Hope International University (HIU)
Hope International University (HIU) is a private Christian university located in Fullerton, California. Established in 1928, HIU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing a blend of academic excellence and Christian values. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and has a student body of approximately 1,140 students. HIU’s College of Psychology and Counseling provides programs designed to prepare students for careers in counseling and therapy, integrating faith-based perspectives with professional training.
Program Overview Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (M.A. MFT)
HIU’s Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (M.A. MFT) is an on-ground program aimed at preparing students for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) in California. The program emphasizes a systemic approach to therapy, integrating Christian principles with clinical training. Courses are offered in various time slots to accommodate different schedules, allowing for completion in two to three years.
Key Features
- Accreditation: The MFT program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), ensuring quality education and license portability.
- Clinical Training: Students are required to complete at least 325 clinical training hours, including a minimum of 225 direct client contact hours. Training can be conducted at HIU’s on-site Hope Counseling Center or other approved practicum sites.
- Faith Integration: The curriculum incorporates Christian perspectives, preparing students to integrate faith into their therapeutic practice.
Curriculum
The MFT program’s curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive training in marriage and family therapy, covering areas such as:
- Theoretical foundations of MFT
- Human development and family systems
- Ethics and legal issues in counseling
- Multicultural counseling
- Research methods
Students also engage in supervised clinical practice to apply learned concepts in real-world settings.
Clinical Training
Clinical training is a vital component of the MFT program. Students must complete at least 325 clinical hours, with a minimum of 225 direct client contact hours. These hours can be accrued through placements at HIU’s Hope Counseling Center or other approved practicum sites. All practicum placements and supervisors must receive departmental approval and comply with the Board of Behavioral Sciences regulations.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the MFT program must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Provide a statement of purpose addressing specific prompts.
- Complete an interview as part of the admissions process.
GRE scores are not required for admission.
Tuition and Financial Aid
- Tuition: $775 per unit
- Practicum Fee: $1,200 (when practicum class starts)
- Additional Fees: $200 for state-required seminars; $100 annual assessment fee
Financial aid options are available, including scholarships, grants, and loans. Prospective students are encouraged to contact HIU’s financial aid office for personalized assistance.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the MFT program are prepared to pursue licensure as LMFTs in California. Career opportunities include:
- Private practice
- Community mental health agencies
- Hospitals and healthcare settings
- Educational institutions
- Faith-based organizations
The program’s integration of faith and clinical training equips graduates to serve diverse populations effectively.
Why Choose Hope International University?
- Accredited Program: COAMFTE accreditation ensures quality education and licensure portability.
- Faith-Based Approach: Integration of Christian principles into therapeutic practice.
- Flexible Scheduling: Courses offered in various time slots to accommodate different schedules.
- Clinical Opportunities: Access to HIU’s on-site Hope Counseling Center for practicum hours.
- Supportive Community: Engage with a diverse and inclusive student body and faculty.
How to Apply
- Complete the online application form on HIU’s official website.
- Submit required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
- Schedule and complete an admissions interview.