California has eight accredited doctoral MFT programs and this page puts all of them in order, including the ones that publish nothing. All of them are scored on one scale, so the programs that publish nothing sit in the same order as the ones that do rather than in a list of their own.
Every accredited doctoral MFT program in California, ranked
All 8 of California’s accredited doctoral MFT programs carry a score out of 100. Seven have a full published record behind their outcomes component. One publishes nothing, so it forfeits the 60 points for results and cannot pass 40. That is a statement about disclosure, not about teaching.
- #1 Accredited with stipulations
Loma Linda University (PhD)
Loma Linda, CA
84.7
program score
Blended or hybridDoctoralFT 4 years, PT 5 yearsAccredited since July 1, 20025 scored cohortsWhat Loma Linda University publishes about its graduates, against the median for comparable programs - Finish on time76.8%typical is 33.5%
- Working in the field100%typical is 100%
From 5 completed cohorts the program published itself. The mark on each bar is the median for comparable programs.
Where it leads in California
California is one of the few states where this license is genuinely concentrated, carrying 11.5 times the jobs per head of the typical state, at a median of $67,300. The range behind that runs from about $46,350 to $130,340, and where you land in it is mostly a question of setting rather than of seniority.
What to know about it
Loma Linda University teaches this one in Loma Linda, CA over 4 years full-time. Individual years swing hard, though, from 0% in 2020-2021 to 100% in 2016-2017, so the average is doing some hiding. A part-time route exists, so the advertised length is not the only timetable. Coursework named on its own page covers medical family therapy. Worth asking early about the assistantships and tuition remission it advertises, rather than waiting for an offer. Several cohorts are still running, 5 of them, the most recent entering in 2024-2025. Stipulations are on file, meaning a fixed window to correct something. License eligibility is unaffected, and it is a fair question at interview.
Why it sits here Scored 84.7 of 100, with 52.2 of 60 from a record covering 5 completed cohorts and 34 students.
Cohort by cohort
Cohort Admitted Graduated Placed Licensed 2024-2025 4 in process in process in process 2023-2024 7 in process in process in process 2022-2023 5 in process in process in process 2021-2022 7 83% 100% in process 2020-2021 2 0% in process in process 2019-2020 3 in process in process in process Loma Linda University program page Its published outcome table
Score breakdown
- Outcomes 52.2/6087 across 5 completed cohorts
- Transparency 25/25publishes 5 completed cohorts at the address COAMFTE lists
- Standing 7.5/15accredited with stipulations, current term runs to 2029-05
34 students admitted since 2015
- #2
Alliant University - Irvine (PsyD)
Irvine, CA
81.1
program score
Campus-basedDoctoral5 yearsAccredited since 7/1/20015 scored cohortsWhat Alliant University - Irvine publishes about its graduates, against the median for comparable programs - Finish on time53.4%typical is 33.5%
- Working in the field100%typical is 100%
From 5 completed cohorts the program published itself. The mark on each bar is the median for comparable programs.
Where it leads in California
Qualifying here means qualifying into one of the densest markets in the country: 11.5 times the jobs per head of a typical state, paying a median of $67,300. The range behind that runs from about $46,350 to $130,340, and where you land in it is mostly a question of setting rather than of seniority.
What to know about it
Alliant University has held accreditation on this doctorate since 2001. Individual years swing hard, though, from 40% in 2019-2020 to 75% in 2020-2021, so the average is doing some hiding. No licensure rate is published, which is true of every program on this page, so the score rests on graduation and placement alone. California carries eight accredited doctoral programs, so a shortlist here can afford to be selective in a way it cannot in most states. Concentrations run to substance use and addiction and medical and healthcare settings. Several cohorts are still running, 5 of them, the most recent entering in 2025-2026.
Why it sits here Scored 81.1 of 100, with 44.3 of 60 from a record covering 5 completed cohorts and 92 students.
