Facebook pixel Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Program | Daytime Format Skip to main content
Pepperdine | Graduate School of Education and Psychology
student walking at Malibu campus

MA in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy: Daytime Format

The Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Daytime Format program will prepare students to serve individuals, couples, families, and groups as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) or a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in California.

This cohort-based MA in Clinical Psychology program provides students with a clinical and practice-based course of study, exploring the social and psychological implications of socioeconomics and how poverty and social stress affect the ability of individuals, couples, and families to thrive.

Classes are held on the Malibu campus in sunny California, which is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study.

Program Benefits

Top Program in the US

Consistently listed as a top choice for graduate clinical psychology programs by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Malibu Campus

The Clinical Psychology (Daytime) program is offered at Pepperdine University's beautiful main campus.

Quick Facts

Format: Daytime
Term: Fall
Location: Malibu
Length: 2 Years / 62 units
Tuition: $1,875 per unit

 

 

130+ Clinical Practicum Sites

With more than 130+ practicum sites for trainees from the MACLP program annually all across Southern California, CLP students experience hands-on clinical practice as a signature component of a comprehensive approach to preparing licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) or licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC).

 

Expedient Completion

Students may complete the program requirements in 2 years.

 

Dedicated Clinical Training Staff

Staff members support students throughout the interview process at approved settings and provide guidance and consultation while engaged in fieldwork/practicum.

 

Supervised Clinical Experience

Students begin practicing in the second term of the program.

 

Meets LMFT and LPCC Requirements

Upon graduation, psychology students will have met all educational requirements to sit for the LMFT or LPCC licensure exams in the state of California.

 

Housing

Students have access to graduate student housing and amenities at our scenic Malibu campus.


 #1 

Most Chosen CLP Masters Program in the US

130+

Clinical Practicum Sites

22–23

Cohort Size

12:1

GSEP Student:Faculty Ratio

#1

for Best Weather by BestCollegeReviews.Org

#1

Malibu Campus Ranked One of the Most Beautiful Places to Study

#2

for Most Beautiful Campus by CaliforniaCollegePrep.Com

#2

for Most Beautiful Campus by OnlineChristianColleges.Com

 

 

 

Take the Next Step

Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's MA in Clinical Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy: Daytime Format program.

Get in Touch

Fill out the Request Information form to learn more and get in contact with an enrollment officer.

Attend an Info Session

Experience an in-depth overview and meet program leaders.

Start Your Application

Submit the application form early to meet scholarship and enrollment deadlines. It takes fewer than 15 minutes.

 

Program Deadlines

FEB
01

Final Application Deadline - The Fall 2024 application period has closed.

SEP
03

Classes Begin - First day of the Fall term.

partnership

Antiracism and Antidiscrimination Statement

The MACLPD and GSEP Psychology Division stand in solidarity against racial inequities and injustice and other forms of discrimination and oppression. We are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that is enriched and strengthened by diversity including but not limited to race, ethnicity and national origin, gender and gender identity, sexuality, class, age, ability status, and religion. GSEP also encourages all community members to engage in critical learning and reflection to strengthen our capacity for being effective, active, and outspoken against all forms of racism and intersectional oppression.

female student in class

Curriculum Overview

Employing the practitioner-scholar model of professional training, rigorous coursework is paired with in-depth clinical training, allowing students to develop key clinical skills and gain experience working directly with clients.

malibu campus overview

Location

Classes are held at the Malibu and Calabasas campuses in sunny California. The expansive Malibu campus sits on 830 acres and overlooks the Pacific Ocean with nearly every spot on campus featuring stunning views of the beaches. Pepperdine is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study. Students also have access to graduate student housing and amenities like the library, gym, and swimming pool at our scenic Malibu campus.

