The College of Psychology & Counseling at Hope International University has received final approval to offer HIU's first-ever doctoral degree program: Doctor of Marriage & Family Therapy (DMFT). The program will debut with it's initial student cohort in early 2022. This major milestone marks a historic academic achievement for the University. 

After two years of preparation and planning, a formal proposal was submitted on May 20, 2021, to the WASC Senior College & University Commission (WSCUC) for regional accreditation. A group from WSCUC conducted a rigorous site visit at the end of August, and announced the official approval earlier this week.

"We designed our DMFT program to provide a challenging and rewarding experience that allows students to develop advanced clinical training and research skills in the area of marriage and family therapy," said Dr. Laura Steele, Dean of HIU's College of Pschology & Counseling. "The doctoral program builds upon and expands our current MFT programs, opening exciting new doors of opportunity for our faculty, students, and alumni."

"This is a tremendously important day in our history," stated HIU's President, Dr. Paul Alexander.  "I can’t tell you how proud I am of our team who worked so hard to make this dream a reality."

// For more about HIU's new DMFT program, click here.