Curriculum
Program Format
The program is offered on the main campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in a face-to-face format. Classes are typically delivered via a traditional 15-week format in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Classes may also be offered in an 8-week intensive weekend format. A few classes may be delivered in a hybrid-weekend model in which the course includes an online component as well.All candidates must complete a minimum of at least two of the three years of residency within the program to be eligible for the doctoral degree. Completion of the program is expected to occur in four years; however, candidates are required to complete the program within seven years. In order to maintain enrollment in the Psy.D. program, the candidate must be registered continuously until all program requirements are met.
Required for Degree: 118 Total Credits.
First Year (Fall Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
|
PSY 8182: Cognitive Assessment I: Theory, Research, & Practice with Lab |
4 |
| PSY 8100: Development: Child and Adolescent | 1.5 |
| PSY 8105: Development: Adult and Older Adult | 1.5 |
| PSY 8110: Psychology of Exceptional and At-Risk Children | 3 |
| PSY 8135: Organization and Operation of Schools | 3 |
| PSY 8190: Practicum in School Psychology Foundations I | 2 |
| Total Semester Credits | 15 |
First Year (Winter Semester)
First Year (Summer Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
| PSY 8176: Academic/Behavioral Prevention and Intervention Strategies | 3 |
| PSY 8280: Academic Assessment for Intervention | 3 |
|
PSY 4442: Evidence-Based Treatment of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders of Children and Adolescents |
3 |
|
PSY 8305: Diversity Considerations in School Psychology |
3 |
|
PSY 8197: Practicum in School Psychology: Foundations III |
2 |
|
Total Semester Credits |
14 |
Second Year (Fall Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
| PSY 8145: Issues & Techniques in Research Design and Evaluation | 3 |
|
PSY 8184: Cognitive Assessment II: Linking Assessment to Intervention |
3 |
| PSY 8255: School Consultation Skills | 3 |
|
PSY 8270: Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues for School Psychologists |
3 |
| PSY 8290: Practicum in School Psychology: School-Based I | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 15 |
Second Year (Winter Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
|
PSY 8292: Comprehensive Data-Based Assessment: Integrated Report |
3 |
|
PSY 8286: Assessment of Personality and Social-Emotional Functioning for Intervention |
3 |
| PSY 8117: Adult Psychopathology | 1.5 |
| PSY 8220: Biological Aspects of Behavior | 3 |
| PSY 8295: Practicum in School Psychology: School Based II | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 15 |
Second Year (Summer Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
|
PSY 8230: Instructional Strategies for Students with Diverse Learning Needs |
3 |
|
PSY 8350: Advanced Professional Skills: Supervision and Teaching with Practicum |
3 |
| PSY 8120: Cognitive/Affective Bases of Behavior | 3 |
|
PSY 8390: Practicum in School Psychology: Advanced Assessment and Interventions I |
3 |
|
Total Semester Credits |
12 |
Third Year (Fall Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
|
PSY 8392: Practicum in School Psychology: Advanced Assessment and Interventions II |
3 |
| PSY 8225: Social Bases of Behavior | 3 |
| PSY 8147: Theories of Measurement | 3 |
| PSY 8206: Directed Study | 1.5 |
| Approved Elective(s) | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 10.5-13.5 |
Third Year (Winter Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
|
PSY 8360: Contemporary Clinical Interventions for School Psychologist |
3 |
|
PSY 8394: Practicum in School Psychology: Advanced Assessment and Intervention III |
3 |
| PSY 8125: History & Systems of Psychology | 3 |
| Approved Elective(s) | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 7.5-10.5 |
Third Year (Summer Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
| Approved Elective(s) | 0-6 |
| Total Semester Credits | 0-6 |
Fourth Year
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
| PSY 8400: Internship in School Psychology | 6 |
The following curriculum is designed for students who have completed NSU's Psy.S. (Specialist) in School Psychology program and enroll to the Psy.D. (doctoral) in School Psychology program.
