Nova Southeastern University (NSU) consistently demonstrates its leadership in providing preeminent educational opportunities for Hispanic and underrepresented students, especially in its graduate programs. As Florida’s largest private research university serving more than 20,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, NSU is the nation’s top institution for granting Ph.D. degrees to Hispanic students. It holds sixth place nationally in Hispanic and Latino enrollment and total graduate degrees awarded. The university has a strong commitment to increasing accessibility to higher education.
Through Title V grants from the U.S. Department of Education, NSU has been able to strengthen academic opportunities for Hispanic students and other minorities, especially in areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Title V grant program helps higher education institutions enhance and expand their capacity to serve Hispanic and low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen academic quality. The grants are awarded to colleges and universities that serve Hispanic students and support them through scholarships that reduce the financial barriers that often deter enrollment in graduate-level programs. NSU has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to Hispanic and underrepresented students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in computer science over the past five years.
Various Degree Programs Prepare Students for Success
NSU's graduate programs prepare students for leadership roles in their fields. These programs combine rigorous academics with a focus on innovation and research, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to address the fast-changing needs of the technology and health care industries. The university has taken steps to increase the participation of Hispanic and underrepresented students in STEM disciplines. This includes NSU’s innovative pathway program, which equips bachelor’s degree holders with the resources and academic readiness needed to succeed in graduate-level studies.
Through access to advanced facilities and collaborative research opportunities, NSU graduate students are positioned to make significant impacts in areas such as marine science, sustainability, healthcare, and cybersecurity. NSU emphasizes building connections among graduate students, faculty mentors, and industry professionals. To help graduate students excel in their studies, NSU offers a variety of academic resources, including specialized tutoring, writing workshops, and access to state-of-the-art research opportunities. Resources are tailored to meet the distinct needs of graduate students. These initiatives contribute to the advancement of knowledge and help to diversify the leadership pipeline in key industries.
Students are Seen, Heard, Supported
Heriberto Acosta-Maestre graduated with a Ph.D. in Information Systems and balanced a full-time job in Puerto Rico with a dissertation titled “The Empirical Study of the Factors that Influence Threat Avoidance Behavior in Ransomware Security Incidents.” Acosta-Maestre credits NSU advisers and professors with his success, stating that his online education made him feel seen and heard, even through a computer screen. He says diversity in the classroom and his engagement with peers from various professional backgrounds brought richness to discussions that were both enlightening and grounding.
“Post-Ph.D., the world seems to have opened up with opportunities that were once out of reach,” Acosta-Maestre said. “NSU’s program has set me up for roles that demand a high level of analytical and critical thinking, especially in leadership positions within STEM fields.”
For Martha Wydra, a professional student earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, NSU is a good place to be.
“The program design and schedule were doable, the instructors are approachable, and they care about their students,” she said. “It means so much to have a whole institution – and not just any institution – you have Nova University behind you, pushing you, helping you, making you the professional you dream to be.”
Through its efforts, NSU exceeds expectations in fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment. By investing in the success of Hispanic and underrepresented students, the university is helping to shape the next generation of leaders who will address global challenges and drive positive change in their communities.
