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  • Frequently Asked Questions at our Virtual Open House Events

  • Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy

    For more information visit the program page here

    Does the program have a required internship? 

    Non-LMFTs have a 12-week clinical practicum, LMFTs participate in a doctoral supervision practicum. All students complete a 9-month (20 hrs weekly) doctoral internship. This internship is an individualized experience: students articulate their professional goals and create a plan w/ activities to participate in weekly that align with their specialization and participate in weekly local supervision

    Does this program lead to licensure? 

    No, doctoral programs are not designed to meet licensure requirements. This is something that happens at the Masters level. 

    What makes this program unique? 

    ·                     The DMFT is an applied degree designed to develop systemic therapists with advanced systemic skills. Students are trained in program development and evaluation, grant writing, advanced clinical education, research coursework and opportunities, and supervision training and experience. Graduates of the DMFT will be prepared to develop and evaluate programs, write grants, deliver clinical services, supervise other clinicians, serve in administrative positions, oversee the business of mental health practices, and participate in education and scholarship in the field of marriage and family therapy. 

    ·                     Students have the opportunity to complete a highly individualized internship designed to focus on their specific goals. 

    ·                     Students complete an applied doctoral project, rather than a traditional dissertation. The goal of the DMFT project is to address an agency, organizational, community, or professional need. Students identify a need, whether local, regional, or national, and design a project to begin addressing that need. The project is intellectually equivalent to the dissertation but has an applied, real-world element to it. For example, students might design or evaluate a program, develop a strategic plan for an organization, or design a treatment protocol. Many DMFT students often select a project in their current workplace that can demonstrate their administrative and doctoral-level training to improve or advance the needs of their current organization.

    How long is this program? 

    54 months (4-5 years): if take 4 courses a year - 5.25 yrs; if take 6 courses a year - 4.08 years

    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    Link to Program page: Career Outlook is about halfway down. 

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs

    When does the program start?

    -Rolling enrollment

    Is this program fully on-line?

    Yes, this progran is fully online.

     

  • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology

    For more information visit the program page here

    Does the program have a required internship?

    Yes


    Does this program lead to licensure?

    Yes- In California only


    Is there a supplemental application?

     No


    What makes this program unique?

     Class-Based, Professor instructed, Live Course sections, speculation focus for MFT and PCC.


    How long is this program?

     22 months if courses are taken in the recommended schedule.


    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    Link to Program page: Career Outlook is about halfway down.

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs


    When does the program start?

     Fall and Spring


    Is this program fully online?

    This program is fully online and synchronous

  • Master of Science in Health Psychology 

    For more information visit the program page here

     

    Does the program have a required internship?

    No, it is optional
    Does this program lead to licensure?

    No
    Is there a supplemental application?

     No
    What makes this program unique?

    Health psychology focuses on the connection between the mind and the body.  It examines topics like how nutrition can affect both physical and mental health, or how behaviors like being physically active relate to well-being.  The program’s courses are geared toward real world applications of health psychology concepts.  The program is also part of NU's individual-based teaching model, so students work closely with their instructors and receive personalized, individual feedback on all of their work. 

    How long is this program?

    10 Courses that are 3 credits each. Each course is 8 weeks long.
    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    Many students already work in physical or mental health care and are seeking to advance their skills to create opportunities in their current workplaces.  For example, a recent master's graduate will remain in her job as a school counselor, but with her health psychology degree, she now has the expertise to create programs focused on student health topics like sleep or nutrition.  Another student was able to earn a promotion at the insurance company she works for after earning her health psychology degree.  Additionally, many students are seeking to enter the growing field of health and wellness.  Finally, many program graduates go on to doctoral programs either in health psychology or related health care fields such as physical therapy.  

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs
    When does the program start?

    This program has a rolling enrollment
    Is this program fully online?

    This program is fully online and asynchronous

  • Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

    For more information visit the program page here

    Does the program have a required internship?

    Yes, the program requires clinical training for a minimum of 52 weeks.

    Does this program lead to licensure?

    Yes, the program meets the education requirements for licensure in select states.

    Is there a supplemental application?

    No.

    What makes this program unique?

    The program is predominantly online, which provides some flexibility for students who have fluctuating schedules and availability.

    How long is this program?

    This may vary depending on how students schedule their courses. The program can be completed in as few as 2.5 years (45 semester credits and two courses at a time) or 3.5 years (60 semester credits and two courses at a time). For state-specific information, view our program resource. https://form.jotform.com/SBSNU/state-and-spec-course-information 

    How much does the program cost?

    Please review our university tuition information at: https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    Graduates have worked in various settings as a clinician, opened their own private practice, and other entrepreneurial ventures, including consulting.

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs

    Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) https://coamfte.org/

    When does the program start?

    Rolling enrollment, including weekly starts

    Is this program fully online?

    Although the courses are fully online, there are in-person requirements for the clinical training. Information can be found in the state-specific resource: https://form.jotform.com/SBSNU/state-and-spec-course-information 

  • Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)- CALIFORNIA ONLY

    For more information visit the program page here

    Does this program lead to licensure?

    Yes, it leads students to licensure towards becoming a licensed psychologist

    Does the program have a required internship?

    Yes, it does

    Is there a supplemental application?

    We have an application through Psychology CAS and then an admissions application

    What accreditation does this program have?

    This program is APA accredited. Our school is also regionally accredited through WASC.

    When does the program start?

    This program is 1 cohort that starts once a year.

    Can a student work while in the program?

    • The program is not designed for a part time program/part time work.  
    • It is expected that students don't have full-time jobs because of the expectations on the students.  
    • Faculty doesn’t recommend working part time at all based on what they do each year, specifically not year 1 since it's so heavy.  

    Are classes online/in person?

    The classes and the program is in person, the core classes are onsite in Pleasant Hill California.  

    How is the workload throughout the program?

    First year is very heavy and the workload will reduce then the second year and third year because they have out of class responsibilities in year 4-5. They may have a lower unit load but they are doing more in  clinicals

    • Year 1: Intro to clinical, they have a clinical readiness exam to let them know if they are ready to go into clinicals 
    • Year 2: in clinical /practicum, start dissertation 
    • Year 3: Clinical proficiency exam, complete dissertation (before going into internship) or complete in year 4, complete dissertation (before going into internship)  
    • Year 4: Applying for practicums 
    • Year 5: Internship - there is a lot of competition here 

    Classes:

    How many Hours a week per class is required?

    12-15 hours in total, not including outside study time which will take 2-3 hours per class

    Are the classes in Quarter Units or semester Credits?

    • Program up until now has been working with QU, We are NOW using semester units. 
    • The next cohort will all be semester based.  
    • Because we are going from Quarters to semesters, Faculty needs to redesign the whole program to fit the semester terms and breaks factored into the program. 

    How many days a week are students in person on Campus?

    Students only attend compass 2 full days, sometimes there will be classes on Wednesdays too. The reason why this is done is because students have clinical/practicum responsibilities. 

    How heavy is their first year?

    Students will have a very heavy first year (fall, spring, summer), it is their heaviest year.

    Elective Classes:

    Are there any weekend classes available?

    • Sometimes are offered during the weekends – might be on Saturdays. They aren't usually every weekend though
    • Students will choose between 2-3 weekends and spend 5-6 hours each weekend to be more accelerated. 

    How do weekday elective classes work?

    • Weekday classes are probably not able to have 5-6 hour classes like Saturday classes.  
    • They are more likely to meet every week of the semester 

    When do students take elective courses?

    Students will have a very heavy first year (fall, spring, summer) They will only be able to take electives from the second year on.  

    Are electives offered online?

    o   SOME electives could be offered online but Some will be offered on campus.  

  • Master of Science in Forensic Psychology

    For more information visit the program page here

     

    Does the program have a required internship?

    No, it is optional


    Does this program lead to licensure?

    No
    Is there a supplemental application?

     No
    What makes this program unique?

