Notre Dame de Namur University Reviews

"I graduated from NDNU (dual majored in Marriage and Family therapy and Art Therapy). The program is great if you're interested in becoming a dual-licensed Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapist. The program offered: support from staff, professors and peers, engaging ways to use art in therapy sessions, an inviting community that has stayed with me through my transition from student to therapist, smaller class sizes that make learning and making connections easier, and encourages creativity, self-discovery, and self-growth."

"I highly recommend the art therapy psychology program to anyone with an interest in the field. I gained so much from the program, and I have been sharing the tools I’ve learned with clients throughout the Bay Area for the past 10+ years. I cannot speak highly enough about the quality of the program and the way it prepared me to enter the workforce. I use skills I learned at NDNU on a daily basis with my clients and am so glad there is a program like this one out there. A+++"

"The MFT/Art Therapy program is a wonderful program. It is created to set graduating students up for success in the field and success within community. The program provided a strong foundation in theory and clinical skills. The education provided on art therapy is built into every course and sets graduating students up with wonderful knowledge around the power of art."

"I am a pediatric hematology/oncology Art Therapist at Stanford Children's Hospital in Palo Alto, CA. I have my dream career all thanks to the Art Therapy Psychology Department. The dedication of the faculty in the Art Therapy Psychology department is unparalleled. I am proud to be an alumni. Thank you to all my professors: Dr. Gwen Sanders, Dr. Jo Wallace, Dr. Richard Carolan and Dr. Arnell Etherington. You are valued and invaluable. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!"

"The art therapy psychology department stands out as a program of distinction, and has gained local recognition at agencies and schools in the field of mental and behavioral health, not just for its stellar education and training toward MFT and LPC licensure, but for its additional specialization in art therapy. It provides a balance of rigorous academic learning with hands-on, experiential fieldwork that has better prepared me to enter the field, and sets me apart from other applicants with similar degrees of study. In my Traineeship, I have encountered few other MFT students who possess the same depth of applied knowledge in theory and practice, methods, mechanisms of change, and cross-cultural learning. I am so grateful to this program and the combined knowledge, wisdom, and experience of the directors, advisors, professors, and staff."

"My time in the Art Therapy Psychology department is filled with fond memories of learning, growth, community service, and strong community. The professors are top-notch and formed such a close knit community that many students and staff are still in touch, which is so helpful when it comes to career networking. It’s incredibly exciting to graduate from the first University to have a PhD program in Art Therapy in the country."

"NDNU professors are leaders in their field, and share a tremendous amount of applicable experience with their students. The academics are skewed heavily, as it is in many counseling programs, towards self reflection and personal growth of the students as therapists."

"Overall, I really love it here at NDNU. It's my first semester here. The campus is beautiful. The campus is small and easy to get around. Class sizes are relatively small, which can be rather helpful. I do wish there was a little more variety to the food in the cafeteria. I also wish the laundry service here didn't cost money. I also was shocked when the arts undergrad programs were cancelled. I ran into trouble when the bookstore on campus was closed, I think for renovations but I'm not sure. I still am having a couple issues with returning a book that is missing pages. Other than the things I mentioned, I really enjoy it here."

"The Art Therapy major is inclusive and fun. You will learn a lot about using art to help support clients. The draw back is the campus who focus more on supporting undergraduate than graduate students. The Art Therapy major has the worst building on campus."

"Overall I think it's a great program. The classes were small so there were lots of opportunities for discussion and interaction. Art-making was part of many classes which is crucial in learning to do art therapy, understanding the process from the inside out, and developing one's own relationship to the practice and the field of art therapy. Many art therapists who work in various settings in the community presented as part of the classes. This was a great way to get a sense of different styles, of work with various populations and issues, and to start to build networks. The professors were friendly and supportive as were fellow students. The things I would have liked would be studio art therapy on campus as part of the learning and to learn more about depth-oriented psychodynamic art therapy. Also, at the time the Program was not strong in terms of cultural competence, but my impression from interactions with Program staff and students since then is that that has changed. I feel lucky have an education in the field of therapy. As someone who came into the Program already licensed as a therapist, my art therapy education and training opened opportunities to me that I wouldn't have without it (contract work providing art therapy groups in various settings) and has deepened and expanded my work with individual clients. It's also connected me to a great community of peers and mentors."

"This is a great program if you're interested in combining a Marriage and Family Therapy licenser and an Art Therapist credential. The two go hand-in-hand, and provides the student with fun and engaging ways for doing therapy. It is an innovative field, that offers creativity, discovery, and self-growth as you learn about how to become the best therapist you can be."

"NDNU is a really small school so if you’re looking for a lot of attention and dedication to your career, this is the school for you. Every professor pays close attention to your intentions and provides quality education. It’s very hands on and with the help of the sisters of Notre Dame, faculty and staff your guaranteed to leave prepared for your bright future. As a first generation student and student leader, I can honestly say NDNU has challenged me in ways I never thought I could be."

"I am an international student. Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, at Notre Dame de Namur University, was my best option for pursuing my master degree. Their study plan distinguish from other university with excellent characteristics of good learning outcomes. Also, they offer one year of practicum which is the most important concern for graduate student. We got to learn more about our self by the self-reflection papers we were assigned. Not to mention, the professional professors at this university. I had a great and broad experience overall."

"As a student athlete, I struggle most with catching up with the chapter's that I've missed, and I feel like the resources on campus to assist us is not very helpful. Despite that, I found that it will be extremely helpful to always be proactive and communicate with my professor (at least in the Accounting program). In addition to that, my advisor always keeps me on my toes when it comes to signing up for classes and making sure I take the necessary classes for my major and in order to pursue my CPA certification. On the athletics stand point, the weight room is small in space and many of the equipments are old and in dire need of an upgrade. Moreover, the atmosphere is dull and definitely decreases motivation. In contrast to that, our golf coach certainly keeps us in check and has great passion in helping the team. All in all, the location and environment of the school is amazing, I like how close the classes are to the dorms and the Accounting program is effective and well organized."

"I am so clad I chose this University. The faculty and administration were so supportive of me when i was going through some hard times. I'd never of finished school as quickly and on time without the patient guidance from my adademic advisor, Judy. I came to find that NDNU really cares about what kind of people we become and how that contributes to our overall well being. The prefessers were really willing to wrok with me and build off of my strenghts rather that focus on my weaknesses."

"NDNU has allowed me to grow as an individual. I've spread my wings and come out of my shell. The small class sizes played a major role in staying connected and engaged. My professors know me by name and still remember me years down the road. Most professors on campus truly care about your well being and are willing to work with you. This was extremely helpful as an athlete. Most of the business courses at NDNU are engaging and thought provoking. NDNU has much to offer, it's just what you put into it that matters."

"The Master’s MFT and Art Therapy program might be the best in the nation. It is a hidden gem in the art therapy world of education and I’m so glad I found it. The class sizes are smaller for a more intimate learning experience. It is easy to discuss issues with the professors and the head of the department because they all welcome feedback. The staff in the art therapy department strive to make our experience as students as seamless as possible and prepare us for graduation. The business/financial aid office is that of any other university and has the same issues. Just the nature of that type of office since they do all deal with a lot of students."

"This program has been outstanding. Working in the field for practicum, attending classes and writing my thesis i have been truly been supported. The classes are small and intimate. The professors teach in depth, are inspiring, helpful, and hands on. I couldn't ask for a better education, professors, or colleagues. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in the field. Everyone is very welcoming. There are many opportunities to test out art directives in class before you make it into the field. There are also many opportunities for self evaluation and growth. Check it out, talk to the advisors, get ready for the experience of a lifetime."

"This art therapy program has been transformative on a personal and professional level. The University staff that assist students in other departments seem to hold a grudge against every other department, which they don’t hold back from sharing with the students. This environment impedes student progress and rappers school spirit. Due to internal bickering in these supportive departments, our art therapy department receives improvements last. We were the last to obtain a new water fountain, often have issues with our heating, and often experience water difficulty. Should the university evolve to put students first, and smooth inner turmoils, this university could really shine. The location, nature, and Spirituality on campus are unique and amazing. I picked this school with great influence from the woodlands and the nuns. The professors on campus in the art therapy department are incredibly committed, very open to feedback, and always working to better themselves. They help students to focus on their internal process, a practice we will carry as therapists. And constantly encourage us to think bigger. I have felt so supported in this program, and have made life long connections in both friendship and collegiate forms. I’m grateful I went to NDNU."

"I experienced great Mentorship in the Art Therapy and Marriage and Family Graduate Program. What a wonderful community of future art therapists. Classmates are super supportive. Classes are small and specific. I learned so much about myself and other populations."