Abilene Christian University

Program Information

Degree Offered

Specialist in School Psychology

Format: Campus

Program Description:

ACU's Specialist in School Psychology (S.S.P.) is a 60-hour, NASP-approved (National Association of School Psychologists) program offering training in the field of psychology with an emphasis on the educational setting. The S.S.P. program provides students with hands-on experiences, preparing them for work in assessing academic, behavioral and emotional difficulties, developing plans to help children with these problems, and consulting with parents, teachers and administrators to assure that children’s difficulties improve. Upon completion of coursework and a ten-month supervised internship, graduates will apply to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) for licensure as a Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) and the National School Psychology Certification Board for national certification.

Why the Specialist in School Psychology?

The Specialist degree in school psychology will allow graduates to help children and adolescents succeed academically, socially, behaviorally and emotionally. Students learn to collaborate with educators, parents and other professionals to create safe, healthy and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school and the community for all students. School psychology is a career that makes a difference.

Why the Specialist in School Psychology at ACU?

• Emphasis on the integration of faith and learning

• Competitive selection process ensures low student-faculty ratio, providing the opportunity for specialized mentoring program experiences

• Coursework offers preparatory experiences with children, parents and teachers within surrounding schools

• Approval by the National Association of School Psychologists guarantees training and experiences at the
highest national standard

Degree Process

The Specialist in School Psychology is a three-year, 60-hour program. Full-time residency (9 semester hours) is required for first-year students. Within the program, each graduate will complete 6 semester hours (600 clock hours) of practicum and 1,200 hours of internship time.

Affordability/Financial Aid

Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis (students work from 10 to 20 hours per week). Benefits include a monthly salary and tuition reduction. Graduate assistants gain valuable research and teaching experiences with their supervising professors.

Accreditation:

The Graduate Program in School Psychology is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists. NASP is the national governing body for the profession of school psychology, supporting school psychologists in the enhancement of the learning and mental health of children with and without disabilities. NASP membership aids ACU’s program in staying up to date with the latest research developments through association newspapers, journals and e-journals. NASP also allows member organizations access to reference materials and resources, as well as student-only online communities designed to help school psychology graduate students connect and succeed. ACU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the regional body responsible for accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Latin America.

Eligibility Requirements:

ACU's Specialist in School Psychology program is open to students from all undergraduate disciplines, however, not all students will meet prerequisite requirements.

In order to be considered for admissions, applicants must:

• Submit a Graduate School application and fee

• Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate work (indicating the completion of a bachelor's degree and a GPA of at least 3.0)

• Must have completed at least 12 hours of psychology coursework, including Abnormal Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Statistics, and either Developmental Psychology, Physiological Psychology, or Cognition and Learning

• Submit three Graduate School recommendation forms (at least two
from psychology professionals)

• Submit a two-page purpose statement describing career goals, professional interest, and reasons for wishing to enter the psychology program at ACU

# of Credits Required:

60

Tuition & Financial Aid

Cost Per Credit Hour:

787 USD

Tuition In-State Full Time:

15662 USD

Tuition Out of State Full Time:

15662 USD

Financial Aid Offered: Yes

Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities I

Institution Sector: Private not-for-profit

Locale: Midsize City

Size & Settings: 1,000 - 4,999