"The DMFT Program offers a variety of ways for students to specialize within internships to learn new skills to take them into the next level of their career, including grant writing, supervision, managing a private practice or clinic, or teaching in a university." - Dr. Susan Hastings, DMFT Program Director

Hope International University’s Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy provides a challenging but rewarding program in which the curriculum will produce strong clinicians and equip students to connect original research to advance the field. In addition to academic course requirements, students engage in community-based clinical training sites where they participate in real-world experiences with a diverse clientele. DMFT students will also complete an internship for their chosen specialty as well as a dissertation.

OBJECTIVES

• Students will be able to demonstrate essential knowledge of systemic theory and the principles of marriage and family therapy, related to clinical case conceptualization, diagnosis, intervention, and the use of community mental health resources and, to write and articulate their personal theoretical model for therapy.
• Students will be able to demonstrate skills that reflect high standards of professionalism and commitment to ethical and professional behavior consistent with the standards of marriage and family therapy and Christian principles.
• Students will be able to demonstrate clinical skill and the ability to apply effective therapeutic techniques to meet the diverse needs of individuals, couples and families.
• Students will be able to conduct and evaluate research to ensure high standards of therapeutic application and contribute to the field of marriage and family therapy.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• A perfect balance of academic scholarship and hands-on experience
• Top-notch educators with extensive expertise and real-world experience
• Earn a M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy along the way
• Increase marketability, career opportunities, and earning potential

The DMFT builds on the excellent reputation of HIU’s COAMFTE Approved Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy.