Bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas are conferred at an eclectic range of public and private universities from Harris to Bexar counties. Let’s continue our alphabetical journey across the “Lone Star State” with regionally accredited schools starting with R-S below.
Rice University
School of Social Sciences
Named after business magnate William Marsh Rice in 1912, Rice University is a private, non-sectarian AAU member with “very high research activity,” a $5.32 billion endowment, and over 6,600 scholars on its 295-acre urban campus in the Houston Museum District. Recognized for America’s #1 “Best Professors” on Niche, Rice is ranked the 15th best national university, 14th top value, and 19th most innovative college by the USNWR. The School of Social Sciences also houses the country’s 67th best psychology department.
B.A. in Psychology
As Rice’s second-most popular major, the B.A. in Psychology features a 6:1 student-faculty ratio for intensive engagement in the fundamental theories of human behavior and thought patterns. The 120-credit curriculum includes 47 major credits like cognitive psychology, social psychology, statistics, and experimental design. Rice Owls may conduct research with the Global Urban Lab, join the Gateway Student of Leadership (GSL) Fellowship, become international ambassadors from Taiwan to Greece, and learn from the Psi Cinema program.
B.A. in Cognitive Sciences
Another of the bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas at Rice is the B.A. in Cognitive Sciences, which is focused on understanding mental phenomena like emotion and language acquisition. The 14-course major offers concentrations in Linguistics, Philosophy, Psychology, and Neuroscience. Students with a 3.5 GPA or higher would qualify for the Honors Program. B.A. majors could also benefit from research in the Memory and Cognition Lab, study abroad trips in nearly 60 nations, and Brelsford Award.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
6100 Main Street
P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77251
(713) 348-4856
psyc@rice.edu
Saint Edward’s University
School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Affiliated with the Congregation of Holy Cross, Saint Edward’s University is a private, Catholic liberal arts school endowed for $95 million that’s attractive over 5,000 faithful students from 51 countries to its 160-acre urban headquarters in Austin. Applauded for America’s 57th “Best College Location” on Niche, St. Edward’s is deemed the 14th best regional university and seventh most veteran-friendly school in the West by the USNWR. The School of Behavioral and Social Sciences reports a 91 percent placement rate with companies like Merck, Texas Education Agency, and Ernst & Young.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Housed in Doyle Hall, St. Edward’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology retains 83 percent of freshmen who engage in the fascinating exploration of behavior and cognitive processes. The 120-credit program requires 150 clock hours of research practicum or internship before the senior capstone project. Beyond the Hilltop, students can travel to Costa Rica, join the SERVE Austin program, conduct research with Pearson, and network with The Washington Center. There’s also a 18-credit Psychology Minor available.
Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience
Launched by PhD-level psychology and biology faculty, the Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience allows St. Edward’s Hilltoppers to fine-tune their lab skills for studying the intricate relationship between brain and behavior. Featuring 120 credits total, the SACS-accredited curriculum integrates 150 research hours like NSF-funded initiatives and the McNair Scholars Program. Several majors have presented at the Southwestern Psychology Association. Courses from genetics to organic chemistry could be taken at the portal campus in Angers, France.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
3001 South Congress
Austin, TX 78704
(512) 448-8449
emmal@stedwards.edu
Sam Houston State University
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Endowed for $97.51 million, Sam Houston State University is the third-oldest public, co-educational teaching institution for the Texas State System that’s enrolling over 20,100 Bearkats on its 272 urban acres in Huntsville, at The Woodlands Center, and online. Ranked America’s 191st “Top Public University” on Niche, SHSU was picked 247th overall by high school counselors for the U.S. News survey. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences also houses some of the 54th best online bachelor’s programs nationwide.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Available in Huntsville and around 75 percent online, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology at SHSU costs $3,881 per semester for undergraduates to study the diverse mechanisms of human and animal behavior. The 120-credit degree includes courses from three blocks: Experimental, Personality-Social-Developmental, and Clinical-Adjustment. Valuable major opportunities include joining the Psi Chi Chapter, earning the John D. Symonds Scholarship, researching in the Youth & Family Studies Lab, taking GRE prep, and participating in the Global Ambassadors Program.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
CHSS Building Room 390
1806 Avenue J
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 294-3052
Wilson@shsu.edu
Schreiner University
School of Liberal Arts
Founded by Captain Charles Schreiner, Sr. in 1917, Schreiner University celebrates its centennial anniversary as a private, nonprofit Presbyterian liberal arts institution with over 1,300 Mountaineers studying upon its 170-acre rural campus in Kerrville near the Guadalupe River. Placed as the 32nd top school for Hispanics on BestCollege.com, Schreiner is deemed America’s 235th “Best Christian College” on Niche. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, the School of Liberal Arts offers bachelor’s degrees from religion to arts management.
