Welcome from the Chair
Dr. Nichola Ribadu
Chair, Counseling and Family Sciences
Welcome to the Department of Counseling and Family Sciences, a department with more than 50 years of student-centered education and innovation. We are deeply committed to creating an environment where students feel supported, valued, and empowered to pursue their calling. That commitment is the foundation of everything we do, from personal mentoring to academic excellence to service in our communities. We're glad you're here.
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🧸 Join our Child Life Specialist MS Virtual Info Session on May 7 and take the first step—register now!
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Why Choose Counseling and Family Sciences at LLU?
- Programs built for your calling. Choose from master's, doctoral, and certificate programs spanning counseling, marriage and family therapy, child life, and more.
- Flexible formats to fit your life. Study online or on campus, with program options designed to work around your schedule and goals.
- Education grounded in whole person care. Our Christian commitment to compassion and respect for all shapes every aspect of your training.
- COAMFTE-accredited. Our MFT programs meet the highest standards set by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, preparing you for licensure with confidence.
- Strong outcomes. Graduates enter the field with high graduation and licensure exam pass rates that reflect the quality of preparation they receive.
- Faculty who know you by name. Low student-to-faculty ratios mean you'll receive the personalized advising and mentorship you need to thrive.
- Real-world training, real connections. Hands-on training through Loma Linda University Health and a broad network of community partners connects your coursework to real-world practice.
About Our Department
The Department of Counseling and Family Sciences at Loma Linda University brings together a distinctive range of graduate programs—from counseling and marital and family therapy to child life and drug and alcohol counseling—all united by a shared commitment to whole person care and evidence-based practice. Rooted in a Christian commitment to service, our programs prepare students to support individuals, couples, families, and communities across a wide spectrum of behavioral health settings.
Students benefit from close faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary learning across Loma Linda University Health, and practicum placements within a broad network of clinical and community partners, gaining the hands-on experience needed to enter the field with confidence. Our COAMFTE-accredited MFT programs reflects the department's dedication to meeting the highest standards of professional preparation, and our strong licensure exam pass rates speak to the quality of training students receive.
Whether you are pursuing licensure as an LMFT or LPCC, building specialized expertise in child life or substance use counseling, or advancing to doctoral study, our faculty are here to guide you every step of the way.
Transcript Requests & Academic Records
Transcripts
Official transcripts are requested through the LLU Registrar & Records Office.
Academic Program Records
Academic program records—including academic variances, candidacy and graduation petitions—are maintained by the School of Behavioral Health Dean's Office for five years following the date of graduation or the date of a student's last attendance.