Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology

Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)

Available 100% Online or In-Person

Modern Education With 100 Years of Experience.

Graduate Clinical Psychology Degree Questions? We've Got Answers.

Do you have any questions about our Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology? Click “Speak to a Counselor” below to connect with us.

About our MS CP/MFT

The 60 unit, MS CP/MFT program prepares you to become a licensed marriage and family therapist (MFT) and is also a pathway for future doctoral studies.

Our program takes 2-3 years to complete and meets all the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) requirements.

Grounded in an integrative, depth-oriented approach, we emphasize clinical training, community engagement, and diversity in our academic, theoretical, and learning approaches.

Enhance your program with coaching, organizational, and consulting psychology courses!

100% Online and In-Person Options

Take classes whichever way is more comfortable for you.

Flexible Scheduling

Afternoon, evening, weekend courses. Complete at your own pace!

Experienced Professors

In the field and classroom, the practitioners program

Clinical Training-Professional Opportunities

Choice of training sites, practicum fairs, jobs, and networking

Innovative Classes

Integrative, depth-oriented courses for real world settings

Scholarships and Affordable Tuition

Self-paced option, scholarships, and financial plans. Speak with a counselor to learn more!

Advancing Your Career

At NDNU, your academic pursuits provide a foundation of practical knowledge and firsthand experience essential for success in the contemporary job market. You will gain entry to a robust network of career opportunities, internships, industry affiliations, and career services, all aimed at fulfilling your individual and vocational aspirations.

Personalized Attention and Student Support Services

Professors Who Practice What They Teach

Award Winning Faculty

Graduate Programs that Transform Careers.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

  • NDNU Admissions application
  • Official Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, with one transcript showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S., or equivalent academic preparation outside of the U.S.
  • Resume or Vita • Two references (include name and contact information)
  • Prerequisites: General Psychology and Abnormal Psychology (3 units each)
  • GPA of 3.0 and above preferred, but 2.5 – 3.0 considered

COURSES

  • 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 
  • Clinical Case Seminar I 
  • Clinical Practicum I 
  • Clinical Case Seminar II  
  • Clinical Practicum II 
  • Research Methods 
  • Positive Psychology & Mindfulness 
  • Psychotherapy Interventions: Expressive Arts Therapy  
  • Innovations in Psychotherapy: Wellness, Spirituality and Advanced Theories 
  • Organizational Consultation/Eval for Mental Health Professionals  
  • Coaching for Psychotherapists & Mental Health Professional   
  • Courses in School of Business and Management 

DISTINCTIONS

OF THE NDNU MS CP/MFT

✓ “The practitioner’s program,” for nearly 4 decades

✓ Professors who “practice what they teach”

✓ Leader in training California and Bay Area mental health professionals through its comprehensive, scholar-practitioner program

✓ High touch, personalized attention—we know your name!

✓ Flexible scheduling—go at your own pace!

✓ Attend part-time or full-time

✓ Courses conveniently offered for working adults: late afternoon, evening, and weekends

✓ Fulfills California requirements with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) 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 clinicians and mental health professionals who are actively practicing in the field, pursuing scholarly activities, and serving the community

✓ Offers a range of innovative, integrative, depth-oriented clinical and psychotherapy courses oriented to clinical practice, business, and organizational settings

✓ Sponsors programs that support professional development including Building a Successful Private Practice, Professional Pathways, Diversity Discussions, and Community Connections

✓ Diverse students including new graduates, career changers, parents, working adults, international students, and students with one or more graduate degrees

✓ Students with diverse academic backgrounds including in business, marketing, human resources, education, law, medicine, social work, sociology, biology, neuroscience, nursing, art, music, and the humanities

✓ Provides training that prepares students for competitive doctoral studies in psychology or related fields, including becoming a licensed psychologist

✓ Student-centered program includes the Association of Student Leaders which offers opportunities for student leadership, academic and professional growth, and peer networking

✓ Hosts annual Practicum and Associates Training Fair and Community Connections day with agencies that offer opportunities for competitive practicum and associate placements, professional positions, and jobs in California

✓ Our Director of Clinical Training, an experienced clinical psychologist, works to meet your clinical training needs, including through well established and individualized placements, and year-round supervised clinical experience opportunities in California that count towards MFT licensure.

