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Admissions Requirements

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.

  1. Complete online application form.
  2. Non refundable application fee of US $50
  3. Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Official transcripts from all schools attended and/or agency evaluation of foreign degree.  Applicants who have attended foreign universities or colleges are required to have their credentials evaluated for U.S. institutional equivalence.  Please visit www.naces.org for a list of authorized companies.
  4. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher.
  5. Please briefly explain (500 word minimum) why you are interested in the program to which you are applying for, as well as your professional goals, your assessment of your abilities to manage the challenges of graduate school, and any other information you would like to provide.  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. A sample of your academic writing.  You may submit a copy of an academic paper or piece of professional writing. There is no specific length requirement.
  7. Three academic or professional letters of recommendation.
  8. A resume or curriculum vitae.
  9. English proficiency score (if applicable).
  10. An interview may be required for admission to the program.

Admissions Offer Disclaimer

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

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.

International Students

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.

Application Requirements

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.

Checklist

  1. Complete online application form.
  2. Non refundable application fee of US $50
  3. An Admissions essay, 500 -1000 words. This essay should tell us why you are interested in the program to which you are applying for, as well as your professional goals, your assessment of your abilities to manage the challenges of graduate school, and any other information you would like to provide.
  4. A sample of academic writing.
  5. A resume or curriculum vita.
  6. Three letters of recommendation, written in the past six months. 
  7. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities you attended need to be mailed directly to Enrollment Processing Services (EPS), including agency evaluation of foreign degrees for determination of U.S. equivalence (including Canadian transcripts). International Students should visit International Students for further information.**
  8. International Student applicants should submit TOEFL scores, if applicable. International Students should visit Requirements for Obtaining an I-20 for further information.**

Deadlines

Due to the competitive application pool, it is recommended that an applicant starts the application process at least 1-2 months prior to the deadline dates. The Office of Admissions processes applications on a year-round basis. Applicants may apply for matriculation into the program for Fall/August admission, only.

  • Priority application deadline for Fall/August admission: January 15
  • Late application deadline for Fall/August admission: June 30 (based on seat availability)

Please Mail Items To

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

After applying, what happens next?

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.

Supplemental Information**

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.

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