School of Psychology

Programs Now Available 100% Online or In-Person

Modern Education With 100 Years of Experience.

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Welcome from the Dean

Helen Marlo, Ph.D, Dean of the School of Psychology, has served in NDNU’s graduate Clinical Psychology Department since 1999. She has over 30 years of experience in higher education including serving as Professor and Department Chair. A licensed clinical psychologist (PSY 15318) and psychoanalyst member of the C.G. Jung Institute of San Francisco, she has maintained a private psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, and consultation practice for over 25 years.

Preparing students for advancement in Psychology

NDNU’s School of Psychology offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs:

Undergraduate Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology Degree Completion Program

Graduate Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (M.S.) with emphases in Marriage and Family Therapy (MSCP/MFT) and Marriage and Family Therapy and Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling (MSCP/MFT/LPCC).

We approach the study of psychology as a branch of science that studies human behavior and mental processes. Our School emphasizes applied psychology which also recognizes the influence of the arts, culture, and real-world experience. Our teaching values the development of the whole person throughout the lifespan.

The BA in Psychology Degree Completion program:

Offers a strong general psychology curriculum with interdisciplinary perspectives that develops research and communication skills
Fosters respect for diverse viewpoints, collaboration, and community engagement – hallmarks of the NDNU experience
Culminates in producing an e-Portfolio that supports your professional and career development
Is designed in accordance with the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines and meets pre-requisites for the majority of graduate programs in the field of psychology

The MS in Clinical Psychology programs:

Are grounded in an integrative, depth-oriented, applied psychological approach, emphasizing the interdependence of psychological, developmental, relational, affective, cognitive, behavioral, cultural, social, neurobiological, and spiritual dimensions of human behavior
Prepare highly trained, licensed marriage and family therapists (MFT) and professional clinical counselors (LPCC); unlicensed mental health professionals; and community leaders through our professional training programs that reflect contemporary practice
Emphasize clinical training, community engagement, and diversity in our academic, theoretical, and learning approaches
Offer tracks in Business, Organizational, and Consulting Psychology and Applied Psychology
Qualify students to pursue careers in several fields, including clinical settings, private practice, community mental health, medical, allied health, administrative, business, industry, social service, educational, and research settings
Prepare students for future doctoral studies in psychology or a related field
Are approved by our professional licensing agency, the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS)

FAQs

What does NDNU’s School of Psychology offer?

The School of Psychology offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.

What undergraduate program is offered by the School of Psychology?

The undergraduate program is a B.A. in Psychology degree completion program that is offered in an asynchronous online format.

What graduate programs are offered in the School of Psychology?

Students earn a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology degree and choose from 3 graduate degree programs which are offered both in-person and fully online.

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology (MS/CP):
- 37-unit program designed for unlicensed mental health professionals who work in business, consulting, and clinical settings and may choose between two tracks:
  - Business, Organizational, and Consulting Psychology
  - Consulting and Applied Psychology
  - An asynchronous online format is launching and some classes may be completed asynchronously.

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with a track in Marriage and Family Therapy (MS/CP/MFT):
- 60-unit program designed for licensed marriage and family therapists who work in private practice, schools, clinics, hospitals, community agencies, and businesses.

Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with a track in Marriage and Family Therapy and Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling (MS/CP/MFT/LPCC):
- 67-unit program designed for practitioners to be dually licensed as marriage and family therapists and licensed professional clinical counselors (a more nationally recognized license) who work in private practice, schools, clinics, hospitals, community agencies, and businesses. Graduates are eligible to pursue two clinical licenses (MFT and LPCC).

- Students in the MS/CP/MFT and MS/CP/MFT/LPCC programs may complete the program either fully in-person and/or online.
- They may take classes in the asynchronous online modality depending on course availability but not complete their degree through asynchronous online courses. Some synchronous online or in-person classes are required.

Are the MS CP programs accredited and approved by California for clinical licensure?

Yes, our MS programs are all accredited by WSCUC (WASC).
Our MS/CP/MFT and MS/CP/MFT/LPCC fulfill all California requirements with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) for licensed marriage and family therapists (MFT) and licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCC).
Our MS/CP/MFT and MS/CP/MFT/LPCC boasts high first-time pass rates for MFT/LPCC exams and provides rigorous preparation.

