Welcome to the JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences

The mission of the JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences at National University is to empower students and foster understanding through scholarship and research. Grounded in rigorous scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and social justice, our goal is to drive positive change for individuals and communities by providing students with mentorship, tools, and insights needed for interdisciplinary collaboration, pursuit of knowledge, and contributing to the improvement of society.

We offer a range of programs at the certificate, undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels. These programs include clinical and non-clinical psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, consciousness and transformative studies, and social work. All of our programs are designed to give students the tools to fulfill their passions and become leading advocates for social change within their communities – we even offer a Michael Harris Community Counseling Program (MHCCP) Many of our programs provide the foundational concepts and guiding principles of the behavioral and social sciences, preparing students to seek licensure or certification as psychologists, licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, certified mental performance consultants, social workers or certified life coaches. Additionally, our school prepares students for careers in general psychology, industrial/organizational, forensic, health, educational, developmental psychology, gender diversity, addictions, trauma and disaster relief, and in areas of social policy and behavioral health administration. 

Each program offers access to dedicated faculty with real-world experience who are committed to mentoring students through rigorous and challenging courses and helping them achieve their educational and career goals.

Alvin McLean, Jr., PhD
Dean, JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences

 

Explore Our Departments and Degree Programs:

Psychology

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Frequently Asked Questions

There were 7,591 job openings for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists last year nationwide, while School Psychologists had 4,896 job openings last year nationally.
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics.

Yes, most states require a completed master’s degree in therapy/counseling to obtain licensure (each state may have different requirements, but the general answer is ‘yes’). Degrees we offer that prepare for licensure are:

  • Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (CA Only)
  • Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Career services such as advising, job fairs and workshops, and resume assessments are available online and in person. National University students and alumni are encouraged to apply for open positions and internship opportunities through the Handshake™ job portal.

No. While you can choose “undecided” in the application, you must pick a degree/program to enroll. Most JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences degrees are master’s and doctorate and do not have “general education” courses. The BA program offered in JFK SOPSS is not ‘undecided’; it is in Sport Psychology. However, NU does offer other undergraduate programs outside of the JFK School of Psychology and Social Sciences for those who are undecided on a major.

For additional information, contact us via email at [email protected]