Sam Houston State University offers psychology programs from a Bachelor of Science through a PhD in Clinical Psychology, including a Specialist degree in School Psychology. The doctoral program has been APA-accredited since 2008 and offers both general and forensic clinical emphases. SHSU is a member of the Texas State University System, located in Huntsville, Texas.
Founded in 1879, Sam Houston State University is the third-oldest public university in Texas and a member of the Texas State University System. The Huntsville campus enrolls more than 20,000 students across 78 undergraduate, 54 master’s, and 6 doctoral degree programs, including a PhD in Clinical Psychology, recognized for its emphasis in forensic psychology.
Accreditation Details
SHSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. SACSCOC accreditation qualifies students for federal student aid through the Department of Education.
Within the Department of Psychology and Philosophy, the PhD in Clinical Psychology has held accreditation from the American Psychological Association since 2008, with general and forensic clinical psychology emphases available. The National Association approves the Specialist degree in School Psychology of School Psychologists.
Application Requirements
SHSU accepts applications from incoming first-year students, transfer students, online students, veterans, and graduate applicants. Every applicant submits an application fee, the official school application, and transcripts. ACT or SAT scores are optional for first-year admission, though SHSU may still consider them for scholarship eligibility and certain admission pathways.
Freshman applicants typically submit:
- Online application
- Application fee of $45.00
- High school transcripts
- ACT or SAT scores (optional, but may strengthen scholarship consideration)
Specific programs may require additional materials, and requirements vary for transfer and international applicants. SHSU is designated a Military Friendly School and operates a Veterans Resource Center to support students transitioning from military service.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition and fees at SHSU differ by residency. Texas residents pay an estimated $9,804.60 per semester, while non-residents pay an estimated $15,358.50 per semester. Graduate tuition for 12 credit hours runs approximately $4,685.00 per semester for Texas residents and $9,365.00 per semester for non-residents.
Financial aid options include federal student loans, grants, private loans, scholarships, and work-study. Psychology students can also apply for the John D. Symonds Scholarship through the Department of Psychology and Philosophy. SHSU recommends completing the FAFSA and contacting the financial aid office early, since some scholarships have limited funding and early deadlines.
Psychology Programs at Sam Houston State University
SHSU’s Department of Psychology and Philosophy, housed in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, offers psychology programs from the bachelor’s through the doctoral level, plus a standalone minor for students majoring in other fields.
| Degree | Level | Program Focus |
|---|---|---|
| BS in Psychology | Undergraduate | Experimental, social-personality, and clinical-adjustment coursework |
| MA in Clinical Psychology | Master’s | Thesis or non-thesis track |
| MA in General Psychology | Master’s | Thesis required |
| Graduate Certificate in General Psychology | Graduate Certificate | 18 credit hours |
| Specialist in School Psychology | Specialist | NASP-approved |
| PhD in Clinical Psychology | Doctoral | APA-accredited, general and forensic clinical emphases |
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The BS in Psychology requires 120 total credit hours, organized into four course blocks: Experimental, Personality-Social-Development, Clinical-Adjustment, and Related Courses, plus core curriculum requirements in communication, mathematics, and the physical sciences.
Master’s Programs and Graduate Certificate
The M.A. in Clinical Psychology offers a thesis or non-thesis track, while the M.A. in General Psychology requires a master’s thesis. Students who want a shorter credential can complete the 18-hour Graduate Certificate in General Psychology, which is often used for career advancement rather than a full graduate degree.
Specialist in School Psychology
The Specialist in School Psychology prepares graduates for school-based practice and is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists. Prospective applicants can review the broader education requirements for school psychologists before applying.
PhD in Clinical Psychology
The PhD in Clinical Psychology follows a scientist-practitioner model and has held APA accreditation since 2008. Students choose a general clinical emphasis or a forensic clinical emphasis; the latter pairs clinical training with coursework on the application of psychology within the legal system. Doctoral candidates complete a year-long, full-time clinical internship in their final year, and the program reports that 100% of its students have matched to APA-accredited internship sites since the program earned accreditation in 2008. Applicants weighing options statewide can also review other psychology doctoral programs in Texas.
Compare other accredited psychology programs in Texas, including additional PhD, PsyD, and master’s options near Huntsville.