College of Arts and Sciences

Master's of Science in Clinical Psychology
Master's of Science in Clinical Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT)

with optional Concentration in Clinical Gerontology, with certificate

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The Department of Clinical Psychology offers a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT), as well as a specialized embedded optional concentration in Clinical Gerontology (with certificate). Both degree programs are based upon the scientist-practitioner model and provide comprehensive clinical training. Students completing a degree in Clinical Psychology will be prepared to become either licensed or unlicensed mental health professionals who are qualified to pursue a range of jobs in medical, mental health, administration, social service, educational, geriatric, research, and business settings or continue with doctoral studies.

Out of respect for the whole person, the philosophy of the Department of Clinical Psychology is to combine scientific, theoretical, creative, clinical, practical and real world sources of information into our curriculum to provide a solid broad-based foundation for the prospective clinician-therapist, mental health professional, or future doctoral student.

The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology prepares students for doctoral studies in the field of psychology, or may serve as a terminal degree for master's level mental health professionals in a broad range of clinical or administrative settings, integrating psychobehavioro-educational interventions, within the healthcare field.

The Master of Science in Clinical Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) covers the highly specific range of skills required by the beginning practitioner, prepares the student for the MFT licensing exams, and addresess the needs of any student who desires to continue studies in a doctoral psychology program or work in a clinical setting. The program meets the educational requirements of MFT licensure as defined by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

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

Distinctions

Comprehensive clinical training and a range of innovative courses in psychotherapy and psycho diagnostic assessment (child, adult, geriatric)
Training in psychoanalysis, brief therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, addictions, neurophysiology and psychopharmacology
A range of clinically-oriented classes, including Advanced Clinical Seminar, which trains students in diverse clinical modalities
A Practicum Fair, inviting multiple agencies in the community, provides opportunities for competitive practicum and internship placements throughout the San Francisco Bay Area
The program includes a comprehensive thesis research project with hands-on mentoring by faculty
A graduate students’ association, Clinical Psychology and Gerontology Student Association (CPGSA), offers peer networking opportunities
Optional 8-unit Concentration in Clinical Gerontology provides a competitive edge for our graduates
Courses are offered in the late afternoon, evening, and weekends
Well-respected and sought out clinical program for over 20 years
NDNU's MFT Licensure first-time exam pass rate is over 90%

Admission Process

NDNU has rolling admission, accepting applications all year round, and admitting students throughout the year for fall, spring and summer semesters. Please review the NDNU General Catalog for complete admission requirements. Please note that the Clinical Psychology program requires three letters of recommendation, an autobiographical statement, and an interview. Please see specific program and admission requirements. Admission is competive, so to ensure admission to the semester of your choice, we urge you to complete your application and provide required documents well before the following priority deadlines: August 1: Fall Admission; December 1: Spring Admission; April 1: Summer Admission.

We also recommend satisfying all prerequisites prior to application submission to ensure more timely completion of program requirements as all prerequisite requirements must be satisfied (inclusive of B- or better grade) by the end of the first year, and prior to consideration for advancement to candidacy. Students who fail to satisfactorily complete their prerequisites in the designated time frame will not be able to continue taking courses/advance to candidacy in their program.

Faculty

Nusha Askari, Professor of Psychology, at NDNU since 2000
BA, University of California, Los Angeles; MA, Cal State Northridge; Ph.D., Claremont Graduate School

William Bell, Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, at NDNU since 2005
MS, National University; MPH, Ph.D., Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality

Adeline Boye, Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology, at NDNU since 2004
BS, MA, Notre Dame de Namur University; Certificate in Neuropsychology, University of California, Berkeley; MA, Psy.D., Argosy University

Tonia Brockman, Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, at NDNU since 2008
BA, University of South Florida; MS, Doctorate, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology

Helen Marlo, Professor in Clinical Psychology, at NDNU since 1999
BA, University of Missouri; Ph.D., University of South Carolina

Vivian Silva, Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, at NDNU since 2007
BS, Gerontology Certificate, MSW, San Jose State University

Stephen Vernon, LMFT, Lecturer in Clinical Psychology,
M.A. Clinical Psychology; J.F.Kennedy Univ.,Orinda, CAB.S.SocialPsychology; Michigan St. Univ., E.Lansing, MI

Contact

Amy Backos, Ph.D., ATR-BC, Interim Chair, Department of Clinical Psychology
(650) 508-3674, abackos@ndnu.edu