Faces of NLU: Meet Nathalia Cerón
A student from Colombia in the M.A. in Psychology program discusses the experience, dedication and kindness of the faculty and staff at NLU.
One of the ways we describe ourselves at National Louis University (NLU) is a “community.” We believe all students, as well as faculty, perform best when they feel as though they’re part of a supportive family, which is why we offer services, clubs, and numerous events throughout the year to help students build relationships and become involved. For Nathalia Cerón, a graduate student in the M.A. in Psychology program, community has been a crucial part of her NLU experience. Nathalia was born in Cali, Colombia, but she came to Chicago, and NLU, to earn her master’s degree. She says she chose NLU because of the Psychology program’s rigorous curriculum, but has ended up enjoying the relationships she’s formed with faculty and staff just as much as the course material:
“I chose NLU because it offered a great curriculum in psychology. After a year of studying here I admire the experience and dedication of all my instructors, the kindness of all the staff, and the connections that I am building.”
NLU’s M.A. in Psychology program prepares students for a wide range of careers in counseling, business, education, as well as further graduate study. The program is also flexible in its delivery, offering both fully online and blended (online with on-campus sessions) formats. This allows students to earn their degree while balancing their work or other life obligations. And with only 18 months from the start of classes until graduation, the M.A. in Psychology program prepares you to enter the workforce, or advance in your career, quickly.
For students not looking to enroll in a degree program who still want to advance their skills in psychology, NLU offers two standalone certificates: The Graduate Certificate in General Psychology (blended or online); and the Graduate Certificate in Psychology: Psychological Assessment (blended only).
Nathalia is set to graduate with her M.A. in Psychology later this year, and given the great relationships she has built so far at NLU, it’s no surprise that the one word she’d use to describe NLU is “community.”
Nathalia also feels that her M.A. in Psychology program has set her up to continue her studies in a doctorate program, which is her ultimate goal:
“All the knowledge I have acquired so far is essential to pursue a doctorate degree in the future,” she says.
For students, like Nathalia, who are looking to earn a doctorate degree in psychology, National Louis University offers a few different options. Our Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program (offered in both Illinois and Florida) prepares students to work as licensed psychologists, providing therapeutic services to clients, assuming leadership positions in health care systems, and conducting research. NLU also offers a Ph.D. in Community Psychology degree, as well as an Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, which prepares students to become advanced licensed practitioners themselves, and also to lead, supervise and educate future counselors.
For students looking to become licensed counselors, NLU also offers the M.S. in Counseling program at their Illinois and Florida campuses. These masters degree programs prepare students to sit for either the National Board for Certified Counselors exam or the State of Illinois (or Florida) exam to become a Licensed Clinical Practitioner.
Nathalia says the term “mentor” best characterizes her future career and that, in five years, she sees herself earning her doctorate degree at NLU.
She encourages her fellow NLU students to lean on the University’s network of support when they need help:
“Keep working hard for your dreams. It is all going to be worth it. Don’t give up, and please seek out the resources at NLU that can help you when you’re experiencing obstacles in your life.”
You can view all of NLU’s graduate programs in psychology and behavioral science here. You can also learn about our extra supports and services for international students. If you’re interested in a degree or certificate program, you can always contact an Enrollment Specialist online or by calling (888) 658-8632 to discuss your educational and professional goals.
