Master of Divinity/Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A.

School of Graduate and Professional Studies

Explore Master of Divinity/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.

Pastoral leadership in today’s ever-changing world requires theological conviction grounded in rigorous study. At Fresno Pacific University Biblical Seminary, we’ve reimagined our flagship Master of Divinity (commonly known as MDiv), making it more Valley-focused and designed with input from 30 local pastors from 17 different denominations. Reduced units combine traditional classroom education with supervised ministry field experience to emphasize practical leadership skills. You’ll study with a diverse community of learners from various denominations, and from published faculty as well as local pastors to complete the most respected and comprehensive degree for leadership within a church, para-church or faith-based non-profit organization.

Print MFT Admission Checklist Watch "Let's Talk" series

Program Highlights

  • Gain new perspectives as MFT and ministry students study together in foundational courses
  • Consider studying in Israel during summer or attend Hispanic Summer Program
  • Engage in diverse practicum opportunities
  • Take online courses available
  • Fully accredited by the association of theological schools (ATS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • Gain preparation for California’s Licensed Clinical Exam and Law & Ethics exam – FPU Biblical Seminary MFT students passed at a rate of 71% and 100% respectively

Yes! Tell Me More!

Loading...

Faculty

Catalog

Program Directors: Brian Ross, DMin and Cynthia McGrady, Ph.D.

Overview

The intent of the Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program is to prepare Christian counselors with the knowledge, skill and insight to practice counseling in the church or in clinical settings. The curriculum encourages the integration of theology, theory, personal formation and professional practice. Students are expected to engage in their own personal counseling to enhance personal growth, self-awareness and understanding of the therapeutic process in preparation for work in this field. The program covers the content areas required for state licensure exams and student membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

The intent of the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program is to prepare people for pastoral leadership, family ministry, youth work, pastoral care and counseling, chaplaincy, church planting, Bible teaching, community development and cross-cultural ministry; this degree combines classroom and field-based learning to produce personal growth in biblical knowledge, theological understanding, community building, and practical ministry experience. Under supervision, students engage in the practices of ministry for four semesters. Elective units provide opportunity for specialization. The M.Div. is the required degree for admission to Doctor of Ministry programs and for board certification as a chaplain.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Required Courses (105 Units)

Biblical and Theological Reflection (29 units)

  • BIB 709 - Bible Knowledge Requirement Seminar Credits 0
  • BIB 725 - Understanding, Interpreting and Teaching Scripture Credits 2 - 3

  •        Must be taken as a 3 unit course

  • BIB 720 - The Church and God's Mission in the World Credits 1.5 - 3

  •        Must be taken for 3 units and be an FPU Biblical Seminary course

  • THEO 712 - The Story of the Church and Its Theology Credits 1.5 - 3

  •        Must be taken as a 3 unit course

  • THEO 730 - Discipleship and Ethics Credits 1.5 - 3

  •        Must be taken for 3 units and be an FPU Biblical Seminary course

  • Biblical Languages - Choose either Greek or Hebrew 9*

  • BIB 710 - Elementary Greek I Credits 3 and
  • BIB 711 - Elementary Greek II Credits 3 and
  • BIB 712 - Intermediate Greek Exegesis Credits 3 or
  • BIB 715 - Elementary Hebrew I Credits 3 and
  • BIB 716 - Elementary Hebrew II Credits 3 and
  • BIB 717 - Intermediate Hebrew Exegesis Credits 3
  • BIB 750 - Old Testament Theology Credits 3 **
  • BIB 752 - New Testament Theology Credits 3 **
  • BIB 760 - Theology for Integration Credits 2

  • * Students may petition to substitute biblical language requirements (9 units) with BIB 722 - Biblical Language Tools (3) and (6) units of Biblical content courses.

    ** Either Old Testament or New Testament Theology must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

Personal and Holistic Formation (4 units)

  • MIN 704 - Discerning Vocation and Calling Credits 1
  • MIN 712 - The Charismatic Experience Credits 1.5
  • MIN 714 - Spirit, Character, and Transformation Credits 1.5

Missional and Practical Application (21 units)

  • COUN 750B - Cross-Cultural Counseling: Core Competencies Credits 1.5
  • COUN 750C - Cross-Cultural Counseling: International Credits 1.5 or
  • COUN 750D - Cross-Cultural Counseling: San Francisco Credits 1.5
  • MIN 718 - Effective Contemporary Public Communication Credits 3
  • MIN 753 - Leading Organizations and Volunteers for Mission Credits 3
  • MIN 762 - Exegeting and Serving Your Neighborhood Credits 1.5
  • MIN 768 - Serving Resiliently Through Crises and Trauma Credits 1.5 - 3
  • THEO 719 - Exploring Secular Culture & Connecting with Secular People Credits 3
  • MIN 793A - The Practice of Ministry I Credits 1.5 *

  •        Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

  • MIN 793B - The Practice of Ministry II Credits 1.5 *

  •        Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

  • MIN 793C - Practice of Ministry III Credits 1.5 *

  •        Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

  • MIN 793D - Practice of Ministry IV Credits 1.5 *

  •        Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

  • * Students do not need to take the Practice of Ministry series in order.

