Hope International University
M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT)
M.S. in Counseling with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSC)
Campus-Based (MAMFT), Online (MSC)
Hope International University
2500 E. Nutwood Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92831
Program details below are quoted from program websites, supplied here for informational purposes only, and subject to change at any time. Refer to the program website for current information, deadlines, complete admission requirements, etc. It is the responsibility of the prospective student to verify with program administrators program details and that the program still meets BBS requirements for licensure in the state of California.
Program Snapshot
Accreditation
COAMFTE (MAMFT only)
MSC program is in the process of pursuing COAMFTE accreditation. The program is patterned after CACREP requirements.
Concentrations/Specializations Offered
None
LMFT Track or Dual LMFT/LPCC Track
MAMFT
LMFT
MSC
LMFT/LPCC dual track
Length of Program
MAMFT
60 units, 2-3 years
MSC
61 units, 2-3 years
Schedule/Format
MAMFT
This is an on-ground program. Courses last 8 to 16 weeks and are offered in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
MSC
The MSC Program is uniquely formatted, enabling students to attend full-time or part-time. All courses are offered asynchronously online. Fall and Spring terms run for 16 weeks and are each comprised of two eight-week modules. Summer term is eight to ten weeks depending on the course. The entire program may be completed in as little as 24 months, and students may choose a two- or three-year track. Students must complete all requirements within six years from their date of first enrollment in the program.
Program Start
Fall, Spring for both programs
Estimated Total Program Tuition
MAMFT
$43,500
MSC
$39,650
Religious Orientation
MAMFT
The 60-unit program is designed to integrate both theory, practice, and research, grounded in Christian principles.
MSC
Hope’s master’s in counseling degree program integrates both theory and practice that is grounded in Christian principles.
Entering Class Size and Classroom Sizes
MSC
Average class size varies, usually around 11-22 students.
MAMFT
Around 13 students.
Fieldwork Hours Accrued During Program
MAMFT
Professional Development Hours - 50 Hours
Clinical Training Hours (including at least 225 direct client hours) - 325 Hours
MSC
As part of the online master’s in counseling degree requirements, all students are required to complete at least 300 direct client hours and 50 hours of professional development.
Direct client contact hours include providing therapy to individuals, children, and/or groups.
Professional development hours are intended to provide the student with the opportunity to pursue areas of special interest, enhance their individual education, and network with other clinicians in the field.
Personal Psychotherapy Requirement During Program
Both programs require 50 Professional Development hours
Comprehensive Exam/Culminating Project/Thesis/Etc:
None
Application Process
Application Deadline
Fall Term: July 29th
Spring Term: November 15th
Undergraduate GPA Required
At minimum, a cumulative GPA equivalent to at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all prior undergraduate level work.
Applicants are required to submit a letter of explanation if their undergraduate or graduate GPA is below the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
GRE Requirement
None
Prerequisite Courses
MSC
There are two pre-reqs: (1) Abnormal Psychology and (2) Community Mental Health. If your undergrad degree is in Psychology these are typically waived. If you’ve worked within the field, these can be waived. We would need an unofficial transcript to do an evaluation to confirm.
Application Highlights
Have the two reference forms completed and sent to the Graduate and Online Admissions office.
Complete a "Statement of Purpose" essay of at least 250 words stating your reasons for entering a graduate program. MFT and MS Counseling students must submit a minimum 500-word statement answering four specific prompts provided by your Academic Coach.
Interview Requirement
Viable candidates proceed to an extensive on-campus personal and/or group interview with a MFT faculty member.
Program Summary
MAMFT
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 student achievement. 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.
MSC
Master of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Program (Online) ranked as one of the top 20 graduate counseling programs in the nation,, Hope International University’s 61-unit Master of Science in Counseling (MSC) with and Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy program is designed to prepare students for a career as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. This fully online program is approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for licensure as an LPCC or LMFT in the state of California. Courses last 8 to 16 weeks and schedules can be developed to accommodate two to three-year completion plans. Graduates may sit for their licensing examination upon completion of the necessary 3,000 supervised hours.
Hope’s master’s in counseling degree program integrates both theory and practice that is grounded in Christian principles. Developing sound research skills, theoretical teaching, practical application, and clinical training are central to the Master of Science in Counseling degree.
Faculty guide students through academic studies, clinical courses, self-assessment measures, and professional development, all of which provide a rich educational experience for aspiring LPCC candidates. All faculty are current practitioners who bring their professional experiences to Hope’s master’s in counseling program.
Online master’s in counseling courses include:
Counseling Theories
Child Abuse Detection, Intervention, and Treatment
Family Violence: Detection, Intervention, and Treatment
Multicultural Perspectives in Counseling
Theories of Marriage and Family Therapy
Group Therapy
Psychopathology
Psychopharmacology
Career Counseling and Development
In addition to academic course requirements, students enrolled in the online Master of Science in Counseling program are placed in community-based clinical training sites where they undergo real-world training experiences with diverse clientele. Students work with supervisors who have had specific training in mental health supervision and meet rigorous supervision standards. The MSC program at HIU accepts students from around the world and is dedicated to training students to work with diverse populations.