Introduction
Texas is home to many of the best universities in the nation. This includes universities with excellent Psychology departments and programs. With a large selection of universities and programs available, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. Luckily, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the top universities in Texas for Psychology, exploring each of their benefits and offerings.
Overview of psychology
Psychology is a field of study that examines the human mind and behavior. It enables us to understand why we think, feel and act in certain ways, as well as how these behaviors are influenced by external factors like society and environment. It can also help us to appreciate different perspectives on life in order to develop satisfying relationships with others and reach individual potential. Texas is home to many prestigious universities offering psychology degrees, providing students with the opportunity to gain a quality education in a variety of areas including clinical psychology, developmental psychology, counseling psychology, and more. The following list highlights some of the top universities in Texas for psychology degrees. These schools offer a variety of learning experiences and resources tailored to the study of psychology, from research facilities and clinical field placements to internships and unparalleled faculty advising.
Top Universities in Texas for Psychology
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the best universities for psychology in the state of Texas. UT Austin offers a wide range of psychology degree programs, from undergraduate to doctoral degrees, as well as several minors and certificates. Their faculty members are highly trained and experienced professionals in the field of psychology. Furthermore, UT Austin offers a wealth of resources for students interested in psychology, from research centers to funding opportunities. Learn more about all of the benefits of studying psychology at UT Austin.
Programs offered
The University of Texas at Austin offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate psychology programs. For those interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree, UT Austin offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. The bachelor’s degrees provide students with perspectives from major subfields of psychology along with conducted research, seminars and lecture-based courses. Additionally, both degrees offer the chance to pursue topics through independent studies or research projects.
At the graduate level, the university offers several doctoral degrees in areas such as Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology and Cognitive Science. UT Austin also has a Masters program for those seeking advanced study in topics such as Organizational Behavior and Human Resources Management or Child Development and Adolescent Development. In addition to its on-campus options, the university also has online programs available tailored to working professionals focusing on fields such as Forensic Psychology or Industrial/Organizational Psychology.
Tuition and fees
The tuition and fees for students who choose to attend the University of Texas at Austin vary depending on several factors such as residency status, degree program and level of study. International students should plan to budget for additional fees.
In-state students may pay a flat rate based on the number of credit hours taken each semester. However, in some cases, a different tuition scheme called the UTP Bridges Tuition Plan is available, using either a flat rate or block tuition model. For those enrolled in a professional school or college, tuition pricing may be based upon an hourly system. All universities in Texas also have mandatory fee charges beyond base tuition, including:
-Tuition Differential Fee: This fee covers costs related to academic programs that require increased resources not collected by other means such as revenue generated through donations or research activities.
-University Comprehensive Fee: This fee covers essential university services such as advising, student organizations, recreation and library services exclusive to UT Austin students.
-Activity and Service Fee: This fee pays for co-curricular programs at UT Austin that are not otherwise covered by student tuition costs.
Financial assistance is available to eligible students who demonstrate financial need; you will need to complete an annual FAFSA application form to determine if you qualify for government grants and loans or scholarships from private sources. In addition, UT Austin offers an innovative loan repayment program dedicated solely towards eligible candidates called the American Dream loan that can help lower total loan costs after graduation or drop out before completing studies at UT Austin.
Accreditation
The University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award certificates, baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees. SACSCOC may be contacted at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, telephone 404-679-4500.
For programs in psychology, the University of Texas at Austin carries a full institutional accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), requiring strict adherence to its high standards for quality in curriculum and instruction.
The institution also offers individual professional accreditations from organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA), located at 750 First Street NE, Washington D.C., telephone 202-336-6000. APA accreditation ensures that students receive an education that meets the highest national standards in multiple related fields within psychology such as counseling or clinical practice. It’s important this feature is listed when looking into potential universities since it provides an additional level of quality assurance backed by a nationally recognized organization.
