To be considered for admission to graduate study in the Specialist (Psy.S.) Program in School Psychology, all applicants are required to present evidence of scholastic ability, significant interest in the area of school psychology, interpersonal sensitivity, personal stability, and sound moral character. Minimum requirements for admission for all applicants include a baccalaureate degree in psychology, education or related field from a regionally accredited institution and the completion of three credit hours in research and evaluation or statistics with a grade of "B" or higher prior to the start of the Psy.S. program. Additional criteria reviewed will include the following:

• Relevant experience, professional accomplishment, or exceptional credentials
• The quality of the applicant’s written statement of professional experiences
• Professional/faculty letters of recommendation
• Personal interview

Enrollment in the program is limited. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit completed application materials at the earliest possible date.
 

Completed applications received by the early admission deadline of February 1^st will receive priority consideration.

Applications completed or received after the posted final deadlines will be considered on a seat available basis.

Application Procedures

Degree Seeking Students (2003-2004)

1. Complete the Specialist’s Program application form.
2. Submit a check for $50 (nonrefundable application fee) made payable to Nova Southeastern University.
3. Submit two letters of recommendation with completed forms from professors, employers, supervisors, or professionals most familiar with your work.
4. Arrange for official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges or universities you attended to be mailed directly to Graduate Admissions, Center for Psychological Studies. If courses from one college/university appear on another college’s/university’s transcript, you are still required to submit an official transcript from the college or university where you originally completed the course work. If the initial transcript forwarded does not reflect degree conferral or final semester grades, you must forward a final transcript as soon as this information becomes available.
5. Have official GRE or MAT scores mailed directly to the Graduate Office of Admissions (or provide documentation for provisional admission).
6. Complete the GPA calculation worksheet in its entirety.
7. Submit a two-page, typed statement of your professional experiences, including a description of your clinical experience, background or experience within school systems, research or program evaluation experience, and/or aspects of school psychology in which you have the greatest interest. Additionally, briefly describe your professional goals. A resume and supporting documentation is required for those applying under the experience category.
8. If applicable, include a copy of your teaching certificate or other relevant certificates.
9. Where applicable, applicants should submit TOEFL scores. Please refer to the section on the TOEFL.

1. Complete the Specialist’s Program application form for Non-Degree Seeking Students.
2. Submit a check for $50 (nonrefundable application fee) made payable to Nova Southeastern University.
3. Have official transcript from degree granting institution showing graduation from or current enrollment in a regionally accredited institution mailed directly to Graduate Admissions, Center for Psychological Studies.
4. Submit a typed letter explaining your needs, courses in which you wish to enroll, and applicable timetables.

The transfer of up to a maximum of 15 credit hours of graduate level course work from a regionally accredited institution will be allowed upon approval of the Director Academic Affairs. Course work must meet the following specific criteria: a grade of an "A" or "B" and equivalency to a required course in the School Psychology Program. No transfer credits may be applied to practica. Transfer credits are not taken into account when computing a student’s grade point average.

En Route Master of Science in Psychology

A Master of Science in Psychology will be awarded en route to the Specialist Degree in School Psychology.

Degree Candidacy

Students admitted provisionally will be reviewed for degree candidacy (matriculation) after completion of the first 12 credits (excluding transfer credits). During the formal review for matriculation, the students’ academic performance and professional functioning will be examined. A minimum GPA of 3.0 or above is required in the designated course work.

Course Format

The course format of the Specialist Program in School Psychology is designed for the working professional. Students will typically take nine credit hours per semester, including during the summer term. Some courses will be offered on weekday evenings in a traditional semester format. Some courses will be offered in the intensive weekend format. These courses are eight weeks long, with two full weekends of classes for each course (Friday 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday 8:30 AM to5:30 PM). One month of study precedes the first weekend of class. Some courses may be offered online or via compressed video. Two practica experiences are required. During this portion of the program students’ schedules will vary. Students will spend their final year in a full-time school-based internship.

Internship Placements

The student is required to complete a supervised internship in an approved public or private school consisting of a minimum of 1200 clock hours. The internship period typically follows the completion of prerequisite course work with a GPA of 3.0 or better.

Time Limits and Degree Completion Requirements

Students are expected to complete their specialist program and graduate within 7 years from the time of first enrollment. Students must successfully complete 78 credit hours of course work, the Florida Teacher Certification Examination Subject Area Test (comprehensive examination), two practica, and a one year 1200 clock hour internship. An overall minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation.

Students wishing to complete Florida Department of Education (DOE) approved program requirements will also need to complete (or have completed the CLAST examination, the Florida Teacher Certification Examination, the State of Florida requirement for ESOL training or its equivalent, and any other relevant state requirements. Requirements are subject to modification pending the state program approval review.

The program consists of 78 semester hours that span three years of course work (including practica) and one year of internship. The program is enriched through its more than 30 distinguished full-time faculty members that include nationally renowned professionals. Students also enjoy the benefits of a diverse student body, hands on training within the center's nonprofit outpatient mental health facility and other facilities, and a variety of clinical training and research opportunities.

The program is designed to meet the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Standards for Training Programs in School Psychology, and to meet the current educational requirements for the Florida Department of Education (DOE) certification and for licensure as a school psychologist under Chapter 490, Florida Statutes.

Program Format

The format is designed for the working professional with courses offered primarily on weekends and evenings. The expected completion date is four years, including a one-year internship. Students will be required to complete two practica one of which will be school-based.

Who should enroll?

The specialist program is open to individuals with a bachelor's or master's degree in psychology, education, counseling, guidance, or related field who demonstrate the scholastic ability and interpersonal skills to be an effective psychological practitioner in the schools.

Graduate students or graduates of clinical or counseling psychology doctoral programs or school psychology programs may request to take courses as a non-degree-seeking student. Requests will be accommodated, as space is available.

Enrollment is limited. As such, prospective students are advised to apply at the earliest possible date.

The program is now being offered on NSU’s main campus (Ft. Lauderdale)  in Jacksonville, FL, Tampa, FL and Palm Beach, FL. With sufficient interest, the degree may be offered at off-campus sites including Tampa and Orlando.

• Estimated Expenses
• Application Packet
• Admissions Calendar
• Off Campus Program Site Information

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This page is maintained by: Eduardo Magalhaes and Diane Karol, Dean's Office.
Copyright 2000. Nova Southeastern University
Revised: February 11, 2003.