Cohort by cohort
Cohort Admitted Graduated Placed Licensed 2025-2026 – in process in process in process 2024-2025 11 in process in process in process 2023-2024 10 in process in process in process 2022-2023 9 in process in process in process 2021-2022 4 in process in process in process 2020-2021 8 75% 100% – Alliant University - Irvine program page Its published outcome table
Score breakdown
- Outcomes 44.3/6073.8 across 5 completed cohorts
- Transparency 25/25publishes 5 completed cohorts at the address COAMFTE lists
- Standing 11.8/15accredited without conditions, current term runs to 2027-11
92 students admitted since 2015
- #3 Accredited with stipulations
Loma Linda University (DMFT)
Loma Linda, CA
80
program score
DoctoralFT 3 years, PT 5 yearsAccredited since November 1, 20058 scored cohortsWhat Loma Linda University publishes about its graduates, against the median for comparable programs - Finish on time63%typical is 33.5%
- Working in the field100%typical is 100%
From 8 completed cohorts the program published itself. The mark on each bar is the median for comparable programs.
Where it leads in California
California is one of the few states where this license is genuinely concentrated, carrying 11.5 times the jobs per head of the typical state, at a median of $67,300. Ten per cent earn under $46,350 and ten per cent over $130,340, a spread driven more by whether you are salaried or in practice than by years served.
What to know about it
Loma Linda University teaches this one in Loma Linda, CA over 3 years full-time. The direction of travel is good: earlier cohorts graduated 36.4% on time, later ones 71.4%. Intake has grown across the window, from about 7 a cohort to 17. Eight of the programs ranked here are in California, and this is one of them. Jobs here run 4.5 times the national rate, so qualifying in California and staying put is a more realistic plan than it would be almost anywhere else. Teaching is scheduled in the evenings, which matters if you are keeping a job. Disclosure runs deeper than most, 8 cohorts complete out of 10 published. Stipulations are on file, meaning a fixed window to correct something. License eligibility is unaffected, and it is a fair question at interview.
Why it sits here Scored 80 of 100, with 47.5 of 60 from a record covering 8 completed cohorts and 121 students.
Cohort by cohort
Cohort Admitted Graduated Placed Licensed 2024-2025 19 in process in process in process 2023-2024 18 in process in process in process 2022-2023 15 77% 100% in process 2021-2022 18 59% 100% in process 2020-2021 15 80.1% 100% – 2019-2020 13 69.5% 100% – Loma Linda University program page Its published outcome table
Score breakdown
- Outcomes 47.5/6079.2 across 8 completed cohorts
- Transparency 25/25publishes 8 completed cohorts at the address COAMFTE lists
- Standing 7.5/15accredited with stipulations, current term runs to 2029-05
121 students admitted since 2015
- #4
National University (PhD)
San Diego, CA
73.9
program score
OnlineDoctoral4 scored cohortsWhat National University publishes about its graduates, against the median for comparable programs - Finish on time32.4%typical is 33.5%
- Working in the field98.6%typical is 100%
From 4 completed cohorts the program published itself. The mark on each bar is the median for comparable programs.
Where it leads in California
Qualifying here means qualifying into one of the densest markets in the country: 11.5 times the jobs per head of a typical state, paying a median of $67,300. Ten per cent earn under $46,350 and ten per cent over $130,340, a spread driven more by whether you are salaried or in practice than by years served.
What to know about it
National University runs this doctorate from San Diego, CA, fully online. Taking the last cohort with complete figures, its 2018-2019 intake of 43: 39.5% finished on time, 100% found relevant work. Few programs here run at its scale, 454 students across the scored cohorts against a median of 92. The program is based in San Diego, though as an online program that matters mainly for where its clinical contacts are. Curriculum runs to 63 credits. Coursework named on its own page covers cognitive behavioral therapy, Gottman method and play therapy. Next accreditation review falls in 2028.
Why it sits here Scored 73.9 of 100, with 36.8 of 60 from a record covering 4 completed cohorts and 454 students.