students outside

Student Experience

  • Build community and lifelong relationships with peers and colleagues through a cohort model and optional residential experience. The Pepperdine community extends beyond the program to the larger GSEP and Pepperdine family.
  • A dedicated enrollment services officer will make your admissions process easy and comfortable with experience in supporting both international and domestic students.
  • We integrate of domestic and international students across our campuses. Dedicated support for international students is provided through the Office of International Student Services (OISS).
  • The Office of International Students Services (OISS) values our international students for what they bring to our campus—diversity, global perspective, cultural respect, determination, and a wonderful sense of adventure. We welcome students from all nationalities, faiths, and education systems, as they provide a diverse perspective in our classrooms.
  • Access to housing and amenities at our scenic Malibu campus is provided.
  • We offer opportunities to participate in university social, sporting, cultural, and spiritual events.
  • Our cohort model is designed to build upon leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
  • Our partnerships with professional networks and conferences and robust alumni network further students' growth opportunities.

group therapy session

Expand Your Career Possibilities

Therapists and counselors are needed in many clinical and professional settings, including hospitals, schools, government agencies, and private practice. After earning your degree, you may pursue professional licensure and employment in a variety of roles.

financial aid paperwork

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office is available to answer questions and help you navigate funding your education at GSEP through numerous scholarship, grant, loan, and other opportunities. 

To help determine your total cost of tuition and living expenses for this specific program, please refer to our GSEP tuition calculator.

Alumni and Faculty Spotlight

"Our faculty members bring richness and depth to both their research and their teaching. Many of our faculty have private practices or work in practice actively, making a huge difference for our students." — Dr. Thema Bryant, Professor and President-Elect, American Psychological Association

What Our Alumni Are Saying

 

Pamela Anderson Headshot

 

"I thought it was awesome to find a place that has as part of their mantra, 'we are preparing people for leadership.' What I did not count on is that I would have this total self-awareness/self-discovery process that would happen. That changed my life! It was very comforting to be taught by professionals who are actually out there. So you are learning the theories, but you are also getting all this priceless knowledge."

-Pamela Anderson '14

Why Pepperdine

Passion and Purpose Driven

Since our founding in 1937, Pepperdine University has had one mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in a Christian faith and values.

Our graduate programs empower students to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives. That legacy is alive today more than ever, as we help students all over the world gain the skills they need to achieve personal fulfillment, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact in the lives and communities they serve.

Reputable University

GSEP offers prestigious programs at one of the top universities in the US, committed to the highest standards of academic excellence. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study, Pepperdine is where you're inspired to learn as you learn to inspire.

#29

Best-Value Schools
U.S. News & Report

#9

Best College Value in the West/SW
Kiplinger

#10

Most Entrepreneurial Universities
Forbes

 

Distinguished Faculty

  • GSEP faculty are nationally-recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
  • Professors are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.
  • Average class size of 14 students and a 12:1 faculty-student ratio provides a supportive educational setting, meaningful interactions, and long-term professional and personal connections.

Alumni Network

  • Extensive Pepperdine alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 110,000 professionals. Our alumni network has 32 chapters and affinity programs in the U.S. and abroad.
  • Pepperdine alumni, faculty, staff, and parents make themselves available to offer the resources you need and help graduates build professional, personal, and purposeful relationships with Pepperdine people all over the world.
  • As a Pepperdine alumnus, you have exclusive access to the PeppConnect Mentoring Program, a global network of alumni who are willing to mentor and offer career or industry advice.

Student and Career Support

  • GSEP Student Services supports our rigorous curricula through academic advising, records, writing support, library, student groups, and much more.
  • Students are further supported through our Office of Student Accessibility, world-class facilities, and highly competitive programs, all of which contribute to our exceptional programs and rankings.
  • GSEP Career Services operates from an innovative model of career education and holistic career counseling for today's rapidly changing job market helping students and alumni construct their career narrative, build lifelong employability skills, and connect with alumni and industry leaders.
  • The Office of International Students Services (OISS) values our international students for what they bring to our campus—diversity, global perspective, cultural respect, determination, and a wonderful sense of adventure. We welcome students from all nationalities, faiths, and education systems, as they provide a diverse perspective in our classrooms.

