Psychology FAQs

As you prepare your application for one of ACU’s Master of Science programs in psychology, you may have questions similar to those of other applicants. Below are answers to a list of commonly asked questions.
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As you prepare your application for one of ACU’s Master of Science programs in psychology, you may have questions similar to those of other applicants. Below are answers to a list of commonly asked questions.

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Academic

ACU offers four graduation programs from the Department of Psychology:

  • General Psychology (36 credit hours),
  • Clinical Psychology (48 credit hours)
  • Counseling Psychology (60 credit hours)
  • Specialist in School Psychology (60 hours)

Yes, the application process and requirements are the same for each of the four program options. Click here to begin the application process.

The Priority Review deadline (for scholarships and graduate assistantship consideration) is March 30.

The Standard Review deadline is Aug. 10.

The international student deadline is Feb. 15.

No, students with a variety of undergraduate majors have been admitted to our program and have been successful.

Yes, the following four courses are required for admission:

  • Statistics
  • Experimental Psychology (or a research course)
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • 3 additional hours in physiological, developmental, cognition, learning  or an acceptable substitute

Yes, the $50 application fee can be paid within your application portal.

Unconditional admission requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.5-4.0.

If an applicant meets all other requirements and has an undergraduate GPA of 3.0-3.49, he/she may be admitted on probation. The condition of probation means the applicant must make a final grade of B or above in each of the first 4 courses required in the program.

The GRE is not required.

Students are offered rolling admission on a priority basis until March 30. Students admitted on probation status will be notified mid April.

PROGRAM

The Specialist in School Psychology program is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Yes, with faculty approval and academic advising, students can change their graduate program within the Department of Psychology.

The average number of students per class is 12.

Yes, upon approval of the Program Director.

Yes, students can enroll part time.

Yes, it is possible to transfer graduate credit with graduate faculty approval.

Yes, the ACU Psychology Clinic offers low-cost counseling and assessment services to children, adolescents and adults in the Abilene area.

The first practicum is primarily spent in our Psychology Clinic where students see a wide variety of clinical issues firsthand. The second and third practica are assigned based on the student’s interests and include: Community Medical Clinic, Inpatient Behavioral Health, University Counseling, Career Counseling, Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse and others.

The majority of students begin in the fall; however, students can apply for a spring start.

For cost information, please visit the MS in Counseling Psychology and review the Degree Details section.

Yes, many of our students receive graduate assistantships or departmental scholarships. Find out more information here.

Graduate assistantships require 10 hours per week. Beyond that, students may seek other employment that provides flexibility.

Absolutely! Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Graduate Programs to set up a campus visit. During the visit, you can meet with the program director and take a departmental tour. Please allow at least one week’s notice for scheduling purposes.

You can also connect with the program director via phone or email. Please call 325-674-6911 or gradinfo@acu.edu for more information.

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