About Our Program | About Our Faculty | About Our Clinical Training | About Our Psychology Clinic | About Our Class Sizes | About Our Research Opportunities
Our Program
In keeping with the science-practitioner model, the graduate psychology program at Abilene Christian University views psychology as both a scientific and an applied profession through which one may provide high-quality service to the community. Students are trained to be critical, adept connoisseurs of literature, capable of conducting research for the purposes of publication and practice. As practitioners, our graduates are prepared for confident professional practice in clinical, counseling or school psychology. Graduate study in psychology at ACU combines scientific scholarship, relevant clinical training, and a Christian world view to prepare students for professional practice, further graduate study, and licensure by state or national boards in education, psychology, or counseling.
In accordance with the mission of Abilene Christian University, to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world, the graduate program in psychology places an additional emphasis on the integration of faith and practice. Dedication to exceptional research and clinical practice are a part of Abilene Christian University’s commitment to excellence.
Acclaimed Faculty
Our core psychology faculty is comprised entirely of professional psychologists and psychiatrists, renowned at local, national and international levels for their individual areas of expertise and for their excellence in both research and practice. It is their personal experience in the practice of psychology, in addition to their dedication to advances in scholarship and research that makes them ideal for training of the highest caliber. Functioning as professors and supervisors, faculty model professional excellence in all areas of training, while working at length with students engaged in study, practicum, and research. Click here for more information about our faculty.
Extensive Clinical Training
Clinical/Counseling Psychology
To fully prepare graduate students for clinical practice, or for further graduate study, the department provides over 300 hours of supervised practicum experience. Students work in our on-site Psychology Clinic, as well as in a number of practicum sites throughout the community. Practicum placements include community MH/MR centers, university counseling centers, a neuropsychology clinic, inpatient drug rehabilitation centers, an inpatient clinic for eating disorders, a VA hospital, major inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and a regional crime-victims service provider. Students also conduct assessments and participate in group therapy as a part of ACU’s extensive clinical coursework. The addition of a new course in advanced therapeutic techniques gives the program an additional, unique edge over many programs of a similar size.
School Psychology
The M.S. in School Psychology at ACU is a specialist’s degree, accredited to the highest national standard and geared towards working in a school setting. As such, graduate students receive quality training of the highest caliber. Beginning in the first semester, students begin gaining experience in area schools and in the Psychology Clinic. Through the course of training, students engage in assessment, test administration, behavioral observation and analysis, intervention design and implementation, play therapy, and consultation, in addition to two semesters of supervised practicum experience and a one-year internship following the completion of coursework. Click here for more information about our Graduate Programs in Psychology.
Psychology Clinic
The ACU Psychology Clinic has been designed for the provision of professional training and experience for graduate trainees, while providing quality community counseling and services to Abilene and the Big Country area. The clinic is staffed by graduate students under the supervision of licensed psychologists and counselors. In addition to providing a range of psychological services, students and professors work to advance empirical research in the discipline of Psychology. Click here for more information about our Psychology Clinic.
Small Class Sizes
By maintaining small class sizes, the department is able to maximize training quality and efficiency through focused instruction, individual attention, in-depth supervision, valuable peer relationships and a wholly personable training environment.
Research Opportunities
Having a thorough knowledge of research methods, as well as the capacity to engage in research allows psychologists to critically evaluate research and literature for application to professional practice and scholarship. As such, graduate students in the department of psychology are encouraged engage in ongoing research with faculty. Students completing a thesis design and conduct their own research in an area of interest to them, according to their field of study. Many graduate students go on to present research at regional and national conferences.