BA Degree with a Psychology Major
Admitting 90 percent of applicants, the BA Degree with a Psychology Major at Schreiner encourages students to “Find Your Way Here” by building behavioral knowledge for social services, business, and healthcare professions. The flexible 24-credit major offers electives from criminal behavior to environmental psychology and counseling theory. Minors like Texas Studies and Medical Humanities can be added. Coursework leads to a senior thesis or comparable capstone. BA students could save up to $16,000 through the Schreiner 3-Year Degree Path.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Weir Hall Room 206
2100 Memorial Blvd.
Kerrville, TX 78028
(830) 792-7453
gabiel@schreiner.edu
South University-Austin
College of Health Professions
Regionally accredited by the SACS, South University is a private, for-profit distance learning institution owned by Education Management Corp. with Argosy and The Art Institutes to educate over 18,300 students from Georgia to Texas. Conveniently situated in Round Rock near Austin, South is graded B for location on Niche and ranked in the nation’s top 5 percent for general psychology by College Factual. The College of Health Professions offers a bachelor’s in physical therapist assistant or psychology and master’s in clinical mental health counseling.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Conducted 100 percent online or at the Austin campus, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology allows South undergrads take meaningful steps towards “helping” professions with well-rounded education on psychological phenomena. Consisting of 180 quarter credits, the four-year degree offers concentrations for General Psychology, Behavioral Health, or Experimental/Research. With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, cohorts progress through courses currently costing $8,900 per quarter. Transfer students can also minimize credits with military training and CLEP exams.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1220 W Louis Henna Blvd.
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 516-8800
materialsreview@southuniversity.edu
Southern Methodist University
Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences
Sitting upon 237 urban acres in the Highland Park neighborhood of Dallas with extensions in Plano and Taos, Southern Methodist University is a private, nonprofit Christian research institution endowed for $1.5 billion to enlighten more than 11,600 students. Noted for America’s #4 “Best Greek Life” on Niche, SMU is ranked the 56th best national university and 32nd best for vets school by the U.S. News. The Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences offers the country’s 124th top clinical psychology program with a 94 percent placement rate.
Psychology Major (B.A. or B.S.)
Delivered by 15 PhD-level, tenured faculty trained at Northwestern, Houston, Purdue, and other top-notch universities, the Psychology Major (B.A. or B.S.) centers on the study of human behavior and thought. The 12-course major motivates SMU’s “Minds Moving the World” to make scientifically-based conclusions on psychological theory. The Distinction Program is available for upperclassmen with a 3.5 GPA or higher. Students may also join Psi Chi, complete the APA Summer Science Fellowship, volunteer with United Through Hope, and travel to Copenhagen.
Human Rights Major (B.A.)
