Info Session/Admission Overview

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or University.
• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) or better in the most recent 60-semester or 90 quarter units of upper-division course work undertaken as a student.
• Completion of all prerequisite courses prior to applying to the program. 
• Completion of the Graduate Record Examination General Aptitude (GRE) Test; an average GPA of 3.5 or attainment of a previous master’s degree waives this requirement.

* non-refundable fee at the time of submission.

* The MFT Program provides detailed application instructions in the Cal State Apply Application. 

Applicants must apply to the University (Cal State Apply), including the Department of Marital and Family Therapy Supplemental Application. The MFT Department requires the following credentials and materials of all applicants to the MFT Program at CSUDH: 

• Personal Statement /Autobiographical Essay – Applicant will submit a word document essay recommended in an APA Format (approximately 900 words) addressing the following: 

• • reasons for wanting to become a marriage and family therapist. 
  • personal history and how it has led to your decision. 
  • professional history and how it has led to your decision.
  • professional goals. 
  • personal characteristics that will contribute to your being a good marriage and family therapist; and 
  • experience and education/training you have with diverse populations 

• Writing Sample -Applicant will choose a book from the list below and write a reflective response. Your response should be no more than 900 words, recommended in APA Format, and should reflect your original work.

• • Richardson, R (2011), Family Ties That Bind: A self-help guide to change through Family of Origin therapy. 
  • Gilbert, R. M. (1992).  Extraordinary Relationships: A New Way of Thinking About Human interaction.

• Three (3) electronic letters of recommendation addressed to the MFT Admissions Committee with the recommender’s signature.

• • One academic reference from a university or college professor on the institution's letterhead
  • One professional reference from a supervisor or employer
  • One character reference from someone in a leadership role in your life
  • Do not submit your Cal State Apply Application until your (3) recommenders submit their letters on Cal State Apply; the MFT department will not process applications without the letters of recommendation.

• Professional CV/Resume – applicants at a minimum, should include objective, education in reverse chronological order, professional experience, and relevant skills.
• GRE Test Score (if applicable). 

More detailed instructions and prompts are stated in the Cal State Apply Application online.

If you are sending e-transcripts to the University, please note that for it to be considered official, your institution must send them directly to admissions@csudh.edu

• The MFT Department hosts prospective student interviews in a group format designed to emulate a typical classroom experience that will enable faculty to evaluate whether applicants’ educational goals are congruent with the Program’s mission.
• The MFT Department strongly encourages all applicants to self-reflect about the group interview that can serve as essential data in the decision-making process about the Program’s fit with their goals.

• Once the Program accepts or declines an applicant for Program admissions, the University’s Office of Enrollment sends the official letter.
• When the applicant accepts the University’s offer, The MFT Department’s Chair and Administrative Support Coordinator can communicate and engage admitted students about orientation and other program-related needs.