Abilene Christian University

What you'll study

The curriculum expands clinical knowledge and skills across assessment, intervention and research.

• Psychotherapy
• Clinical Research Methods
• Advanced Psychopathology
• Training in individual and group counseling, interviewing, crisis intervention, psychological testing, and professional issues and ethics

Entry requirements

Applicants must submit the online application and a $50 fee, official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, three letters of recommendation (at least two from psychology faculty or psychologists), and a 600–800 word statement of professional goals and reasons for choosing ACU.

Academic prerequisites: at least 12 undergraduate semester hours in psychology including statistics, experimental psychology, abnormal psychology, plus three additional hours in areas such as physiological psychology, developmental psychology, cognition, or principles of learning (grade of B or higher required; prerequisites must be completed before beginning graduate courses).

Admission standards: unconditional admission generally requires a 3.5–4.0 undergraduate GPA. Applicants with a 3.0–3.49 may be admitted on probation and must earn a B or better in each of the first four required courses to remain in the program. Non-native English speakers must pass an interview with two department faculty to demonstrate sufficient English and cultural skills for practicum; international applicants must also meet the university’s English language test requirements. The department does not consider the GRE.

Career prospects

Graduates commonly pursue roles such as counseling psychologist, behavioral specialist, mental health counselor, guidance counselor, or addiction/substance abuse counselor. Students should verify licensing rules for the state where they intend to practice, because requirements vary widely.

Scholarships & funding angle

Most graduate students qualify for federal student loans to cover tuition and living costs; questions about loan options can be directed to jamie.bearden@acu.edu. Graduate students frequently present research at national conferences and may receive travel funding from departmental and college resources or the Graduate Student Association.

Graduate assistantships (GAs) are awarded to incoming full-time graduate students and typically involve 10 hours per week of research, teaching, service, or clinic work. GAs are matched with faculty mentors, may assist with courses or the ACU Psychology Clinic, and receive $1,650 per semester (generally available for up to four semesters).