How are classes offered?

The Undergraduate program may be completed in an asynchronous, online format.
The Graduate programs may be completed both in-person and fully online (synchronous).
- The MS/CP (non-license program) is launching an asynchronous online format. Some classes may be completed in an asynchronous online format.

What is the focus of our Clinical Psychology programs?

Our graduate programs are centered on supporting the mental health and holistic development of individuals across their lifespan.
It emphasizes an integrative, depth-oriented approach to clinical psychology, that prepares students to become well-rounded mental health professionals who are highly trained to treat a range of mental health issues and problems.

How flexible is the scheduling for NDNU's program?

With our emphasis on personalized service, including 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, students can choose courses offered conveniently in the late afternoon, evening, and weekends.
This flexible scheduling structure helps support you with work-life demands and makes our program much more economical.

What distinguishes the Clinical Psychology Department at NDNU?

Our department is dedicated to fostering clinical excellence, community engagement, and diversity in all aspects of learning and practice.
We prioritize hands-on clinical training alongside theoretical understanding, ensuring our students are prepared to address diverse mental health needs.
NDNU’s professors “practice what they teach.” They are experienced clinicians and mental health professionals who actively contribute to the community.
Our program is known as “the practitioner’s program,” and has been a leader in training California and Bay Area mental health professionals for four decades.
We are a scholar-practitioner program and emphasize integrative, depth-oriented training. Our graduates work in a variety of clinical, business, social service, community, and educational settings.

What kind of students attend our graduate programs?

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.

What is the graduate Clinical Psychology community like?

We are a high-touch, close knit, collaborative community that emphasizes personalized attention, learning, and relationships.
Students and faculty are diverse in age, ethnicity, culture, sexuality, religion, academic background, and more.
We develop supportive relationships with one another. These bonds often continue as alumni where they become professional colleagues, sources of information or referrals, and/or remain forever friends.

What times are in-person and synchronous online classes?

Afternoon classes are 4:30-6:45 pm
Evening classes are 7:00-9:15 pm
Weekend classes are 9:30-3:30 pm
Afternoon and evening classes are offered weekly for a full semester
Weekend classes: Combination of Saturdays/Sundays: 3 units (6 days); 2 units (4 days); 1 unit (2 days)

When are asynchronous classes offered?

Asynchronous classes are done on your own time and at your own pace.
They are offered in 8-week terms in the Fall and Spring (Term I and Term II) and all work must be completed by the end of the term.
Some optional synchronous class meetings and partner work may be assigned.

How are graduate in-person classes conducted?

In-person classes are on the Belmont campus.
Professors may offer 30-40% of classes of an in-person course online at their discretion.

Do students have to register for a course modality or format?

No, students are admitted into programs (MS/CP, MS/CP/MFT, MS/CP/MFT/LPCC) rather than specific course formats (in-person; synchronous online; asynchronous online).

What are the new graduate courses?

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 37-unit; 60-unit; or 67-unit degree programs for half off! Consult with our Advisor.

How does the program support your academic success?

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.

How does the program assist with clinical training and practical experience?

NDNU hosts an annual Practicum and Associates Training Fair and Community Connections day, connecting students with agencies that offer 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, year-round, that count towards MFT licensure.
Students may train year-round throughout their entire Master’s program once they complete 12 graduate units which exposes them to a wider array of training sites and the opportunity to accrue more hours.

Distinctions of the Clinical Psychology Programs

Helen Marlo, Dean
hmarlo@ndnu.edu
650-508-3557

Lorraine Cainia
Executive Assistant
lcainia@ndnu.edu
650-508-3557

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School of Psychology
Student and Alumni

Notre Dame de Namur University is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to non-discrimination in its hiring and other employment practices and personnel policies. In compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists, NDNU will make employment decisions irrespective of the staff member’s race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, national origin, age (except for minors), sex, marital status, citizenship status, military service status, sexual orientation, medical condition (a cancer-related or genetic condition), disability and/or any another status protected by law. When necessary, the NDNU will reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities if they are otherwise qualified to perform all essential functions safely and do it without undue hardship to the NDNU. Inquiries regarding the College’s equal opportunity policies should be directed to the Human Resources Department via email at hr@ndnu.edu. NDNU admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

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.