SMU Mustangs seeking close alternatives to bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas may consider the Human Rights Major (B.A.), which was launched in 2006. As one of seven programs of its kind nationwide, the 30-credit major prepares students to help promote the dignity of all people to resolve critical community issues. Undergrads could join Dallas Faces Race, contribute to the Forced Migration Innovation Project, intern with the Dallas Holocaust Museum, study abroad in Kenya, and declare a double major in Psychology.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
6116 N. Central Expressway
P.O. Box 750442
Dallas, TX 75275
(214) 768-2438
gholden@mail.smu.edu
Southwestern Adventist University
Education & Psychology Department
Tracing back to 1893, Southwestern Adventist University is a private, nonprofit AAA-accredited institution affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church to educate around 800 students from its 150-acre rural campus in Keene just 28 miles south of Fort Worth. Picked as America’s 36th “Safest College” on Niche, SWAU is declared the 21st best regional university in the West by the U.S. News. The Education & Psychology Department admits 50 percent of applicants to its four degrees from elementary education to counseling.
Psychology (B.S.)
Presently priced at $9,828 per semester, the Psychology (B.S.) centers on a 36-credit major for SWAU undergraduates who seek entry-level positions applying contemporary theories on human cognition and behavior. There’s an optional Emphasis in School Guidance for students to become certified Generalist EC-6 teachers in Texas. Courses like adolescent psychology and personality development culminate with a 14-week field internship. Alumni have excelled with North Dallas Adventist Academy, Keene Independent School District, and more.
Accreditation
Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
100 W. Hillcrest Street
Keene, TX 76059
(817) 202-6607
sargeant@swau.edu
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
Counseling, Psychology & Human Services Department
Enrolling approximately 2,010 Lions, Southwestern Assemblies of God University is a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts school established in 1927 in Enid, Oklahoma, that’s moved to 70 suburban acres in Waxahachie, a southern suburb of the DFW Metroplex. Chosen as America’s 13th “Most Conservative College” on Niche, SAGU is ranked in the top 5 percent nationally for religious vocations by College Factual. The Counseling, Psychology & Human Services Department has three bachelor’s options with a 93 percent satisfaction rate.
Online Psychology, BA
Delivered on Blackboard Learn, SAGU’s Online Psychology BA builds on Pentecostal Christian traditions to give undergraduates a fundamental understanding of emotion and behavior to facilitate healing for God’s children. With integrated field practicum, the 127-credit curriculum spans courses in rhetoric, statistics, Bible, counseling, behavioral science research, clinical psychology, and learning theory. Adults could save up to $25,000 by earning a maximum of 45 Experiential Learning Credits. Graduates may also continue for the MS in Clinical Psychology.
Online Counseling, BA
Available with 24/7 access anywhere, the Online Counseling BA draws on Christ’s teachings to prepare SAGU undergrads for helping others facilitate personal growth through conflicts and struggles. The pre-professional, 127-credit program includes major courses like abnormal psychology, crisis intervention, delinquent behavior, marital therapy, and human development with an optional Addictions Counseling Minor. Upperclassmen traditionally spend 20 hours per week completing practicum in their communities. Graduates could qualify for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) designation in Texas.
Online Human Services, BS
Another of the flexible bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas at SAGU is the Online Human Services BS, which presently costs $19,650 per year. From a Christian worldview, the 126-credit curriculum equips online learners for using behavioral theory to develop constructive solutions to individual or social issues. Coursework is tailored with four concentrations: Counseling, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or Social Work. Small classes with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio foster professor mentoring and support for strengthening values.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1200 Sycamore Street
Waxahachie, TX 75165
(972) 937-4010
info@sagu.edu
Southwestern University
Brown College of Arts and Sciences
Belonging to the Annapolis Group, Southwestern University is a private, baccalaureate Methodist institution endowed for $239.9 million that’s serving around 1,500 Pirates upon its 700-acre suburban campus in Georgetown just 30 miles north of the Texas Capitol. Placed in the Fiske Guide’s 47 “Best Buys,” Southwestern is ranked America’s 95th best liberal arts college and ninth top veteran-friendly school by the USNWR. The Brown College of Arts and Sciences prepares civically engaged students for a 91 percent placement rate in 10 months.