Specialization (48 units)

  • COUN 710 - Introduction to Counseling Credits 1
  • COUN 721 - Professional Ethics in Counseling Credits 3
  • COUN 724 - Interpersonal Communication and Family Systems Credits 2 - 3

  •        Must be taken as a 3 unit course

  • COUN 726 - Human Development Credits 3
  • COUN 728 - Family Violence Credits 1.5
  • COUN 730 - Clinical Assessment Credits 3
  • COUN 732 - Aging and Long-Term Care Credits 1
  • COUN 734 - Counseling Couples and Families Credits 3
  • COUN 736 - Counseling Children Credits 2
  • COUN 736L - Counseling Children Lab Credits 1
  • COUN 738 - Person, Family, and Culture Credits 2
  • COUN 740 - Psychopathology Credits 3
  • COUN 744 - Research, Testing and Family Assessment Credits 2 - 3

  •        At least 2 units required

  • COUN 747 - Counseling Individuals Credits 2
  • COUN 747L - Counseling Individuals Lab Credits 1
  • COUN 752 - Human Sexuality Credits 1 - 3

  •       Must be taken as a 3 unit course

  • COUN 754 - Group Counseling Credits 1 - 3

  •        At least 1 unit required

  • COUN 755 - Contemporary Issues in Counseling Credits 1
  • COUN 756 - Grief Counseling Credits 1
  • COUN 759 - Psychobiology and Psychopharmacology Credits: 0.5
  • COUN 760 - Substance Use Disorders Credits 1
  • COUN 764 - Trainee/Practicum Assessment Credits 0
  • COUN 789 - Trauma and Resilience Credits 2
  • COUN 792 - Summer Practicum and Telehealth Practices Credits 1
  • COUN 793A - Practicum I Credits 3
  • COUN 793B - Practicum II Credits 3

Integration (3 units)

  • COUN 770 - Senior Counseling Discernment Credits 0

  •       Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

  • COUN 791A - Integration of Marriage and Family Studies I Credits 1 and

  •      Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

  • COUN 791B - Integration of Marriage and Family Studies II Credits 2 or

  •      Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

  • COUN 799 - Thesis Credits 3 - 6

Possibilities Await
With and FPU Education

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!

The decision to embark on graduate studies is a big one. Our 45+graduate programs will equip you to succeed in your career and in your life. You’ll become part of a small community of learners, thrive in a flexible learning environment and be challenged by a rigorous curriculum. Learn how much further you can go at FPU!

For more information, visit our Connect page to schedule a meeting with an admission professional or to find an upcoming information session or registration event.

Ready to take the next step?

To be considered for admission to the M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program, please submit the following items:

  • Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
  • Official college/university transcript(s) verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and any post baccalaureate work.
    • If you are currently finishing up your degree, please submit current transcript.
    • A final transcript will need to be submitted before you may enroll in classes.
    • Transcripts can be sent electronically by your institution to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or via mail in an envelope sealed by your institution to:
      • Fresno Pacific University
        Office of the Registrar
        1717 S. Chestnut Ave.
        Fresno, CA 93702
  • If your cumulative GPA for your bachelor’s degree is below a 3.0 (4.0 scale),
    a letter of explanation is required.
  • Reference Forms – Two references are required for the M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy program. One spiritual reference from a pastor or other ministry leader (not a family member), and one academic reference.
  • Short Answer Questions – During the application submission process, you will be asked to respond to some short answer questions in your application portal. These questions will help us get to know your character and career goals. Your file will not be reviewed for admission until your responses are received.
  • Pre-requisite classes for the MFT program.
    • FPU requires students to have the following courses before starting in the MFT program:
      • Introduction to Psychology and either Abnormal Psychology or Human Development.
      • Please contact your admissions counselor about your options if you don’t have one of the pre-requisite classes.
  • View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure here.

Special Circumstances

FPU Undergraduate Alumni Admission

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.

Admission with a GPA below 2.5 or below 3.0 for the MFT program

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.

Admission without a Bachelor's Degree

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:

  • 60 semester units or two years of post-secondary education minimum
  • Significant ministry experience
  • Evidence of life experience which has prepared them for graduate theological education

In compliance with the Association of Theological Schools such students may only pursue the degree or program to which they have applied.

Additional Bible Knowledge Requirement

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.

Non-Matriculated Students

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.

Cost & Financial Aid

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 opportunities to reduce your out of pocket costs.

Tuition & Financial Aid

2025-26

Tuition per UnitAmount
Theology / Bib / Religion$530
MFT / Counseling$610
Other CostsAmount
Student Services Fee$180

2024-25

Tuition per UnitAmount
Theology / Bib / Religion$530
MFT / Counseling$590
Other CostsAmount
Student Services Fee$175

* 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.

Types of aid

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.

Career Opportunities

Graduating with an MDiv and MFT degree prepares your California Licensure* as a therapist and the skills to serve as a ministry leader in a variety of ministry settings. Our graduates are currently serving locally and abroad as pastors, ministry directors, counselors, in private practices, schools, and mental health facilities.

Career Development Happens Here

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.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center