Veteran and Military Support

Pepperdine has served veterans and their family members for over 75 years and is proud to support nearly 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents. 

As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, we proudly offer tuition support to Yellow Ribbon-eligible students. Pepperdine invests almost $3M annually to help cover 100% of tuition costs for eligible students.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, Pepperdine in the VA matches all remaining tuition costs. Pepperdine also does not limit the number of eligible students who can utilize the Yellow Ribbon program. 

  Passion and Purpose Driven

Passion and Purpose Driven

Since our founding in 1937, Pepperdine University has had one mission: to strengthen students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership in a learning environment where academic excellence is rooted in a Christian faith and values.

Our graduate programs empower students to transform into the best possible expression of themselves for meaningful work and purposeful lives. That legacy is alive today more than ever, as we help students all over the world gain the skills they need to achieve personal fulfillment, lead with purpose, and make a lasting impact in the lives and communities they serve.

  Reputable University

Reputable University

GSEP offers prestigious programs at one of the top universities in the US, committed to the highest standards of academic excellence. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful places to study, Pepperdine is where you're inspired to learn as you learn to inspire.

#29

Best-Value Schools
U.S. News & Report

#9

Best College Value in the West/SW
Kiplinger

#10

Most Entrepreneurial Universities
Forbes

 

  Distinguished Faculty

Distinguished Faculty

  • GSEP faculty are nationally-recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
  • Professors are accomplished professionals who balance theory and real-world application in a practitioner-based curriculum informed by their desire to prepare students to make a difference.
  • Average class size of 14 students and a 12:1 faculty-student ratio provides a supportive educational setting, meaningful interactions, and long-term professional and personal connections.
  Alumni Network

Alumni Network

  • Extensive Pepperdine alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 110,000 professionals. Our alumni network has 32 chapters and affinity programs in the U.S. and abroad.
  • Pepperdine alumni, faculty, staff, and parents make themselves available to offer the resources you need and help graduates build professional, personal, and purposeful relationships with Pepperdine people all over the world.
  • As a Pepperdine alumnus, you have exclusive access to the PeppConnect Mentoring Program, a global network of alumni who are willing to mentor and offer career or industry advice.
  Student and Career Support

Student and Career Support

  • GSEP Student Services supports our rigorous curricula through academic advising, records, writing support, library, student groups, and much more.
  • Students are further supported through our Office of Student Accessibility, world-class facilities, and highly competitive programs, all of which contribute to our exceptional programs and rankings.
  • GSEP Career Services operates from an innovative model of career education and holistic career counseling for today's rapidly changing job market helping students and alumni construct their career narrative, build lifelong employability skills, and connect with alumni and industry leaders.
  • The Office of International Students Services (OISS) values our international students for what they bring to our campus—diversity, global perspective, cultural respect, determination, and a wonderful sense of adventure. We welcome students from all nationalities, faiths, and education systems, as they provide a diverse perspective in our classrooms.
  Veteran and Military Support

Veteran and Military Support

Pepperdine has served veterans and their family members for over 75 years and is proud to support nearly 500 enrolled veterans, service members, and dependents. 

As an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program, we proudly offer tuition support to Yellow Ribbon-eligible students. Pepperdine invests almost $3M annually to help cover 100% of tuition costs for eligible students.

Under the Yellow Ribbon program, Pepperdine in the VA matches all remaining tuition costs. Pepperdine also does not limit the number of eligible students who can utilize the Yellow Ribbon program. 

 

Accreditations and Recognitions

WASC logo

AICCU logo

US News National Universities 2024

US News Best Collages Veterans 2024

Yellow Ribbon Program logo

Contact Us

Kelley Hill headshot

Kelley Hill
Enrollment Officer
Pepperdine GSEP

310.568.5664
Email 
Schedule a Phone Appointment

Take The Next Step

Learn more about Pepperdine's MA in Clinical Psychology MFT Daytime program.