For general inquiries and questions about the program, please email familytherapy@nova.edu
Dr. Anne Rambo Director of MS and Certification Programs rambo@nova.edu (954) 262-3002
Dr. Kara Erolin Director of Doctoral Programs kerolin@nova.edu (954) 262-3055
KPCOM accepts applications to the doctoral programs from any person who possesses, or is in the process of completing a master's degree from a regionally accredited university. Doctoral applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.5 in their master's program. Applicants must possess a master's degree before beginning doctoral studies.
The Department of Family Therapy faculty, carefully consider a number of factors when choosing applicants for the doctoral 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.
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.
Transfer students must meet the program admissions criteria. The courses that may be transferred into the program will be determined on a case by case basis and must be deemed comparable in level, content, and rigor to those within the D.M.F.T. 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 (IELTS) 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 by contacting one of the companies at www.naces.org. International students are encouraged to contact the Office of International Student Services at (954) 262-7240 or 800-541-6682, ext. 27240, or by emailing International Students or visiting the International Students webpage.
The D.M.F.T. program enrolls once a year in the fall. Application and supporting documents must be received by the deadline for file review and a decision to be made.
To ensure that your application is complete, please use the checklist below and follow the detailed instructions provided for each item. All documents that are submitted to the University will need to include your name on each page. NSU recommends that you start the application process at least 1-2 months prior to the deadline date. Note: Documents should be submitted in Word (.docx, .doc) or Acrobat (.pdf) formats only.
International students are encouraged to contact the Office of International Students and Scholars at (954) 262-7240 or 800-541-6682, ext. 27240 or by email at intl@nova.edu.
Fall (August) Application Deadline - January 15
Interview Date (in person) - Third Friday in the month of March
Telephone/Skype interviews for applicants overseas - Last Tuesday in the month of March
Late Fall (August) application deadline - July 10 (subject to seat availability)
Telephone interview for late applicants - Third Tuesday in the month of April (telephone/Skype only)
Nova Southeastern University Enrollment Processing Services Attn: Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine 3301 College Avenue P.O. Box 299000 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33329-9905
For International Students: Nova Southeastern University Attn: Enrollment Processing Services 3301 College Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33329-9905
Fax unofficial documents to (954) 262-3609 or email Office of Graduate Admissions.
Official electronic transcripts must be sent to electronictranscript@nova.edu.
Note: External Institutions Only
If you have any questions about the admissions process, you may contact the office of admissions at 800-541-6682, ext. 23005 or (954) 262-3005 or email Office of Graduate Admissions.
Non-Degree Seeking Application
The doctoral review process is comprised of a faculty committee review and an interview. After submitting all required documents, the application file is sent to a faculty committee for review. Based on the merit of the submitted documents, the committee will invite a select group of applicants for an interview.1
Depending on the time of year, the review process may take a few weeks. At any time during the review process, applicants may check their status online via the application portal. Once a decision has been made, notification is sent via email to the address on file.
Resident Alien students are required to submit a copy of their Resident Alien card. International Students who reside outside the United States 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) with a 213 on the computer-based test or 79-80 on the Internet based test. For a full list of English proficiency tests that are accepted by the university, please visit International Students. Test scores must be submitted to the admissions office. For a TOEFL application information, visit the Web site at TOEFL or write to
TOEFL Educational Testing Services Princeton, New Jersey 08540 (609) 771-7100
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 NACES.
World Education Services, Inc. P.O. Box 745 Old Chelsea Station New York, New York 10113-0745 (212) 966-6311 www.wes.org
Josef Silny & Associates 7101 SW 102nd Avenue Miami, Florida 33173 (305) 273-1616 www.jsilny.com
Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. P.O. Box 514070 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203-3470 (414) 289-3400 www.ece.org
1An ample amount of time and notification will be given for the applicant to make appropriate travel, lodging, and arrival arrangements.