Today@Sam Article

SHSU Graduate Enrollment Reaches Four-Year High

Aug. 14, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Emily Binetti

The Graduate and Professional School at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is celebrating success, with Fall 2025 graduate applications climbing 9.1 percent representing the highest in four years.

Graduate registrations have also seen a strong boost, up 4.5 percent from last year. The university’s master’s population increased 5.5 percent, while total graduate enrollment rose 5.3 percent, contributing 1.1 percent to SHSU’s overall university growth. Over the past five years, SHSU’s graduate population has grown by 500 students.

Graduate student credit hours (SCH) also reflect this upward trend, with master’s SCH increasing by 10.8 percent and doctoral SCH rising by 6.0 percent.

“This growth is a direct reflection of SHSU’s commitment to providing flexible, high-quality programs that meet the needs of today’s graduate students,” said Ken Hendrickson, Dean of the Graduate and Professional School. “From expanded online offerings to increased support services, we’re creating opportunities that make graduate education more accessible than ever.”

Several SHSU colleges, including Business Administration, Criminal Justice and Education, offer graduate programs in accelerated seven-week semesters, with multiple entry points throughout the year.

In addition to academic innovations, the Graduate and Professional School recently implemented an enhanced, targeted advertising campaign to connect with prospective students across Texas and beyond. These efforts have strengthened awareness of SHSU’s graduate programs and helped drive the record application numbers.

To further support student success, The Graduate and Professional School offers $1,000 competitive scholarships three times annually, expanded grant awards for research and travel, and a robust suite of student services. In the past year alone, the school served more than 1,000 students through workshops, seminars, writing and research support and mock interviews. These services are available both in person and to online students.

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