HIU's Master of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy Degree Program (Online) is ranked as one of the top 20 graduate counseling programs in the nation. Our 61-unit Master of Science in Counseling (MSC) with and Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy program is designed to prepare students for a career as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. This fully online program is approved by the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for licensure as an LPCC or LMFT in the state of California. Courses last 8 to 16 weeks and schedules can be developed to accommodate two to three-year completion plans. Graduates may sit for their licensing examination upon completion of the necessary 3,000 supervised hours.
Hope’s master’s in counseling degree program integrates both theory and practice that is grounded in Christian principles. Developing sound research skills, theoretical teaching, practical application, and clinical training are central to the Master of Science in Counseling degree.
Faculty guide students through academic studies, clinical courses, self-assessment measures, and professional development, all of which provide a rich educational experience for aspiring LPCC candidates. All faculty are current practitioners who bring their professional experiences to Hope’s master’s in counseling program.
Online master’s in counseling courses include:
In addition to academic course requirements, students enrolled in the online Master of Science in Counseling program are placed in community-based clinical training sites where they undergo real-world training experiences with diverse clientele. Students work with supervisors who have had specific training in mental health supervision and meet rigorous supervision standards. The MSC program at HIU accepts students from around the world and is dedicated to training students to work with diverse populations.
Financial aid is available.
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Real-World Opportunities for Master’s Degree in Counseling Students
Professional clinical counseling includes conducting assessments for the purpose of establishing counseling goals and objectives to empower individuals to deal adequately with life situations, reduce stress, experience growth, change behavior, and make well-informed, rational decisions.
As part of the online master’s in counseling degree requirements, all students are required to complete at least 300 direct client hours and 50 hours of professional development. Direct client contact hours include providing therapy to individuals, children, and/or groups. Professional development hours are intended to provide the student with the opportunity to pursue areas of special interest, enhance their individual education, and network with other clinicians in the field.
Professional development activities include attending BBS-approved seminars, training sessions, workshops, personal therapy, and community service. Departmental approval must be obtained for a student to Advance to Practicum and begin their clinical training. All clinical training sites and supervisors must obtain departmental approval and comply with all of the current statutes and regulations set forth by the BBS.
Does Hope have an On-Site Counseling Center?
Yes, the Hope Counseling Center (HCC) offers counseling services for Hope students, faculty, staff, and the local community. The HCC is a convenient location for some MSC students to gain clinical training hours.
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