Graduate Programs in Abilene, TX

 (SSP)

Get ready to expand your understanding of psychology within the educational system through ACU’s Specialist in School Psychology (SSP) program. This graduate program deepens your understanding of how to work with educators to provide a healthier environment for students and create meaningful change in schools. Through advanced coursework and practical training, you’ll learn to collaborate with educators, parents and other professionals to build a stronger community both at school and in the home for the students.

ACU’s SSP program emphasizes a comprehensive, hands-on approach to prepare you for impactful work in schools. You build on skills like intervention, ethical school psychology practices, and behavioral assessment. Field experiences help you sharpen your knowledge, and prepare you for an impactful career that makes a difference in the lives of school children and their families. You will become immersed in the field during your graduate studies through 600 hours of practicum and 1,200 hours of internship time. 3,600 new school psychology jobs are projected to open annually over the next few years, so gain your credentials and refine your skills today.¹

Example Coursework

• Organization, Operations and Ethics 
  
• Child and Adolescent Psychopathology  
  
• Behavioral Interventions
  
•  Issues in Education of Exceptional Children
  

Common Job Titles

• School Psychologist    
  
• Therapist
  
• School Counselor
• Behavior Interventionist
  

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.
  

Want to See Other Graduate Psychology/Counseling Programs?

Upon completion of the Specialist in School Psychology program, you’ll possess the skills and knowledge to excel in school psychology roles, ensuring students thrive both academically and emotionally. As a graduate of this program, you'll be eligible to apply to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) for licensure as a Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP). You may also seek national certification with the National School Psychology Certification Board.

Looking for a Different Program?

Explore All ACU On-Campus Graduate Programs

Jumpstart your future with the financial support you need

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. 

The Specialist in School Psychology program has been fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

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 O*Net OnLine   Retrieved January 6, 2025.

1600 Campus Court, Abilene, TX 79601

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