This interdisciplinary degree brings together students who are serious about counseling skill development and theological inquiry. Designed for students who are interested in the application of clinical and pastoral counseling skills to the challenges of 21st Century life, this pioneering program offers a stimulating four year course of study aimed at providing rich dialogue within a unique learning community.
You may also be interested in: PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Program Details
- Delivery: 100% Online
- Note: Internship placements will be in-person at a location near you.
- Length: 60 credits; typically completed in 4-6 years
- Additional credits required until the completion of doctoral project
- Additional credits may also be required if interested in pursuing state license
- Enrolling New Students: August (View application deadlines).
- Cost: $450/credit for tuition plus $30/credit in fees
- $28,800 total in tuition & fees for the full 60-credit program (2024-2025)
- Additional credits & cost may be required if pursuing a state license outside of PA.
- Financial Aid: Explore our federal financial aid options that may be available to you.
100% Online. Flexible. Affordable.
Program Goals and Distinctives:
- Integration of Psychology & Christianity: Students assess individuals, couples, families, and congregations from an integrated point of view, incorporating theological issues with Marriage and Family systems theory and pertinent psychological perspectives in pastoral or clinical settings.
- Broad Audience: Students demonstrate advanced counseling skills appropriate to meet the needs of individuals, couples, families, and congregations seeking mental health services and programs.
- Enrichment Programs: Students create and deliver integrated psychological and spiritual enrichment programs. Examples of previous enrichment programs created by Eastern doctoral students include workshops for individuals, couples, and families, as well as seminars offered on special topics in a clinical or church setting.
- Self-Reflection: Students practice in-depth self-reflection to enhance their ongoing personal and professional development.
“In reflecting on my journey, I realize that even without a degree, the experience alone would have been invaluable. The personal transformation I've undergone, both academically and spiritually, is a testament to the program's profound impact on my life. Eastern has thoroughly prepared me for my career path through its comprehensive education, invaluable mentoring, and profound spiritual transformation.”
Our Mission
The DMFT degree equips church leaders and mental health practitioners through studies in marriage and family systems theory, theological issues, and psychology to create positive change in families, individuals and church communities.
State Authorizations
Please check the State Authorizations page to determine if Eastern University’s program fulfills your state credentialing requirements. Students who seek similar credentialing in states other than Pennsylvania are advised to contact the appropriate credentialing agency within their home state to seek information and additional guidance about credentialing in your state of residence. Additional state or local requirements may exist for field placements or practica in this state. Out-of-state student placements/practica cannot be guaranteed by the program or the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Students are responsible for following all state and local requirements and regulations for their field placement/practica coursework.