
Cynthia McGrady, Ph.D.
Biblical Seminary
Explore Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A.
The practice of marriage and family therapy requires knowledge, skill, and insight.
At Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, you’ll be prepared with the content required for the California Marriage and Family Therapy licensure exams and you’ll engage in personal formation to become a truly skillful clinician.
Courses – ranging from clinical assessment and human development to cross-cultural counseling and discipleship – integrate theology, theory, personal formation and professional practice. Learn from published faculty with decades of experience in clinical practice and supervision.
Through the study of psychology, you’ll be equipped to aid in the healing process of those who have experienced hurt, pain and hardship in life.
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Cynthia McGrady, Ph.D.
Adam Ghali, Ph.D.
Cheryl Smith, D.Arts
Mark Baker, Ph.D.
Delores Friesen, Ph.D.
Lynn Jost, Ph.D.
Program Director: Cynthia McGrady, Ph.D.
The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program prepares theologically minded counselors with the knowledge, skill, and insight to practice counseling in clinical venues, faith-based treatment centers, and church settings. The curriculum facilitates the integration of Christian theology, psychological theory, character formation, and professional practice. Students are expected to engage in their own counseling to enhance personal growth, self-awareness and understanding of the therapeutic process in preparation for work in this field. The program is approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences and covers the content areas required for licensure in the state of California.
Student learning objectives shape the curriculum across all degree programs and represent four domains: character formation, confessional commitments, cultural competencies, and relevant skills or capacities. PSLOs 1, 2, and 3 are shared across all Seminary degree programs while PSLOs 4-9 are specific to the MFT program.
MFT students taking required COUN courses and courses required for counseling licensure must earn a B- or better.
Main Campus Fresno
Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A. Three Year Pathway
Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A. Four Year Pathway
At least 1.5 units required
At least 1.5 units required
At least 2 units required
Must be taken for 3 units
At least 1 unit required
Must be taken for 3 units
At least 1.5 units required
*Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.
Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary is rooted in the evangelical, Anabaptist tradition, and like you, we are passionate about making a tangible difference in the Central Valley and around the world. You’ll learn this through spirited inquiry, thoughtful reflection and hands-on experience. If you want a place to explore and pursue your calling in a practical way – join us!
*Under special circumstances these requirements may be waived.
Undergraduate alumni (traditional and degree completion) pursuing a graduate program at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary may have courses waived towards their seminary program. Students must complete the qualifying undergraduate course with a grade of B or higher to receive seminary course credit. Once students have been admitted to a seminary program, they must complete the Advanced Standing form in Sunbird Central to officially request advanced standing at the seminary.
In some circumstances, we are willing to waive the GPA requirement if the student demonstrates high maturity and/or life experience that demonstrates they can perform well in the program. We take into account their ministry experience for BIB/MIN programs, their GRE score, volunteer counseling hours experience and psych pre-requisites for the MFT degree. We encourage people with a low GPA to still apply so we can look over their materials.
Students will be considered for admission to Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary into the M.Div., M.A.CM, M.A. CLT, or M.A. MLC degrees or one of our certificate programs without the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree if they have:
In compliance with the Association of Theological Schools such students may only pursue the degree or program to which they have applied.
The Bible Knowledge Requirement (BKR) is a one-day, no credit class with an examination at the end of the day. The BKR is required to be met during the first month of your first term.
Students may enroll in up to 6 units of courses for credit/audit at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary without being admitted into a degree or certificate program. This is considered a non-matriculated status.
The below listed prices reflect the current and upcoming Fall and Spring semesters and do not include any financial aid. Paying for college can be an overwhelming step in education your journey. We can help you find all the possible opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.
Tuition per Unit | Amount |
---|---|
Theology / Bib / Religion | $515 |
MFT / Counseling | $570 |
Other Costs | Amount |
---|---|
Student Body Fee | $115 |
Seminary Technology | $50 |
Tuition per Unit | Amount |
---|---|
Theology / Bib / Religion | $495 |
MFT / Counseling | $550 |
Other Costs | Amount |
---|---|
Student Body Fee | $115 |
Seminary Technology | $50 |
* This is an estimate. Costs subject to change. Cost of attendance figures are used for budgeting purposes only and represent an estimate of projected tuition and fees for the coming academic year. Actual tuition rates are approved by the Board of Trustees and may vary.
Financial aid can refer to scholarships, grants and loans, which are available to you from the government, the university or outside sources. Aid types vary depending on the type of student you are.
Graduating with an MFT degree from the Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary prepares you for California licensure* as a therapist. FPU Biblical Seminary graduates work as therapists in private counseling centers, their own private practices, county mental health facilities among other places.
After graduation, you will continue the 3,000 hour internship requirement for CA state licensing; once the hours are completed you may then apply through the Board of Behavioral Science to take the Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy exam.
The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.