Notre Dame de Namur University
M.S. in Clinical Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy Concentration
Campus-Based
NDNU Campus
1500 Ralston Avenue
Belmont, CA 94002
Program details below are quoted from program websites, supplied here for informational purposes only, and subject to change at any time. Refer to the program website for current information, deadlines, complete admission requirements, etc. It is the responsibility of the prospective student to verify with program administrators program details and that the program still meets BBS requirements for licensure in the state of California.
Program Snapshot
Accreditation
WASC
Concentrations/Specializations Offered
Students can add 7 units for the MFT/LPCC concentration
LMFT Track or Dual LMFT/LPCC Track
LMFT (LPCC dual-track with MFT/LPCC concentration)
Length of Program
60 units
NDNU does not have a set time frame and you will be able to use your academic counselor to make the program fit with your goals. It also depends on the track you are moving through. If you want to go through the track for licensure that that will be 60 credits for MFT and 67 for LPCC. A student who wants to finish as soon as possible could potentially finish in 2.5 years but typically people take about 3 years. Some students take longer if they are mostly part timers.
Schedule/Format
Classes are typically in the evening. As many of our students have other responsibilities, this makes it easier for them to attend. There are typically 2 blocks: 4:30pm to 6:45pm and 7:00pm to 9:15pm. Classes take place once a week. Most of them are in person but occasionally there will be a class that will be online. Occasionally, you may also have a class that takes place a few weekends out of the semester instead of weekly. These are in a seminar format so they will be longer but less frequent.
Program Start
Fall, Spring, or Summer
Estimated Total Program Tuition
$59,880 - $66,866
Religious Orientation
None
Entering Class Size and Classroom Sizes
Average class size is typically 8-10 student. How many students admitted in the program largely depends on how many people the department accepts. That number can vary widely depending on the departments assessment of applicants.
Fieldwork Hours Accrued During Program
You are required to do at least 260 hours and at most 500 hours while you are a trainee to graduate.
Personal Psychotherapy Requirement During Program
None
Comprehensive Exam/Culminating Project/Thesis/Etc:
There is a capstone and a thesis as options for completion of the program. This could take the form of an experiment and subsequent write-up or a meta-analysis of a given topic. For those who are seeking to do a terminal degree, we also offer a final class as a substitute which would most likely be positive psychology.
Application Process
Application Deadline
For the Fall term, please submit all your documentation by August 1st.
Undergraduate GPA Required
GPA of 3.0 and above preferred, but 2.5-3.0 considered
GRE Requirement
None
Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisites: 12 units of psychology including General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology and 6 units of Psychology
Application Highlights
Resume or Vita
Two references (include name and contact information)
Interview Requirement
All applicants will be interviewed by the chair of the department, Dr. Marlo.
Program Summary
NDNU’s Clinical Psychology Department (CPD) approaches the study of psychology with value on the development of the whole person throughout the lifespan. The CPD is grounded in an integrative, depth-oriented psychological approach. The CPD is dedicated to training well- rounded mental health professionals and emphasizes clinical training, community engagement, and diversity in its academic, theoretical, and learning approaches. The CPD trains students to become mental health professionals qualified to pursue careers in medical, mental health, allied health, administration, social service, educational, geriatric, research and business settings. The CPD also prepares students for doctoral studies in psychology and related fields.
Distinctions of the MFT Program at NDNU
✓ “The practitioner’s program,” for nearly 4 decades.
✓ Professors who “practice what they teach.”
✓ Leader in training Bay Area mental health professionals through its comprehensive, scholar-practitioner program offering a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with options in marital/family therapy and marital family therapy/licensed professional clinical counseling.
✓ Flexible scheduling with courses being conveniently offered for working adults, part-time or full-time, in the late afternoon, evening, and weekends.
✓ Fulfills California academic requirements with the Board of Behavioral Sciences for licensed marriage and family therapists (MFT) and licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC).
✓ High first-time pass rates for MFT/LPCC exams and rigorous preparation for licensure.
✓ Experienced professors are also clinicians and mental health professionals who are actively practicing in the field, pursuing scholarly activities, and serving the community.
✓ Offers a range of depth-oriented, integrative, and innovative clinical and psychotherapy courses oriented to clinical practice.
✓ Sponsors professionally oriented programs such as Building a Successful Private Practice, Professional Pathways, Diversity Discussions, and Professional Development Day.
✓ Graduate training in clinical psychology applies to many backgrounds (social work, sociology, biology, business, education, law, medicine, and allied health) and prepares students for competitive doctoral studies in psychology or related fields, including becoming a licensed psychologist.
✓ A student-centered program that includes the Association of Student Leaders offers opportunities for student leadership, academic and professional growth, and peer networking.
✓ Annual Practicum and Associates Training Fair with community agencies provide opportunities for competitive practicum and associate placements throughout the Bay Area.
✓ Research training and interests are developed through an individualized thesis or capstone project that allows specialization in a chosen area of scholarship.
✓ Our dedicated Director of Clinical Training, an experienced clinical psychologist, works individually with students to meet their training needs, including through year-round supervised clinical experience opportunities that count towards MFT licensure.
✓ Our dedicated Director of Clinical Research supports research training and provides hands-on mentoring and guidance in research projects.
✓ Our Academic Advisor’s background in student services and academic advising support students’ academic and professional success.
✓ Our Department Chair is a professor, licensed clinical psychologist, and psychoanalyst in private practice who actively contributes to the community.
✓ Well-respected clinical program with a holistic, values-based mission that emphasizes professional training and community engagement, including providing over 20, 000 hours of mental health services to the community.