Major in Psychology
Conferring a B.A. or B.S., the Major in Psychology at Southwestern allows Texans to develop advanced critical thinking, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills within the behavioral science framework. The 40-credit major integrates firsthand application with 120 to 240 clock hours of field internship. Past placements have included DePelchin Children’s Center, Gensis Women’s Shelter, and Millwood Hospital. Students can also join Psi Chi events, present research for the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, study in Jamaica, attend the Shilling Lecture Series.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1001 E. University Avenue
Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 863-1596
giuliant@southwestern.edu
St. Mary’s University
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Occupying 135 urban acres on the Northwest Side of San Antonio near UTSA, St. Mary’s University is a private, nonprofit Catholic liberal arts institution educating over 3,700 Rattlers with a $154 million endowment. Ranked #1 among master’s-level schools for “contribution to the public good” on Washington Monthly, St. Mary’s is the West’s 21st top college and third best value according to the USNWR. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences has a net annual price of $17,229 for 22 bachelor’s majors from drama to theology.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Featuring a graduation rate of 60 percent, St. Mary’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is grounded in Marianist values to mentor undergrads for utilizing behavioral theories to promote growth-oriented communities. The 123-credit degree takes four years full-time to cover courses from research methods to physiological psychology with a sophomore retreat. Upperclassmen take practicum placements like Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, Guardian House, and Sage Social Services. Majors should join the Psychology Living and Learning Community (PLLC) for network-building too.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
One Camino Santa Maria
San Antonio, TX 78228
(201) 431-2019
jpierucci@stmarytx.edu
Stephen F. Austin State University
College of Liberal & Applied Arts
Led by President Baker Pattillo, Stephen F. Austin State University is a public, doctoral-granting research institution in the Southland Conference with nearly 13,000 Lumberjacks upon its main 430-acre rural campus in Nacogdoches within East Texas. Rated for America’s 165th “Best College Athletics” on Niche, SFASU is ranked the 76th best university and 25th top public college in the West by the U.S. News. The College of Liberal & Applied Arts is the largest division maintaining a 19:1 student-faculty ratio to provide 20 bachelor’s degrees from geography to mass media.
Psychology Major (B.A./B.S.)
With a 62 percent admission rate, SFASU’s Psychology Major (B.A./B.S.) begins introducing freshmen to the various scientific disciplines studying human processes of thought, behavior, and emotion. The 36-credit major teaches how to review psychological literature with courses from health psychology to neuroscience. Majors may benefit from joining Psi Chi, interning at Rusk State Hospital, volunteering with Nacogdoches Habitat for Humanity, and studying abroad through Horizons. Graduates have furthered study at Texas A&M, LSU, UT-Knoxville, and more.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1936 North Street
SFA Station 13051
Nacogdoches, TX 75962
(936) 468-4402
hutchenss@sfasu.edu
Sul Ross State University
Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Headquartered on a 647-acre rural campus in Alpine with branches in Uvalde, Del Rio, Castroville, and Eagle Pass, Sul Ross State University is a public, Hispanic-serving institution carrying a $38.34 million budget to educate over 2,900 Lobos. Ranked in the top 100 by The Hispanic Outlook for Higher Education, SRSU is crowned Texas’ 32nd “Best Small College” on Niche. The Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences has an average class size of 20 for engaged study in nine bachelor’s majors.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology
Drawing on the Trans-Pecos region’s diverse culture, the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology at SRSU builds a liberal arts foundation for students seeking careers in the human services. The 120-credit curriculum adheres to APA undergraduate guidelines with courses from statistics to multicultural psychology. Students add for-credit practicum with organizations like Big Bend Medical Center or Family Crisis Center. Majors also contribute to the Borderlands Research Institute, mentor in the Upward Bound Program, and study abroad from China to Croatia.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
East Highway 90
Alpine, TX 79832
(432) 837-8304
msaka@sulross.edu
More than 5 percent of U.S. college degrees conferred are focused in psychological science. Psychology derives from the Greek word psykhe, which means the “soul, mind, and spirit.” Digging beneath the physical in the health sciences could pay off since human service-oriented jobs are growing by 10 percent through 2024. Give your synapses a treat by searching through the exciting bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas.
Related resource:
Top 20 Most Innovative Psychology Degree Programs