Cohort by cohort
Cohort Admitted Graduated Placed Licensed 2024-2025 32 in process in process in process 2023-2024 42 in process in process in process 2022-2023 47 in process in process in process 2021-2022 38 in process in process in process 2020-2021 58 in process in process in process 2019-2020 52 in process in process in process National University program page The address COAMFTE lists for its outcome data
Score breakdown
- Outcomes 36.8/6061.4 across 4 completed cohorts
- Transparency 25/25publishes 4 completed cohorts at the address COAMFTE lists
- Standing 12/15accredited without conditions, current term runs to 2028-05
454 students admitted since 2015
- #5
Alliant University - Sacramento (PsyD)
Sacramento, CA
70.9
program score
Campus-basedDoctoral5 yearsAccredited since 7/1/20015 scored cohortsWhat Alliant University - Sacramento publishes about its graduates, against the median for comparable programs - Finish on time33.5%typical is 33.5%
- Working in the field86.7%typical is 100%
From 5 completed cohorts the program published itself. The mark on each bar is the median for comparable programs.
Where it leads in California
California is one of the few states where this license is genuinely concentrated, carrying 11.5 times the jobs per head of the typical state, at a median of $67,300. The range behind that runs from about $46,350 to $130,340, and where you land in it is mostly a question of setting rather than of seniority.
What to know about it
Alliant University has been accredited on this doctorate since 2001, and now admits about 4 students a cohort. Performance has barely moved in 5 years, 25% across the earlier cohorts and 28% across the later ones. Finishing is the hard part here rather than getting hired: 33.5% graduate on time, and 86.7% of those who do find relevant work. Eight of the programs ranked here are in California, and this is one of them. California employs 34,970 marriage and family therapists at a median of $67,300, which is the market a graduate of this program enters first. Concentrations run to substance use and addiction and medical and healthcare settings. Much of the published table is still pending, 5 cohorts complete out of 10. Cohorts this small mean every percentage above is built from a handful of people.
Why it sits here Scored 70.9 of 100, with 34.1 of 60 from a record covering 5 completed cohorts and 44 students.
Cohort by cohort
Cohort Admitted Graduated Placed Licensed 2025-2026 – in process in process in process 2024-2025 5 in process in process in process 2023-2024 3 in process in process in process 2022-2023 5 in process in process in process 2021-2022 1 in process in process in process 2020-2021 9 56% 100% – Alliant University - Sacramento program page Its published outcome table
Score breakdown
- Outcomes 34.1/6056.8 across 5 completed cohorts
- Transparency 25/25publishes 5 completed cohorts at the address COAMFTE lists
- Standing 11.8/15accredited without conditions, current term runs to 2027-11
44 students admitted since 2015
- #6
Alliant University - Los Angeles (PsyD)
Alhambra, CA
70.7
program score
Campus-basedDoctoral5 yearsAccredited since 7/1/20014 scored cohortsWhat Alliant University - Los Angeles publishes about its graduates, against the median for comparable programs - Finish on time22.6%typical is 33.5%
- Working in the field100%typical is 100%
From 4 completed cohorts the program published itself. The mark on each bar is the median for comparable programs.
Where it leads in California
Few states carry this work the way California does, at 11.5 times the typical state's rate per head and a median of $67,300. Ten per cent earn under $46,350 and ten per cent over $130,340, a spread driven more by whether you are salaried or in practice than by years served.
What to know about it
Accredited since 2001, taught on campus over 5 years. Taking the last cohort with complete figures, its 2020-2021 intake of 11: 9% finished on time, 100% found relevant work. Individual years swing hard, though, from 0% in 2018-2019 to 50% in 2017-2018, so the average is doing some hiding. No licensure rate is published, which is true of every program on this page, so the score rests on graduation and placement alone. Concentrations run to substance use and addiction and medical and healthcare settings. Next accreditation review falls in 2027. Several cohorts are still running, 6 of them, the most recent entering in 2025-2026.
Why it sits here Scored 70.7 of 100, with 33.9 of 60 from a record covering 4 completed cohorts and 68 students.
