HIS University MFT California

Are you thinking about HIS University California to begin your path to becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist? HIS University equips students with specialized education to restore marriage and family relationships through a professional therapy career.
HIS University California takes a fresh approach to Marriage and Family Therapy education. Their graduates build a Christian worldview and learn how faith strengthens their ability to help families heal. The program also prepares students for the California state exam administered by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to get licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). HIS University has earned accredited status as a Category IV institution from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). Students should note the mixed information about the university’s current operational status.
This guide covers everything you need to know about HIS University’s MFT program – from curriculum details to admission requirements and career outcomes.
MFT Program Snapshot
HIS University California’s Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy program provides complete training to help aspiring therapists transform people’s lives. Students learn to deliver mental health treatment to people of all backgrounds using a relational systemic view.
The MFT program focuses on three key areas: ethically competent theory-driven approaches, multicultural awareness, and personal development. Students get a supportive environment to examine their own biases and experiences that helps them become better clinical practitioners.
Students must complete 250 hours of supervised direct, in-person contact at approved sites to gain clinical experience. They complete this requirement in two modules of 125 hours each, which gives them practical skills they need for professional success. Each student keeps detailed logs of their experience hours under qualified supervisors.
Students can start their practical training after completing twelve semester units by submitting a Trainee Certification Request Form. They then choose an agency placement where experienced supervisors guide their professional growth.
The well-laid-out curriculum includes courses in:
- Legal, ethical, and moral issues in therapy
- Research methods
- Christian marriage and family counseling
- Family therapy
- Clinical placement
The program helps students meet California’s licensure requirements through the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Graduates can work in outpatient care centers, hospitals, schools, social service agencies, and private practice.
Marriage and family therapy offers excellent job prospects. This is a big deal as it means that job growth rates are higher than average occupational trends. HIS University MFT California graduates step into a promising job market where mental health professionals are in high demand.
The program blends theory and practice. Students develop both academic knowledge and ground clinical skills to become effective therapists.
Pathways and Specializations
HIS University California’s MFT program creates multiple career paths that prepare students to work in the mental health field. Students who complete the program can sit for the national Marriage and Family Therapy licensing examination and apply for licensure in California and most other states.
Students get extensive hands-on experience through clinical training. The program requires a minimum of 300 direct client contact hours, including at least 100 hours working with couples, families, or other relationship systems. Students also receive about 100 hours of supervision, and at least 50 of these hours include observable data where supervisors give feedback on live or recorded therapy sessions.
Marriage and Family Therapy stands as one of the five federally designated mental health disciplines, giving graduates remarkable career flexibility. MFT professionals can work in several settings, including:
- Clinical settings with couples, families, and individuals
- Substance abuse and addiction treatment centers
- Educational institutions and school-based programs
- Mental health centers and hospitals
- Employee assistance programs
- Government and legal systems
Programs often feature specialized tracks to build expertise in high-demand areas like Family Therapy, Medical Family Therapy, or Sex Therapy. Additional coursework covers specialized areas such as child and adolescent therapy, substance abuse counseling, grief and loss, or multicultural therapy.
The MFT degree creates opportunities for various professional roles, such as marriage counselor, couples therapist, family therapist, addiction counselor, school-based family counselor, and clinical supervisor. Graduates can shape their careers based on personal interests while enjoying strong job prospects in this growing field.
Learning Options and Flexibility
HIS University’s MFT program in California features multiple learning formats that adapt to students’ needs and schedules. Students must complete 250 hours of supervised, direct, in-person contact clinical experience at an approved site. This hands-on component helps students develop therapy skills under professional guidance.
HIS University understands the demands of working professionals and offers flexible scheduling options. Students can choose from several formats:
- In-person classes held during late afternoons and evenings
- Online synchronous sessions with live interaction
- Hybrid options combining online and on-campus learning
- Full-time tracks completed in 24 months
- Part-time options with extended completion timelines
Students can balance their academic goals with personal and professional commitments while maintaining educational excellence. The practicum experience lets students work directly with clients under supervision—a vital part of their professional growth.
The program structure creates room for personalized learning paths. Students select their practicum site and field supervisor with guidance from the university’s Practicum Training Coordinator. This approach helps students explore clinical interests while fulfilling program requirements.
Many courses include asynchronous components that let students access materials and complete assignments on their own schedule. Students save commuting time and achieve better work-life-study balance.
Academic advisors help students plan their class schedules, which proves especially helpful during clinical placement coordination. The hands-on practicum experience requires students to complete five hours per week of supervised fieldwork within a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist’s scope of practice.
The program follows a practitioner-scholar model that blends rigorous coursework with intensive experiential training. Graduates emerge with strong theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed for professional practice in marriage and family therapy.
Admission Requirements
HIS University California’s MFT program has specific requirements for qualified candidates. Students must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. The university values your academic background and personal qualities more than strict GPA requirements.
Candidates should submit the HIS University application form with their bachelor’s degree and official transcripts. The application package needs two recommendation letters showcasing your graduate-level capabilities and therapeutic potential. Your personal introduction document helps explain your goals and motivation.
The MFT program requires international students to prove their English skills through a minimum TOEFL score of 80+ or equivalent. Program faculty will conduct a personal interview after receiving your application materials.
HIS University evaluates your application and communicates the acceptance decision. The university doesn’t specify fixed application deadlines. However, submitting your materials early ensures enough time for processing.
Current application fees vary. The university’s website provides the latest fee information.
Why Choose This Program
HIS University’s MFT program in California stands out with unique advantages for your therapy education. The program is 38 years old and holds COAMFTE accreditation, which ensures your education meets national standards for marriage and family therapy education.
The program maintains a low faculty-to-student ratio that creates excellent mentoring opportunities. Students receive customized attention that helps them grow as clinicians and individuals. The program’s Christ-centered approach makes it unique as it promotes wellness for families and individuals.
Your educational experience builds on compassion, integrity, excellence, freedom, and justice. You’ll gain technical skills and develop ethical frameworks to guide your practice.
Students get extensive practicum opportunities in multidisciplinary settings, including:
- Medical centers and hospitals
- Inpatient behavioral medicine facilities
- Outpatient behavioral health institutes
These placements prepare you to work in a variety of professional settings – from medical and legal environments to educational institutions and community mental health. The employment outlook remains strong, with the field projected to grow 16% over the next decade – substantially faster than average occupational trends.
HIS University MFT California provides a values-based foundation and education to help you build a career that helps individuals and families thrive.