Overview
A Comprehensive University with a Wide Range of Graduate Programs, NSU Is Tops in Clinical Psychology with Two Degrees
Nova Southeastern University is a private, coeducational research university located on three Florida campuses. NSU is the largest independent institution of higher education in the southeastern U.S. and the sixth-largest non-profit independent university in the nation. It also has educational service centers in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and West Palm Beach. In addition, Nova offers courses online in a sophisticated distance-learning program, and has produced over 110,000 alumni since its founding in 1964.
NSU's 18 colleges and schools offer in excess of 175 programs of study with more than 250 majors, and awards professional degrees in law, business, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, nursing, and the field of psychological studies.
To be considered as a graduate student, applicants are required to present evidence of scholastic ability, serious interest in psychology and counseling, personal stability and strong, responsible character. Minimum requirements include a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Students may seek admission to main campus programs for fall, winter, or summer sessions. Studies undertaken in NSU's "field-based clusters" start on various dates, and offer flexible schedules.
With a Psy.D. degree in psychology, a graduate can get certified for work as a clinical psychologist, mental health practitioner, or counselor, and can specialize in child psychology, adolescent psychology, and/or family psychology.
The Ph.D. is typically sought by those who wish to advance into research, experimentation, and academic/scholastic pursuits. However, holders of both degrees can avail themselves of various career paths and ongoing opportunities for specialization.
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program Offers Psy.D. and Ph.D. Degrees for Researchers, Educators, and Therapists
By offering both the Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) and Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degrees, the Center for Psychological Studies at NSU demonstrates its commitment to preparing psychologists for careers both as researchers and clinical practitioners.
The Psy.D. program is built around the "practitioner model," informed by both counseling technique and scientific research. The Ph.D. program is based on a model defined by the scientist-practitioner. Both specialties require clinical training that includes clinical practicums, a clinical competency exam, and a 2,000-hour pre-doctoral internship at a location where the student has been accepted.
Beyond taking the required courses and other requirements for each doctoral program, students can pursue individual interests by selecting among a wide range of elective course offerings. Students enjoy the option of seeking admission to a concentration, as well. In this approach, a series of electives are taken in one particular specialty area, which can be multidisciplinary in nature.
The overall curriculum is anchored in the large, cumulative, and evolving body of psychological knowledge. For either degree, the coursework provides a firm foundation in research design, statistics, and methods of experimental research. Through this combination of experiences, and a sequence of formal courses and first-hand experience with clinical populations in supervised practicums, the program provides the knowledge and skills required in the role of academician, researcher, or practicing clinical psychologist.
Ph.D. Program in Clinical Psychology Combines Science and Sensitivity, Leading to Compassionate Mental Health Care
NSU's Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program is based on a model of the scientist-practitioner and supports the idea that the clinical psychologist will make the greatest social contribution when prepared for the roles of both scientist and practitioner.
The program focuses on developing sophisticated methods for working with applied clinical research. Much of the research conducted within the program involves developing and purposefully investigating innovative ways of assessing and intervening to solve clinical problems. From this foundation, the student proceeds through research training that culminates in a dissertation.
Psy.D. Prepares Practitioners to Be Lifelong Students of Science While Bringing Their Practices to People in Need
The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program is based on a model of the practitioner assisted by science. For many years, training of clinical psychologists focused on the graduate student as scientist first and practitioner second, but with the growing need in society for practitioners, many graduate students are choosing to work in the clinical services field rather than in academia or research.
The goal of the Psy.D. program is to offer scholastic, internship, practicum, and research experiences that are directly related to the clinical psychology practice. The training is suffused with the important scientific data that professional competence and knowledge rely on, and requires students to participate in ongoing research. This approach prepares them to be lifelong students of scientific research. Clinical expertise is therefore developed through a sequence of courses on assessment and intervention, in theory and practice, complemented by practicum experiences with clients in diverse settings under professional supervision.
NSU Faculty Members, Dedicated to Educational Excellence and State-of-the-Art Technology, Also Stress Compassionate Care
NSU is known throughout the world as a university dedicated to educational excellence, leading-edge technology, first-rate faculty, and extensive community service. The Center for Psychological Studies is similarly dedicated to providing the best possible education to its students as well as superior mental health services to the community. Just as important are Nova's research contributions to mental health sciences, helping the center to become a national leader in education and cutting-edge mental health services to the public.
The center's dedicated faculty members are pivotal in the achievement of NSU's stature. They are committed to the development of strong, open, sharing relationships with doctoral students, as these kinds of relationships facilitate the instructional support available to graduate students as they work toward scholastic success and strive to master the varied, expanding roles of the clinical psychologist. Faculty members not only "deliver the data," they impart personal insights and help students develop and implement the sensitivity and empathy that are required for a clinical psychologist.
