The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers psychology programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including a BS in Psychology, an MA in Clinical Psychology, an MA in Experimental Psychology, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology. UTRGV is accredited by SACSCOC and is part of the UT System, with campuses in Edinburg and Brownsville, TX.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was established in 2015 when UT-Pan American merged with UT-Brownsville to form a single institution in the Rio Grande Valley. UTRGV operates primarily from its Edinburg and Brownsville campuses and enrolled more than 35,000 students in Fall 2025, a record for the institution. Psychology is housed in the Department of Psychological Science within the College of Liberal Arts.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Accreditation Details
UTRGV is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. SACSCOC accreditation confirms that the institution meets regional standards for academic quality, governance, and student support.
The Clinical Psychology PhD program holds Accreditation on Contingency status from the American Psychological Association (APA) through January 26, 2029. Questions about the program’s accreditation status can be directed to the APA Commission on Accreditation at [email protected] or (202) 336-5979.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Application Requirements
Undergraduate applicants to UTRGV should contact the Office of Admissions for current admission standards, including test score policies and transcript requirements. Texas residents may qualify for automatic admission under the state’s top-10-percent rule. Transfer students must submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
Graduate applicants to the psychology programs should contact the Department of Psychological Science directly, as requirements vary by program. The MA and PhD programs each have separate application cycles with distinct prerequisites, GRE policies, and deadlines. Applicants can find current requirements in the UTRGV Graduate Catalog.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Tuition and Financial Aid
UTRGV tuition is capped at 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate students, meaning full-time students pay the same total whether they take 12, 15, or more hours. For Fall 2026, full-time undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees are $5,411.60 per semester for Texas residents and $10,547.60 for non-residents. Graduate students pay $6,098.00 per semester (resident) or $11,234.00 (non-resident) at 12 credit hours. These totals include mandatory fees; lab and supplemental instruction fees vary by course.
UTRGV participates in federal financial aid programs. Students apply using the FAFSA (federal code 003599). The university also offers institutional scholarships, including the UTRGV Graduate Select Scholarship, and the Tuition Advantage program covers tuition and fees for qualifying students. State aid programs available to Texas residents include the TEXAS Grant.
Psychology Programs at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The BS in Psychology at UTRGV is a campus-based undergraduate program that covers the core science of mind and behavior, including child and adult development, biological processes, social interactions, memory, and cognition. The program develops skills applicable to entry-level roles in human services, research support, and related fields, and provides a foundation for graduate study in psychology or related disciplines.
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
The MA in Clinical Psychology is designed for students who want to enter mental health service delivery. The program prepares graduates to obtain licensure as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) in Texas or to pursue a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Students receive training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of both acute and chronic mental health conditions. A graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and a Primary Care Behavioral Health certificate are available in conjunction with this program. Students weighing cost may also want to review affordable clinical psychology master’s programs across the country.
Master of Arts in Experimental Psychology
The MA in Experimental Psychology is intended as a pathway to the doctoral degree. The program prepares graduates for PhD programs in experimental psychology or for research support roles in academic, public, or private settings. Students develop core knowledge in psychological science and research methodology. A Primary Care Behavioral Health certificate is also available in conjunction with this program.
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology
The PhD in Clinical Psychology at UTRGV follows the scientist-practitioner model, providing integrated academic, scientific, and professional training. Students develop broad-based clinical skills across assessment and intervention and work closely with other healthcare professionals. The program holds Accreditation on Contingency status from the APA through January 26, 2029. Graduates are prepared for careers in clinical service, academic research, and teaching in medical and mental health settings. For a broader look at doctoral options in the state, see psychology doctoral programs in Texas.
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