Mission Statement of Graduate School Psychology The school psychology program at ACU emphasizes the scientist-practitioner model, whereby the science of psychology is used as a framework within which school psychologists help children.

The model requires-from the program’s first semester through its last-actual work with children. Therefore, many courses offer real-world experiences with children, parents, and teachers in which students apply theories learned in the classroom and from which they gain a wealth of knowledge.

Did my counseling program work? Is this child’s reading improving? How can we improve the reading achievement of high-risk students? These questions are answered through research, and all graduate students receive training and experience in research. Research opportunities include graduate assistantships, theses, and research teams.

Faculty members serve as advisors, mentors, and colleagues in the conduct of research. In the scientist-practitioner model, research and practice are mutually beneficial. Research questions arise from experience working with children, and understanding and conducting research improves the quality of help given children.

The School Psychology graduate programs strive to provide the highest quality education and training necessary to be a broadly educated competent school psychologist. As a Christian institution, it is our goal to guide our students in the study of psychology and philosophy at a graduate level with an emphasis on the integration of faith and learning and preparation in using both their faith and their professional knowledge and skills in their chosen career field.