Master of Arts in Marriage, Family & Child Counseling

Home

Overview

The marriage, family and child counseling (MFCC) program prepares Christian counselors with the knowledge, skill, and insight to practice counseling in the church or clinical settings. The curriculum integrates theology, theory, personal formation and professional practice. Students are expected to engage in their own personal counseling for their own growth. The program covers the content areas required for the California marriage and family therapy licensure exams and student membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Our Graduates

  • Pursue licensure as a marriage & family therapist
  • Private practice 
  • Pastor & missionary work

Our graduates are working at:

  • On-Site Counseling Program
  • Visalia Youth Services
  • Link Care
  • Private practice

Unique Features

  • Small class sizes create personal relationships between students and faculty
  • Integration of Christian beliefs
  • Faculty bring a broad range of clinical experience and assist students toward a fitting practicum placement

Admissions Requirements

  • Commitment to and desire for Christian ministry and service
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school (minimum 2.5 GPA)
  • Application form and fee ($50)
  • Bible knowledge requirement
  • Personal profile statement
  • Three references
  • Writing sample
Your admissions counselor may require you review the following documents during your application.

Further Info

The following are post-graduation requirements for licensure in California:

  • 3,000 hours of supervised work experience (including hours gained during practicum)
  • 104 weeks of supervision
  • After completing the hours, students must complete the MFT Standard Written Examination and the MFT Written Clinical Vignette Examination

    • (See www.bbs.ca.gov for more information.)

Preparation

To help you prepare for your studies in the program our faculty recommend the following preparation.

The following are prerequisites for the MFCC program:

  • Completed questionaire 
  • Prerequisite undergraduate psychology courses:
    • Introduction to Psychology
    • Abnormal Psychology or Psychopathology
    • Human Development (or Adult or Child Development)
    • Psychology class of student’s choice
  • GRE or MAT results
  • 50 hours of face-to-face counseling with regular supervision by a qualified supervisor (i.e. volunteering on a telephone hotline,volunteering at a substance abuse recovery program,or volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center) 
  • Interview with the MFCC faculty