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Start a Career as a School Psychologist
Texas schools face growing needs for student mental health support, creating high demand for school psychologists. This certificate equips you with research-based knowledge and applied skills to improve student outcomes through assessment, intervention and collaboration. Guided by expert faculty with real-world experience, you’ll be prepared to meet the challenges of today’s school settings.
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About the Program
The online Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology is focused on equipping dedicated professionals to step into a vital role that bridges education and psychology. This post-master’s certificate is designed for those who already bring valuable school-based experience and want to expand their impact by comprehensively addressing student social, emotional, behavioral and academic needs. By emphasizing practical training, ethical practice and a commitment to student well-being, the certificate provides a clear pathway for experienced school-based professionals to grow into trusted advocates for children and families in the school setting. At ACU, you’ll earn the credentials for licensure while developing the confidence to lead and serve schools and communities across Texas.
Program Structure
All the Details on Your Degree
Gain the specialized knowledge needed to competently practice school psychology in Texas. Core courses focus on intervention, assessment and consultative practices to prepare you to support the comprehensive students’ needs across all learning environments.
Please note: This program is pending approval from the university’s academic council.
Required Hours
36 credit hours, 2 year timeframe
Cost: $700 per credit hour, $200 resource fee per part of term
Example Coursework
School Psychology: Organization, Operations and Ethics
Child & Adolescent Assessment
Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience
Social and Cultural Basis of Behavior
Upcoming Start Dates
January 13, 2026 (apply by December 1, 2025)
May 5, 2026
Common Job Titles
School Psychologist
Fieldwork and Residency
Your training goes beyond the classroom with 100 practicum hours and a 1,200-hour internship that meets Texas licensure requirements, including at least 600 hours in public schools. To ensure you’re fully prepared for professional practice, the program also includes a required in-person residency weekend in Abilene, Texas, where you’ll complete a skills check and connect directly with ACU faculty and peers.
Meet the Program Director
Dr. Rachel Team, Program Director, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology
Dr. Rachel Team graduated from ACU with her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2001 and completed her Ph.D. in 2006 in School Psychology at Texas A&M University.. She began teaching at ACU in the Specialist in School Psychology program in 2010 after working as a school psychologist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She is currently the program director for the Specialist in School Psychology Program and Professor at ACU. Throughout her career, Rachel has worked with children ages 3-21 dealing with mental health, behavioral, academic and/or social difficulties in the schools. She conducts research and presents across the country regarding helping children and adolescents and crisis intervention. Rachel currently serves on the Texas Association of School Psychologists Executive Board.
Casey Westmoreland, Assistant Program Director, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology
Casey Westmoreland graduated from ACU in 2005with her Master’s in School Psychology. She has been working in the public school system for 20 years. For five of those years, Casey worked in an Educational Service Center providing professional development, training, and technical assistance to area evaluation staff. She joined ACU as Associate Director of the School Psychology Retraining Program. Most of her experience has centered around providing psychological services for students in rural communities, including assessment, collaboration, behavior intervention, and special education counseling. She has served on the Texas Association of School Psychologists board in various elected and appointed positions.
Spotlight
How ACU Online Inspires Growth Through Faith, Support and Purpose
More than just a degree provider, ACU Online prides itself on being a mission-driven community where every student is seen, supported and spiritually empowered to fulfill their vocational calling.
A Quick Rundown on the National Teacher Shortage
To help you better grasp this whirlwind of a situation, we have a small rundown of the basic facts and questions about the national teacher shortage and what ACU Online is doing to increase training and decrease turnover in the state of Texas.
How Do Online Classes Work? A Closer Look at ACU Online’s Flexible Learning Experience
From helping students who are juggling a full-time job, raising a family, serving in ministry, or preparing for a career shift, ACU Online offers fully online programs designed to help students – like you – and accelerate their learning to fit their lifestyle, goals and dreams.
Students who complete the certificate will be prepared to:
- Serve as practical and ethical professionals who apply evidence-based practices to support student learning and well-being
- Promote equitable school practices and advocate for vulnerable students and families through service and leadership in school communities
- Pursue careers as school psychologists while advancing the field through practice, research and collaboration with educators
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
To be considered for university admission, students must:Â
- Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
- Hold a master’s degree (minimum 30 credit hours) from a regionally accredited institution.Â
- Submit official transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (probationary admission available for GPA 3.0–3.49)
- Submit a 600–800 word personal statement describing professional goals and motivation
- Have 3+ years of school-based experience in public or private settings
- Provide three letters of recommendation, including one from the mosta current or recent school-based supervisor
- Complete a video interview with ACU psychology faculty
- GRE is not required
Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Ga. 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of ACU.
ACU’s Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in School Psychology is aligned with the 2020 Professional Standards of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). While NASP does not currently accredit retraining programs, this certificate has been designed to meet professional expectations and licensure requirements in Texas. Graduates will be prepared to apply for licensure through the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP).