Notre Dame de Namur University Reviews of Master's in Health Sciences

"Overall, it was a good program as far as content. Some of the Professors weren’t always reliable or approachable with students which at times was quit discouraging. Emphasize on theory with small classes and fun assignments. However, there was no mentorship by some professors who never answer their emails or put down their students in front of the class."

"The Art Therapy and MFT professors at Notre Dame de Namur are active participants in the professional organizations and committees that help to steer the future of the art therapy field. They are accomplished and dedicated professionals who always make time to support, guide, and connect with their students. The program is well-rounded and future-focused with a harmonious blending of art and psychology."

"I am grateful for my art therapy education at NDNU. The small classes offered an opportunity to get to know professors and receive the support and guidance that I needed. I was challenged to grow as a student and a professional, and feel proud of the education and experience that I received through this program. The fact that NDNU also offers a PhD in art therapy is an added bonus; several professors were PhD candidates or recent graduates of the PhD program, which meant that they were also immersed in the learning process and were excited to expose students to the most current and relevant art therapy research."

"This is my truth & not speaking on behalf of all students. As a person of color my experience hasn’t been the best. I do appreciate the diverse community of students but I have had discouraging encounters with students/ staff that aren’t culturally aware of their prejudices. It’s frustrating coming to school having to educate others & be in the defense in order to get through the day. There needs to be longer courses covering diversity to prepare students for the diverse communities we will work in & live in. I do appreciate the few professors that invest in students By sharing real stories & bringing in non traditional tools for art directives. Many classes can be taught online because they don’t involve art & we read directly out of the book out loud during class. Be prepared if you’re to grow thick skin & seek outside support."

"If you're curious about becoming an Art Therapist and want some quality classroom work with great instructors and classmates - then NDNU is an obvious choice. I'm currently in my first year at the program and have had nothing but a positive experience with the Graduate Art Therapy Program. The courses and curriculum offered at NDNU are well respected both within and outside the school. Looking forward to meeting the new students in the fall!"

"The teachers and instructors are so knowledgeable, I look forward to come to class everyday! The classes are all so interesting, and the program is rich in amazing students. I love this school, the learning, the people, the environment, everything about it!"

"The Masters Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy Psychology program is amazing! All of the professors have been in the field of art therapy, or marriage and family therapy, or both and have great personal experiences to share along with utilizing their experiences to provide thorough training and teaching. All professors and fellow classmates support one another and guide all new students in the program. The program is small and close-knit. It was a great experience to have so much support, freedom to expand on my creativity, learn all that I need to do the jobs following graduating, and the opportunity to learn so much about myself! This program was the only one of its kind offered in Northern California at the time I was looking, and I was so thankful to find it. The career path is ideal for someone interested in art, psychology and helping others. Even after graduating, my professors stay in touch with me and make an effort to check-in and still support me. We have Facebook groups and a Google group, which are frequently sending out job, connection, training, and more opportunities."

"The Masters Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy Psychology program is amazing! All of the professors have been in the field of art therapy, or marriage and family therapy, or both and have great personal experiences to share along with utilizing their experiences to provide thorough training and teaching. All professors and fellow classmates support one another and guide all new students in the program. The program is small and close-knit. It was a great experience to have so much support, freedom to expand on my creativity, learn all that I need to do the jobs following graduating, and the opportunity to learn so much about myself! This program was the only one of its kind offered in Northern California at the time I was looking, and I was so thankful to find it. The career path is ideal for someone interested in art, psychology and helping others. Even after graduating, my professors stay in touch with me and make an effort to check-in and still support me. We have Facebook groups and a Google group, which are frequently sending out job, connection, training, and more opportunities."

"I highly recommend this program if you want to be an art therapist. Small classes, caring committed core faculty, and a commitment to social justice. This program cares about each student and wants us to succeed and become the best art therapists we can be. The thesis process is rigorous and an effective learning experience in analyzing and conducting research, writing, and publishing. The school provides support and guidance in the practicum process, which provides excellent real-world experience and preparation for our future work."

"The NDNU Art Therapy program is invaluable and a gem in the heart of the Peninsula, offering low or no cost counseling services to the community at large. Their highly professional training program is like no other and is a gift to the entire bay area."

"I graduated from Notre Dame de Namur University. This is the best place to take Art Therapy for me. The classes, the colleagues, the professors, the training and guidance and the reputation that the college has is exceptional. As soon as I graduated, I was called for a job interview and I had good jobs in Art Therapy since then. The program is a good deal because it trains you to be a good Marriage Family Therapist as well as an Art Therapist. NDNU offers the best quality in California and around U. S. in art therapy and the faculty is very well known in the U. S. and around the world."

"The master's in art therapy program is a top-notch program that many students move to California to attend. The professors are well-known in the field and this innovative program prepared me to become an informed, competent clinician. The campus is beautiful and I often reminiscence about my time here."

"I had a great experience in the Art Therapy graduate program. Great mentoring and guidance and preparation for the field both in art therapy and marriage and family therapy. I have continued to maintain a connection with the program directly as a supervisor and also in conjunction with the program as a training supervisor/direct on site supervisor for current/recent students who are completing their supervised field work/traineeship experience."

"The dual graduate program in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy changed my life! I applied as soon as I discovered that there was an art therapy profession and am still so grateful for its existence. I remember when I had my interview with Doris Arrington, the then head of the program, I asked her: Can I really make a good living in this field? She assured me I could so I signed on. She encouraged me to get the Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy so that I could get a license that would allow me to set up my own private practice. I got my LMFT in 2000 and have had a very successful private practice since then. She was right!"

"I graduated from NDNU in 2017 with a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy. The Art Therapy Psychology Department prepared me to be successful as an AMFT as well as standing out from other candidates due to having a degree in Art Therapy. The rigor of the program provided me with the skills I use on a daily basis in a fast-paced and demanding population and I believe that the students that come out of this specific program are highly qualified to work in the field of therapy and art therapy."

"The Art Therapy program is an experience that I draw on often. The professors are genuine, professional, and caring. Every class was amazing. I miss it. I feel proud to be a part of the alumni community and I speak with pride about the program that produced me. It was honestly the best learning experience I've ever had."

"Since I was young, becoming an art therapist has been my dream. Coming to NDNU has been a key part in fulfilling that dream and equipping me to practice art therapy. Entering this program has allowed me to meet other individuals who are seeking to bring healing and help to society through art. This has been both inspirational and encouraging. The art therapy faculty have impressed me with the quality of education they provide, and the passion they have in their field. Faculty that have taught me have a wealth of experience in art therapy and counselling. They have shared this experience effectively and treat students with respect and understanding. They are also able to educate students on difficult topics such as trauma and abuse with sensitivity. From what I have experienced, the art therapy program at NDNU is instrumental in educating and training future art therapists and providing much needed assistance to society. Students are sent out to provide their services in schools, shelters, hospitals and more. This program is extremely valuable, not just to students and faculty, but to the local community and society as a whole."

"I highly recommend the Art Therapy graduate program at NDNU. The courses are great and prepare you for licensure. The professors are experienced professionals who bring great insight. I was fully supported throughout my time there and while navigating my traineeship. I continue to stay in touch with many of my peers and professors."

"NDNU's Art Therapy Psychology Department is rigorous, has extremely qualified professors and definitely prepares you for the field of Art Therapy. As one of the only art therapy programs in CA, it has been a pioneer in the field and continues to prepare students to enter a profession full of meaningful work. My experience in the program offered me a flexible and supportive environment while also creating high standards for my work as a student. The classes were unique, interesting and like nothing I had experienced as an undergrad. I had to take rigorous (yet creative) coursework, complete a practicum and write a thesis about a research project I had to complete. It was a lot of work! Not only do the professors prepare you professionally but they also prepare you personally to deal with what you might face in a career helping others heal. I highly recommend this program for those seeking a degree in Art Therapy -it will change your life."

"I will never forget my years at NDNU. I was so impressed with the experience, compassion, education, and resources in Dr. Arnell Etherington, Dr. Doris Arrington and Dr. Richard Carolan. They competently and passionately introduced me into a world I never knew existed but was made for me: the combination of psychotherapy and art therapy. The program was small and a perfect way for me to explore and learn. And the connections my professors made to community mental health agencies was staggering. There were over 50 types of intern positions available to me as a trainee, making available many different ways Many of my colleagues continued on in their internship sites as full time employees; if I had chosen to stay in the Bay Area I would have been able to do the same. The greater mental health community in the Bay Area has profited tremendously from this valuable program, as have I personally and professionally. I found "my people" at NDNU's art therapy program, and my living."