First Year (Summer Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
|
PSY 4442: Evidence-Based Treatment of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders of Children and Adolescents |
3 |
|
PSY 8197: Practicum in School Psychology: Foundations III |
2 |
|
Total Semester Credits |
5 |
First Year (Fall Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
| PSY 8105: Development: Adult and Older Adult | 1.5 |
| PSY 8255: Social Aspects of Behavior | 3 |
|
PSY 8290: Practicum in School Psychology: School-Based I |
3 |
| Optional: Approved Elective(s) | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 7.5-10.5 |
First Year (Winter Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
|
PSY 8125: History & Systems of Psychology |
3 |
|
PSY 8140: Intermediate Statistics with Lab |
3 |
| PSY 8295: Practicum in School Psychology: School Based II | 3 |
| Optional: Approved Elective(s) | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 9-12 |
Second Year (Summer Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
|
PSY 8350: Advanced Professional Skills: Supervision and Teaching with Practicum |
3 |
| PSY 8120: Cognitive/Affective Aspects of Behavior | 3 |
|
PSY 8390: Practicum in School Psychology: Advanced Assessment and Interventions I |
3 |
|
Optional: Approved Elective(s) |
3 |
|
Total Semester Credits |
9-12 |
Second Year (Fall Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
|
PSY 8392: Practicum in School Psychology: Advanced Assessment and Interventions II |
3 |
| PSY 8147: Theories of Measurement | 3 |
| PSY 8206: Directed Study | 1.5 |
| Approved Elective(s) | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 7.5-10.5 |
Second Year (Winter Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
|
PSY 8117: Adult Psychopathology |
1.5 |
|
PSY 8394: Practicum in School Psychology: Advanced Assessment and Intervention III |
3 |
| Optional: Approved Elective(s) | 3 |
| Total Semester Credits | 4.5-7.5 |
Third Year (Summer Semester)
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
| Optional: Approved Elective(s) | 3-6 |
| Total Semester Credits | 3-6 |
Fourth Year
| Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|
| PSY 8400: Internship in School Psychology | 6 |
Total Degree Credits: 57.5
En Route Master of Science in Psychology
Candidates enrolled in the Psy.D. program in school psychology may earn as an intermediate degree, the master of science in psychology. The curriculum for this degree consists of all courses (or their equivalents) including practicum and supervision in the first two years of the model doctoral curriculum (minimum of 73 credit hours). Courses transferred into Nova Southeastern University's doctoral program do not count toward this degree.
Graduates with this degree will not have met the educational requirements for certification or licensure in the State of Florida and should not expect to provide psychological services as an independent practitioner. Rather, this degree should be utilized by the Psy.D. candidate to demonstrate master's level achievement in psychology or to qualify for a master's level of employment. Candidates completing the above requirements may complete a degree application form and pay the required fee; however, they may not participate in the master's graduation ceremony.
En-Route Specialist Degree in School Psychology
Candidates admitted to and enrolled in the Psy.D. program in school psychology who have completed 73 credit hours in the Specialist Program in School Psychology (Psy.S.) at Nova Southeastern University may earn, as an intermediate degree, the specialist degree in school psychology. The curriculum for this degree consists of all courses (or their equivalents), additional requirements as listed in the Specialist Program in School Psychology Policies and Procedures Handbook, and the successful completion of six (6) school psychology internship credits and a minimum of 1200 hours in a PK-12 school setting.
Graduate Requirements
Candidates are admitted to the Doctor of Psychology program in School Psychology annually, with cohorts beginning in the fall semester. All candidates are expected to complete their doctoral program and graduate within seven years from the date of first enrollment. Candidates must complete the 118 credits of graduate curriculum, which includes applied practicum experiences, the Directed Study, and a doctoral internship. In addition, candidates are required to sit for and to pass Florida Teacher Certification Examination – Subject Area Test in School Psychology and the Praxis II School Psychologist Test (5402) (A passing score of 147 is required for graduation).
Credentialing
School psychologists holding the doctoral degree in psychology are eligible for licensure as a psychologist. Requirements include a doctoral degree in psychology; supervised experience which includes a doctoral internship and a post-doctoral residency; a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP); and completion of specific requirements designated within each state. Licensure allows for employment in private practice, hospitals, and community agencies.
Florida is one of approximately 10 states that credentials school psychologists for independent practice who hold the specialist degree (or its equivalent). Licensure requirements include three years of supervised experience as a school psychologist and a passing score of 147 on the Praxis II School Psychologist Test (5402).
School psychologists are also eligible for certification in 43 of the 50 states by the Department of Education (DOE) as a professional educator to provide school psychological services in public, private, or charter schools. Certification in school psychology can occur at either the specialist or doctoral level. Professionals who hold the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) credential are eligible for certification in 31 states.
Licensure and certification requirements vary from state-to-state. Candidates are advised to research those requirements in advance of completion of their degree to ensure that they have the requisite coursework for licensure and certification in the state in which intend to seek employment.