APPLICATION FOR THE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY
Master of Science Degree in Counseling
with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy
San Diego State University
College of Education
Department of Counseling and School Psychology
San Diego, CA 92182-1179
619-594-6109 (CSP Department Office) mft@mail.sdsu.edu
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: JANUARY 14, 2010
GENERAL DIRECTIONS
Purpose and areas of evaluation:
The application review process is designed to assess readiness and potential success for practice in the Marriage and Family Therapy field. The application process includes both a written application and a group interview process. In keeping with program objectives, the
Admissions Committee is interested in candidates whose personal goals and experiences reflect interest in mental health intervention with families and other relationships, human diversity issues, and a commitment to social responsibility and justice.
These qualifications are evaluated through four categories of developmental readiness:
(a) academic – assesses for educational background, formal learning skills, and contextual thinking ability;
(b) interpersonal
– assesses for human relationship-building skills, such as psychological understanding, self-reflection, appropriate self-disclosure, and clear communication;
(c) multicultural – assesses for cross-cultural, multicultural knowledge, experience, and reflectivity about cross-cultural interaction; and
(d) professional – assesses for sufficient familiarity and exposure to responsibilities and activities relevant to the field; fit of applicant’s professional goals with program goals..
While GPA and GRE scores are part of the admissions review, the admissions committee has determined that success in the field requires a broader base of skills, as reflected in the four categories.
Procedures:
This application is only for admission to the Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Applicants must complete two separate and different applications, one to the MFT program and one to CSU Mentor, for admission to the Graduate Division of SDSU.
The deadline for both applications is January 14, 2010. The Graduate Admissions application

must be submitted on-line ( http:/www.csumentor.edu
). You can find additional information about the application process at the SDSU homepage, click on prospective students, then graduate admissions. You will find the MFT program listed under Education since we are in the College of Education. You will send a copy of official transcripts to SDSU, unofficial transcripts can be sent to the department with the program application. The MFT application must be submitted via regular mail along with other requested materials.
No decision about financial aid can be made without the submission of both applications; however, decisions about admission to the program are made apart from financial aid decisions.
This written application constitutes the first part of a two-part admissions review process.
By invitation, the second part requires participation in a small group interview process on campus. Applicants will receive notification of receipt of their application within a couple of weeks of the deadline along with notification of the group interview date. The MFT admissions committee reviews applications and extends invitations to the group interview process three-four weeks prior to the date of interview. Because of the design of the group interview, it is only conducted on one day.
All program application materials must be submitted in a single packet or portfolio. Please do not forward parts of the packet separately. Materials sent separately are likely to get lost in the mail or separated from the applicant’s file. Do not submit your application on-line or via e-mail.
Please have your references return their letters to you in a sealed envelope, so you can include the letters in your packet.
In your MFT application packet include:
[ ] The MFT program application. Fill in all sections.
[ ] The personal statement. The Admissions Committee is interested in getting to know you as a developing person and professional. Please supply the Committee with a 2-3 page reflective essay on the following five areas:

What attracts you to the SDSU MFT program compared to other training programs?

What unique attributes and experiences (can be personal, family, professional etc.) would you bring to our program that would enhance our graduate training program?

What are you most passionate about as it relates to your graduate studies?

What impact has volunteer, travel, and/or work had on your understanding of human diversity, your growth as a helping professional, and your desire to work as a Marriage and Family Therapist?

What does it mean to you to be a Multicultural Family Therapist?
[ ] Three letters of recommendation. Please provide references with the accompanying reference forms. These letters should be submitted in sealed envelopes. Letters should be included with the application packet sent to the department. Submit letters from individuals who are acquainted with your interpersonal skills, academic background and potential, experiences with diversity, work experience and employment potential for the field of Marriage and Therapy. At least one letter should be from a professor in an academic institution.

[ ] Transcripts. Applicants will need to order an official set of transcripts for all colleges/universities attended. These are included in your application packet directly to the Graduate Admissions, Enrollment Services. For convenience, please include a copy of unofficial transcripts with your MFT application that goes directly to the department.
[ ] Resume. Include all educational, work and volunteer experiences.
[ ] Graduate Record Exam Scores (GRE). All applicants must take the GRE. Scores must be submitted with the university application packet that goes to the Graduate
Admissions, Enrollment Services. Official score report must be received by SDSU
Graduate Admissions (code 4682) before your application can be considered for full, classified admission to the University or the Marriage and Family Therapy program.
Applicants can obtain test administration information from the Testing Office or by clicking on GRE exam in the Admissions page of the website. If you already have obtained a Master’s degree from an accredited school, you are not required to re-take the
GRE score for admittance to our program.
[ ] TOEFL score, if applicable.
For all applicants whose education was conducted in a language other than English.
[ ] Application disclosure sheet. To insure that applicants are aware of the specific requirements of the program, a disclosure sheet is attached. Applicants must review and sign this form to be considered for admission.
[ ] Optional information sheet. Applicants are not required to complete this information sheet included on the last page of these directions. This information is helpful to us in getting a broader picture of trends in applications and for program planning.
[ ] Mail or deliver your completed MFT Program application to:
For the SDSU Graduate Admissions
[ ] Complete the on-line application (www.csumentor.edu).
When completing the application, be sure to indicate the appropriate
(08261).
Major Code
[ ] Mail or deliver one set of transcripts (all undergraduate and graduate education) and GRE (and TOEFL, if applicable) scores to:
San Diego State University
Department of Counseling and School Psychology
Marriage and Family Therapy Program
5500 Campanile Drive – MC 1179
San Diego, CA 92182-1179
Enrollment Services
Graduate Admissions Document Processing Unit
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Dr.
San Diego, CA 92182-7416
For submission of GRE scores, you will need the SDSU Graduate Admissions Code
(4682).