How to Apply
To apply to the MS in Counseling Psychology (MFT) graduate program, please submit your application materials using our application portal.
The Fall 2026 application cycle is now open.
The Priority Deadline is January 15, 2026
The General Application deadline is February 10, 2026
The Final Deadline is March 3, 2026 (Space available basis)
Note: All Psychology programs begin in the fall semester only.
Starting Your Application
An admission advisement appointment is optional but recommended for domestic applicants.
International applicants are required to have an application advisement appointment. Schedule your appointment here.
Follow these steps to complete your application for the Marriage and Family Therapy program:
1. Start Your Online Application
Begin by completing the Program Information and Personal Information sections. Then continue with the required sections below.
2. Submit Official Transcripts
You must submit official transcripts from:
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All regionally accredited 4-year colleges/universities attended
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Any graduate-level coursework
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Any college/university where prerequisite courses were completed
How to send transcripts: Use certified e-transcripts if your institution offers this option.
By email:
If a selection list is available, choose California Lutheran University or use clugrad@CalLutheran.edu for direct entry.
By mail:
California Lutheran University
60 W. Olsen Road, #2200
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360-2700
International Applicants:
Submit a sealed, evaluated transcript from an approved evaluation agency. See here for more information.
3. Submit Two Recommendation Forms
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List the names and contact information for two recommenders on the Recommender page of your online application.
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Recommendations must come from individuals who know you professionally, academically, or through related volunteer experience—ideally from individuals in supervisory roles. Recommendations from personal relationships (friends, family, therapists, etc.) will not be accepted.
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Cal Lutheran will send the required form directly to your recommenders. Each recommender will have space at the end of the form add comments and upload their letter.
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Tip: You do not need to wait for recommendations to be received to continue your application.
4. Provide Employment or Volunteer Experience
Include details about relevant employment or volunteer experience in your application. Be sure to highlight positions or activities related to psychology, counseling, or community service.
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Include organization names, positions held, dates, and a brief description of your roles and responsibilities.
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This information helps demonstrate your preparedness for graduate-level study and your commitment to the field.
5. Upload Your Personal Statement
On the GSOP Supplemental Forms tab you will submit a 3–5 page, double-spaced, typewritten personal statement. Your statement should include:
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Significant influences and events that have shaped your present values and approach to life
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How these factors contribute to your preparation for a career in psychology
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Your personal interests, goals, and professional objectives as they relate to Marriage and Family Therapy
*Please note that you may submit your application before uploading these documents;
however, your file will remain incomplete until all required documents have been received.
Once your application is submitted, an upload button will be available in the application
portal, allowing you to upload any remaining documents at your convenience.
6. Upload Your Resume or CV
Include your most current resume or curriculum vitae. Be sure it aligns with the employment or volunteer information provided.
*Please note that you may submit your application before uploading these documents;
however, your file will remain incomplete until all required documents have been received.
Once your application is submitted, an upload button will be available in the application
portal, allowing you to upload any remaining documents at your convenience.
7. Complete the Pre-Requisite Requirement Form
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Access the form through the GSOP Supplemental Forms tab. You will then indicate the courses you intend to apply toward fulfilling the pre-requisite requirements. Please do not include any courses that do not meet the minimum grade requirement of B– or better.
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Requirements:
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Minimum 3 credits of statistics with a grade of B– or better required
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An additional 9 credits of undergraduate or graduate-level psychology coursework with a grade of B– or better is required
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Courses must have been completed within the last 7 years (Fall 2019 or later for Fall 2026 admission). Exceptions may be made based on your education and work history.
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If prerequisite courses were completed at a community college, official transcripts must also be submitted.
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*If you have yet to take or are retaking pre-requisite courses, they may be listed as in progress. In-progress must be completed by the end of Spring 2026. Courses can be taken at the community college level.
8. Submit Your Application and Fee
Complete the remaining sections, sign, and submit your application along with the non-refundable application fee.
Final Steps: Upload Remaining Materials
After you submit your application, log in to your Application Portal to view your Application Checklist items. Here you will be able to upload or complete any remaining required materials. Use the Upload Materials box to attach documents.
GRE scores are not required. The Test Scores section of the application is optional
Application Timeline
The MFT application for Fall 2026 opens on August 1, 2025
Priority Deadline Applicants
- Priority Deadline: Jan 15, 2026
- Review Period Jan-Feb
- Priority Interviews* are typically held in February
- Decisions are released in late February/early March
- The deposit deadline for admits is March 15th
Post-Priority Deadline Applicants
- Review Period Feb-March
- Interviews* are typically held in March
- Interviews* may be on a space-available basis for top candidates.
- Decisions are released 2-3 weeks after the interview
- The deposit deadline for any post-priority deadline admits is 2 weeks after being admitted.
*To help you gain a comprehensive understanding of our MFT program, we require in-person interviews for those invited for an interview. Interview Day gives you the opportunity to explore our Oxnard campus, connect with the dean, the director of clinical training, faculty, and staff, and experience our community firsthand. You'll also take part in two student panels, where you can ask candid questions about the program and the transition to graduate school. This personal approach allows us to guide you through the application process, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way. Applicants invited for interview that live out of the state or country will have the option for a virtual interview.
Applying as an International Student
In addition to the application requirements stated previously, International Students are required to provide the following:
- Official transcripts and degree certificates or certified true copies in English of all college and university records sent directly from each institution to CLU
- Students are required to complete an official transcript evaluation stating their degree is equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree. The evaluation must include GPA equivalence and course-by-course listing, done by a NACES member company. CLU recommends two providers who have offered CLU applicants a streamlined process for obtaining an evaluation. These are IEE and SpanTran.
- Language Proficiency
- Minimum acceptable scores for: Duolingo English Test score: 120; TOEFL score: 88; IELTS score: 6.5; Pearson’s (PTE Academic) score: 58; Completion of ELS 112
- Applicants who earn a bachelor's degree in an English-speaking country may have the proof of English proficiency requirement waived on a case-by-case basis. Please contact International Admission for more information: intladmission@CalLutheran.edu.
- Financial Responsibility Statement or Official Bank Statement
- Copy of Passport