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Academics
Seven colleges focused on subjects from agriculture and business to science and the arts. More than 300 undergraduate majors and minors, graduate degrees, and professional certifications.
Admissions
We’re regularly named among U.S. News & World Report’s Top Public Universities in the West. Our historic campus is within walking and biking distance of Chico’s charming, tree-lined downtown. Our graduates go on to become leaders in their careers and communities.
Cost and Aid
A Chico State education is more affordable than almost any other four-year college. And our students graduate with some of the lowest debt in the country—so you can focus on your future, not loan repayment plans.
Student Life
When you’re a Wildcat, you’ll get so much more from your time here than simply a degree. You’re going to learn about yourself, your community, and the things that inspire you to step forward. Student life at Chico State is all about being active and engaged—building skills and memories you’ll carry with you well after graduation.
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College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Psychology MS

Program Type
Graduate
Delivery Type
On Campus

Request Information About This Program

Psychology Department

Wondering whether a MFT master’s degree might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our faculty.

Phone: 530-898-5147
Email: psy@csuchico.edu

This three-year program prepares students to become Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) in California. It includes 60 units of coursework and meets state licensing requirements. Students gain practical experience through laboratory courses, on-campus training, and off-campus internships.

The program covers various therapy theories, focusing on core skills applicable across different practices. It emphasizes three main areas: academic research, clinical practice, and personal growth. Self-care and personal development are considered as crucial as academic learning. Faculty serve as ethical, professional role models.

Outside view of building where there is signage for Psychology

Training Exceptional and Versatile Therapists

Our mission is to train exemplary, passionate, research-informed, culturally-sensitive, client-centered, systemic therapists capable of excelling in a multitude of mental health settings through innovative and experiential learning. Students get hands-on experience working as a therapist working with individuals, couples, families, and groups.

View the Program Requirements

Becoming an MFT

Chris Park stands next portraits of his earned degrees. Obtaining a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy is a great way to equip you with a number of skills to take into the workforce upon graduation. Those with an LMFT degree leave the program ready to confidently help their community. MFTs are focused on the interpersonal and relational aspects of human behavior, as well as the social contexts in which problems occur. They can work in a variety of settings such as:

Non-profit organizations
Educational organizations
Health care organizations
Private practice

A wooden signs lists the degree programs that take class in the Aymer J Hamilton building.

Practice Therapy and Counseling On Campus

The Counselor Training Clinic (CTC) offers free individual, group, family, and couples counseling by advanced MFT graduate students. Our services are free and available to both CSU Chico students, staff/faculty, as well as non-student and community members.

Learn More About the Counselor Training Clinic

Real-World Skills

Chico State’s MFT program has trained hundreds of North State counselors and therapists over the last 40 years. The program partners with more than 20 agencies to offer internship and training opportunities.

Obtain Clinical Hours
Through partnerships with many local organizations, the program has a 100% placement rate in clinical traineeship.
Graduate Ready to be a LMFT
More than 90% of graduates pass the LMFT clinical exam on the first attempt.

Strong Bonds and Personalized Learning

The cohort model of the program fosters strong, lasting bonds among students. With small class sizes averaging 18 students, participants regularly engage with program faculty, enhancing their learning experience and professional development.

Additional Information

Are you ready to get to become a socially and culturally responsive relationship and family therapist or mental health counselor in the North State? Check out these FAQs below.

All prospective students must first apply for graduate admissions through Cal State Apply. Supplementary materials will either be collected electronically via Cal State Apply or sent directly to the program department.

More information about the application process is available here.

Application Deadlines

Fall: January 12 (December 12 for international applicants)

Spring: No spring admission

Supplemental Materials

Responses to three interview questions
Curriculum vitae/resume
Three letters of recommendation
Unofficial transcripts from every college/university attended since high school

Apply Now

Graduate students can qualify for traditional financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Scholarship Opportunities

California State University, Chico, provides merit and scholarship awards to deserving students for graduate studies, and many go unfilled. Scholarships are provided based on a variety of criteria, including academic merit, financial need, participation in clubs and activities, volunteer and community involvement, major and career goals, etc.

Wildcat Scholarships

MBA Scholarship

Other Scholarships

You can still pursue this degree if your undergraduate degree was in a different field. Talk to your graduate coordinator for details.

The MFT program adheres to a full-time, three (3) year program of study.