M.A. in Counseling with MFT Emphasis

Palo Alto University is a diverse and dynamic community dedicated to education with an emphasis in the behavioral and social sciences; to promoting future innovators and leaders for the benefit of society; to generating knowledge through research and scholarship of the highest level; and to providing services to the community informed by science and scholarship. The vision is to usepsychological insights, scientific rigor, and our own humanity to improve lives around the globe. Palo Alto University strives to establish its leadership by achieving the highest standards of excellence.

The MA in Counseling in Marriage and Family Therapy program is characterized by innovative and creative collaborations with a rich variety of institutions in Monterey Bay, San Francisco Bay area and the world. It combines the emphasis on scientific research characterizing the best university programs with the intensity and breath of clinical training characterizing the best professional programs to produce graduates and clinicians whose professional activities are grounded in science and the highest professional standards. The scientific and professional rigor make PAU’s MA in Counseling uniquely suited to attract and train students at all levels who aspire to help families who are in need of care.

The M.A in Counseling with emphasis in Marital and Family Therapy is specifically designed to prepare students to serve their communities as licensed Marriage and Family Therapists in the State of California. The professors draw from their academic studies and professional experience to provide students with the background they will need to be successful to practice professionally. Students learn through lecture, discussion, and research, then put their new knowledge to work in their internship, all guided by their professors. This program also has a unique multicultural focus with an emphasis on culture and social justice and families. Instructors equip students to serve individuals from different backgrounds with widely different needs.

This program will specifically prepare students to:

• Understand people systemically, biologically, cognitively, psychologically, spiritually, and culturally.
• Think critically concerning issues relating to culture and social justice.
• Be equipped as a therapist to work with diverse populations and develop a corresponding professional identity.
• Acquire, refine, and demonstrate appropriate masters level skills as a clinician, researcher, and academic.
• Become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California.