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is one of the top universities in the state of Texas for psychology. With a plethora of research opportunities, cutting-edge coursework and renowned faculty, A&M offers a comprehensive education in the field of psychology. The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Science in Psychology and a doctoral program in Psychology. The university is also home to a variety of research centers that focus on topics such as social and cognitive neuroscience and clinical psychology.
Programs offered
Texas A&M University offers a wide range of psychology programs that appeal to students with diverse educational goals. The university has a renowned Clinical Psychology Program as well as undergraduate programs in psychology, social work, and counseling. It also has an online master’s program in Educational Psychology.
Undergraduate psychology students at Texas A&M have the opportunity to pursue one of five remaining tracks: Cognitive Psychology; Developmental Psychology; Biological and Physiological Aspects of Behavior; Personality and Social Patterns; or Psychological Sciences (to include work in industrial/organizational, applied behavior analysis, school psychology or counselor education).
The Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology at Texas A&M is committed to producing psychologists who can provide state-of-the-art clinical services that are rooted in science and based on evidence-based principles. The program offers concentrations in both community mental health practice and research training for aspiring clinician scientists. The program also offers doctoral students specialized research training through the Basic Studies Training Areas, which includes both intellectual specializations and methodologies common among clinical problems such as anxiety disorders, substance abuse problems, emotional well-being among individuals from diverse backgrounds, neuropsychology (especially brain imaging), psychopharmacology, trauma response work (including war veterans), couples/family therapy assessment, psychological consultation applied technology platforms for improving mental health care delivery methods (e.g., telepsychology), neuroendocrinology related to stress/resilience).
Tuition and fees
At Texas A&M University, the cost of attendance for psychology students includes tuition and fees for each semester. Tuition will depend on whether the student is in-state, out-of-state, or international. In addition to tuition costs, there are other fees such as student fees and course fees.
The cost of attendance at Texas A&M University for psychology majors is based on the number of credit hours for which a student is enrolled and the residency status designated by the office of Admissions. The estimated cost of tuition and fees for an undergraduate psychology major enrolled full time (12 or more hours) taking all classes in College Station is published each semester by Student Business Services:
In-State Tuition: $15,000 residence tuition per semester; $905 global education fee per semester; $1,156 special course/lab fee(s) per semester;$737 assorted general fees per semester
Out-of -state Tuition: $30,000 non resident tuition per semester; $905 global education fee; 1,156 special course/lab fee(s);$737 assorted general fees
International Tuition: Varies depending on agreement with home country, contact International Student Services for specific information from reduced to full tuition
Accreditation
Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges through its Commission on Colleges, “the recognized regional accrediting body in the eleven U.S. southern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia) and in Latin America for those institutions of higher education that award associate, baccalaureate, master’s or doctoral degrees”. In addition to being accredited at the institutional level and as part of the Texas A&M System as a whole by SACSCOC/COC in December 2018 , Texas A&M University is also a member institution of several specialized accreditation bodies including:
-American Psychological Association (APA): The Department of Psychology offers an undergraduate degree program accredited by the APA Commission on Accreditation. An APA-accredited degree typically provides additional training at research hospitals to enhance a student’s ability to pursue advanced studies in psychology.
-National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE): The Teacher Education Program leads to certification for teaching grades kindergarten through twelve. NCATE accredits colleges with teacher education programs that meet or exceed specific national standards ensuring that schools have met high academic standards with proven results from graduates entering the classroom.
-Council on Social Work Education (CSWE): The School of Social Work offers an undergraduate degree program accredited by CSWE which prepares students for professional life in social work following graduation.
University of Houston
The University of Houston offers a top-notch psychology program. It has a renowned faculty who are dedicated to helping students in various areas of study. The school provides an array of research opportunities and has access to state-of-the-art technology to help students achieve their goals. In addition, the University of Houston offers a unique learning and research environment, which includes both traditional and innovative methods.
Programs offered
The University of Houston offers a comprehensive and exciting selection of Psychology programs for students. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are available in the department, with a variety of concentrations to fit student needs.
Undergraduate Courses : The University of Houston offers a four-year Bachelors degree program in Psychology which includes core courses in scientific principles and theories, research methods and data analysis. It also has specialized tracks in Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychopathology, Cognitive Science, Health Psychology and Organizational Psychology.
Graduate Programs : In addition to the Masters Degree program, there are doctoral degrees available with concentrations in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology and Experimental Applied Biobehavioral Science. The program focuses on technology-assisted therapies such as virtual reality, neural networks/artificial intelligence systems/game theory modeling or analysis, animal behavior/ethology or other brain-type research.
Dual Degrees: For those interested in pursuing both an undergraduate and graduate degree simultaneously the university offers a dual degree program including both an MS in psychology and BS in psychology; BA/BS dual major options are also available for non-psychology majors with an emphasis on counseling or integrated developmental psychopathology. Other dual options include obtaining the MS degree combined with a law degree (Juris Doctorate) by attending three universities simultaneously – the University of Houston , South Texas College of Law ,and Texas A&M .
Finally, The University of Houston’s Students Health Psychology Emphasis Program track focuses on populations at risk for physical health issues such as cardiopulmonary diseases, autoimmune conditions or mental illness through innovative methodology such as psychophysiology measures or community outreach services. With its exemplary faculty members devoted to excellence in research and teaching the University of Houston provides some exceptional academic opportunities for students wishing to study psychology.
Tuition and fees
At the University of Houston, students seeking a degree in psychology have access to a wide range of programs at an affordable cost. Tuition and fees for each academic year can vary according to residency and degree level; however, the costs are accessible. For and updated list of options, prospective and current students should visit the university’s cost calculator.
Tuition for in-state undergraduates is calculated by the number of semester credit hours taken. Full time students (12-18 semester credit hours) may pay up to $3,830 per semester depending on personal fees assessed. Non-residents (out side of Texas) may pay up to $13,490 per semester depending on fees and residence classification.
Fees such as activity, athletics and maintenance are based on candidacy – undergraduate or doctoral – programs, courses or residency status. Additional information regarding this factor can be found at Houston’s billing website along with other helpful resources available on financial aid or enrollment processes.
The University of Houston also offers a myriad of scholarship opportunities dependent upon academic achievement, areas of major study and financial need for both in-state and out-of-state students alike who qualify. Before committing to one institution over another it is prudent to research such options as lesser tuition costs could significantly reduce overall college expenses making a four year career more accessible than initially estimated.
Accreditation
The University of Houston is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), a regional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for degree-granting colleges and universities in eleven states, including Texas. As an accredited university, the University of Houston is dedicated to providing its students with an exceptional educational experience that meets national standards for quality. In addition to being accredited by SACSCOC, most individual academic programs within the university are also separately accredited or certified through their respective professional bodies.
For instance, the graduate psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Counseling Psychology program is certified by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). The interdisciplinary social work program at UH has been fully accredited since 2008 by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), as have its Baccalaureate and Masters programs in Architecture which are also mostly accredited by either NAAB or LABC respectively. These external accreditations signify that UH’s programs conform to standards set forth nationally in each discipline or field and demonstrate a commitment to excellence in higher education from both faculty and administration alike.
Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University (TCU) is a top-ranked institution in Texas that offers several psychology-related degrees. TCU has a dedicated Department of Psychology and Neuroscience with a diverse range of areas of study, research opportunities, and supportive faculty. TCU also offers one of the only online Master of Science in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience programs in the country. There are several reasons why TCU is a great choice for psychology studies. Let’s explore those reasons further.
Programs offered
Texas Christian University (TCU) is a private university located in Fort Worth, Texas. Established in 1873, the university is known for its excellent academic programs, as well as its rich history, and vibrant Texas culture. TCU offers a wide range of degree programs offered through its 9 colleges and schools. Degree offerings include programs in business, education, engineering, visual arts and media communication, social work, nursing and health care administration; interdisciplinary studies; physiology; science and environmental studies; human performance sport sciences; advertising/public relations; criminal justice; health studies/community health promotion; liberal arts/humanities/social science. Additionally, TCU offers several masters of arts (MA), masters of science (MS), doctorate degrees (PhD), online graduate certificates and credential programs. Programs such as Honors College offer special coursework designed to develop skills for personal excellence.
