Houston Christian University offers psychology programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including a BA in Psychology, BS in Psychology, and MA in Psychology (MAP), plus an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling available online and on campus. HCU is accredited by SACSCOC and is located in Houston, Texas.
Houston Christian University (HCU), formerly Houston Baptist University, was founded in 1960 by the Baptist General Convention of Texas and adopted its current name in September 2022. Located in southwest Houston near the Southwest Freeway, HCU enrolls approximately 4,693 students and offers psychology programs through its College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Accreditation Details
Houston Christian University holds regional accreditation from the SACSCOC (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges), covering all degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and doctoral levels. SACSCOC accreditation is the standard recognized by state licensing boards, graduate admissions committees, and employers when evaluating the legitimacy of a degree. Students considering accredited Christian psychology programs will find that HCU holds both regional accreditation and specialty accreditation for its nursing and business programs through their respective accrediting bodies.
Application Requirements
HCU is test-optional for undergraduate admission — SAT or ACT scores are not required, though students may submit them if they feel scores strengthen their application. All undergraduate applicants submit an online application (available through HCU’s portal, ApplyTexas, or the Common App), a high school transcript, and a 300-word short-answer essay. The high school transcript requirement is waived for transfer students with 32 or more credit hours of prior college credit. Letters of recommendation are highly recommended but not required.
Graduate applicants submit an online application and transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Unofficial transcripts may be accepted for initial enrollment, with official transcripts required by the second semester. Specific requirements vary by program. Applicants to the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling must show completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. No prior background in psychology is required for that program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
On-campus undergraduate tuition at HCU is based on a flat block rate for students enrolled in 12–18 credit hours per semester. For 2024–25, that rate was $39,430 per year; the 2025–26 rate is approximately $40,680. Part-time students and those taking overload credits are charged $1,530 per credit hour for on-campus courses. Online undergraduate programs are priced separately at $445 per credit hour. Graduate MA programs run $620 per credit hour for online delivery; on-campus graduate rates vary by program. Room, board, and personal expenses are additional costs.
Approximately 94% of HCU undergraduates receive some form of grant or scholarship aid. The average aid package is $25,583 per student, covering roughly 65% of annual tuition. Students should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal grants, subsidized and unsubsidized loans, and work-study. HCU’s financial aid office also administers merit-based scholarships for incoming and transfer students.
Psychology Programs at Houston Christian University
Psychology programs at HCU are offered through the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Degree options span the undergraduate through graduate levels, with several programs available online.
BA in Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is available both on campus and fully online. The curriculum covers abnormal psychology, human development, research methods, and statistics, with elective options in social and cultural psychology. Students complete the degree with a capstone experience — either a research project or a field-based internship. The BA prepares graduates for psychology-adjacent roles or for graduate study in psychology, counseling, or related fields.
BS in Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is an on-campus degree option with a stronger emphasis on research methodology and quantitative coursework. It shares core curriculum with the BA while providing a science-oriented foundation suited to students planning doctoral study or research roles.
MA in Psychology (MAP)
The Master of Arts in Psychology offers three tracks: Thesis, Applied Teaching, and Applied Project. The program is designed to be completed in approximately two years and accommodates working professionals through flexible scheduling. For students considering clinical psychology graduate programs, the MAP also serves as a pathway to doctoral study. HCU offers an accelerated five-year BA-to-MAP pathway that allows undergraduates to begin graduate coursework during their senior year, completing both degrees a year ahead of the standard timeline.
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MACMHC)
The 60-credit MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is available both online and on campus. The program prepares graduates for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A) in Texas; students pursuing licensure in other states should verify requirements with their state board. The curriculum covers individual and group therapy, psychotherapy, clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, and psychological assessment. Students complete three semesters of supervised clinical experience — a practicum and two internships — through community-based placements. HCU assists with placement through its network of Houston-area clinical sites. No prior background in psychology or mental health is required for admission.
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