    The MS in Forensic Psychology at National University is unique and that not only does it have a general program, there is also a specialization in Threat Assessment and Management (TAM). The TAM field is in its' infancy but is growing significantly due to the ever growing increase in threats in our society. The TAM track offers an in depth look at the required texts of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP) to prepare students to become Certified Threat Managers. There is only one other program available in the country which works specifically with this material and aims to assist students gain this professional certification. This program is also unique in that it allows students in the General Forensic Psychology track an opportunity to complete a 12 week internship to prepare to get their foot in the door to a career. Often students are hired out of their internships to a new job at their site to begin their career. Finally, the one to one nature of this program is unique and allows students to work directly with faculty, receive specific and detailed feedback, and assists students in understanding the field and where they want to take their career.

    How long is this program?

    10 Courses that are 3 credits each. Each course is 8 weeks long. The optional internship in the general track is 12 weeks long.


    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    Many students who have been engaged in an internship have gained employment through those sites. In more than one case a student was hired on to assist in completing forensic evaluations. In addition, one student was hired to work with her police department providing mental health consultation and training. In another case, the student was a retired law enforcement officer but utilized the program to assist her in gaining threat assessment and management certification, which she now utilizes in her research as well as in her trainings for a large urban police department. One student gained a research position working in the field of restorative justice. Another student, who was also trained in ABA utilized her skillset to work with offenders who have developmental disabilities. There are also many students who go on to get a doctorate, who reach out as they apply for that next step.

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs


    When does the program start?

    This program has a rolling enrollment
    Is this program fully online?- synchronous vs asynchronous

    This program is fully online and asynchronous

  • Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psycology

    For more information visit the program page here

    Does the program have a required internship?

    No, it is optional

    Does this program lead to licensure?

    No

    Is there a supplemental application?

    No

    What makes this program unique?

    The Master of Science in Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology program at NU is a specialized graduate program that emphasizes developmental processes during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. The curriculum is designed to provide in-depth knowledge across key domains of development, including: Behavioral Development, Emotional Development, Physical Development, and Cognitive Development. In addition, students gain foundational understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), preparing them to work effectively with diverse populations in educational, community, and organizational settings. Students also have the option of completing a capstone project or an internship.

    How long is this program?

    16 months if the preferred schedule is followed

    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    Graduates of the program may find employment in diverse settings such as schools, healthcare organizations, community agencies, and nonprofit institutions. The degree also serves as a valuable complement to undergraduate studies for individuals currently working in entry-level roles across various sectors, including education, social services, and public policy. In addition to supporting professional advancement, the MSPSYCAD program provides a strong academic foundation for students intending to pursue doctoral-level study in psychology or related fields.

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs

    When does the program start?

    Rolling enrollment

    Is this program fully on-line?

    Fully Online

  • Master of Science in Industrial Organizational (IO) Psychology

    For more information visit the program page here

    Does the program have a required internship?

    No, it is optional

    Does this program lead to licensure?

    No

    Is there a supplemental application?

    No

    How long is this program?

    16 months if the preferred schedule is followed

    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/  

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    Link to Program page: Career Outlook is about halfway down. 

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs

    When does the program start?

    Rolling enrollment

    Is this program fully on-line?

    Fully Online

  • Master of Arts in Psychology

    For more information visit the program page here

    Does the program have a required internship?

    No, it is optional

    Does this program lead to licensure?

    No

    Is there a supplemental application?

     No

    What makes this program unique?

     You can choose the 3 elective courses and make the degree your own.  These courses can be from any of the courses offered in the one-to-one Master's level courses in psychology.  Additionally, you can even select courses outside of the field of psychology. Students have done this to combine their interests.  

    How long is this program?

    10 courses in total.

    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    Link to Program page: Career Outlook is about halfway down.

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs

    When does the program start

    Rolling enrollment

    Is this program fully online?

    Fully Online

  • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    For more information visit the program page here

    Does the program have a required internship?

    Yes

    Does this program lead to licensure?

    Yes, if you are seeking licensure in the states the program is approved

    Is there a supplemental application?

    Only when asking for transfer credit review

    What makes this program unique?

    • This program has the ATTBS training module that offers study materials for the national counselor exam that students have access to for 3 years even after graduation
    • This program offers telehealth training certificate for every student in the advance counseling techniques course

    How long is this program?

