A PROGRAM FOR FUTURE CLINICAL AND SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS
Nova Southeastern University’s Dual Admission program in Psychology offers four distinct tracks that can prepare you for a rewarding career in clinical or school psychology. Your spot will be saved in either our Ph.D. or Psy.D. program while you earn your bachelor’s, so you can remain laser-focused on your future.
If you're looking for small classroom sizes, a little more one-on-one between instructor and student and hands-on experience ... this is the place for you.
Dimitrios Giarikos, Ph.D. | Professor, Department of Chemistry and Physics
The need for skilled psychologists is growing as our world becomes more complex and we face unprecedented challenges. Helping people work through their problems in a healthy way is a skill that is becoming more needed than ever, and you can start practicing that skill sooner with NSU’s Dual Admission program.
NSU’s hands-on program focuses on providing the training, research and experience you need to effectively work in a clinical or research capacity. While each path has its own unique set of curricula and requirements, you can rest assured that you’ll learn from expert faculty and gain real-world experience no matter which track you choose.
What Can You Do with a Clinical or School Psychology Doctorate Degree?
NSU offers multiple doctoral tracks in psychology that can prepare you for a fulfilling career as a clinical or school psychologist.
The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology will train you to become a scientist-practitioner, with research being a key skill set. You’ll focus on the empirical analysis of current topics and contribute to the evidence base of the field in your own practice.
A Psy.D. is more focused on the professional role of a psychologist. The Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program will train you to provide evidence-based assessment and intervention methods in a range of settings, from private practices to hospital systems.
Both the School Psychology Psy.D. and Psy.S. programs will prepare you to serve the educational, behavioral, social and emotional needs of the individuals, families and educational personnel you serve. Both the Psy.D. and Psy.S. require a practicum, but the Psy.D. also requires a capstone research project.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology
Related Careers
- Psychologist
- School psychologist
- Mental health consultant
- Researcher
- Professor
Competencies
- Provide empirical-based treatment plans
- Understand complex social and economic factors the impact mental health
- Strong listening and communication skills
- High ethical and legal standards
- Professional values and attitudes that appreciates individual and cultural diversity
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
A dual admission program is available to students who are interested in pursuing a career in psychology. Successful completion of this program leads to a bachelor's degree and either a specialist’s degree in school psychology (Psy.S.), a doctorate in clinical psychology (Psy.D.), a doctorate in school psychology (Psy.D.) or a doctorate of philosophy in psychology (Ph.D.).
Students will complete their undergraduate degree and continue their graduate studies at NSU's College of Psychology. All doctoral degrees satisfy educational requirements for the practice of clinical psychology.
The Ph.D. program also provides preparation for academic and research activities. The School Psychology program provides education and training to students preparing to become school psychologists.
Degrees Earned
in Clinical Psychology.
Additional Specializations
You can also earn a specialist’s degree or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in School Psychology.
Interview Required
Students applying for dual admission must interview during Shark Preview Weekend, an exclusive admitted student event.
Program Length
You can earn your Psy.D. or specialist’s degree in eight years (4+4) and your Ph.D. in eight years (4+4) or nine years (4+5).
One-Year Internship
in the specialist’s degree.
Deadline to Apply
ELIGIBILITY
To be considered for this dual admission program, there are some requirements you must meet. Undergraduate Admission Requirements are for first-time freshmen students applying to earn a bachelor’s degree. Graduate Admission Requirements are the standards students need to maintain while earning their undergraduate degree to remain eligible for the graduate or professional program.
High School GPA/ACT/SAT Requirements
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Graduate Admission Requirements
Keep your dual admission status while you earn your bachelor’s.
Dual admission reserves your seat in NSU’s Psy.D. or psychology Ph.D. program, but you must still complete a graduate application once you finish your bachelor’s degree.
Keep in mind that these are the basic requirements, and final determination of admission into the professional program is at the discretion of the College of Psychology.
Degree Required
You must complete a bachelor’s degree in any major you choose. Additional prerequisites may be communicated upon admission.
Cumulative GPA
Test Scores
Other Requirements
Significant experience in social service or mental health agencies, which may include the undergraduate community practicum, volunteer work and paid positions
Availability of suitable CPS Ph.D. faculty mentor
Additional Requirements
College credits that were earned through advanced high school programs such as AP, IB or college academy—or in summer coursework following high school graduation, prior to attending NSU—may transfer to NSU.
Students who enter NSU with earned college credits through advanced high school programs may be able to complete their degree and program requirements earlier than scheduled and request to enter their graduate professional programs earlier as well.
Please contact your admissions representative for more details regarding high school transfer credits.
Ready for the Next Step?
Here’s how to apply.
Dual Admission is just one of NSU’s distinctive Premier Programs. These programs are designed to help highly motivated students accelerate their success.
You can apply for just about any combination of the following Premier Programs:
• Dual Admission
• The Fischler Academy of Education
• Huizenga Business Innovation Academy
• Razor’s Edge Scholars
You may apply for and be admitted into only one Dual Admission program for your first semester. Each program is unique and has its own eligibility requirements.
Apply for Undergraduate Admission
You can use the Shark Select Application or the Common App to apply to Nova Southeastern University.
Submit a Supplemental Application
Complete the supplemental Premier Programs application for fall entry.
Interview During Shark Preview
If you’re admitted to NSU and submit the supplemental application, you will be invited via email to choose which Shark Preview Weekend works for your schedule.