Cohort by cohort
Cohort Admitted Graduated Placed Licensed 2025-2026 – in process in process in process 2024-2025 8 in process in process in process 2023-2024 – in process in process in process 2022-2023 5 in process in process in process 2021-2022 15 in process in process in process 2020-2021 11 9% 100% – Alliant University - Los Angeles program page Its published outcome table
Score breakdown
- Outcomes 33.9/6056.5 across 4 completed cohorts
- Transparency 25/25publishes 4 completed cohorts at the address COAMFTE lists
- Standing 11.8/15accredited without conditions, current term runs to 2027-11
68 students admitted since 2015
- #7
Alliant University - San Diego (PsyD)
San Diego, CA
67.3
program score
Campus-basedDoctoral5 yearsAccredited since 7/1/20015 scored cohortsWhat Alliant University - San Diego publishes about its graduates, against the median for comparable programs - Finish on time22.8%typical is 33.5%
- Working in the field86.9%typical is 100%
From 5 completed cohorts the program published itself. The mark on each bar is the median for comparable programs.
Where it leads in California
Qualifying here means qualifying into one of the densest markets in the country: 11.5 times the jobs per head of a typical state, paying a median of $67,300. The range behind that runs from about $46,350 to $130,340, and where you land in it is mostly a question of setting rather than of seniority.
What to know about it
Alliant University has been accredited on this doctorate since 2001, and now admits about 10 students a cohort. The direction of travel is good: earlier cohorts graduated 17.5% on time, later ones 25.5%. Finishing is the hard part here rather than getting hired: 22.8% graduate on time, and 86.9% of those who do find relevant work. Taking the last cohort with complete figures, its 2020-2021 intake of 13: 31% finished on time, 100% found relevant work. Eight of the programs ranked here are in California, and this is one of them. Concentrations run to substance use and addiction and medical and healthcare settings. Much of the published table is still pending, 5 cohorts complete out of 10. Next accreditation review falls in 2027.
Why it sits here Scored 67.3 of 100, with 30.5 of 60 from a record covering 5 completed cohorts and 105 students.
Cohort by cohort
Cohort Admitted Graduated Placed Licensed 2025-2026 – in process in process in process 2024-2025 13 in process in process in process 2023-2024 7 in process in process in process 2022-2023 9 in process in process in process 2021-2022 15 in process in process in process 2020-2021 13 31% 100% – Alliant University - San Diego program page Its published outcome table
Score breakdown
- Outcomes 30.5/6050.8 across 5 completed cohorts
- Transparency 25/25publishes 5 completed cohorts at the address COAMFTE lists
- Standing 11.8/15accredited without conditions, current term runs to 2027-11
105 students admitted since 2015
- #8
Alliant University (PsyD)
Irvine, CA
21.8
program score
OnlineDoctoralWhere it leads in California
Few states carry this work the way California does, at 11.5 times the typical state's rate per head and a median of $67,300. Ten per cent earn under $46,350 and ten per cent over $130,340, a spread driven more by whether you are salaried or in practice than by years served.
What to know about it
Alliant University runs this doctorate from Irvine, CA, fully online. No licensure rate is published, which is true of every program on this page, so the score rests on graduation and placement alone. Eight of the programs ranked here are in California, and this is one of them. With no published outcomes to read, the questions to put to this accredited program directly are its graduation rate for the last three cohorts, how many of those graduates are licensed, and why the figures are not on its site. Concentrations run to substance use and addiction and medical and healthcare settings. Publishing this data is a condition of the accreditation the program holds, so its absence is worth a question rather than a shrug. Next accreditation review falls in 2027. Three completed cohorts is a thin record, so ask what the years still in progress look like.
Why it sits here Scored 21.8 of 100 on transparency and accreditation standing alone. The 60 points for published results are unearned because this program publishes none, which is a fact about its disclosure and not a measurement of its teaching.
Score breakdown
- Outcomes 0/60no completed-cohort outcomes published
- Transparency 10/25publishes a document with a table we could not read as cohort data
- Standing 11.8/15accredited without conditions, current term runs to 2027-11
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How is this ranking of California MFT programs ordered?