     About 40 months if the recommended schedule is followed. 

    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    Link to Program page: Career Outlook is about halfway down.

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs

    When does the program start?

    Rolling enrollment

    Is this program fully on-line?

    Fully Online

  • Master of Social Work

    For more information visit the program page here

    Does the program have a required internship?

    Yes. All MSW programs require students to participate in field practicum education, as it is the signature pedagogy of social work.

    Does this program lead to licensure?

    Yes.  States provide licensure for clinical social work, and all licenses require an MSW from a CSWE accredited program.   

    Is there a supplemental application? 

     No

    What makes this program unique?

    Students in the MSW program are able to continue living, working, and contributing to their communities while pursuing an MSW, at the pace that works bes for them.

    How long is this program?

    • The MSW foundations program consists of 60 credits (20 classes)
    • The MSW advanced standing program consists of 36 credits (12 classes). 
    • The time to degree varies on the pace at which students take and complete courses.

    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    Link to Program page: Career Outlook is about halfway down.

    What accreditations does this program have?

    CSWE

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs

    When does the program start?

    Rolling enrollment

    Is this program fully on-line?

    Fully Online and asynchronous for academic courses.  For field practicum courses, students are expected to be in a live social work setting and attend one hour of synchronous courses per week virtually.

  • Master of Science in Sport Psychology

    For more information visit the program page here

    Does the program have a required internship?

    No, it is optional

    Does this program lead to licensure?

    No

    Is there a supplemental application?

     No

    What makes this program unique?

    Our program meets all the educational requirements and approximately half the practicum hours to be eligible to sit for the Certified Mental Performance Coach certification through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology

    How long is this program?

     36 credits which takes approximately 2-2.5 years to complete

    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    https://careers.appliedsportpsych.org/ 

    https://research.com/careers/sports-psychology-careers 

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs

    When does the program start?

    Rolling enrollment

    Is this program fully online?

    Fully Online

  • Master of Arts in Sport and Performace Psychology

    For more information visit the program page here

    Is there a supplemental application?

    No

    What makes this program unique?

    It is aligned with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), and both specializations (Applied Mental Performance and Theoretical Mental Performance) meet the academic requirements to become a certified mental performance consultant (CMPC) as administered by AASP. Additionally, the applied mental performance specialization also meets the mentorship hours to sit for certification. It's also important to note that our faculty are active in the field.

    How long is this program? 

    The MASPP specialization in Applied Mental Performance is approximately 2 years, and the Theoretical Mental Performance specialization is 14 months.

    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    Sport and performance psychology focuses on optimizing mental performance for athletes, performers, and even professionals in high-pressure environments. Common roles include:

    • Mental Performance Consultant (Performance Track)
      • Focuses on mental skills training (confidence, focus, visualization).
      • Requires a master’s or doctoral degree in sport psychology or kinesiology and certification (e.g., CMPC from AASP).
      • Common in professional sports teams, Olympic programs, and private consulting. Academic Roles.
    •  Teaching and research positions in psychology or kinesiology departments. Requires advanced degrees and research experience.
    • Applied Roles Beyond Sports
      • Performance coaching for military personnel, business executives, and performing artists.
      • Often involves private consulting or organizational roles.

    The demand for sport psychologists is growing at 6% from 2021 to 2031, driven by increased awareness of mental health and performance optimization in sports and other fields

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs

    No, but it is aligned with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), and both specializations (Applied Mental Performance and Theoretical Mental Performance) meet the academic requirements to become a certified mental performance consultant (CMPC) as administered by AASP. Additionally, the applied mental performance specialization also meets the mentorship hours to sit for certification.

    When does the program start?

     Enrollment start dates are set every February and September.

    Is this program fully online?

    Entirely online and has a mix of synchronous and asynchronous courses.

  • Master of Arts in Consciousness & Transformative Studies

    For more information visit the program page here

    Does the program have a required internship?

    No

    Does this program lead to licensure?

    No

    Is there a supplemental application?

    No

    What makes this program unique?

