Graduate Psychology at ACU Purpose and Philosophy Graduate study in psychology at Abilene Christian University combines scientific scholarship, relevant clinical training, and a Christian world view to prepare students for professional work, further graduate study, and licensure or certification by state boards in education, psychology or counseling. As the requirements for licensure in psychology and counseling vary significantly by state, students must be aware that it is the individual student's responsibility to ensure adequate completion of the specific academic and experiential requirements of a particular state licensing agency. The department also offers a 36-hour Master of Science degree in psychology for students with a variety of other professional interests. Students should also recognize that the American Psychological Association does not credential master's programs at this time. The psychology faculty at ACU views psychology as a scientific and applied profession through which one may provide service to the local community as well as the community of faith.
Faculty members view the nature and needs of humankind from a biblical perspective.
Excellence in research and clinical practice are a part of that Christian commitment which students are challenged to share. The curriculum emphasizes development of counseling skills relevant to a broad range of professional activities. Students have opportunities to develop the essential skills to facilitate change in individuals, families, and groups. Through course work and supervised clinical experience, all students become proficient in the basic areas of clinical intervention, including diagnostic interviewing, case conceptualization, crisis intervention, goal setting, treatment planning, and the psychotherapy process. In addition to the traditional techniques of psychological assessment, students have opportunities for training and experience in the rapidly growing areas of neuropsychological, educational, and behavioral assessment.