Hope International University Psychology Programs
Hope International University (HIU), 95 years old, started as Pacific Bible Seminary in 1928. The seminary bought property in Long Beach, California in 1936 and started building its campus in 1940. The institution grew stronger with regional accreditation in 1962 and changed its name to Pacific Christian College. Student numbers grew beyond the campus capacity, which led to a move to Fullerton, California in 1973, where it stands today.
The college reached university status in 1997 and became Hope International University. The university ran two separate divisions – Pacific Christian College for regular undergraduate studies and the School of Graduate and Professional Studies for distance learning. These merged in 2011 to create one unified institution.
The university’s connection with the non-denominational Church of Christ shapes its steadfast dedication to Christian principles. HIU’s mission statement reads “empowering students through Christian higher education to serve the Church and impact the world for Christ”. This mission shapes everything at the university, from study programs to community involvement.
HIU stays true to its core values. The university remains “Christ-centered, biblically based and focused on serving the Church while maintaining the values of the Restoration Movement”. Students find an environment that strengthens “their faith” and prepares them as “servant leaders in their chosen professions”.
Religious beliefs don’t limit who can study at Hope International University. The school “admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school”. These principles apply to educational policies, admissions, scholarships, athletics, and other university programs.
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission provides regional accreditation to HIU. This recognition shows HIU’s quality education standards and dedication to constant improvement. The university also holds special accreditations from the Association for Biblical Higher Education, the Association of Christian Schools International, and the Commission of Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education.
The university educates approximately 1,140 students today. Students experience both academic excellence and Christian values through various colleges, including the College of Psychology and Counseling.
Programs offered
Hope International University’s College of Psychology and Counseling provides detailed academic programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. Students develop valuable skills in psychological theory and counseling practice within a Christian-based educational framework.
The university’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program needs 120 units to graduate. This program helps students prepare for graduate study in professional psychology or careers that benefit from psychological knowledge. Students explore connections between psychological theories and their faith through the BA program’s integration of Christian perspectives with psychological principles. Psychology graduates can pursue careers in:
- Counseling and educational/school psychology
- Forensic and industrial/organizational psychology
- Marriage and family therapy
- Neuropsychology and research
- Social work and teaching
The psychology program also comes in an online format tailored for adult learners. This flexible option helps students pursue careers in psychology, counseling, education, and human service fields.
Graduate students can choose between two main master’s degree programs. The Master of Science in Counseling (MSC) with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy consists of 61 units delivered fully online. Students can become Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) through this program. Course durations range from 8 to 16 weeks with flexible completion plans spanning two to three years. The program ranks among the nation’s top 20 graduate counseling programs.
Students can also opt for the Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT), a 60-unit campus-based program that combines theory, practice, and research. The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) has accredited this program.
Clinical training requirements vary between master’s programs. MSC students must complete 300 direct client hours and 50 hours of professional development. MAMFT students need 325 clinical training hours (including 225 direct client hours) and 50 professional development hours.
HIU also offers a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy designed for students who want to contribute scholarly work to the field.
The psychology programs at HIU uniquely combine Christian principles with psychological theory and practice. Students develop strong research skills, theoretical knowledge, practical application abilities, and clinical training. The Hope Counseling Center supports the university community and serves as a training facility where students gain clinical experience.
Graduates can pursue licensing after completing 3,000 supervised hours. This preparation opens doors to rewarding careers in mental health and counseling fields of all types.
Online options
HIU’s educational approach has made online learning its life-blood since 1994. The university saw 331 students enrolled in distance learning courses by fall 2004. Students can now pursue several psychology and counseling programs completely online, whatever their location or schedule constraints.
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program gives undergraduate students a complete online learning experience. Adult learners who want careers in counseling, teaching, and other helping professions will find this program tailored to their needs. Students gain essential knowledge and skills that are the foundations of these fields and help with career advancement.
Graduate students can pursue the Master of Science in Counseling (MSC) with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy completely online in an asynchronous format. Students complete this 61-unit program in 24 months by choosing a two-year or three-year track. Working professionals benefit from flexible course durations of 8 to 16 weeks. The program stands out among the top 20 graduate counseling programs nationwide.
Students at HIU enjoy these online learning features:
- Course materials and resources available 24/7
- Interactive elements like video lectures, chat, discussion forums, and digital submissions
- Easy access to archived lectures
- Quick faculty responses within 24 hours
Undergraduate online courses cost $450 per credit, which is nowhere near the cost of traditional campus programs. New students save more money by taking the Introduction to Psychology course online at $250, with 3-4 credits transferable to their degree program.
The academic standards match those of campus-based programs perfectly. Canvas serves as the learning platform, with apps available for iOS and Android devices. Faculty members review student participation about 12 times monthly and provide regular feedback.
Students start their online programs when it suits them best, thanks to rolling admissions. The university provides complete support through academic advising, bookstore access, career placement help, email services, and library resources. HIU continues its mission of making faith-based psychology education available to students who want meaningful careers in mental health fields.
Accreditation
Hope International University’s academic credibility stands on its strong quality assurance through accreditation. The university has been regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 1969. WSCUC’s most recent review in 2024 extended HIU’s accreditation for six more years. This shows the university’s steadfast dedication to improving its educational standards.