✓ Our Director of Student and Academic Success, an experienced neuropsychologist and administrator, supports students’ academic, research, and scholarly pursuits through individualized mentoring and assistance.

✓ Our Academic Advisor has extensive experience in student services and academic advising. She supports your academic success through personalized service and individualized plans that allow you to complete your degree around your schedule, not ours.

✓ Our Executive Assistant supports our students, alumni, and program by managing daily operations, planning events, and contributing to community outreach. She ensures that you receive prompt assistance and support for your academic and professional needs.

✓ Our Dean combines her 25 years of faculty and leadership experience at NDNU with a creative vision for our future. She continues to serve as a professor, clinical psychologist, and psychoanalyst in private practice while actively contributing 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 California

Choose your preferred study style

Select how you would prefer to earn your degree, if you aren’t sure feel free to call us or fill out our form bellow.

A mixture of both styles are available, speak to a counselor to learn more.

100% In-Person Learning

Learn in-person with traditional face to face education.

  • Attend afternoon, evening and weekend classes on campus
  • Interact with classmates and professors
  • In-person engagement and hands on learning

100% Online Learning

Learn online from the comfort of your home, some classes will be synchronous while others will be asynchronous. 

Synchronous Classes

  • Real-time virtual classes
  • Engage in live online discussions & class collaboration.
  • Enjoy live faculty & student contact through virtual meetings & professor office hours

Asynchronous Classes

  • Flexible online learning with access to pre-recorded, interactive material
  • Complete assignments at your own pace and attend classes on your own schedule.
  • Enjoy live faculty & student contact through virtual meetings & professor office hours

FAQs

  • The MSCP/MFT program takes 2-3 years and requires 60 units.
  • The MSCP/MFT/LPCC program takes 2-3 years and requires 67 units
  • The MSCP/MFT program is a practitioner-oriented program with a rich history of training professionals for four decades.
  • The MSCP/MFT concentration is a 60-unit comprehensive program designed to prepare students for licensure as marriage and family therapists (MFTs).
  • It is a pathway for those considering future doctoral studies in psychology.
  • NDNU’s MSCP/MFT/LPCC program is dedicated to preparing students for dual licensure as marriage and family therapists (MFTs) and licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs).
  • The program emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health and integrates various therapeutic modalities to address diverse patient needs.
  • This unique concentration offers students the opportunity to pursue dual licensure, providing them with a broader skill set and increasing their versatility in clinical practice.
  • By combining marriage and family therapy with professional clinical counseling, graduates are equipped to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups across a range of settings.
  • The LPCC license is more nationally recognized in the U.S.
  • NDNU’s program is renowned for its practitioner-focused approach, with professors who actively practice in the field, bringing real-world experience into the classroom.
  • Our personalized attention ensures that students receive high-touch, individualized support throughout their academic journey.
  • With our emphasis on personalized service, which includes individualized advising, we provide flexible scheduling and work with your schedule.
  • Go at your own pace given what is best for you.
  • You cycle through our program in loose cohorts with your peers.
  • Whether attending part-time or full-time, courses are conveniently offered during late afternoon, evening, and weekend hours, catering to the needs of working adults.

Yes, NDNU’s program fulfills the requirements set by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for licensure as Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC).

  • NDNU boasts high first-time pass rates for MFT/LPCC exams and provides rigorous preparation through a curriculum that emphasizes practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
  • Faculty members, who are experienced clinicians themselves, ensure that students are well-prepared for licensure.

NDNU sponsors various programs such as our Clinical Training Night, Practicum and Associates Fair, Building a Successful Private Practice, Professional Pathways, Diversity Discussions, and Community Connections which foster students’ professional growth and networking opportunities.

