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Master Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Overview

Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MS-MFT)

The Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (MS-MFT) program at Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH) prepares students to become skilled, systemically minded clinicians ready to serve individuals, couples, and families in diverse communities. Rooted in the University's Marianist Educational Values and aligned with Native Hawaiian cultural principles, the MS-MFT program integrates academic excellence, ethical practice, and cultural humility.

Established to meet the growing need for relational mental health practitioners, the MS-MFT program offers a rigorous curriculum grounded in systems theory and relational approaches. The program is approved by the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and structured to prepare students for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) in Hawaiʻi.

The MS-MFT program follows a cohort-based structure with an emphasis on collaborative learning and community building, reflecting Chaminade’s commitment to education in a family spirit. Students engage in coursework that blends theory, research, and clinical practice, culminating in a year-long practicum where they provide therapy under qualified supervision.

Licensure Information:
The MS-MFT program is designed to meet the educational and clinical training requirements for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the State of Hawaiʻi. While the program makes every effort to evaluate whether its curriculum and practicum experiences meet licensure requirements in other U.S. states, licensing laws and standards frequently change and vary by jurisdiction. Therefore, students who intend to seek licensure outside of Hawaiʻi are strongly encouraged to consult both with the MS-MFT program leadership and with the appropriate state licensing board in the state where they plan to practice. Chaminade University cannot guarantee that completion of the MS-MFT program will automatically satisfy licensure requirements outside of Hawaiʻi. Students are advised to conduct due diligence early in their academic journey to plan appropriately for any additional requirements that may arise.

Professional Organizational Membership

All MS-MFT students are required to obtain student membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Membership must be maintained throughout the program and provides students with access to professional development opportunities, journals within the MFT discipline, liability insurance, and a bridge into the professional field.

Curriculum Coherence

The MS-MFT curriculum aligns with multiple professional and accrediting standards, including:

  • Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)

  • American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

  • HawaiÊ»i State Licensure Standards for Marriage and Family Therapy (DCCA)

  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

  • Chaminade University’s Mission and Marianist Values

  • Multiple advisory boards- Alumni, Community & Stakeholders, Students

Curriculum, clinical experiences, and assessments are integrated to support the development of culturally responsive, ethical, and evidence-informed marriage and family therapists.

Program Structure and Scheduling

The MS-MFT program is offered in a cohort model, either on-campus or online, with evening classes scheduled in Hawaiʻi Standard Time. Students typically complete the program in approximately 2.5 to 3.25 years.

  • Campus-Based Program: Weekly evening classes held at Chaminade’s main campus.

  • Online Program: Synchronous evening classes with periodic online meetings, supplemented with asynchronous coursework via Canvas LMS.

The MS-MFT program is structured to ensure that all students develop a strong theoretical foundation and core clinical skills before beginning the clinical practicum phase of the program. Students progress through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds competency, starting with foundational coursework in systemic theories and counseling skills, followed by advanced courses in diagnosis, intervention, and specialization areas. The clinical portion of the program, which includes supervised practicum experiences, takes place during the final four terms, allowing students to integrate and apply their knowledge in real-world clinical settings with individuals, couples, and families.

Contact Information

Director, Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Program
Chaminade University of Honolulu
3140 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
Phone: (808) 735-7495