Instructions for applying to our programs are detailed in our application packet available at http://shss.nova.edu/Downloads/pros_student_downloads.htm. Students are admitted for the Fall, Winter, and Summer trimesters.

Admissions Criteria
Specific degree and program admissions criteria are described below. All SHSS programs require that students have a willingness to be tolerant, nonjudgmental, and open-minded towards different types of people, as well as the ability to show compassion and fairness in challenging situations.

SHSS accepts applications to the doctoral programs from any person who possesses, or is the process of completing a master’s degree from a regionally accredited university. Doctoral applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their master’s program. Applicants must possess a master’s degree before beginning doctoral studies.

Applicants chosen for admission to the Ph.D. program in Conflict Analysis and Resolution demonstrate not only prior academic excellence in their undergraduate and graduate work, but also the ability to think and write analytically, communicate respectfully, as well as eagerness to explore the theory and philosophy of conflict, justice, equity, and nonviolence. Ph.D. applicants should also have some practice, teaching, or training experience; strong written and verbal communication skills; some research or evaluation experience; and a demonstrated commitment to the focused pursuit of a doctoral degree program.

The Department of Family Therapy faculty carefully consider a number of factors when choosing applicants for the Ph.D. and DMFT programs including: knowledge of systemic theory as it relates to various approaches of family therapy, level of prior clinical experience, evidence of commitment to advanced graduate training in the social sciences, interpersonal style, prior graduate GPA, and professional English writing skills.

SHSS accepts applications to the Master’s and Graduate Certificate programs from any person who possesses, or is the process of completing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. Master’s and Graduate Certificate applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their bachelor’s program. Applicants must complete all bachelor’s degree requirements before beginning graduate studies.

Criteria for acceptance into the M.S. and Graduate Certificate programs in Conflict Analysis & Resolution include high-level undergraduate academic performance and/or relevant current working experience; a life passion or practical interest in using skills and theories in specific settings after graduation; the ability to think clearly in challenging interactions; tolerant, nonjudgmental attitudes and open-mindedness toward different types of people; and the ability to combine assessment skills with compassion and fairness.

Criteria for acceptance into the M.S. in Family Therapy include a major emphasis on applicants who are familiar with and interested in learning systemic theories and therapies. They also attend to applicants’ comfort with cultural and sexual diversity and their ability to connect to people in crisis. Applicants who demonstrate significant ability to listen to others, engage in conversation, and learn from dialogue will be best prepared for admission. The admissions essay must include specific citations of family therapy literature to provide a rationale for the applicant’s decision to pursue a career in marriage and family therapy.

Criteria for acceptance to the Master’s program in Cross-disciplinary Studies include a solid undergraduate academic performance, and the desire to engage in a self-designed curriculum.

Criteria for acceptance into the M.S. and Graduate Certificate programs in College Student Affairs include high-level undergraduate academic performance and/or relevant current working experience; a life passion or practical interest in using skills and theories in specific settings after graduation; the ability to think clearly in challenging interactions; tolerant, nonjudgmental attitudes and open-mindedness toward different types of people; and the ability to combine assessment skills with compassion and fairness.

SHSS accepts applications for non-degree seeking students from any person who possesses or is the process of completing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. Non-degree seeking students may take up to three classes (9 credits). These credits may transfer into an SHSS degree program. If a non-degree seeking students wishes to enter a degree program, s/he must formally apply to the program of interest.

Please visit http://shss.nova.edu/Downloads/PDF/all/nondegreeapplication.pdfto download an application.

SHSS accepts applications for Graduate Minors from any NSU graduate student in good academic standing. Students applying for a graduate minor need only to submit a cover letter requesting admission to the graduate minor program. The graduate minor applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their major graduate program.

Please visit http://shss.nova.edu/Downloads/applications.htm for an application.

Current Student Body Demographics

SHSS students come from all over the world. The current student body consists of:

73% Female
27% Male

3% Asian
21% Black or African-American
16% Hispanic or Latino
57% White
3% Other

In addition, International students make up 14% of the SHSS Student Body.

Orientation

Students receive a two day orientation at the beginning of their first trimester. At that time, students meet the faculty, talk with their faculty advisor, attend computer workshops, and participate in various student activities. New student orientation is intended to provide information, answer questions, and welcome you to the SHSS learning community. New Student Orientation for online students is two days in duration to allow for extensive WebCt and distance library services training.