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.

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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

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Faculty

Catalog

Program Director: Cynthia McGrady, Ph.D.

Overview

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.

Admissions Process and Requirements

Admission to the Fresno Pacific University Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program is based on a review of each applicant's academic achievements, work experience, and personal statement by the admission committee.

Application Process

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

  • Completed Application for Admission and $45 non-refundable application fee.
    • Fpu.edu/applysem
  • 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 enveloped 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 MA in Marriage and Family Therapy program. One spiritual refence from a pastor or other ministry leader (not a family member), and one academic reference.
    • The FPU Biblical Seminary reference form is available at fpu.edu/sem-ref
  • Short Answer Questions – After submitting your application, you'll be sent a list of short answer questions via email. 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.

Notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as all necessary documents are on file and have been reviewed by the admissions committee.

Please view other admission policies and information in the Admissions Policies and Requirements section of the catalog.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure at fpu.edu/about/disclosure-documents.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

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.

  1. Demonstrate commitment to live as a disciple of Jesus in Christian community.
  2. Articulate commitment to a biblical theological Christian perspective.
  3. Interpret diverse cultural contexts of ministry using theological perspectives integrated with social scientific approaches.
  4. Practice marriage and family therapy consistent with applicable laws and ethics.
  5. Articulate and apply multiple, theoretically-consistent counseling skills.
  6. Accurately attend and attune to self, other, and system.
  7. Synthesize and interpret relevant clinical, contextual, and scientific data to make accurate professional judgements.
  8. Synthesize integrative views of humanity, theology, and counseling to explain human phenomena and promote shalom.
  9. Demonstrate effective clinical documentation skills and produce quality academic products.

Credit-Bearing Grades

MFT students taking required COUN courses and courses required for counseling licensure must earn a B- or better.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Degree Pathways

Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A. Three Year Pathway  

Marriage and Family Therapy, M.A. Four Year Pathway  

Required Courses (65 Minimum Units)

Biblical/Theological Studies

  • BIB 520 - Church & God's Mission in the World Credits 1.5 - 3

  •    At least 1.5 units required

  • BIB 760 - Theology for Integration Credits 2 *
  • THEO 512 - The Story of the Church and Its Theology Credits 1.5 to 3

  •    At least 1.5 units required

  • THEO 708 - Introduction to Bible, Christian Theology and Culture Credits 1.5

Practical Studies

  • COUN 710 - Introduction to Counseling Credits 1
  • COUN 721 - Professional Ethics in Counseling Credits 3
  • 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 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 for 3 units

  • 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

Personal/Social Formation

  • COUN 705A - Mentoring in Integration I Credits 0.5
  • COUN 705B - Mentoring in Integration II Credits 0.5
  • COUN 705C - Mentoring in Integration III Credits 0.5
  • COUN 724 - Interpersonal Communication and Family Systems Credits 2 - 3

  •    Must be taken for 3 units

  • COUN 738 - Person, Family, and Culture Credits 2
  • COUN 750B - Cross-Cultural Counseling: Core Competencies Credits 1.5
  • COUN 750A - Cross-Cultural Counseling: Los Angeles Credits 1.5 or
  • COUN 750C - Cross-Cultural Counseling: International Credits 1.5 or
  • COUN 750D - Cross-Cultural Counseling: Experiential Credits 1.5
  • MIN 709 - Spirituality and Wellness Credits 1.5
  • THEO 730 - Discipleship and Ethics Credits 1.5 - 3

  •    At least 1.5 units required

Capstone

  • COUN 770 - Senior Counseling Discernment Credits 0
  • COUN 792 - Summer Practicum and Telehealth Practices Credits 1
  • COUN 793A - Practicum I Credits 3
  • COUN 793B - Practicum II Credits 3
  • COUN 791A - Integration of Marriage and Family Studies I Credits 1 * and
  • COUN 791B - Integration of Marriage and Family Studies II Credits 2 * or
  • COUN 799 - Thesis Credits 3 - 6 *

Note:

*Must be an FPU Biblical Seminary course.

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