NDNU’s program attracts a diverse range of students, including recent graduates, career changers, parents, working adults, international students, and individuals with diverse academic backgrounds.

NDNU’s program has a strong commitment to community engagement, providing over 20,000 hours of mental health services to California. This commitment aligns with the program’s holistic, values-based mission emphasizing professional training and community service.

  • We believe in the importance of hands-on training so we offer two kinds of practicum to better meet your training needs: Supervised Field Experience and our year-long, Clinical Practicum/Clinical Case Seminar course.
  • Our program includes a year-round, Supervised Field Experience practicum so you can train at a clinical site early, after completing 12 graduate units, without all the responsibilities of our practicum program.
  • Our year-long practicum program immerses you in a supervised clinical site of your choice where you apply your knowledge and skills under the guidance of experienced professionals for approximately 15-20 hours/week.
  • By offering Supervised Field Experience, students may count these hours for practicum which helps students reduce the stress of an intensive year of practicum.
  • Yes, the program offers flexibility through elective courses, allowing students to tailor their education to align with their career goals and interests.
  • Whether you’re interested in specialized therapy modalities or specific populations, there are opportunities to customize your learning experience.
  • The curriculum covers a range of topics essential for clinical practice, including individual, couple, family, child, and group therapy, assessment, ethics, addictions, trauma, cross cultural issues, positive psychology, wellness and spirituality, expressive arts therapy and many more.
  • Students also have the opportunity to enhance their skills through courses in coaching, business and organizational psychology, and consulting.
  • NDNU is committed to providing comprehensive support to our students. From academic advising to career counseling, we offer a range of services to help students thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
  • NDNU’s Academic Success Center provides hands on help to support your success including tutoring, writing assistance, career services, and personalized support.
  • Our student-centered program includes the Association of Student Leaders, offering opportunities for leadership, academic and professional growth, and peer networking.
  • Our Academic Advisor and Success Coach provides personalized support for academic success.
  • Our scholar-practitioner faculty are invested in teaching and training, and not just their own research, and are accessible and invested in the success of each student.

Yes, clinical practicum and clinical case seminar sites are available throughout California to meet students’ geographical needs.

  • New courses include:
    • Organizational Consultation & Evaluation for Mental Health Professionals
    • Coaching for Psychotherapists and Mental Health Professionals
    • Psychotherapy Interventions: Expressive Arts Therapy
    • Innovations in Psychotherapy: Wellness, Spirituality, and Advanced Theories
  • Students may take these classes in addition to their required courses in their
    60-unit; or 67-unit degree programs for half off! Consult with our Advisor.

Yes! Their application will be considered on an individual basis. Since the program prepares students for licensure in CA, international students need to check any training requirements for their country.

For more information about the program, including admission requirements, curriculum details, and application deadlines, please visit our website or contact the admissions office directly. We also encourage prospective students to attend information sessions or reach out to current students or alumni to learn about their experiences in the program.

Graduates of the MSCP/MFT/LPCC program are well-prepared to pursue licensure and work in a variety of clinical settings, including private practice, community mental health agencies, hospitals, schools, and nonprofit organizations. With dual licensure, graduates have increased opportunities and can address a wide range of mental health concerns.

Distinctions of the Clinical Psychology Programs

  • Yes, our program is accredited by WSCUC (WASC) and fulfills all California requirements with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for licensed marriage and family therapists (MFT) and licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC).
  • It boasts high first-time pass rates for MFT/LPCC exams and provides rigorous preparation.

NDNU’s professors “practice what they teach.” They are experienced clinicians and mental health professionals who actively contribute to the community.

NDNU offers a range of innovative, integrative, depth-oriented clinical and psychotherapy courses tailored to clinical practice, social service, community, medical, business, and organizational settings.

We sponsor various programs supporting professional development, such as Building a Successful Private Practice, Professional Pathways, Diversity Discussions, and Community Connections.

