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.
Click “Request Information” below to connect with our admissions counselors.
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
Job Opportunities
The salary range for the positions listed below can be between $50,000 and $175,000+, depending on geographic location, experience, and qualifications. These roles vary in their specific requirements and settings, but all utilize the skills and knowledge gained from an MSCP-MFT program. Additionally, some positions may require further certification or licensure depending on the state or country you wish to practice.
Please check out ZipRecruiter or Indeed to learn more about jobs in your area!
- Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
- Private Practice Therapist (MFT and/or LPCC)
- School Counselor
- Counselor/Therapist/Coach (MFT and/or LPCC)
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Child Custody Recommending Counselor
- 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
- Mediator
- Clinical Supervisor
- Behavioral Health Consultant
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counselor
- Crisis Counselor
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Clinical Researcher
- Consultant
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.
Job Opportunities
The following position salary are between $50,000-$175,000+. These roles leverage the skills and knowledge acquired through a master’s degree in clinical psychology and may require additional certification or licensure, depending on the state or country you plan to work in.
Please check out ZipRecruiter or Indeed to learn more about positions in your area!