Master of Arts in Art Therapy
Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy

The Art Therapy Psychology Department at Notre Dame de Namur University is the only one of its kind in Northern California that offers licensing as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). The focus in the department is on the family as a framework for human structure, emphasizing art and image as the canvas for its expression. The deaprtment is unique because it provides a Master of Arts in Art Therapy as well as a clinical licensure track lleading to a Master of Arts in Marriage  and Family. Both the MA in Art Therapy and the MA in Marriage and Family Therapy degrees lead to registration as an art therapist (ATR).

The MA in Art Therapy has two tracks of study. For those with a Bachelor’s degree and are not interested in clinical licensure as an MFT in California, the program of study consists of 54 units. For those with a Master’s degree in a related field (e.g. behavioral science, education, art), the department offers a Post Master’s Advanced Standing program of study that consists of 30 units within the MA Art Therapy program (see below for details).

The MA in Marriage and Family Therapy is a 60 unit program of study that leads to licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in the state of California. The MA in Marital Family Therapy prepares students for state licensure as an MFT in California and allows recipients to sit for state boards in numerous other states.. This degree program meets the guidelines established by the California Board of Behavioral Science.

The MA in Art Therapy and MA in Marriage and Family Therapy in NDNU’s Art Therapy Program are approved by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). For those pursuing the Post Master's option, please consult with AATA and the Art Therapy Credentials Board as they are in the process of determining the

See the NDNU General Catalog for program requirements and course descriptions.

Distinctions of NDNU's Art Therapy Programs

• Advisory Council of Graduate Alumni
• University supervision and seminars for Art Therapy and MFT students; one faculty member per eight students
• Community Service Awards to over 30 agencies over 25 year period
• Practicum faire for 35 agencies
• Advisory Council of Agency Supervisors
• Close relationship with professional organizations such as the American Art Therapy Association, California Association
• Summer Art Show in Wiegand Gallery American Art Therapy Association, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, and the Art Therapy Credentials Board
• Training for clinicians, researchers, and leaders in the field
• Graduate Art Therapy Student Association
• Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Training
• 90% of the Art Therapy Psychology faculty hold both State Licensure and Board Certification as Art Therapists
• Facutly are published authors on art therapy

Admission Process

NDNU admits students throughout the year for fall, spring, and summer semesters.  Please review the NDNU General Catalog for complete admission requirements.

Faculty

Core Faculty

Richard Carolan, Ed.D. ATR-BC, University of San Francisco; Professor and Chair of the Art Therapy Psychology Department; Licensed Psychologist; ATR-BC

Arnell Etherington, Ph.D, MFT, ATR-BC, , Professional School of Psychology; Professor; Licensed Psychologist

Laury Rappaport, Ph.D.,ATR-BC, REAT, LMFT, LMHC Union Institute and University; Associate Professor

Gwen Sanders, MA, ATR-BC, MFT, College of Notre Dame; Assistamt Professor

 

Senior Lecturer

Carolee Stabno, Psy.D., MFT, Western Graduate School; Senior Lecturer

Part Time Faculty

Doris Arrington, Ed.D. ATR-BC,, University of San Francisco; Professor, Licensed Psychologist

Linda Chapman, MA, ATR-BC, RPT Antioch University

Roberta Hauser, MA, ATR-BC, College of Notre Dame; Lecturer

David Sitzer, Ph.D., California School of Professional Psychology; Lecturer; Licensed Psychologist, ATTBS Consultant

Ellen Spiegel-Wackwitz, MA,ATR-BC, MFTCollege of Notre Dame; supervisor & lecturer

Dolly Steyer, MA,ATR-BC, College of Notre Dame, Lecturer, ATR-BC

Jo Wallace, MA,LMFT, ATR-BC, Notre Dame de Naumur University; Doctoral Candidate at Pacific Graduate School of Psychology; Adjunct Professor; LMFT, ATR-BC

Contact Information:

Catherine Hoff, Art Therapy Department Administrative Coordinator(650) 508-3556 or choff@ndnu.edu

Graduate Admissions
(650) 508-3600 or grad.admit@ndnu.edu