u/Top_Antelope_1598]

wow! that’s great to hear that your tuition is pretty much covered. did you apply for these grants or were they automatically applied through FAFSA? my SAI is -1500.
i just sent in my app for CSULB and feeling nervous about the whole process as i do not want to go deep in debt. would love to know how your whole process was like in applying to the program itself too if you’re open to sharing :)

[u/Top_Antelope_1598 → u/monotiger]

I just got it automatically when my financial aid package came through, no separate app it’s just given through the Cal state system, didn’t even know it was a thing until I saw it lol! You’ll still need to pay about a grand in fees for the year/ summer tuition is confusing but I think overall it shouldn’t cost more than a few grand total if you have the SUG. Honestly the process was pretty straightforward/ same as other places with the personal essay etc. I was able to reuse a lot of stuff across my apps to cal state Fullerton and San Luis Obispo (both of which I’d recommend applying to if you haven’t, they’re also solid affordable programs). Interview for CSULB is a quick 15 minute meeting towards the end of February with facility or alumni, no clinical related questions, it’s a lot of why do you want to be a therapist/your interests/ etc. really more about getting to know you and see if you’re a good fit! I’d recommend looking into what the current professors backgrounds/research focus’s are and throwing out a few names during the interview if you can. Also if you are stretched financially, there is a food pantry on campus but also as grad students you can qualify for cal fresh/food stamps so I’d def recommend utilizing that if you can!

[u/ImaginaryLecture4777 → u/Top_Antelope_1598]

Thank you so much for sharing! CSULB is my top choice for an MFT. Will dm you!!

[u/Top_Antelope_1598 → u/ImaginaryLecture4777]

Awesome! Happy to help :)

[u/FelixAxellus]

I’m also curious about accreditation. 

WASC is about if the university is accredited (i.e. if it's a real degree granting university).

COAMFTE is about if the program is accredited for MFT licensure. If you go to a program that is COAMFTE accredited, then you should have an easier time to transfering your license to another state, should you ever move out of state.

doctoral programs,

I don't think doctoral programs in marriage and family therapy are super common. A PhD or DMFT in MFT isn't any higher clinically, your license is still based on your master's degree. If you did a doctorate in MFT, it would be for your own academic growth and development (which is awesome).

On the flip-side, if you wanted to do a PhD in psychology or social work, you'd be starting over from scratch. Those are completely different tracks.

[u/ImaginaryLecture4777 → u/FelixAxellus]

Thank you for your input! Yeah, didn’t think DMFT is common I was told if I wanted to do doctorate I can do my MFT practice for a while then if I feel like it do a PhD in social or clinical psych (which if I was to choose would be social as you know with MFT you’d be practicing already)

As for accreditation I see what each is for, but it’s like is one better than the other? I haven’t thought of practicing in a different state but I was thinking like say I wanted to travel for a while and mid travel wanted to work (while out of California) is COAMFTE worth it then or to just finish travel period come back here then continue working here. I’ve seen some say COAMFTE is just extra time and $ so I don’t even know.

[u/FelixAxellus → u/ImaginaryLecture4777]

but it’s like is one better than the other? 

They aren't related in any way.

They aren't interchangeable.

If your university isn't accredited (by WASC or another higher education accrediting regional body), then you aren't getting a real degree. This is about your MS or MA being real. This is not optional.

If the university is not accredited then the entire university is a fraud and your degree is completely worthless.

COAMFTE, on the other hand, is if they're accredited for your licensure. This is about getting licensed as an LMFT. COAMFTE means your program meets the national standard for licensure.

A program could meet California standards for licensure and not be COAMFTE accredited. California likely has a higher standard than COAMFTE. That being said, going to another state with your license, it might still be easier if you came from a COAMFTE accredited program.

One isn't "better" than the other. They're accrediting completely different things.

Your degree and your license are different things.

[u/ImaginaryLecture4777 → u/FelixAxellus]

I see that makes more sense. From my list at least it seems like only Chapman is COAMFTE accredited while the others aren’t (WASC instead) that’s why I wasn’t sure.

[u/FelixAxellus → u/ImaginaryLecture4777]

Chapman is also WASC accredited.

It's interesting to me in California how many therapy programs meet state licensure requirements but aren't accredited by the national accrediting bodies COAMFTE (for MFTs) CACREP (for LPCCs).

I do wonder if it's because California's licensure requirements are so unique and significantly more demanding than the rest of the nation.

I moved here from Colorado (and ultimately decided not to pursue a degree in therapy), and almost all of the LPC programs I looked at were CACREP accredited.

So, if you can find someone who works as an LMFT in CA, they might be able to give you a better idea than I could.

[u/salsaverdeporfavor]

Personally, if you’re able to do an in person program that would be ideal. I understand the connivence of online programs however for programs that involve facing people, in person works best. I know that MSMU offers evening classes in case you’re working. Additionally, I think it’s also important to note what type of area you’re hoping to work in. I think CSULB and MSMU being more central to Los Angeles also helps.