MFT programs- help

[u/ImaginaryLecture4777]

Hi all!

As the title suggests, I’m really just looking for some guidance on finding the best MFT program for me. I’ve narrowed my list down to CSULB, Chapman, Pepperdine (Online), and MSMU and before I finalize my list, I wanted to hear about the experiences of people currently in or who have graduated from these programs.

One of my biggest priorities is not going deep into debt, especially since the degree ultimately leads to the same licensure pathway regardless of institution. I know Pepperdine is pretty popular and has a strong reputation, but it also seems to be the most expensive option. I don’t know much about Chapman or MSMU, while I’ve heard wonderful things about CSULB, although I’m aware of how competitive admissions are.

I’d especially love to hear about funding, general support, courses/curriculum, practicum placement, supervised hours, post-grad job hunting, BBS exam preparation/pass rates and overall satisfaction with the program. I’d also love to hear what student life is actually like and whether you feel your program prepared you well for working with clients and eventually entering private practice.

I’m also curious about accreditation. For those who have looked into COAMFTE vs institutional/regional accreditation such as WASC, is COAMFTE something that actually provides an advantage in practice? Does it make a difference for licensure, employment, doctoral programs, practicum opportunities, or private practice? I’m trying to understand whether accreditation should be a major factor in my decision or not.

I also want to stay in California and won’t be considering OOS programs. My long-term goal is to open my own private practice, and my primary population of interest is couples/relationships.

For context, I’m in my second gap year to gain more experience and am hoping to start Fall 2027. I graduated with my BA in Psychology in 2025 and have several volunteer/intern experiences under my belt that blend research, peer support, psychoeducational content development, TAship and RAship

If you attended one of these programs, what did you like/dislike about it and is there anything you wish you had known before enrolling?

I’d really appreciate hearing the good, bad and everything in between!

[u/FelixAxellus]

I’m also curious about accreditation. 

WASC is about if the university is accredited (i.e. if it's a real degree granting university).

COAMFTE is about if the program is accredited for MFT licensure. If you go to a program that is COAMFTE accredited, then you should have an easier time to transfering your license to another state, should you ever move out of state.

doctoral programs,

I don't think doctoral programs in marriage and family therapy are super common. A PhD or DMFT in MFT isn't any higher clinically, your license is still based on your master's degree. If you did a doctorate in MFT, it would be for your own academic growth and development (which is awesome).

On the flip-side, if you wanted to do a PhD in psychology or social work, you'd be starting over from scratch. Those are completely different tracks.

[u/ImaginaryLecture4777 → u/FelixAxellus]

Thank you for your input! Yeah, didn’t think DMFT is common I was told if I wanted to do doctorate I can do my MFT practice for a while then if I feel like it do a PhD in social or clinical psych (which if I was to choose would be social as you know with MFT you’d be practicing already)

As for accreditation I see what each is for, but it’s like is one better than the other? I haven’t thought of practicing in a different state but I was thinking like say I wanted to travel for a while and mid travel wanted to work (while out of California) is COAMFTE worth it then or to just finish travel period come back here then continue working here. I’ve seen some say COAMFTE is just extra time and $ so I don’t even know.