Our program welcomes diverse students, including new graduates, career changers, parents, working adults, international students and those with varied academic backgrounds including having earned previous graduate degrees.

  • NDNU’s Academic Success Center provides hands on help to support your success including tutoring, writing assistance, career services, and personalized support.
  • Our student-centered program includes the Association of Student Leaders, offering opportunities for leadership, academic and professional growth, and peer networking.
  • Our Academic Advisor and Success Coach provides personalized support for academic success.

NDNU hosts an annual Practicum and Associates Training Fair and Community Connections day, connecting students with agencies offering competitive placements, professional positions, and jobs.

The program has a dedicated Director of Clinical Training who ensures students’ clinical training needs are met, offering your choice of individualized practicum placements and supervised clinical field experience opportunities at a variety of competitive sites that count towards MFT licensure.

NDNU’s program has a holistic, values-based mission emphasizing professional training and community engagement, including providing over 20,000 hours of mental health services to California.

This Program is Only Available to California Residents.

Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology

Marriage and Family Therapist (MS CP/MFT)​

Psychology Degree Questions? We've Got Answers.

Want to speak to a counselor and learn more about what’s the right option for you? Click “Speak to a Counselor” below to connect with us.

Mark Dee

Magellan Solutions USA launched under the visionary leadership of Mark A. K. Dee, Chief Executive Officer – a consultant and service provider for healthcare administrative support, IT development, energy, call center, and business process outsourcing. Mark has served in various multi-level management positions in his 21 years of service in the United States Air Force (USAF). He performed as Immunology and Microbiology department manager, Medical Laboratory Assistant Director, Facility and Security Manager, and finally retiring in the military in 2008 as Superintendent/Assistant Chief of Operations of 330 personnel Medical Group. Mark has experiences in the services industries since he retired, including running a restaurant chain as the CEO. He has also developed other businesses in the Martials Arts studio and 3d-printing industries. He has a BS in Health Sciences and Hospital Administration, Board Certified in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Graduated in the Senior Executive Leadership School from the USAF, Master’s in Business Administration, and a Master’s of Science in Systems Management at Notre Dame De Namur University.

Chosen Cheng

Chosen Cheng is owner of CMC Group, a privately held engineering and marketing consultancy for small business startup ventures. He currently works with project teams developing patented award-winning solar roofing systems and patent pending drone-based augmented reality geological and thermal mapping solutions. He was formerly a Silicon Valley marketing and innovative corporate training manager. As an avocation and a way to “pay it forward” he enjoys teaching and career coaching college and graduate MBA students many of whom are pioneering first generation college students from underserved communities. He and his wife, a Notre Dame alum, celebrated their wedding reception at the Ralston Mansion in the 70’s and have two stupendously successful, married adult children who between them have four stupendously adorable grandchildren.

Arthur Chait

Entrepreneur, Executive, Engineer, Investor, Professor, Mentor. Founder & CEO EoPlex Inc. ($31 million VC funded startup acquired by ASTI Singapore). President Stanford Research Institute (SRI) Consulting Division (800 staff worldwide). SVP Flextronics (responsible for $8 Billion in global accounts). President Zitel Software. Principal Booz Allen. R&D Director Halliburton. Adjunct Professor Menlo College, Visiting Professor Universidad Francisco Marroquin (Guatemala), Mentor Draper University, Judge Startup Chile. BS Engineering Rutgers, MBA Strategy University Pittsburgh.

Kelly Cansler

Kelly completed both her BS (Finance/Economics) and MBA from NDNU. She utilized her business education to launch an insurance agency in 2008 with Farmers Insurance. It’s grown into multi-million-dollar agency, organically and through acquisition. She has been recognized by Farmers Insurance being ranked within the top 10% of agents nationwide, but also as a speaker, trainer, and mentor within the Farmers Insurance Community. Kelly is extremely connected with local businessowners through several networking channels.

