MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy: Online Format

The online Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program from Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) prepares students to work as licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) or as a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), and to serve individuals, couples, families, and groups in California and beyond.

Our online MA in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy program, designed for working professionals and full-time students alike, provides a clinical and practice-based course of study. Throughout the program, students are empowered to provide families and couples with the impartial guidance they need to build happier and healthier relationships.

Program Details

Online Format The program is offered online so you can continue your personal and professional responsibilities while earning your degree.

Meets LMFT and LPCC Requirements

Upon graduation, students will have met all educational requirements to sit for the LMFT or LPCC licensure exams in the state of California. The program also prepares students for licensure in certain states outside of California. Fill out the form to learn more.

Quick Facts

Format:	Online
Terms:	Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location:	Malibu
Length:	2–3 years / 62–68 units

No GRE or Standardized Tests Required

We offer an equitable admissions process that considers your ability and commitment to succeed rather than standardized test scores.

Supervised Clinical Experience

Students begin practicing during the program. Clinical training staff provide resources and assist students in applying to practicum sites.

Average Class Size

GSEP's average class size is 14 students.

Convenient Online Format

Classes offered online with clinical training in or near your own community.

USD 5,000+

Scholarships Available

12:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

4 Starts

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Sessions of Field Placement

GSEP Average Class Size

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diverse hands

Anti-racism and Anti-discrimination Statement

The master's in clinical psychology program and GSEP Psychology Division both 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.

Curriculum Overview

Our curriculum focuses on current applied methods of psychotherapy, and offers a practice-based course of study with clinical training in or near your community. You will learn about various topics, including the social and psychological implications of socioeconomics and how poverty and social stress affect the ability of individuals, couples, and families to thrive.

Regardless of the licensure path you wish to pursue, you will take the very same foundation courses as all students in the program. You will, however, be able to choose electives that most interest you during the program.

Upon graduation, you will know how to:

Diagnose clients
Formulate clinical cases
Develop treatment plans
Facilitate therapeutic processes

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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, American Psychological Association

What Our Alumni Are Saying

"I feel like Pepperdine embraces everyone from all populations, cultures, socioeconomic statuses, age, and more. All the students I've encountered are focusing on excelling in their courses and have the same goal of just trying to do well and give back to the community."

— Krystal Espinoza, MFT Program Graduate, 2022

"What's really rewarding is working with children and being able to counsel them. I've really appreciated the experience in using play therapy when working with children and having to use creativity to engage them. I've been able to utilize these play-therapy skills, and it's all because Pepperdine really supports that within the courses."

— Tony Martello, MFT Program Graduate, 2021

Passion and Purpose Driven

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

Distinguished Faculty

GSEP faculty are nationally recognized scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, industry expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials. Faculty members 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.

An average class size of 14 students and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio provide a supportive educational setting, meaningful interactions, and long-term professional and personal connections.

Alumni Network

The GSEP alumni network creates influential business connections with more than 24,000 professionals around the world. Our alumni network has 32 chapters and affinity programs in the United States and abroad.

Pepperdine alumni, faculty, staff, and parents offer resources to help graduates build professional, personal, and purposeful relationships with Pepperdine people all over the world.

Pepperdine alumni also 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

Students complete our rigorous curricula with the support of dedicated academic advising, student groups, and one-on-one sessions with faculty members.

Career Support also works closely with our current students and alumni as they pursue meaningful career outcomes. Online students have access to Pepperdine career resources, such as:

One-on-one advising with an executive coach.
Student and alumni job boards.
The PeppConnect online alumni community.
Virtual and in-person networking events.