Bethel Seminary San Diego’s master’s degree program in Marital and Family Therapy (MFT) recently announced its new national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). The COAMFTE is the accrediting arm of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) in Alexandria, Virginia. The program is also accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

“Accreditation is a very important indicator that draws serious students to us,” says G. Keith Olson, program director and lead faculty. “The COAMFTE is so important because it provides the highest level national professional accreditation available to MFT programs.”

How high are the standards? “Bethel Seminary San Diego’s MFT program is the only seminary program in the state of California and one of only four seminary programs nationwide to currently have this accreditation,” Olson explains. “There are only seven schools of all types in California who have COAMFTE accredited master’s programs.”

Collectively, these three accreditations are a powerful indicator to prospective students that their academic and practical training will equip them for success in kingdom service as licensed marriage and family therapists. Since 1997, when the program was begun under Olson’s leadership, it has established a reputation for integrating biblical studies, theological studies, spirituality, therapeutic theory, and clinical practice training. About 60 students are expected to study in the MFT program in fall 2009.

COAMFTE accreditation is of real and practical significance to current and future students. Among other advantages, COAMFTE accreditation:

· assures students that their program is at the leading edge of excellence in academic education and clinical training;

· facilitates obtaining a MFT license if students move from one state to another;

· gives students an advantage in obtaining employment as a marriage and family therapist.

For more information, call Bethel Seminary San Diego (800.238.4352) and speak with Caleb (ext. 233) in admissions.