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Master's in Counseling
Psychology
(MS)
Master's in Counseling Psychology Program
Get ready to deepen your understanding of psychological principles and develop advanced counseling skills through ACU’s Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. This program is designed to build on your existing knowledge of psychology, exploring topics in human health and behavior, crisis intervention, and psychological assessment. Through this program, you also gain hands-on experience in counseling settings, and prepares you for an impactful counseling career.
Program Highlights
ACU’s Master of Science in Counseling Psychology offers a robust curriculum that prepares you for leadership positions in diverse clinical settings. You’ll expand your knowledge through classroom and clinical training for individual and group counseling, interviewing, psychological theory, and professional issues. You gain real-world practice serving clients, applying your knowledge directly to the field through our on-campus clinic under the supervision of experienced faculty mentors. With demand for trained counselors growing at a much faster rate nationally, it is the perfect time to refine your skills and move up in the industry.¹
Example Coursework
- Psychotherapy
- Clinical Research Methods
- Advanced Psychopathology
Common Job Titles
- Counseling Psychologist
- Behavioral Specialist
- Mental Health Counselor
- Guidance Counselor
- Addiction/Substance Abuse Counselor
- Rehab Counselor
- School Counselor
- Family Therapist
- Mental Health Counselor
Note: It is important to become familiar with the licensing laws and rules of the licensing board in the state in which you plan to pursue licensure. The requirements vary widely from state to state.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the online application.
- Pay the $65 application fee.
- An official transcript(s) in English (or translated to English) of all previous colleges attended. The transcript must indicate an earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or equivalent.
- Unconditional admission requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.5-4.0. If an applicant meets all other requirements and has an undergraduate GPA of 3.0-3.49, he/she may be admitted on probation. The condition of probation means that the applicant must make a final grade of B or above in each of the first 4 courses required in his/her program. Failure to do so will result in suspension from the program.
- Three letters of recommendation. At least two must be from psychology faculty or psychologists who are familiar with the applicant’s academic work.
- Completion of at least 12 undergraduate semester hours in psychology including: statistics, experimental psychology, abnormal psychology and 3 additional hours that may be physiological, developmental psychology, cognition or principles of learning or an acceptable substitute. The applicant must have made a grade of B or higher in each of the prerequisite courses. Prerequisites must be completed prior to enrolling in graduate program courses; they may not be taken concurrently.
- A written statement (600-800 words) describing professional goals, interests and reasons for choosing to enter the psychology program at ACU.
- Because all professional psychology programs require students to provide services to clients in practicum sites, non-native speakers of English must pass an interview with two ACU psychology department faculty to establish that the applicant has sufficient skills in English and American culture to provide services to clients in practicum settings.
- International applicants also must meet the university’s English language test requirements.
- The Department of Psychology does not consider the GRE or other test as part of its admission requirements.
Transform Lives Through
Mental Health Services
Upon completion of the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program, you’ll be equipped with advanced skills needed to deliver mental health services and counseling to groups and individuals. This degree prepares you for impactful roles in mental health clinics, private practice, schools, and nonprofit organizations. And at the completion of the program, you will have fulfilled all the courses required for licensure in Texas.
Looking for a Different Program?
Jumpstart your future with the financial support you need
Explore Your Financial Aid Opportunities at ACU!
At Abilene Christian University, we understand graduate programs are a big investment. That’s why we offer a variety of financial aid options designed to ease the cost and maximize your potential. Whether you're pursuing a scholarship, a graduate assistantship, or funding for professional travel, ACU provides unique and flexible solutions to support your academic journey. Here are some resources we have to help you achieve your goals.
Scholarships
When you’re accepted into an ACU graduate program, you’re considered for a scholarship tailored just for you—based on your skills, achievements, and the department you enter. Plus, additional scholarships may be available through external professional organizations and accrediting bodies.
Graduate Assistantships
Many ACU departments offer competitive graduate assistantships to enrich your learning experience while providing financial support. Assistantship requirements and expectations vary by department and can cover a generous portion of your tuition costs.
Academic Travel Reimbursement
ACU’s GSA Travel Reimbursement makes it easier for graduate students to attend national and international conferences, research presentations, and other academic travel needs. These funds help make travel more accessible, ensuring financial concerns won’t hold you back from gaining valuable experience in professional settings around the world.
Hear From Our Students
"I remember telling my friends this school was so different from any of the others, as it had a certain ‘feel’ about it. This feeling definitely came from the community of loving individuals who not only want to see you excel academically, but in all areas of life."
Lexi Burns
"I am grateful for not only the academic enrichment I have received but also the spiritual and professional investment I will carry with me for years to come from faculty and fellow peers. I look forward to implementing the same culture into my future workplace!"
Tiley Elliot
"ACU has provided me with amazing clinical opportunities that foster so much growth!"
Kaleigh Tom
"When I picked ACU, I knew the community was tight-knit and the professors are experts and leaders in our profession, but I could not have anticipated how much I would love being a part of this program."
Haley Bohannon
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Academic Accreditation
ACU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of ACU may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (sacscoc.org).
SACSCOC is required by the federal government to monitor compliance with the substantive change policy and to approve any major changes. Substantive change is a federal term for any “significant modification of the nature and scope of an accredited institution.” ACU has adopted a Substantive Change Policy, which outlines its internal procedure related to ACU’s compliance with substantive change requirements. After reviewing the policy, please contact the ACU’s SACSCOC Liaison, Chris Riley, with any questions or for more information.
¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
