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Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to graduate study, the applicant is required to present evidence of scholastic ability and possess a strong interest in the area of Forensic Psychology. Minimum requirements include a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

  1. Complete online application form.
  2. Submit a nonrefundable application fee of US $50
  3. Submit a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. Official transcripts from all schools attended and/or agency evaluation of foreign degree must be submitted.
  4. Have a GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credits of undergraduate study OR completion of a minimum of 18 credits of graduate study with a GPA of 3.0 or better OR completion of the GRE test with a preferred score of 300 or 1000 (previous version of exam) in the verbal and quantitative sections. (Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average below a 3.0, but 2.5 or higher, who have proven work experience in law, law enforcement, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field may be considered. An interview may be required.)
  5. Submit a 500-word essay explaining your interest in the field of Forensic Psychology. Describe how your professional, academic, and personal experiences led you to apply to a master’s level degree to this program. Include your full name on the essay. The personal statement helps us get to know you beyond the objective data provided in review of your course grades and other objective information. It also demonstrates your ability to communicate your thoughts in a professional, organized and succinct manner.
  6. Submit two academic or professional letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your aptitude for graduate study.
  7. Show proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
  8. An interview may be required for admission to the program.

Note: All students are admitted into graduate study only. Upon completion of the first 4 courses with a 3.0 GPA or better, they will be matriculated into the degree program. Students who do not meet this standard will be discontinued in the program.

The program will accept applications for non-degree seeking students (special students) who may take up to four courses without applying for full admission to the degree program. These students will need approval of the program director. They will be required to follow all procedures if they wish to apply for full admission to the program.

Foreign nationals who reside outside the U.S. at the time of application, and whose native language is not English, must present evidence of proficiency in English by satisfactorily completing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Score requirements are the same as undergraduate admission and are as follows: minimum paper score =550; minimum computerized score = 213; minimum internet score=79). A score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (ILETS) exam is accepted in lieu of the TOEFL.

Applicants who have attended foreign universities or colleges are required to have their academic credentials evaluated for U.S. institutional equivalence. While there are several credential evaluators, the most widely used companies are listed below or visit www.naces.org.

International students are encouraged to contact the Office of International Affairs at (954) 262-7240 or 800-541-6682, ext. 27240, or by email at intl@nova.edu, or visit International Students.

Please note that NSU reserves the right to rescind or place conditions upon admissions offers should information become available that calls into question an admitted student’s academic performance or character, including that which reflects a violation of NSU’s Code of Student Conduct.

During the admissions process, all prospective students are required to disclose convictions of any criminal offense in any city, state, or country, other than minor traffic offenses. Prospective students are required to disclose any time they have entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to a criminal offense; had adjudication of guilty withheld for a criminal offense; participated in a first-offender or pretrial diversion program, or its equivalent, or committed any offense where the records have been sealed or expunged, including criminal offense committed as a juvenile. Driving under the influence is not a minor traffic offense for purposes of this policy. Prospective students also are required to disclose any pending criminal charges filed against them and disclose if they are currently incarcerated or will be incarcerated upon or during enrollment at NSU. Subsequent to submission of admission applications, prospective students have a continuing duty to disclose all of the above. Failure to disclose, omitting, or providing false information relating to any of the above may result in rescission of admissions offers or disciplinary action against a student, up to and including dismissal from NSU.

While enrolled at NSU, students have a continuing duty to disclose all of the above, along with any arrest or pending criminal charges within 10 days of any arrest or charges being filed. Students must notify the assistant dean for Student Development of any arrests or pending criminal charges. A failure to timely disclose any arrests or pending criminal charges may result in disciplinary actions against a student up to and including dismissal from NSU.

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