Why Nova Southeastern University?
Located in the Fort Lauderdale Florida area, Nova Southeastern University is a large private institution offering several online programs. This Master of Science in Forensic Psychology degree program accepts applicants with undergraduate grade point averages of 2.5 and above. Applicants with grade point averages below 3.0 should submit results of the Graduate Record Examination. The university does not expect applicants to have completed any specific undergraduate courses.
.Program Snapshot
| University Name | Nova Southeastern University |
| Location | Fort Lauderdale |
| State | Florida |
| Niche.com Grade | B |
| Name of Degree | Master of Science in Forensic Psychology |
| School or Department Administering Program | College of Psychology |
| Credits | 36 |
| Cost per credit | $865.00 |
| Tuition for Entire Program | $31,140.00 |
| Test Requirements | GRE required if GPA below 3.0 |
| Minimum GPA | 2.5 |
| Prerequisite Courses and Skills | none |
| Campus Visit Required? | no |
| Typical Time to Complete | 2 years |
| When Can Students Start the Program? | Fall, Spring, Summer |
| Program Concentrations |
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| Synchronous classes | no |
| Required Courses |
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| Does the Program Include a Capstone? | Yes |
| Does the program include a practicum or internship? | optional |
| Other Features that Make the Program Unique | The program also targets those living in rural or frontier areas in and outside the United States, those with limited or no access to this graduate level educational program, and individuals working non-traditional shift schedules, such as those in law enforcement, corrections, national security, and the military. |
| Program Objectives (quoted directly from the program) | application of clinical psychology to address problems faced by the legal community; evaluation and treatment of individuals involved in criminal justice and family court systems; trauma-informed and social justice frameworks for criminal justice reform and problem solving |
| Program Description | This program is tightly focused on the skills and approaches of psychology as they apply to the criminal justice system. students can specialize in one of two areas: Forensic Psychology in the Legal System or Forensic Psychology for Mental Health Workers, First Responders and Disaster Teams. The program’s 36 credits can be completed within 2 years, and include a capstone, which can take the form of a research project or field experience. |
What will I Learn?
In contrast to more generalist programs in psychology, this degree pathway Emphasizes the application of Clinical Psychology to the context of Law and criminology. students learn to evaluate and treat individuals involved in the court system through trauma-informed practice and an understanding of psychology framed by a social justice approach.
Students gain crucial professional competence in the following practical courses: Communication Skills, Tools and Expert Witness Testimony, Evaluation, Methodology, and Psychological Research and Best Practices and Policies for the Mentally Ill in the Criminal Justice System. The foundational theory and practice of psychology as it applies to the criminal justice system are covered in the following introductory courses: Introduction to Forensic Psychological Science, Psychopathology and Ethical Concerns & Multicultural Issues in Forensic Psychology.
Students then have an opportunity to learn more specialized skills in the following advanced courses: Personality Disorders and Behavioral Interventions in Forensic Settings, Methods and Tools of Psychological and Violence Risk Assessment, and Gender Violence: Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Child Abuse. Students then take three specialty track courses. The program culminates in an Advanced Research Capstone or Field Experience Capstone
Students can choose to specialize in one of the following concentrations: Forensic Psychology in the Legal System or Forensic Psychology for Mental Health Workers, First Responders and Disaster Teams
How much will the program cost?
Students finish their degree within 2 years and pay $865.00 per credit for a total of 36 credits, or just over $31,000.00 for the entire degree.
How does the program fit into my life?
Courses in this program are not taught at scheduled times every week. Instead, the course design is asynchronous meaning that students are responsible for completing certain tasks every week on their own schedule. These tasks will vary according to each course, but they can include such activities as online readings, watching online videos, participating in group discussion, or completing hands-on exercises.
Students in this program are not required to visit campus unless they wish. The curriculum is fairly flexible allowing work-life balance. beginning of the program in fall spring or summer semesters, students complete the required coursework within 2 years from the start of the program.
Summary
Designed to meet the needs of those working in professions or locations that limit access to more traditional learning opportunities, the forensic psychology program at Nova Southeastern University prides itself on flexibility and adaptability, especially in terms of scheduling. it will attract students who are already working in the fields of criminal justice, national security, military, or social work. The program is high in cost compared to many other options, especially considering the university’s less prestigious status.
Compared to some other programs in forensic psychology, the Nova Southeastern program requires more specialized work focused specifically on the forensic context, and provides less training in generalist psychology curriculum. Aspiring applicants may be attracted to the unique courses focused on domestic violence and best practices for working with the mentally ill.
