Master’s in Clinical Psychology - MFT an...
Pursue Both Marriage and Family Therapist & Professional Clinical Counselor Licenses
Prepare to become a skilled, compassionate mental health professional in Notre Dame de Namur University’s Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Psychology- Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) program. Backed by NDNU’s commitment to social justice and community engagement, this unique program provides a key step toward licensure as both an MFT and an LPCC and preparation for future doctoral study.
Program at a Glance
- Requirements: 67 units
- Program length: 2–3 years
- Learning format: Online, on campus, or hybrid
- Admission deadline: August 1 - Fall admission; December 1 - Spring admission; April 1 - Summer admission
Why Choose NDNU?
Online and/or In-Person Learning
Complete the master’s in Clinical Psychology - MFT & LPCC program fully online, in person, or a mix of both, with scheduling designed for working adults, including late-afternoon, evening, and weekend courses.
Fully Accredited Program
NDNU’s MS in Clinical Psychology program meets California requirements with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for licensed marriage and family therapists (MFT) and licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC).
Experienced Practitioner Faculty
Clinicians and mental health professionals support you in learning how to become a licensed professional clinical counselor ready to meet the challenges of modern practice.
Integrative Clinical Training
Benefit from a program grounded in integrative, depth-oriented clinical psychology that features coursework in areas such as psychotherapy, assessment, ethics, cross-cultural issues, crisis and trauma, and other essential areas.
Personalized Professional Support
NDNU’s student-centered approach to education means you receive personalized advising and networking opportunities. We offer mock MFT/LPCC licensing exams and hold high first-time pass exam rates.
Competitive Tuition & Financial Aid
NDNU invests in your future as much as you do. The program’s tuition is $1,059 per unit, and you may apply for scholarships and financial aid to help you afford your master’s degree.
Program Structure & Curriculum
The MS in Clinical Psychology with MFT and LPCC preparation features courses that build core skills in assessment, psychotherapy, ethics, family systems, human development, and cross-cultural counseling. The program also offers coursework in community-centered practice, addictions, and specialized clinical topics.
This program is only available to California residents.
Students in the MS in Clinical Psychology with MFT and LPCC preparation program take core courses that cover key topics:
- Psychopathology
- Child and Adolescent Psychopathology and Psychotherapy
- Neurophysiology & Psychopharmacology
- Lifespan Development
- Human Sexuality
- Professional Ethics and Law
- Cross-cultural Issues
- Diagnosis/Treatment of Addictions
- Clinical Assessment/Treatment
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Group Psychotherapy
- Couples Psychotherapy
- Family Systems and Relational Psychotherapy
- Career Development Theories & Techniques
- Crisis, Trauma, and Recovery
- Specialized Clinical Topics
- Death, Dying, and Bereavement
- Clinical Case Seminar I & II
- Clinical Practicum I & II
- Research Methods
- Positive Psychology & Mindfulness
- Organizational Consultation/Eval for Mental Health Professionals
- Coaching for Psychotherapists & Mental Health Professionals
- Expressive Arts Therapy
- Innovations in Psychotherapy: Wellness, Spirituality and Advanced Theories
NDNU offers hands-on training for MFT and LPCC students in two ways: the Supervised Field Experience or a two-semester Clinical Practicum/Clinical Case Seminar course. Both practicum opportunities help you accrue hours that count toward the MFT and LPCC licensure requirements.
In the Supervised Field Experience, you train at a clinical site after completing 12 graduate units. This option helps you gain experience over a longer period of time. The two-semester option immerses you in a supervised clinical site of your choice, where seasoned professionals guide your development for 15 to 20 hours per week.
The program’s director of clinical training, an experienced clinical psychologist, supports you through practicum partnerships, placement guidance, and supervised clinical experience opportunities in California.
Example local institutions partnering with NDNU:
- One Life
- Community Institute of Psychotherapy
- Adolescent Counseling Services
- Daly City Youth Center
- Crestwood, YMCA
- Redwood City School District
Is an MS in Clinical Psychology- MFT and LPCC Program Right for You?
Take the MS in Clinical Psychology MFT & LPCC Program Readiness Quiz
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete, and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style, plus some details about your readiness for this degree.
