Nova Southeastern University Psy.D. Psychology Review
Nova Southeastern University is home to a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program that’s been accredited by the American Psychological Association for nearly 40 years. With several concentration areas and population tracks, Nova’s Psy.D. is an excellent option for those considering pursuing a Doctor of Psychology, particularly those looking to earn professional licensure once they’ve completed the doctorate.
Let’s take a look at the crucial information students need to know to make an informed decision about whether this program is right for them.
About the Program
Here are a few of the basic details about Nova Southeastern University’s Psy.D. program:
Basics
- Institution type: Private, not-for-profit
- Main campus: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Accreditation: American Psychological Association
- First year of program: 1983
Tuition and fees
- Full-time, in-state tuition: $44,660
- Full-time, out-of-state tuition: $44,660
- Per credit-hour tuition for part-time students: $N/A
- Institution fees: $3,885
Student outcomes
- Median years to completion: 5
- Percentage completing in <5 years: 2% (2009-2019)
- Percentage completing in 7+ years: 5% (2009-2019)
- Degrees conferred, 2009-2019: 734
- Percentage of students obtaining internships: 95% (2018-19)
- Percentage of graduates earning professional licensure: 85% (2009-19)
Degrees & requirements
- Psy.D. degrees offered: PsyD in Clinical Psychology, PsyD in School Psychology
- Non-Psy.D. degrees offered: PhD in Clinical Psychology
- Number of credit hours required: 119 credits, plus internship hours
Admissions
- Application method: Online
- Application fee: $50
- Admission requirements: Statement of professional goals, three academic or professional letters of recommendation, transcripts, GRE scores (minimum score unpublished), English proficiency test scores for international applicants
- Admissions office address: 3301 College Ave., P.O. Box 299000, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33329-9905
Biggest Pros
What are the most attractive aspects of the Nova Psy.D. program in clinical psychology?
Exciting concentrations
Nova’s standard clinical psychology training is quite robust and broad, but students may also choose to add a concentration area from a diverse set of possible tracks. Here’s a look at the list of possible clinical Psy.D. concentration areas:
- Forensic
- Health
- Neuropsychology
- Psychodynamic
- Long-term mental illness
Optional population focus
In addition to concentration areas within the clinical Psy.D., students can choose to pursue a specific population focus, such as children and families, trauma or multicultural psychology. Combined with the robust focus areas and other electives offered, this allows students to heavily tailor their education to their personal interest areas.
Psychology Services Center
An on-site community mental health clinic, the Psychology Services Center, is open to all residents in South Florida, and the center is operated and staffed by the Nova Southeastern University psychology department. Clientele include children, teens, adults and the elderly.
Here’s a look at some of the specialties of the center:
- Adolescent drug abuse
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Counseling for older adults
- Family violence
- Neuropsychology assessment
- School-related psychological assessments and clinical interventions
- Trauma resolution integration
- Sports psychology
- Parkinson’s support
Biggest Cons
Of course, every program comes with its own set of drawbacks. Let’s take a look at the factors that might make students think twice about pursuing their Psy.D. at Nova.
Lack of online options
Currently, none of the courses required to complete the Nova Psy.D. can be done online, though this may be subject to change because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of online options means the program is only right for those living in the South Florida area or who are willing to locate there.
Cost
With expected tuition nearing $45,000 per year, Nova’s Psy.D. is on the high side among similar programs across the country, and students can expect to invest as much as $200,000 to earn their degrees.
The Bottom Line
Every scholar’s needs and desires are different, but how can you decide if the Nova Psy.D. is right for you? Check out the chart below:
| Is the Nova Southeastern University Psy.D. Program Right For Me? | ||
| Need | Yes | No |
| I need to take my classes online | x | |
| I’m interested in clinical psychology | x | |
| I want to focus on a particular population group | x | |
| I’m interested in applied psychology | x | |
| I’m interested in school psychology | x | |
| I’m interested in industrial-organizational psychology | x | |
| I have a very limited budget for a Psy.D. program | x | |
| A well-established program is important to me | x | |
| I want to work in a real-world mental health clinic | x | |
| I want to contribute to cutting-edge research projects | x | |
| I don’t want to take the GRE | x | |
| * Students with legal, medical or Ph.D. degrees don’t need to submit a GRE score | ||
Conclusion
A Psy.D. degree is a crucial educational step along the path to becoming licensed to practice psychology in most states, including Florida. With APA accreditation, Nova Southeastern University’s Psy.D. program is among the most prestigious in the state, and for students who are able to make the investment, Nova may be an ideal option.
This Psy.D program made our Editors’ Choice Best Accredited Psy.D. Programs for 2020.