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College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Psychology

Dive into the science of people! Understand behavior, boost your career potential, and make your curiosity your superpower.

Related programs
SHSU students in conversation in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences building.
Degree
  • Bachelor of Science
Location
  • Huntsville
  • Online
Type of Instruction
  • Face to Face
  • Online
Length

4 Years

Step up to the challenge

 

As a discipline, psychology covers a broad field of study ranging from brain mechanisms and behavior to clinical practice. The psychology program at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers courses covering all aspects of psychology and prepares students for a better understanding of how and why behaviors occur.

Since a career in psychology typically requires a graduate degree, the Bachelor of Science in psychology at SHSU is designed to prepare you to progress toward that goal. However, not all of our graduates take this path - the program is designed to provide you with a well-rounded liberal arts education. Our graduates have been highly successful in moving into management positions with large companies, working as police officers and as representatives for pharmaceutical firms, and working in the public sector in areas such as human services and public relations.

Where and How Is This Program Available?

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is offered in person on our Huntsville campus or online. The online option allows you to complete your four-year degree with flexibility.

When can I apply?​ 
  • Fall semester applications due August 1
  • Spring semester applications due December 15
  • Summer applications due May 15
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The psychology program at SHSU offers courses covering all aspects of psychology and prepares you for a better understanding of how and why behaviors occur. Since a career in psychology typically requires a graduate degree, the Bachelor of Science in psychology is designed to prepare you to progress toward that goal.

Sharpen Your Focus

Students wishing to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology are required to take particular courses that are related to all areas of psychology and then to sample at least two courses each from various blocks of courses, i.e., Social Development, Clinical-Counseling, and Experimental. With this background, you will acquire knowledge of all of the various approaches psychologists use and can more easily decide on the correct career path you wish to pursue.

  • Psychology Research Projects

    Students in psychology courses at Sam Houston State University can earn extra credit through various opportunities. Instructors decide whether to offer extra credit and how to manage it. These opportunities are important for research projects involving human subjects and for graduate students training as therapists.

  • Psi Chi Chapter

    Psi Chi is an international honor society whose purpose shall be to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. The SHSU Psi Chi chapter encourages their members to stay active throughout the semester by providing community service and research opportunities, hosting a variety of guest speakers, and offering informational talks about graduate educational opportunities.

  • Psychology Club

    Psychology Club is a student organization that works in conjunction with the Psi Chi National Honors Society to provide fellowship and fun for those interested in psychology who may not meet the academic requirements of Psi Chi. Psychology Club members are welcome to participate in all events available to Psi Chi members with the exception of graduating with honors status.

minors

Not sure if a psychology major is the right path for you? Consider our Psychology minor! This flexible option lets you explore key topics in human behavior, mental processes, and social dynamics—while pairing perfectly with a variety of majors. Whether you’re interested in understanding people better, strengthening your communication skills, or adding a valuable perspective to your field of study, a minor in psychology can enhance your academic experience and future career opportunities.

Discover how a psychology minor can fit into your goals and broaden your understanding of the human mind!

Psychology scholarship opportunities

Christine Wanja Githumbi Scholarship
Award $1,000

Psychology Scholarship Endowment in Memory of John Symonds and Patrick Weber
Award $1,000

SHSU student studies in the plaza.

Discover Your Future

Build a career that makes an impact—whether in education, rehabilitation, corrections, research, program development, PR, or advertising.

The Specialist degree meets the academic requirements recognized by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychology (TSBEP) for licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) for work within the state of Texas. Additionally, the Program is nationally recognized by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and is fully approved by NASP, the National Association of School Psychologists. This accreditation and approval status is important because it affords students the ability to apply for National Certification in School Psychology (NCSP) upon graduation – a credential used by 31 states as part of their standard for certification! Individuals who meet training requirements for the NCSP generally meet and often exceed the training requirements for initial credentialing in ALL states with few exceptions.

Learn From Our Outstanding Faculty

Our nationally recognized and award-winning professors bring extensive educational and research experience, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in teaching.

Become a Bearkat

Ready to see what a degree can do for you or to start your application to SHSU? Our Admissions team is here to help.