Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
“No man is an island.” Poet John Donne — writing back in the 17th century — was onto something with this famous line, which challenges us to consider how relationships to others impact our very sense of self. Marriage and family therapists approach their critical work in much the same way, focusing on the relationships that are core to healthy communities.
Our Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, the only program of its kind in the state, provides candidates with a strong foundation to pursue clinical practice and licensure in Hawaii. Cohorts learning online or in-person will build their skills through theory, practice and research, seeking out ways to apply what they have learned in family systems, constructive problem-solving, and behavioral therapy to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Marriage and family therapists work on the front lines of psychotherapeutic clinical practice, delivering direct service to individuals, couples, families and groups at hospitals, social service agencies, public and private practice and other settings. Importantly, our cutting-edge MSMFT program fully prepares candidates for this high-demand profession by incorporating a full 12 months of clinical training—with placement—as part of a pathway to state licensure.
Fully in-person or 100% online (synchronous classes)
60 total credit hours
Finish in 32 months
Only master’s MFT program in Hawaii
Cohort-based program design
12-month clinical training
Practicum placement
Pathway to Hawaii Licensure
Let us tell you more.
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
[email protected]
(808) 739-8340
DIRECTOR OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY PROGRAM
Blendine Hawkins, PhD, LMFT
[email protected]
(808) 739-7495
Terms & Deadlines
Fall Term 2024
Application deadline: August 30, 2024
Term begins: September 30, 2024
Spring Term 2025
Application deadline: March 7, 2025
Term begins: April 7, 2025
- Students will develop a coherent personal theoretical framework founded in relational/systemic practice, theories, models and philosophy in MFT.
- Students will apply systemic/relational theoretical and evidence-based approaches in assessment, diagnosis, case conceptualization, and intervention to meet the diverse needs of individuals, couples, and families.
- Students will employ ethical, professional and legal guidelines consistent with the standards and identity of marriage and family therapy.
- Students will utilize current trends and research methods in the field to conduct and critically evaluate research within the practice of marriage and family therapy.
- Students will cultivate a socially just and culturally responsive therapeutic practice with a critical self awareness of intersections of identities within a developmental and family life cycle framework.
Core Curriculum
- MFT550 MFT Systems
- MFT551 MFT Theories 1
- MFT552 MFT Theories 2
- MFT553 MFT Ethics and Professional Issues
- MFT554 Individual and Systemic Diagnosis
- MFT602 Family Development through the Lifespan
- MFT603 Microskills, Principles and Practices in MFT
- MFT611 Group Therapy Facilitation Skills
- MFT616 Statistical Analysis in Quantitative Research
- MFT617 MFT Research Methods and Writing
- MFT736 Diversity in Family Therapy
- MFT737 Child and Adolescent Diagnosis and Treatment
- MFT757 Family Therapy: Assessment and Intervention
- MFT759 Family Therapy: Violence, Trauma and Healing
- MFT760 Couples and Relationship Therapy
- MFT762 Sex Therapy
- MFT763 Medical Family Therapy and Psychopharmacology
- MFT764 Family Therapy: Substance-related Diagnoses and Crisis Counseling
- MFT777 Practicum 1
- MFT778 Practicum 2
- MFT779 Practicum 3
- MFT780 Practicum 4
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
- Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Interview
- Human services experiences preferred