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Loma Linda University's Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy (DMFT) is a one-of-a-kind program: the only fully online DMFT in the nation to earn COAMFTE accreditation. Designed for licensed MFT and clinical counseling professionals ready to step into roles of greater leadership and impact, this three-year, 78-unit program follows a practitioner-evaluator model rooted in relational and systemic principles. Delivered entirely online with synchronous evening classes, the program is built to accommodate working clinicians without sacrificing depth or rigor. Graduates leave prepared to serve as clinical supervisors, program developers and evaluators, grant writers, administrators, and faculty in higher education—equipped with the multicultural awareness, ethical grounding, and applied research skills to advance the MFT profession and address mental health challenges at the family and community level.
🔔 Admissions and Program Requirements
- This program is open only to applicants residing within the United States.
📸 Program Snapshot
- Only fully online COAMFTE-accredited DMFT program in the United States
- 3-year, 78 quarter unit program with synchronous and asynchronous courses
- Areas of focus include clinical practice, program development, implementation, and evaluation
- Students can fulfill the AAMFT approved supervisor requirements prior to graduation (students must apply for this designation through AAMFT)
- Rooted in a Christian commitment to compassionate, whole person care and respect for all persons
- Embedded professional self-care
Program Director
Dr. Heather Beeson
DMFT, MA, LMFT
Associate Chair, Department of Counseling and Family Sciences
Assistant Professor, Counseling and Family Sciences
Director, Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy (DMFT) Program
🔎 More About Our Online Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy Program
The Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy (DMFT) at Loma Linda University follows a practitioner-evaluator model rooted in relational and systemic principles, with a focus on applied skill development for use in clinical practice, supervision, academia, and administrative positions. The program is available online only and is authorized in these states.
Graduates of the DMFT program are multi-culturally informed, ethically grounded leaders prepared to advance the marital and family therapy profession. Alumni most often go on to serve as program directors, clinical supervisors, program evaluators, grant writers, advanced clinicians, and faculty in higher education.
The DMFT curriculum places significant emphasis on practitioner self-development, integrating cultural heritage, lived experience, prior education and training, and personal creativity into individualized professional development plans that help students build on their strengths as they develop new competencies.
Please Note: The curriculum of this program includes attendance during the summer terms.
ℹ️ LLU Doctoral Programs Disclosure Regarding Qualifying Degree Programs
Defining Qualifying Degree
A qualifying degree for licensure is defined as an academic program leading to licensure or credentialing as an MFT. A qualifying degree for licensure may not be an approved qualifying degree program in all 50 states and may only be an approved qualifying degree in the state in which the university is located. Therefore, a qualifying degree for licensure program may or may not be approved by all state licensing boards as a qualifying degree for licensure.
The LLU Doctoral programs (DMFT and PhD) are NOT a Qualifying Degree Program for Licensure
Although the coursework for the doctoral programs at Loma Linda University are NOT designed to meet MFT licensure requirements in California or any of the 50 states, it is important for you to understand that each state has different licensure requirements, as discussed in the above paragraphs. LLU doctoral graduates from the Department of Counseling and Family Sciences (CFS) often obtain employment in positions of clinical or academic leadership. In their capacity as team leaders, clinical supervisors, clinical/academic program directors, or other leadership positions, LLU CFS doctoral graduates must understand the definition of a qualifying degree for licensure and that each state has different requirements for licensure. It is important for you to be familiar with the licensing board in your state of employment and/or be able to provide MFT supervisees or mentees with resources for the licensing board in their intended state of licensure, if not the same as your state of employment.
Disclosure of Information Related to Qualifying Degree Program Tracks
Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee students will obtain a license or credential. Agencies and States set licensure and credentialing requirements that are not controlled by or affiliated with the university, and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., social security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Applicants and students in qualifying degree program tracks are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements in their intended state of licensure. Furthermore, Couples, Marriage, and Family Therapy is a profession that leads to licensure in all 50 states, however, each state has its own laws and regulations about what is needed to become licensed as an MFT in that state. Additionally, not every state will accept a degree, and supervised hours earned in another state. Therefore, you are encouraged to review license requirements in the state you intend to practice in as soon as possible so that you understand what different states may or may not accept. Please see each state's licensure resources: MFT State/Provincial Resources.
Student Story
I began my journey at Loma Linda University in the Marital and Family Therapy MS program and have continued my academic growth in the DMFT program. The DMFT program has allowed me to grow in my professional and academic development in ways I never knew possible. Each student has the opportunity to work creatively towards their passions. This is made possible by the amazingly supportive faculty.
General Admissions Requirements
Acceptance into this program is based on an integrated evaluation of the following criteria:
- Complete online application.
- Master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy/Couple and Family Therapy, or Clinical Counseling. Must be a qualifying degree for licensure (LMFT or LPCC) in the applicant's state.
- Master's GPA of 3.3 or higher.
- Three letters of reference (2 academic and 1 professional preferred).
- Interview with faculty member(s).
- Background check.
Note: No GREs are required for application to the program.
Admission Deadlines
| Quarter | Application Opens | Priority Deadline | Standard Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 Enrollment | September 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025 | March 15, 2026 |
Application Process
To complete the application process, applicants must participate in the group interview in December or April. Those who complete their application (application, three letters of reference, and transcripts received) before November 30 can participate in the December group interview. Complete applications received after this date can participate in the April group interview.
📈 Program Goals and Outcomes
The goal of the DMFT program is to prepare doctoral level marital and family therapists to serve as program developers as well as evaluators-administrators and thereby promote the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. This goal works in combination with the larger university mission of advancing health services that attend to the whole person by developing practice-based knowledge in marriage and family therapy.
There are two overall program outcomes. These outcomes reflect our university's commitment to preparing well-rounded, culturally responsive health care professionals at the doctoral level—practitioners skilled in program development, evaluation, and administration who are equipped to serve individuals and communities across a broad range of backgrounds and contexts.
- The program will graduate a diverse student body prepared with the knowledge of diverse perspectives to advance the field of marriage and family therapy through practice-based leadership, founded on the consumption and production of current and reliable research.
- The program will prepare doctoral level family therapy professionals in the practice of systemic/relational principles to develop, evaluate, and administer ethically competent programs, using applied research, that contribute to MFT practice.
🌱 Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will develop a professional identity as doctoral level marital and family therapists aligned with national practice and COAMFTE standards.
- Students will become adept in systems/relational practice, demonstrating sophistication as therapists, program developers, evaluators, and administrators of marital and family therapy services.
- Students will be able to use marital and family therapy, human development, and family science research literature to design and evaluate programs, clinical protocols, organizational structures, and service delivery processes utilizing applied research methods.
- To further benefit families and communities, students will demonstrate the ability to use research and evaluation methodologies to improve human service program performance and outcomes.
- Students will be responsive to the societal, cultural, and spiritual contexts in which health and well-being are embedded.
- Students will develop an ethical consciousness that guides their practice in all aspects of professional work.
Outcome Based Education Framework (PDF)
For information on our student demographics, as well as student and faculty achievement information, please click here.
🤝 Anti-Discrimination Policy
Loma Linda University’s policy on anti-discrimination states the following: The University is committed to equal education and employment opportunities for men and women. While Loma Linda University (LLU) gives preference in its selection processes to students and employees who are aligned with the faith-based mission of the University and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, LLU does not and shall not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, medical condition, physical handicap, mental condition, veteran’s status, or age in the provision of any of its services. In the department of counseling and family sciences, we adhere to this policy and additionally do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of socioeconomic or relationship status.
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💡 Frequently Asked Questions
Will my master's degree count toward any of my doctoral work?
No, the master's degree is a prerequisite and does not offset the requirements for the DMFT program.
My master's degree does not lead to licensure; can I still apply?
No, you must be able to practice clinically in your state of residence using your master's degree.
Will the DMFT qualify me for an MFT license?
No, the DMFT is not a qualifying degree for licensure.
How long does the program take to complete? Is it year-round?
The program takes 3 years to complete and is full time and year-round, meaning you attend classes full time in summer and do not have extended periods off from classes.
Can I attend part time?
No, students who do not believe they will be able to attend full time should not apply. We do understand that life circumstances happen and in unique situations, we will work with students when they must take a leave of absence or drop down to part time. This is considered on a case-by-case basis for students already enrolled in the program who have had a circumstance beyond their control occur while a full-time student.
Do I need to accrue clinical hours while I am in the program?
No, but you are expected to be clinically active and seeing clients while you are in the program.
Will I need to come in person?
No, there are no in-person requirements.
When are synchronous class meetings?
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 PM to 8 PM Pacific Time.
How many hours per week should I dedicate to the program?
Approximately 20 hours per week; however some students find that they need to allocate more time to their studies. Some quarters will have a heavier workload than others and some classes will be harder for some students than others. Twenty hours per week is an estimate, and each student's situation will be unique to their own needs and capacity.
Can I work while I am in the program?
Yes, classes are in the evening so that students are able to work without missing class meetings. There are occasional meetings during the day for advising or other meetings as needed, but typically classes are in the evenings. However, depending on your own skills, abilities, and commitments, students may not be able to maintain the work hours that they are used to holding. A doctorate requires dedication, time, and effort, and students will need to make adjustments and sacrifices to meet the requirements of the program.