ACADEMICS

M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy

At Hope, 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. The program is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), the national accrediting body for marriage and family therapy programs.

Our program features instruction from a family systems perspective, which explores the dynamics and dimensions of individuals within and through the family system. MFT faculty members are current practitioners and they bring their professional experiences to the classroom. The program weaves together academic and clinical competencies, providing students with the skills they will need to become effective therapists.

The 60 unit MFT degree 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.

We also have an on-site counseling center, Hope Counseling Center (HCC), which 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.

Career Opportunities

Marriage and family therapists are mental health professionals trained and licensed to independently diagnose and treat mental health and substance abuse problems. Students are trained to treat relational mental health issues with individuals, couples and families. Licensed marriage and family therapists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinical/social service agencies, churches, educational institutions and private practice.

  • Case Manager
  • Private Practice
  • Social Service Agencies
  • Group Homes
  • Department of Mental Health
  • Universities and Research Centers
  • Courts and Prisons
  • Community Mental Health Centers

Career Resources

Interesting Courses

  • Theories of Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Approaches to the Treatment of Couples
  • Approaches to the Treatment of Children
  • Psychopathology
  • Counseling Older Adults and Their Families
  • Psychopharmacology

Real World Opportunities

All MFT students participate in the clinical training program as part of the Supervised Practicum course, while accruing hours in an approved practicum site. As part of the degree requirements, all students are required to complete at least 250 clinical hours, which includes a minimum of 150 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.

 

Our Alumni Tell Our Story Best

Photo - Mary Trujillo

Mary Trujillo
M.F.T. '08

"From the moment I walked onto Hope’s campus, I felt welcomed. The staff took the time to get to know me and give me as much information as I needed. The students and professors became mentors to me and created a safe place for me to share about myself and grow as a Christian leader. The examples of the staff members really motivated me to be the best I could be both in my professional and personal life."

Our Alumni Tell Our Story Best

Photo - Chris Williams

Chris Williams
M.F.T. '07
Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
Pacific Coast Psychological Associates
Fullerton, CA

"The course work is rigorous, thorough and relevant to today's challenges and opportunities. I work with individuals, couples and families who have encountered traumatic life experiences. I have the privilege of working with them towards greater healing, wholeness and fulfillment. Today I maintain close contact with my former professors and classmates, which keeps me growing in my effectiveness. The education lasts a lifetime and the impact lasts forever."

Our Alumni Tell Our Story Best

Larry Bradley
M.A. M.F.T. '08

"I attended Hope’s MFT program because of the convenient course schedule, nationally respected curriculum, and faculty that brought not only a textbook to class but real experience by being in the trenches themselves. As a recent graduate, I now have a steady client load of some twenty individuals in a private practice setting. My supervisor has made several comments about the training I have received and has complimented HIU in providing superior academic support in meeting the challenges of individuals in bettering their relationships."

Featured Student

Photo - Rita Atchabahian

Rita Atchabahian
MFT Student

"I love Hope International University and the Marriage and Family Therapy program because Hope is not only a university, it is a family whose vision is centered on God and on creating leaders for Christ. Hope has impacted my life greatly and brought me closer to Christ.

My professors and colleagues challenge me to personal growth and development each and every day, which is helping me learn how to be an effective therapist.

This program is great preparation for my career – the faculty members constantly share their professional experiences, and we practice effective techniques in the classroom. "

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