Nova Southeastern University Counseling and Psychology Programs Available
Nova Southeastern University appears in our ranking of the 50 Top Online Bachelor of Psychology Degree Programs.
Those who wish to help others who are dealing with mental health issues, substance abuse or other social problems often seek positions in the counseling and psychology industry. Over the next ten years, it is estimated that positions in this field will grow by 14 percent with an average salary of around $79,000 per year. Nova Southeastern University offers several degree programs designed to prepare graduates for careers in counseling and psychology.
The Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience provides an understanding of how the mind works. Students research brain circuitry and how it affects thoughts, behaviors and emotions. The program provides an understanding of the anatomy of the brain and its connection to memory, sleep, perception, balance, and mental illness. Students must complete a Senior Seminar in Behavioral Neuroscience as well. Students are able to demonstrate a foundation of knowledge in behavioral neuroscience and to independently develop a research proposal along with methods to communicate research findings. Courses required include Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Neuroscience, Drugs and the Brain, Neurobiology of Disease as well as Psychophysiology.
The Master of Science in Counseling is an innovative program designed for those who presently serve their community in a counseling setting. Students may concentrate their studies in Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Education, Applied Behavior Analysis or Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis. Students develop the skills necessary to provide, create and maintain high-quality service delivery. The program is available online. Courses required may include Counseling Theories and Practice, Human Growth and Development, Psychological Testing for Individual Evaluation as well as Substance Abuse and Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling.
The Ph.D. in Family Therapy program is a 96-credit hour program designed for those who hold a master’s degree and wish to develop an understanding of the historical and cutting edge theory of family therapies. Students gain an understanding of theoretical ideas and established schools of therapy along with developing theories in the practice. It is designed to enhance clinical skills while also demonstrating qualitative and quantitative research. Courses required may include Systematic Family Therapy, Group Psychotherapy, Thinking Systems, and Quantitative Research. A practicum and internship are also required.
About Nova Southeastern University
Founded in 1964 as the dream of a group known as the Oatmeal Club, Nova Southeastern University opened in Fort Lauderdale with the goal of providing higher education similar to that offered at MIT. The Oatmeal Club was a group of civic-minded leaders who gathered regularly for breakfast and they felt the area needed a technology-focused college that used innovative learning methods.
The Nova University of Advanced Technology originally opened downtown but later moved to the Forman Field in Davie. In 1972, the school was one of the first to offer distance education and, in 1994, merged with Southeastern University of Health Sciences. At that time, the name of the school became Nova Southeastern University.
Featured Programs
Nova Southeastern University is ranked by US News & World Report as one of the top 200 among national universities. Forbes ranks Nova Southeastern University in the top 200 universities in the south.
Nova Southeastern University Accreditation Details
Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Accreditation indicates to parents, students, and employers that the programs offered at the school are of the highest quality. In addition, the school undergoes periodic review and if there are any areas identified as needing improvement, the school agrees to address those issues immediately. Programs throughout the school are accredited by the following organizations:
- Accreditation Council on Optometric Education
- American Bar Association
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Commission on Dental Accreditation
- Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association
- International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education
- Liaison Committee on Medical Education
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Nova Southeastern University Application Requirements
Applicants for the Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience must provide official high school transcripts as well as official ACT or SAT scores. Those who have earned college credit after high school graduation must also submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities.
Applicants to the Master of Counseling program must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Priority is given to those with an undergraduate degree in psychology, behavioral science, social work or a related field or those who have work experience in those fields. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in their last 60 hours of undergraduate work or a master’s degree with a 3.0 or higher. They must also have a combined score of 300 on the GRE and the test must have been taken within the past five years. A personal statement and two letters of recommendation are required.
Applicants to the Ph.D. in Family Therapy program must hold a master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. They must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in the master’s studies and must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must provide official GRE scores that were taken within the last five years and must score a 300 or higher in the combined verbal and quantitative sections. A 500-word essay, a sample of academic writing, and three letters of recommendation are also required.
Nova Southeastern University Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition is $1,033 per credit hour while tuition for master’s level programs is $790 per credit hour and doctorate programs are $1,160 per credit hour.
Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, student employment or loans. The FAFSA must be renewed annually. Undergraduate students may be offered loans, grants or scholarships while those who attend on campus may be offered work-study programs. Graduate students may seek grants or scholarships from outside sources or they may be offered loans. Students who attend on campus may be offered assistantships and fellowships as well.
Nova Southeastern University provides students with many flexible programs that allow them to move into a new career or advance in a current career. At Nova Southeastern University, students are able to achieve their higher education goals while still meeting work, family and social obligations.