Get Your MS in Clinical Psychology MFT & LPCC Program Readiness Report Now!
Choose Your Preferred Learning Style
NDNU’s MS in Clinical Psychology - MFT and LPCC dual licensure program is built for working professionals, offering online and/or in-person options so you can choose the best learning style for your situation. Speak with an enrollment counselor to explore what’s available.
100% Online Learning
The online program offers scheduling flexibility and allows students to choose between synchronous and asynchronous classes.
Synchronous Classes
- Real-time virtual class sessions
- Live online discussions and collaborative learning
- Regular faculty and peer connection through virtual meetings and professor office hours
Asynchronous Classes
- Flexible online learning with access to pre-recorded, interactive course materials
- Complete coursework at your own pace
- Ongoing faculty and peer connection through virtual meetings and professor office hours
In-Person Learning
Take classes on campus in Belmont, California, if you prefer face-to-face interactions. You can attend afternoon, evening, or weekend courses to engage directly with classmates and professors in a supportive setting.
Hybrid Learning
Hybrid learning allows you to combine flexible online classes with on-campus learning, accommodating working adults with maximum flexibility.
MS in Clinical Psychology MFT/LPCC Career Outcomes
How do you become a licensed professional clinical counselor? Completing the MS in Clinical Psychology MFT/LPCC program is a key first step. Graduates are prepared to enter a wide variety of professional roles, with some positions requiring further certification or licensure. The salary range for the positions listed below can be between $50,000 and $175,000+, depending on geographic location, experience, and qualifications.
- Mediator
- Clinical Supervisor
- Behavioral Health Consultant
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselor
- Crisis Counselor
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Clinical Researcher
- Consultant
- Adjunct Faculty/Professor/Program Director
- Community Mental Health Worker
- Group Therapist
- Executive Director
- Program Director or Program Manager for Clinical Services
- Policy and Programming Consultant for Mental Health Needs
- Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
- Private Practice Therapist (MFT and/or LPCC)
- School Counselor
- Counselor/Therapist/Coach (MFT and/or LPCC)
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Child Custody Recommending Counselor
Explore more career opportunities with a psychology master’s degree.
Admission Requirements
- Completed online application
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Current resume
- Two professional references (name, relationship/title, email, phone) in place of recommendation letters.
- An interview may be waived at the discretion of the school’s dean or program director.
The GRE and GMAT scores are not required.
Prepare for MFT and LPCC Licensures at NDNU
Build the clinical knowledge and skills to pursue MFT and LPCC licensure through a program grounded in quality, personal support, and more than 150 years of educational experience. Contact NDNU to learn more about the program, explore online and in-person options, and find out whether this path is the right fit for your goals.
Program FAQs
It is a practitioner-oriented program that prepares students for dual licensure as marriage and family therapists (MFTs) and licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs). This 67-unit program emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health and integrates various therapeutic modalities to address diverse patient needs. It is also a pathway for those considering future doctoral studies in psychology.
NDNU offers the degree program 100% online and/or in person, giving you the flexibility to choose a format that best fits your schedule and learning preferences.
The MS in Clinical Psychology with MFT and LPCC preparation is a 67-unit program. Most students complete it in about two to three years, depending on pacing and enrollment.
Yes. The program meets California Board of Behavioral Sciences requirements and includes the coursework needed for you to pursue both MFT and LPCC licensure in California.
Yes. Students may attend part-time or full-time, and courses are offered in the afternoon, evening, and on weekends to better serve working adults.
The curriculum includes core study in areas such as psychopathology, lifespan development, ethics and law, cross-cultural issues, clinical assessment and treatment, couples psychotherapy, family systems, addictions, trauma, career development, and clinical practicum and seminar experiences.
Students complete Clinical Practicum I and II and Clinical Case Seminar I and II. Hours count towards MFT/LPCC licensure. NDNU also offers supervised clinical experience opportunities, practicum fairs, networking, and support for established and individualized placements in California.
State Authorization for Online Programs
The Department of Education requires that institutions offering online or distance learning programs outside of their home states must seek authorization to operate from regulatory bodies in those states. Each state has a different set of requirements when it comes to allowing out-of-state colleges and universities to offer online degree programs to its residents.