Purpose The Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) program provides academic and clinical training for a career as a professional marriage and family therapist. Students are trained to treat relational mental health issues with individuals, couples, and families from a family systems perspective.
Program Description The 60-unit program is designed to integrate both theory, practice, and research, grounded in Christian principles. The core curriculum focuses on academic research, theory, and clinical training. The faculty provide a rich, collaborative educational experience through mentorship, professional development, and dedication to student success.
In addition to academic course requirements, students are placed in practicum sites where they undergo real-world training experiences with diverse clientele. Practicum supervisors have met rigorous supervision standards set forth by AAMFT. The MFT program at Hope International University accepts students from around the world and is dedicated to training students to work with diverse populations.
The program is accredited by the Commissions on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), the national accrediting body for marriage and family therapy programs. The Accreditation Standards set by COAMFTE require the program to report on Graduate Achievement Data. To view Educational Outcomes, click here. The program also meets the educational requirements of the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) in California, including the requirements of the Business and Professions Code, Section 4980.37, .38, and .40. Graduates may sit for their licensing examination upon completion of the necessary 3,000 supervised hours.
This is an on-ground program. Courses last 8 to 16 weeks and are offered in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. A schedule can be developed to accommodate two to three year completion.
HIU’s on-site counseling center, Hope Counseling Center (HCC), offers counseling services for Hope students, faculty, staff, and the local community. The HCC is a convenient location for some MFT students to gain clinical training hours.
All MFT students participate in the clinical training program as part of the Supervised Clinical Training Site, while accruing hours in an approved practicum site. As part of the degree requirements, all students are required to complete at least 325 clinical training hours, which includes a minimum of 225 direct client contact hours. Direct client contact hours include providing therapy to couples, individuals, children, families, and/or groups. Departmental approval must be obtained for a student to Advance to Practicum. All practicum sites and supervisors must obtain departmental approval and comply with all of the current statutes and regulations set forth by the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