Cliff Burnette

Cliff is the senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Rambus, a global chip and IP provider that advances data center connectivity and solves the bottleneck between memory and processing. Cliff has over 20 years of experience leading global human resources operations for publicly traded companies with expertise in employee relations, organizational development, and compensation strategy. Prior to Rambus, Cliff worked for several other high-tech companies in the semiconductor and medical device space and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing from Texas State University and a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and Organization Development from the University of Texas at Austin.

Memo Morantes

Memo Morantes has been a San Mateo County resident for more than 45 years. He has been a three-term San Mateo County Board of Education incumbent, a Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce board member, a Sequoia Hospital Foundation member, a co-chair of the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo, and a civic/community activist. 

Sheryl Young

Sheryl serves as a director for Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, which provides $10M each year for innovative teachers and social entrepreneurs throughout the Bay Area. Prior Sheryl served as CEO of Community Gatepath and AbilityPath.org. She has over 30 years of managerial experience in operations, finance, and marketing. Young is a graduate of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders, earned an M.A. of Public Health from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in Special Education from Ball State University and a B.A. in Political Science from Purdue University.

Brian Schumacker

Brian manages South San Francisco-San Bruno’s wastewater treatment plant and with a dedicated staff of over 40 professionals who safeguard community health and protect the fragile San Francisco Bay ecosystem. Brian holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration, both from Notre Dame de Namur University. Brian has also earned the highest levels of professional certifications in wastewater treatment.

Mario Rendon

Mario Rendon serves as District Director for State Assemblymember Kevin Mullin. He develops the communications, public relations and constituent service strategy for the office and supervises a small team that represents Mr. Mullin in the 22nd Assembly District within San Mateo County. He has over twenty year’s experience working with elected officials at the local, state and federal level developing public policy.

Jerry Hill

Jerry’s public service started with his local neighborhood association that progressed to the California State Assembly and Senate where he authored legislation resulting in laws on issues related to consumer protection, utility safety, coastal protection, public health, education and the environment. Jerry was born and raised in San Francisco, receiving his BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University.

Magda Gonzalez

Magda was most recently the City Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay, California. Prior she was the City Manager of East Palo Alto, California and Assistant City Manager, Redwood City. Magda was President of Cal-ICMA, representing the Local Government Hispanic Network and serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and the Latino Leadership Council of San Mateo County. Magda is also a member of ICMA and the State Bar of California and received several awards and recognitions, including Career Excellence Award (WLG) and the Ethical Hero Award from Cal-ICMA.

Jeremy Dennis

Jeremy currently serves as Portola Valley Town Manager. Previously, he’s worked for elected officials at all governance levels, including twice as District Director for local assemblymembers. He worked as the Palo Alto Long Range Planning Director, and for San Mateo County in management roles. Jeremy has a Masters in Urban Planning from the London School of Economics, and graduated from UC Davis studying US History/Political Science.

Kate Comfort-Harr

Kate is Executive Director of HIP Housing, a nonprofit specializing in creative affordable housing solutions throughout San Mateo County. Kate is a frequent speaker on a wide array of affordable housing topics and is passionate about the cultivation of collaborations between the private, public and social sectors. She serves on the Board of Directors for the San Mateo Credit Union and was awarded the Chamber San Mateo County’s 2020 Business Woman of the Year Award.

Jeff Cox

Program Director for Master of Public Administration

Jerome Nadel

Jerome Nadel is Internationally experienced design-led marketing executive (CMO and GM) with a track record of improved market position, revenue growth, and M&A. He is an advance degreed psychologist and user experience product/service design expert, board member and advisor. Jerome recently retired from Rambus as where he was CMO and GM of the security software division that he led the sale to Visa. He has had a variety of chief marketing officer and chief user experience officer roles at companies including Human Factors International, SLP InfoWare, Gemplus, and Sagem. He started his career in the IBM Human Factors Labs. He is also an avid cyclist with National and multiple California State Champion titles.