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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
NSU Ranks No. 1 in Doctoral Degrees Awarded to Hispanics
School also first nationally for first professional degrees and second in master’s degrees
FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University (NSU) ranks first in the nation in the number of doctoral degrees awarded to Hispanics and the number of first professional degrees awarded to Hispanics, according to The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education’s Top 100 Colleges for Hispanics 2009 edition published this month. NSU also ranks second in awarding master’s degrees to Hispanics.
Hispanic Outlook used data collected from the U.S. Department of Education’s Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System program to compile the rankings. The rankings for degrees awarded were based on 2008 data, which listed NSU as awarding 81 doctoral degrees, 183 first professional degrees and 708 master’s degrees to Hispanics from July 2007 to June 2008.
In the rankings for first professional degrees awarded to Hispanics, NSU ranks first in three academic programs – pharmacy, osteopathic medicine and optometry – and tied for third in dentistry degrees awarded to Hispanics. In Hispanic Outlook’s rankings for law schools released last December, NSU ranked second in the number of law degrees conferred to Hispanics in 2007. First professional degrees are awards that require postsecondary study in the theory and practice of the knowledge and skills required to function as an entry-level professional in certain occupational fields recognized for reporting purposes by the U.S. Department of Education.
“We have made it a priority to serve the educational needs of the community that surrounds us, with a proportional balance in the demographics of our student population,” said NSU President Ray Ferrero, Jr. “The Hispanic population continues to grow in South Florida and across the country, and NSU will continue its work to provide educational opportunities for Hispanics and other minorities.”
For its role in the education of Hispanics, NSU has been awarded two Title V Developing Hispanic Serving Institution grants totaling $5.6 million from the U.S. Department of Education for its undergraduate programs. The grant will supplement other programs at NSU that enhance access and affordability for minority and disadvantaged students. In order to be considered for the grant, an educational institution must have at least 25 percent Hispanic population enrolled in undergraduate studies and demonstrate significant need in providing access to the Hispanic community and a commitment to address the need long-term.
In 2008 rankings published by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, NSU was ranked first in the number of doctoral degrees awarded to African-Americans, a position it has held for 13 consecutive years. NSU also ranked first nationally in doctoral degrees award to racial/ethnic minorities overall.
Media Contact:
Alan Hancock, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5385, hancocka@nova.edu
Ken Ma, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5354, kennma@nova.edu