Psychology students at HIU benefit from several key program-specific accreditations. The Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy program has earned recognition from the Commission of Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). This prestigious credential will give graduates an education that meets professional standards. The Marriage and Family Therapy program also holds accreditation from the International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education (IACSTE).
The university received accreditation from the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) in 2006, valid through February 28, 2026. While this primarily covers Biblical Studies programs, psychology programs benefit from the university’s faith-based approach.
Future therapists should note that HIU’s Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy meets California Board of Behavioral Sciences’ educational requirements. Graduates can pursue licensure after completing 3,000 supervised hours.
Other notable accreditations include:
- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC)
- Association of Christian Schools International
- International Accreditation Council for Business Education
The university joined the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities in 1993 and maintains active membership. Washington Student Achievement Council has authorized HIU’s operations in Washington State, expanding beyond California.
These accreditations confirm that HIU’s psychology and counseling programs meet quality standards. Students can pursue their education confidently, knowing employers, licensing boards, and academic institutions will recognize their degrees throughout their professional experience.
Admission Requirements
Students who want to join Hope International University’s psychology programs must meet different criteria at undergraduate and graduate levels. We just need undergraduate applicants to meet at least two of these three requirements: a minimum 2.5 cumulative weighted academic high school GPA, an SAT score of at least 900 (Critical Reading and Math) or ACT score of 19 or higher, or graduation in the top half of their class.
First-time freshmen should submit proof they completed high school through a diploma, California High School Proficiency Exam, General Education Development Test, or College Level Examination Program. Students must also pay a non-refundable $50 application fee with their applications.
Transfer student requirements are slightly different. These students must show a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and complete 24 or more transferable college semester units. Students with fewer than 24 units must follow the first-time freshmen admission process.
Graduate psychology programs have stricter standards. Master of Science in Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy programs just need applicants to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in all prior undergraduate work. Students with a GPA below this threshold must submit a letter of explanation.
The MSC program has two prerequisite courses: Abnormal Psychology and Community Mental Health. Students with psychology undergraduate degrees or relevant field experience might not need to take these courses.
Graduate applications are due by July 29th for fall term and November 15th for spring term. Strong candidates for the MFT program will have an exceptional on-campus personal and/or group interview with faculty members.
Every applicant must write a Statement of Purpose essay. Undergraduate students should answer three questions about experiences that shaped their faith and academic goals, their definition of leadership, and views on spiritual growth. Graduate MFT and MS Counseling students must write at least 500 words answering four specific prompts.
Hope International University welcomes all students and doesn’t discriminate based on race, color, national origin, or ethnicity. Students who don’t meet minimum requirements might still get admission, but they may need extra documentation and review processes.
Tuition
Psychology education costs at Hope International University depend on your chosen program and study format. The undergraduate tuition for 2024-2025 academic year is $38,050, which will rise to $39,939 in 2025-2026. Graduate studies cost $18,504 in 2024-2025 and will increase to $19,399 the following year.
Each program has specific costs. The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology charges $675 per unit, while Marriage and Family Therapy courses cost $775 per unit. The doctoral Marriage and Family Therapy program uses a split pricing model – $775 per unit for the first 60 units and $950 per unit for the remaining 60 units.
Full-time students need to budget for additional costs. The university’s room rates start at $5,850 yearly for quad occupancy and go up to $9,150 for single rooms. Students can choose meal plans ranging from $5,700 to $7,350 each academic year. The student fee costs $1,300 annually if you take six or more units, and there’s a $50 application fee.
HIU makes education more affordable as 78% of students receive financial aid. Students get an average aid package of $15,134, which reduces the yearly net cost to $30,514. New students receive generous support – 98% get institutional scholarships averaging $20,088, with first-year students receiving average aid of $26,009.
Students can pay their tuition through a single payment or monthly installments. Missing payment deadlines results in a $50 late fee.
The actual cost of studying psychology at Hope International University is lower than it appears. Financial aid options are available to most students, though HIU allows only one institutional grant or scholarship per student.
Additional Information
Hope International University offers a vibrant community where psychology students excel in their studies and social lives. The university welcomes students from all backgrounds and strictly prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national and ethnic origin across its programs. The student body consists of 1,025 students – 564 undergraduates and 461 graduate students.
Recent academic years show strong enrollment in psychology programs, with 25 bachelor’s and 68 master’s degrees awarded. Women make up 80% of psychology graduates at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The program’s diversity is evident in its graduate demographics. Bachelor’s degree recipients included 9 White, 8 Hispanic/Latino, and 2 Black students. Master’s degree holders comprised 28 White, 14 Hispanic/Latino, and 10 Asian students.
The university’s residence halls house 72% of students, split between men’s (42%) and women’s (58%) dormitories. Student-athletes can participate in NAIA sports programs.
Psychology graduates find opportunities in a variety of fields:
- Clinical therapy and counseling
- Social work and child development
- Human resources and market research
- Education and research
The university’s career development office helps students with job placement and academic guidance. Graduates can join professional organizations like the American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, and National Association of School Psychologists.
The campus boasts an excellent safety record with no serious crimes reported from 2021 to 2023.