Chaminade University of Honolulu

Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy

Strengthen communities by strengthening relationships.

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Help individuals, couples, and families heal and thrive.

As Hawai‘i’s only Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSMFT) program, you’ll gain the skills and experience to pursue MFT licensure and provide clinical care to individuals, couples, families, and groups across diverse settings. Grounded in theory, practice, and research, the program emphasizes the power of relationships to foster healing and build stronger, healthier communities.

Terms & Deadlines

Online Accelerated Spring Term Begins: April 13, 2026
Online Application Deadline: March 20, 2026

In-Person Accelerated Spring Term Begins: April 13, 2026
In Person Application Deadline: February 13, 2026

Accelerated Fall Term Begins: October 12, 2026
Application Deadline: September 11, 2026

A program built around you.

The MSMFT program, designed to fit your schedule and life responsibilities, combines academic rigor with clinical practice, allowing you to apply what you learn in real-world settings. Guided by expert faculty mentors, you’ll develop the confidence to navigate complex emotional and relational dynamics, inspire positive change, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

The MSMFT program meets the educational and clinical training requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensure in the State of Hawai’i. For students planning to pursue licensure outside of Hawai’i, please reach out to Dr. Blendine Hawkins, MFT Program Director, at [email protected].

Fully in person or Fully online
(synchronous classes)

60 total credit hours

Finish in 33 months,
10-week terms

12-month clinical practicum training

Practicum placement assistance

Pathway to Hawai’i licensure

Did you know…

Nationally

The demand for Marriage and Family Therapists nationally is on the rise, with a projected growth rate of 13% from 2024–2034.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024

There are approximately 7,700 job openings each year due to the Marriage and Family Therapy growth and replacement needs.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024

Hawai’i

The demand for Marriage and Family Therapists in Hawai’i is on the rise, with a projected growth rate of 14% from 2022–2032.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022

Hawai’i has only about 15 LMFTs per 100,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 30 per 100,000, indicating a pressing need for qualified therapists.

Hawai’i Department of Health

Program Details

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, students will be able to:

  1. Develop a coherent personal theoretical framework founded in relational/systemic practice, theories, models and philosophy in MFT.
  2. 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.
  3. Employ ethical, professional and legal guidelines consistent with the standards and identity of marriage and family therapy.
  4. Utilize current trends and research methods in the field to conduct and critically evaluate research within the practice of marriage and family therapy.
  5. 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.

MFT Courses (60 credits)

  • MFT 550 Marriage and Family Therapy Systems
  • MFT 551 Marriage and Family Therapy Theories 1
  • MFT 552 Marriage and Family Therapy Theories 2
  • MFT 553 MFT Ethics and Professional Issues
  • MFT 554 Individual and Systemic Diagnosis
  • MFT 602 Family Development through the Lifespan
  • MFT 603 Microskills, Principles and Practices in MFT
  • MFT 611 Group Therapy Facilitation Skills
  • MFT 616 Statistical Analysis in Quantitative Research
  • MFT 617 MFT Research Methods and Research Writing
  • MFT 736 Diversity in Family Therapy
  • MFT 737 Child and Adolescent Diagnosis and Treatment
  • MFT 757 Family Therapy: Assessment and Intervention
  • MFT 759 Family Therapy: Violence, Trauma and Healing
  • MFT 760 Couples and Relationship Therapy
  • MFT 762 Sex Therapy
  • MFT 763 Medical Family Therapy and Psychopharmacology
  • MFT 764 Family Therapy: Substance-related Diagnoses and Crisis Counseling
  • MFT 777 Practicum 1
  • MFT 778 Practicum 2
  • MFT 779 Practicum 3
  • MFT 780 Practicum 4

Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

Chaminade University has been accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the nationally recognized agency for accreditation of post-secondary institutions in its area of the United States.

General Admission Requirements

  • Completed Chaminade application
  • Hold at least a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited college/university in the U.S. or equivalent from a foreign institution
  • Official bachelor’s or master’s program transcripts from regionally accredited colleges or universities
  • Interview
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • International applicants whose native language is not English must submit proof of English proficiency 

Visit the Graduate Admissions website for more information.

Cost of Attendance

Please visit the Graduate Cost of Attendance webpage for tuition rates and fees.

Additional Resources

FastTrack MFT

At Chaminade University, we offer graduate students a streamlined pathway to our doctoral programs—with a direct application process and an accelerated timeline to candidacy, helping you advance your education and career faster.

Begin with the MSMFT and continue seamlessly into the Doctor of Marriage and Family (DMFT) program. You’ll have the opportunity to apply credits toward both degrees and complete your MSMFT and DMFT degrees in five years—saving time and money while advancing your skills and expanding career opportunities.

Eligibility

  • Chaminade University MSMFT student
  • Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the MSMFT program
  • Apply for the FastTrack MFT program through Program Director (early opt-in to FastTrack MFT is recommended)
  • Successfully complete FastTrack MFT designated DMFT courses, taken during MSMFT program, with a grade of B or higher in each

Pathway Benefits

  • Take FastTrack MFT courses (designated DMFT courses) during MSMFT program
  • FastTrack MFT courses are covered under the MSMFT tuition, only transitioning to the DMFT rate once MSMFT coursework/degree is complete
  • Complete MSMFT and DMFT degree in five years (instead of six years)

NEXT STEPS

Request Information
Join a Virtual Info Session
Start Your Application

If you have any MFT program questions, please contact Program Director Blendine Hawkins, PhD, LMFT, at [email protected] or (808) 739-7495.

If you have any admissions questions or need assistance, please contact Admissions at [email protected] or (808) 739-8524.