35
The center’s doctoral program (Psy.D.) in school
psychology is based on a practioner informed by
science model and prepares students to offer empirically
supported services in assessment, intervention, and
prevention. It complements the specialist program in
school psychology (Psy.S.) that prepares students for
certification as a school psychologist. The specialist
program is approved by the Florida Department of
Education and has been granted National Association
of School Psychologists’ recognition with conditions.
Other programs offered include master’s degrees in
counseling, mental health counseling, school counseling
(
approved by the Florida Department of Education),
and general psychology. In order to make education
at this level accessible to full-time, part-time working
professional, and returning adult students, these
programs are offered in a variety of formats such as
evening, weekend, or online, with some also located at
NSU’s Student Educational Centers throughout Florida.
The center sponsors a predoctoral internship program
accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
of the American Psychological Association. The
Psychology Services Center Internship Program offers
doctoral candidates in psychology the opportunity
to develop professionally, to increase proficiency in
psychological assessment and intervention, and to
acquire competence in the provision of supervision and
consultation. In addition, the Consortium Internship
Program, a partnership with community agencies,
is a member in good standing of the Association of
Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers.
As collaboration is valued, the school participates in
many interdisciplinary research projects, programs, and
activities. These include the Dual Admission Program
with the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences,
the behavioral sciences track in the criminal justice
programs, joint degree programs (Psy.D./M.B.A. and
Ph.D./M.B.A.) in collaboration with the H. Wayne
Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship, and
many other joint research and service projects within
NSU and in the community.
The center is also home to two research and clinical
training institutes: The Southeast Institute for Cross-
Cultural Counseling and Psychotherapy and the
Institute on Trauma and Victimization. Finally, the
center offers national and state-approved continuing
education programs to the professional community.
Integral to the mission to provide empirically supported
services to the community, the center operates the
Psychology Services Center serving more than 2,000
clients each year. More than 100 doctoral and specialist
students receive training within this clinic under the
supervision of distinguished faculty members. The
services center is home to general outpatient programs
and 14 faculty specialty clinical programs. Clients served
include individuals with common problems in living,
as well as those suffering from serious psychological
disorders. Faculty and staff members value diversity
and are sensitive to the needs of a multicultural
community. Research conducted by faculty members
seeks to find the most effective treatments for a variety
of populations.
Conducting psychological research and providing
assessment and treatment of psychological problems are
among the greatest challenges facing modern society.
No other class of problems places greater demands
on our wisdom and creativity than those associated
with the mind and behavior. For the mental health
and school professions to advance, there must be an
active exchange between those providing services
and those engaged in research. Research needs to be
responsive to social and community needs. Clinical
services must reflect the advances put forth by research.
The Center for Psychological Studies is a national
leader in providing education and training, advancing
an understanding of human behavior, and providing
clinical services to the community. Our commitment
is to continue to make significant contributions to the
quality of life in the communities we serve.
Graduate School of Humanities
and Social Sciences
The Graduate School of Humanities and Social
Sciences (SHSS) is committed to inclusive excellence,
student success, community partnership, and reflective
practice. It offers interdisciplinary graduate programs
in both on-campus and distance learning formats. The
school also fosters research and outreach to address
social issues and human challenges.