Dual Degree Program

The Integration of Marriage and Family Therapy and Theology

Why Complete Two Degrees?

Some students wish to bring skills and knowledge from both mental health disciplines and Christian theological understanding into their work. Church positions which incorporate roles of pastor and therapist come to mind—for example, Pastor for Family Ministries or Inner-City Work with Homeless Families. Licensed therapists working within a church counseling center might fit here too. Students seeking a sense of call to both ministry and delivery of professional mental health counseling services would do well to consider the dual-degree programs in Seattle Pacific Schools of Theology and Psychology, Family & Community.

For students wanting the foundational education and skills to pursue licensure as a Marriage and Family therapist, our master’s program in Marriage and Family Therapy meets this need. Aligned with this program, students can choose to complete another master’s from the School of Theology in Christian Studies (MAT-CS) or Divinity (MDiv). Several denominations require students to complete the MDiv in order to satisfy ordination requirements. These dual-degree sequences shorten the time required to complete the programs separately and offer opportunity to reflect on the integration of Christian faith and professional mental health therapy.

Program sequences are listed below
MS in MFT and MAT-CS (pdf)
MS in MFT and MDiv (pdf)

Application to the dual-degree program can be done through the Graduate Center, following the MS in MFT application deadlines.
(Under MFT Prospective Students: Course Information)

Dual-Degree with Theology

For students wishing to complete education often required for church ordination as well as clinical licensure, the Masters of Divinity degree can be completed alongside the MS in Marriage and Family Therapy in a 4-year sequence

Dual-degree MFT and MDiv (PDF)

For students wishing to complete basic theological education alongside a the MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, a Christian Studies track within the Masters in Theology degree can be completed alongside the MS in MT in a 3-year sequence.

Dual-degree MFT and MAT-CS (PDF)