FAQs

What is a Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy?

The Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) program is designed to advance the education and training of master-trained MFTs seeking to deepen clinical expertise, develop supervision and consultation skills, teach in higher education, develop leadership in the profession and contribute to the field through applied scholarship. The program is a practice-oriented doctoral program that positions graduates to provide advanced clinical services, supervise future therapists, consult for and assume leadership roles in organizations and contribute to evidence-based practice.

What are the program's entry dates and application deadline?
The DMFT has an entry for the Fall semester. The deadlines:

How long does the admission process take?
The admissions process moves efficiently once an application is complete. After all required materials are received, the Program Director conducts a thorough review and issues a recommendation. Applicants are typically notified of their admission decision within 5–10 business days.

What is the GPA requirement?
Minimum 3.0 cumulative or last 60/90 units GPA. Additional opportunities may be available for students to improve their GPA.

Is there an accreditation for DMFT?
CBU is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

How long does the program take to complete?
It is designed for a minimum of two years.

When do classes meet?
The DMFT is designed to meet the needs of working professionals desiring to advance their expertise. Therefore, courses are held synchronously and asynchronously. Synchronous courses will be one day per week, on Thursday evenings.

Am I required to have work experience to enter the program?

The program is designed for individuals who hold a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related mental health discipline. Applicants should be license-eligible in their state before beginning the DMFT program and actively engaged in clinical practice, either working under associate registration toward licensure or already fully licensed.

Current master’s students in their final year of study may also apply, provided they will complete the degree requirements before the official program start date and meet license-eligibility requirements during their first semester in the program. Students must possess an associate number by the first semester of the program, and good standing in the program may be jeopardized if they don’t secure and maintain an associate number or license throughout the program's duration.

Will I be able to get the classes I need when I need them?
Once our students are accepted, they will work with their success coach to register for their courses. It is recommended that students schedule a meeting with their success coach as soon as possible to complete the registration. The plan is designed to allow online students to complete the degree in 2 years, depending on the timeframe they choose.

What types of careers can I pursue with a degree in DMFT?
The DMFT complements existing master-level training in MFT by offering a specialized practice doctorate that emphasizes applied clinical practice, supervision and consultation, leadership and teaching. A DMFT degree prepares graduates for advanced clinical roles, including:

• Clinical Director
  Equipped to oversee clinical operations, lead teams and implement evidence-based programs that enhance the quality and effectiveness of therapeutic services.
• Clinical Supervisor
  Provide clinical supervision that cultivates professional growth, ensures ethical and effective practice and strengthens the competence of emerging therapists.
• University Professor/Applied Researcher
  Educate, mentor and inspire future therapists while contributing to the advancement of the field through research and scholarly engagement.