Biola University
M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Campus-Based
Biola University
13800 Biola Ave.
La Mirada CA 90639
Program details below are quoted from program websites, supplied here for informational purposes only, and subject to change at any time. Refer to the program website for current information, deadlines, complete admission requirements, etc. It is the responsibility of the prospective student to verify with program administrators program details and that the program still meets BBS requirements for licensure in the state of California.
Program Snapshot
Accreditation
WSCUC
Concentrations/Specializations Offered
None
LMFT Track or Dual LMFT/LPCC Track
LMFT
Length of Program
67 units. 3 years (no more than 6 years).
Schedule/Format
Our program is a residential program, meaning that it is meant to be in person classes. We do our best to only have our students come to campus two days a week, and the classes are generally between 1:30-7:30pm, with the occasional 7:30-10:20pm class.
Program Start
Fall
Estimated Total Program Tuition
$50,250
Religious Orientation
We are created in the image of a relational God — a reality that grounds our approach to counseling at Talbot School of Theology. Throughout every course, you’ll encounter rich integration of faith, theory and practice that will make you a more well-rounded, compassionate counselor.
Entering Class Size and Classroom Sizes
Our cohorts/class sizes are between 25-32 students.
Fieldwork Hours Accrued During Program
A minimum of 300 hours of direct client contact which includes 100 relational hours with couples or families.
A minimum of 100 hours of clinical supervision from the program clinical supervisors.
A minimum of 50 hours of MFT relational/systemic supervision utilizing observable data.
Personal Psychotherapy Requirement During Program
All students admitted to the MFT program are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of individual psychotherapy provided by a licensed MFT, LCSW, LPCC or psychologist of their own choosing. Each student will work out, and be fully responsible for, the financial arrangements with the therapist.
Comprehensive Exam/Culminating Project/Thesis/Etc:
Our professional development sequence has a capstone has a project as a part of the class, but it is intended to be started/completed within the 7 week course. In order to move on to our practicum sequence we have a law and ethics exam that a student must pass, as well as a skills evaluation, and faculty interview.
Application Process
Application Deadline
May 1
Undergraduate GPA Required
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), unless otherwise noted.
Applicants who have a GPA lower than 3.0 are required to submit a letter of explanation and viability for entrance into the MFT program. Probationary acceptance may be granted if other factors give evidence of the applicant's ability to successfully complete the program. The probationary status will be removed when the student has successfully completed nine semester units with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Note: If you do not meet the degree or GPA requirements above, you may still be considered for admission. Please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions office at graduate.admissions@biola.edu.
GRE Requirement
None
Prerequisite Courses
Students who enter the MFT program with a bachelor’s degree in a major other than psychology are required to take Abnormal Psychology before beginning the program, or show proof of having already done so. The course must have been taken within the previous eight years and completed with a grade of B or better. Prerequisites may be waived on an individual basis.
Application Highlights
Three references are required, including:
One pastoral reference
One character reference (someone in a leadership role in your life)
One academic reference.
Applicants must submit two essays:
One Christian testimony (500-700 word count maximum)
One autobiographical statement (1,000 word count maximum), answering the following questions:
Why do you want to become a Marriage and Family Therapist?
Why are you seeking to do your MFT training at Talbot?
How has your family of origin shaped you and informed your vocation? This includes reflections on strengths and challenges in your family of origin, the impact of family-of-origin experiences on your adult relationships, and strengths and growth areas in your current significant relationships (with spouse, children, siblings, parents, etc.).
What are your professional goals?
What personal characteristics will contribute to your success as a marriage and family therapist?
What experience, education, and training do you have with diverse populations?
Note: The essay prompts can be found in the online application.
Please submit an official summary documenting your professional background and academic accomplishments.
Interview Requirement
Our interview process includes the following (in addition to a students application): an interview with a person from our executive committee, a writing sample, a program overview/campus tour, and a lunch with fellow applicants, current students, MFT faculty and staff.
Program Summary
Prioritizes the Formation of the Therapist. As a Christ-centered MFT program, we want to further and bless God's Kingdom by prioritizing the formation of the marriage and family therapist. The student’s formation in the Spirit through the guidance of this program is prioritized such that their impact in the world, their community, and the local church is a truly kingdom impact. We are deeply invested in our students gaining theoretical knowledge, clinical mental health skills, professional development as a marriage and family therapist, and humility to resource and refer appropriately. We see the formation of the marriage and family therapist being akin to the tree beside the streams of living water, deeply rooted in their faith and identity in Christ Jesus, and also flexible enough to be responsive and patient, a patience that trusts abiding in Christ produces fruit within season (Psalm 1).
Year-Long Internship. In addition to learning from faculty with decades of experience in teaching and counseling, you’ll accrue 300+ practicum hours with clients. Supervision by licensed mental health professionals at your internship and by program faculty will refine your skills and promote your growth as a therapist.
Biblical Integration. We are created in the image of a relational God — a reality that grounds our approach to counseling at Talbot School of Theology. Throughout every course, you’ll encounter rich integration of faith, theory and practice that will make you a more well-rounded, compassionate counselor.
Personal Development. Thorough self-knowledge is essential to being an effective counselor. Engaging in spiritual direction through Talbot’s Institute of Spiritual Formation and in personal psychotherapy with a licensed clinician will allow you to explore your experiences, social locations and relationship with God.
Intercultural Experience. Southern California is home to people with widely varied experiences, beliefs and backgrounds. You’ll develop intercultural competence by working with families from underserved backgrounds and studying the ways in which race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, and sexuality shape experience and counseling best practices.
Cohort Community. Create formative friendships and professional connections within your cohort of thoughtful, growth-oriented individuals. Progressing through the program in a built-in community will give you the opportunity to process and connect.
Prepare for California State Licensure. The MFT program is in alignment with current California licensure requirements. We prepare students for licensure within the state of California, and we assist students in the licensure process for other states by providing them with resources and state specific requirements.