Specialist in School Psychology

Create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments.

Young people today face numerous challenges, many that can affect their learning and social well-being. School psychology is a career that makes a difference. You will help children and adolescents succeed emotionally, behaviorally, socially, and academically.

Why School Psychology at ACU?

The Specialist in School Psychology program at ACU offers training in the field of psychology with an emphasis on the educational setting. Through classroom and hands-on training, you will 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.

The psychology faculty at Abilene Christian University views psychology as a scientific and applied profession through which we train you to provide service to others. We view the nature and needs of humankind from a biblical perspective. In school psychology, we address the needs of children within the school setting. Our program at ACU provides you with the educational basis and fundamental training while addressing faith integration and service as a practitioner.

In our program, you will be immersed in the field through 600 hours of practicum and 1,200 hours of internship. Upon completion, you will be eligible to 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.

Program Highlights:

The third year is an internship which is typically paid by the school district. Over the last ten years, our students have enjoyed a 100% placement rate and have been competitive at internships across the United States. It offers:

• Courses in Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, Behavioral Interventions, Child and Adolescent Therapy, Assessment, and more.
• Students experience hands-training in the local schools through pre-practicum and practicum requirements.
• Additional training in our beautifully designed on-site clinic gives you the opportunity to expand your experience by working with parents, family systems, and children/adolescents in a community setting.
• Intentional professor/student ratio to enable academic and pedagogical mentoring.
• The education you need to become a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) and national certification from the National Association of School Psychology (NASP) Certification Board.
• Accreditation by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
• No GRE required.

See our accreditation here.