This ranking of California MFT programs is ordered in two groups: seven programs with published results, scored on all three components, and one without, whose scores cannot pass 40 because the 60 points for results go unearned. Three components make up the 100: results carry 60, publishing them at all carries 25, and the accreditor's own verdict on the program carries 15.
The 60 points for results are not redistributed when a program publishes none. Sharing them out would score a silent program on standing alone, and since nearly every program is in good standing it would finish near the top, which would mean rewarding programs for telling you less.
The distinction matters: a program scoring low for publishing nothing has not been judged on its teaching, because there is nothing to judge it on. No figure is estimated in its place. What has been marked is a disclosure obligation that comes with the accreditation, and the card says as much.
The methodology covers how each factor is weighted and why the field is not scored on anything else.
Does a doctorate change what you earn in California?
A doctorate changes what you earn in California by an amount no published figure reports. The state's therapists are counted under a single occupation code whatever degree they hold, so nothing isolates what the extra years are worth here.
What the doctorate reliably changes is the range of work open to you rather than the rate for clinical hours: faculty posts, program directorships and approved-supervisor roles are gated behind it in a way ordinary practice is not.
The state's own figures, the median, the percentile range and the employment count, are set out alongside the master's programs in California, and the salary page compares every state and setting.
How do you get licensed as an MFT in California?
Getting licensed as an MFT in California rarely means relocating for the degree, because the state is well enough supplied at doctoral level, with eight accredited MFT programs, to cover that stage. Beyond the degree, California's specific requirements for supervised hours and coursework belong to its state licensing board, and repeating them here would mean publishing numbers that go out of date quietly and are acted on expensively.
Accreditation is what shortens that conversation with the state board: all of the accredited programs on this page hold COAMFTE accreditation, and a state board generally accepts an accredited MFT degree without auditing it course by course. Qualifying here also means qualifying into an unusually dense market: California carries 4.47 times the national rate of these jobs per head, so staying after graduation is a more realistic plan than it is in most states.
Two things are worth asking the California state board directly before you commit: how many supervised hours it requires, and whether it accepts hours accrued in another state. Programs answer both questions confidently and are not the authority on either.
The route is set out in order on the career page, and the methodology explains what the scores above are built from.
MFT programs in California by city
5 cities in California have a page of their own, each covering the programs based there and what the job pays in that metropolitan area rather than statewide. Programs in the rest of the state are on this page and nowhere else.
Where else can you study if California does not have what you want?
If California does not have what you want, the wider field is open to you, but you can build a real shortlist inside the state alone, which most states cannot manage at this level.
The nearest alternatives with accredited doctoral MFT programs are Utah (one), Florida (three), Texas (three). 34 states have no accredited programs at this level at all, which is the gap the accredited distance programs exist to fill.
The online and hybrid doctoral ranking covers what you can study from California without moving.
All 18 scored programs at this level are on the national ranking.
Cities near California with their own page
These sit elsewhere in the west, and each has a page covering the programs based there and what the job pays in that metropolitan area rather than statewide.
Common questions about MFT programs in California
How many accredited doctoral MFT programs are in California?
Can you get licensed as an MFT in California with an online degree?
Does a doctorate pay for itself for an MFT in California?
Should you study in California or move for a program?
Where do these figures come from?
These figures come from documents anyone can open and check, which is the point of listing them: the accreditor's directory, the programs' own disclosures, and the federal wage tables.
- COAMFTE Directory of Accredited Programs Accredited programs in California, their level, city and status. Read 2026-08-21.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2025 release, SOC 21-1013, all California postholders.
- Ranking methodology The three factors, their weights, and the eligibility floor.
Show all 8 program pages cited
Loma Linda University (PhD) Loma Linda University (DMFT) Alliant University - Irvine (PsyD) National University (PhD) Alliant University - Sacramento (PsyD) Alliant University - Los Angeles (PsyD) Alliant University - San Diego (PsyD) Alliant University (PsyD)