Abilene Christian University

What you'll study

• Clinical Research Methods
• Ethics and Issues in Professional Psychology
• Multivariate Statistics
• Human Learning and Cognition

Coursework blends clinical and research methods, quantitative techniques, and professional practice topics to prepare students for both applied service and scholarly activity.

Entry requirements

• Online application and $50 application fee.
• Official transcripts in English showing a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent.
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.5–4.0 for unconditional admission; applicants with GPA 3.0–3.49 may be admitted on probation with conditions (must earn a B or above in the first four required courses or face suspension).
• Three letters of recommendation, with at least two from psychology faculty or psychologists familiar with the applicant’s academic work.
• Minimum undergraduate prerequisites: at least 12 semester hours in psychology including statistics, experimental psychology, abnormal psychology, plus 3 additional hours (options include physiological psychology, developmental psychology, cognition, principles of learning, or an acceptable substitute). Each prerequisite must have a grade of B or higher and must be completed prior to enrollment.
• Written statement (600–800 words) describing professional goals, interests, and reasons for choosing ACU’s psychology program.
• Non‑native English speakers must pass an interview with two department faculty to verify spoken English and cultural competence for practicum client work; international applicants must also meet university English language test requirements.
• The department does not require the GRE or other standardized tests.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of applied psychology roles. The program lists potential careers such as psychologist, behavioral interventionist, psychotherapist, mental health counselor, clinical assessment developer, forensic therapist, and behavioral analyst. Students also often engage in faculty‑mentored research aimed at professional conference presentations.

Scholarships & funding angle

Most graduate students qualify for federal student loans sufficient to cover tuition and living costs if needed; prospective borrowers are advised to contact the listed aid officer for details. Research support and travel funding are frequently available through departmental, college, and Graduate Student Association sources for conference presentation. Graduate assistantships are awarded to incoming full‑time students and normally involve about 10 hours per week of teaching, research, service, or clinic work; GAs are matched with faculty mentors and often gain practical clinic management experience. The assistantship award is $1,650 per semester (paid bi‑weekly) and is generally available for up to four semesters.