M.S. in Counseling Psychology (MFT)

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

1. Academic Qualifications:

   • A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution is required for admission to postgraduate programs at CLU.
      

2. Minimum Academic Percentage:

   • International students applying for postgraduate courses are expected to have a minimum academic percentage of 55% or above in their undergraduate studies. This criterion ensures a foundational level of academic achievement.
      

3. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

     • Overall Score: 6.5
     • No individual band score less than 6
        

   • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based Test): Overall Score: 88

   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall Score: 58

   • DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall Score: 120

California Lutheran University is dedicated to making higher education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, including international students. The university offers several scholarship opportunities to support the academic pursuits of international students. 

1. International Student Scholarship: CLU provides merit-based scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships recognize academic achievement, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community. The International Student Scholarship is competitive and varies in amount based on the applicant's academic profile.

2. Presidential Scholarship: The Presidential Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based award offered to high-achieving students, including international students. It covers a significant portion of tuition costs and is renewable for each year of a student's undergraduate studies, provided they maintain the required GPA.

3. CLU International Grant: The CLU International Grant is another form of financial assistance available to international students. This grant is based on financial need and is designed to supplement other forms of aid to help students meet the cost of attending CLU.

4. Community College Transfer Scholarship: CLU values the contributions of transfer students, including those transferring from community colleges. The Community College Transfer Scholarship is available to eligible international transfer students, providing financial support to ease the transition to CLU.

5. CLU Endowed Scholarships: The university administers various endowed scholarships, and international students may be eligible for some of these awards. These scholarships often have specific criteria, such as academic excellence, leadership, or involvement in particular fields of study.

6. External Scholarships: CLU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by organizations, foundations, and government agencies. The university provides guidance and support to help students identify and apply for external scholarships.

7. Work-Study Opportunities: While not a scholarship per se, CLU offers international students the opportunity to participate in work-study programs. These programs allow students to work part-time on campus, gaining valuable work experience while helping to finance their education.

8. International Education Assistance Fund: The International Education Assistance Fund is designed to support international students facing unexpected financial challenges. It provides emergency financial assistance to help students overcome unforeseen obstacles that may impact their ability to continue their studies.

Graduates of the M.S. in Counseling Psychology (MFT) program at California Lutheran University are well-prepared for rewarding and impactful careers in the field of mental health. The program's emphasis on clinical training and comprehensive curriculum equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in various counseling and therapy roles.  

1. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): The program provides a clear pathway for graduates to become Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs). With this licensure, individuals can pursue careers in private practice, offering counseling services to individuals, couples, and families. This opens up opportunities to address a broad spectrum of mental health concerns.

2. Clinical Therapist/Counselor: Graduates are prepared to work as clinical therapists or counselors in diverse settings, including community mental health agencies, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals. They are equipped to assess, diagnose, and provide therapeutic interventions for individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges.

3. Family Services Specialist: The expertise gained in marriage and family therapy uniquely positions graduates for roles as family services specialists. They can work with social service organizations, supporting families in crisis, providing intervention services, and facilitating family therapy sessions.

4. Substance Abuse Counselor: Given the prevalence of substance abuse issues, graduates may pursue careers as substance abuse counselors. They can work in rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, or community health organizations, helping individuals overcome addiction and regain control of their lives.

5. Educators and Consultants: Some graduates choose to leverage their expertise by working as educators or consultants. They may contribute to the field through teaching, conducting workshops, or providing consultation services to organizations seeking guidance on mental health and family-related issues.

6. Career Advancement Opportunities: The program lays a solid foundation for continuous professional growth. Graduates are well-positioned for career advancement into supervisory and leadership roles within mental health organizations, allowing them to influence policies and contribute to the development of best practices in the field.