Academic
WHICH GRADUATE PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED AT ACU?
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)
ARE THE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS THE SAME FOR EACH OF THESE PROGRAMS?
Yes, the application process and requirements are the same for each program option. You will find program-specific admissions requirements on your program of interest’s web page. Click here to begin your application.
WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE FALL SEMESTER?
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.
DO YOU NEED AN UNDERGRADUATE MAJOR IN PSYCHOLOGY IN ORDER TO APPLY?
No, students with a variety of undergraduate majors have been admitted to our program and have been successful.
ARE SPECIFIC PREREQUISITES REQUIRED?
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
IS THERE AN APPLICATION FEE?
Yes, the application fee can be paid within your application portal.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM GPA REQUIRED TO APPLY? CAN STUDENTS BE ADMITTED ON PROBATION?
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.
IS THE GRE REQUIRED?
The GRE is not required.
WHEN WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF MY ADMISSION DECISION?
Students are offered rolling admission on a priority basis until March 30. Students admitted on probation status will be notified mid April.
PROGRAM
IS THE PROGRAM ACCREDITED?
The Specialist in School Psychology program is accredited by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
IF I AM STILL DECIDING BETWEEN THE FOUR PROGRAM OPTIONS, CAN I CHANGE MY PROGRAM AFTER ENROLLING?
Yes, with faculty approval and academic advising, students can change their graduate program within the Department of Psychology.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CLASS SIZE?
The average number of students per class is 12.
CAN I RECEIVE CREDIT FOR COURSES THAT I’VE COMPLETED AT ANOTHER UNIVERSITY?
Yes, upon approval of the Program Director.
CAN I ENROLL PART TIME?
Yes, students can enroll part time.
IF I AM A CURRENT GRADUATE STUDENT, CAN I TRANSFER GRADUATE CREDITS FROM ANOTHER UNIVERSITY?
Yes, it is possible to transfer graduate credit with graduate faculty approval.
DOES ACU HAVE AN ON-CAMPUS CLINIC?
Yes, the ACU Psychology Clinic offers low-cost counseling and assessment services to children, adolescents and adults in the Abilene area.
WHAT TYPES OF CLINICAL EXPERIENCES ARE OFFERED?
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.
HOW MANY ENTRY TERMS ARE OFFERED EACH YEAR?
The majority of students begin in the fall; however, students can apply for a spring start.
WHAT IS THE COST OF TUITION?
For more information about current tuition prices for the M.S. in Psychology program, click here.
ARE SCHOLARSHIPS OR GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS OFFERED?
Yes, many of our students receive graduate assistantships or departmental scholarships. Find out more information here.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO WORK WHILE ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM?
Graduate assistantships require 10 hours per week. Beyond that, students may seek other employment that provides flexibility.
CAN I MEET WITH SOMEONE TO DISCUSS WHICH PROGRAM IS THE BEST FIT FOR MY CAREER GOALS?
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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