Dallas, Texas–Abilene Christian University (ACU) is announcing the launch of the new, fully online Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology program. This certificate program was designed to prepare experienced educators and school-based professionals to meet Texas requirements for licensure in school psychology. 

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology is a first of its kind retraining program, allowing current educators to obtain skills in psychology and prepare for licensure. The certificate program is 36 credit hours with seven-week-long courses that will run over the span of two years, with 100 hours of practicum and 1,200 hours of internship to ensure that students meet the licensure requirements set by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP). 

“This certificate program was intentionally designed to meet the growing need for highly trained school psychology professionals,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson, chief executive officer at ACU Dallas. “By combining rigorous coursework with extensive practicum and internship experiences, we are preparing students to collaborate effectively with educators and families while meeting the licensure standards required to serve in today’s school environments.” 

This online certificate program is ideal for current educators who have an undergraduate degree in a related field with a minimum of 3 years of experience working in a public or private school setting. Throughout the program, students will dive deep into topics such as advanced behavioral neuroscience, social and cultural basis of behavior, research methods and academic assessment for children and adolescents to re-specialize as a school psychologist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment for psychologists and counselors is projected to grow by six percent by 2034. 

“At ACU, we believe faith and professional excellence go hand in hand,” said Dr. George Saltsman, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “This certificate program integrates rigorous academic preparation with a Christ-centered perspective, producing school psychology professionals to serve students and families with both clinical expertise and compassion rooted in faith.”

The first inaugural cohort for the program began class this January, and the program is currently accepting applicants for Summer 2026. Students will be welcomed, taught and supported by an exceptional team of faculty and advisors, who are committed to creating a positive learning environment for online students across the state. 

Additionally, ACU has partnered with Education Service Center Region 20, which secured a federal grant of nearly $650,000 to fund training for school mental health professionals. The grant has a special focus on small and rural school districts and is fully funding the first cohort of students. 

For more information about the fully online Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology, please visit our website. 

ACU’s online programs are administered through its branch location in Dallas, which includes 18 bachelor’s degrees, 22 master’s degrees, 3 doctoral degrees, five undergraduate certificate programs and eight graduate certificate programs.

Founded in 1906, Abilene Christian University enrolls more than 6,700 students in robust online and residential undergraduate and graduate programs. ACU’s mission is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. Abilene Christian is ranked in the top 10 nationally for First-Year Experience, Learning Communities and Service Learning in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings. Learn more at acu.edu.