    It is the oldest accredited consciousness studies program in the US (founded 1979). It is also geared toward working professionals. More here:

    https://www.nu.edu/degrees/jfk-psychology/programs/master-of-arts-in-consciousness-psychology-and-transformation/ 

    How long is this program?

    Two years if students attend FT, longer if they don’t. 

    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    Link to Program page: Career Outlook is about halfway down.

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs

    When does the program start?

    The first week of every quarter. 

    Is this program fully online?

     Yes, and it does have some synchronous Zoom sessions depending on the class.

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

    For more information visit the program page here

    Does the program have a required internship?

    The program does not have a required internship.

    Does this program lead to licensure?

    This program does not lead to licensure (it is a theoretical and research focused program).

    Is there a supplemental application?

    There is  no supplemental application.

    How long is this program?

    The Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD-PSY) degree program can be completed in 60 credits. Each course runs 8 weeks, except for the research, dissertation, and internship courses which run 12 weeks.

    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

     Link to Program page: Career Outlook is about halfway down.

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs

    When does the program start?

    Rolling enrollment

    Is this program fully online?

    Fully Online

    Highlights

    National University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD-PSY) degree offers the perfect program for busy professionals eager to take their education, career, and the field of psychology farther. The 100% online format allows working adults to achieve their academic goals by providing the flexibility to balance home, job, and doctoral studies. As you progress through the program, you’ll explore psychological theories, develop research skills, and practice those skills through your dissertation research. This not only helps to prepare you for academic and research roles, but may also result in publishable research that adds value to the field and your career within it.

    Leading the PhD-PSY program are expert NU faculty who stay active in the field while providing mentorship to students through every step of the doctoral process and beyond. From education, to research, to dissertation, to graduation, to publication, to career counseling, our professors offer personalized support and guidance that can make all the difference in achieving academic and occupational success at the highest level.

    This program offered 10 specializations:

    • Counseling Psychology
    • General Psychology
    • Gerontology 
    • Health Psychology 
    • Industrial/Organizational Psychology
    • Psychology of Gender and Sexual Fluidity
    • Social Policy and Behavioral Health Administration
    • Sport and Performance Psychology
    • Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders 
    • Trauma and Disaster Relief
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy

    For more information visit the program page here

    Does the program have a required internship? 

    Non-LMFTs have a 12-week clinical practicum and there is a clinical hour requirement in this program. 

    • 300 direct hrs (150 relational)
      60 hrs of supervision (weekly supervision required)
      Any hours not completed in practicum can continue to be accrued in the APEC

    LMFTs
    Clinical and supervisory hours requirements are waived
    Will co-facilitate an NU MAMFT practicum w/ NU faculty member for practicum - supervision practicum
     
    Advanced Practicum Experience (APEC)  - Internship
    All students complete a 9-month (20 hrs weekly) doctoral internship. This internship is an individualized experience: students articulate their professional goals and create a plan w/ activities to participate in weekly that align with their specialization and participate in weekly local supervision
     

    Does this program lead to licensure?

    No, doctoral programs are not designed to meet licensure requirements. This is something that happens at the Masters level. 

    What makes this program unique?

    • Student work in the one-to-one model.
    • The PhD is the first primarily distance-based MFT doctoral program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
    • The program is focused on developing the skills and personal and professional growth requisite for effective practice in the field of marriage and family therapy. The doctoral program offers advanced clinical education and training, research coursework and opportunities, and supervision training and experience. Graduates of the doctoral program will be prepared to carry out advanced clinical work and supervision and/or education and research in the field of marriage and family therapy.
    • Students have the opportunity to complete a highly individualized internship designed to focus on their specific goals. 

    How long is this program?

    If you take 4 courses a year - 5.5 years; if you take 6 courses a year - 4.3 years

    How much does the program cost?

    https://www.nu.edu/admissions/tuition/ 

    What have the graduates from this program done with their degree?

    Link to Program page: Career Outlook is about halfway down.

    What accreditations does this program have?

    WASC- Regional Accreditation that the University holds for all programs

    COAMFTE

    When does the program start?

    Rolling enrollment

    Is this program fully online?

    Fully Online

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