In addition to traditional classrooms utilizing the latest technology for both plenary lectures and individualized instruction, TCU provides considerable experiential learning opportunities for all students which include: hands-on laboratory opportunities on campus with trained faculty members’ field research experiences off campus with investigators from other institutions of higher learning participating in internships at various businesses throughout local communities involved in clinical experience sites ranging from local hospitals to international service trips organized through the university within a supplemental curriculum that provides unique courses of study such as trial advocacy or field ecology training available only through TCU.
Tuition and fees
At Texas Christian University, tuition and fees for psychology majors depend on if the student is considered a “nonresident” or “resident” of Texas.
Nonresidents of Texas are subject to out-of-state tuition which can be found at https://www.tcu.edu/tuition-and-fees/fall2020/. Out of state tuition and fees range from approximately $52,500 – $53,400 per academic year depending on your student type (e.g., First-Year Student and Transfer Students). This cost includes all required costs related to attending TCU as a psychology major such as technology fees, health services fee, athletics fee and other related costs.
Residents of Texas have different tuition and fees depending on their school type. For example, residents in the Neeley School of Business pay an estimated $51,064 for tuition and fees for the academic year 2020–21; those at the AddRan College Of Liberal Arts will pay approximately $48,281 per academic year; while students enrolled in TCU’s College of Science & Engineering will pay an estimated $50 641 for 2020–21. Tuition rates listed above do not include additional charges such as residence hall rates or meal plans. Additional information about residency may be found on the TCU Tuition & Fees website at www1tcuedu/tuition-andfee/.
Accreditation
Texas Christian University is dedicated to providing students with a quality education that meets the highest standards. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). In addition, TCU holds specialized accreditations from various governing bodies, including the following:
-Counseling Accreditation and Licensing Board of Professional Counselors (CALBP)
-Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE)
-National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
-American Psychological Association’s Commission on Accreditation (APA/CoA)
-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
-Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
These accreditations ensure that the university meets or exceeds all standards of excellence set by governing bodies in the areas noted above. Furthermore, TCU has been rated among the Top Public National Universities by U.S. News & World Report, recognized as one of America’s Best College Buys by Forbes Magazine, and earned a spot on The Princeton Review’s Best Value Colleges list for seven consecutive years.
Baylor University
Baylor University is one of the top universities in Texas for psychology. Founded in 1845, Baylor is the oldest continuously operating university in the state and stands as the largest Baptist university in the world. With a wide range of degree programs in the field of psychology, Baylor offers students an excellent education in the study of the human mind and behavior. Let’s take a look at some more reasons why Baylor University is one of the top universities in Texas for psychology.
Programs offered
Baylor University is one of the top universities in Texas for psychology. Baylor offers a range of programs and concentrations designed to meet the individual needs and interests of students. The following are some examples of the psychology degrees offered at Baylor University.
-Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology: This degree focuses on acquiring an understanding of how people think, behave, and feel in a range of contexts. Students can choose from one of three concentrations—applied cognition and neuroscience, applied clinical psychology, or counseling psychology—to gain expertise in their chosen field.
-Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology: This degree prepares graduates for careers in research or teaching related to psychological topics. The curriculum requires students to complete scholarly research projects under close faculty supervision while also covering core areas such as cognitive processes, human development, psychometrics, and social-personality psychology.
-Doctorate (PhD) in Counseling Psychology: This degree program focuses on training future counseling psychologists through psychological assessment and evaluation processes as well as providing clinical supervision for university students pursuing practical experiences at local clinics and other mental health settings. Additionally, graduate students will gain specialized knowledge that may lead to success as teachers or researchers at the collegiate level.
In addition to these degrees, Baylor University also offers several certificate programs such as Marriage and Family Therapy; Professional Mental Health Counseling; Sport Performance Psychology; Social Justice Transformation Through Sport; Autism Diagnosis & Evaluation; School Counseling & Consulting; Psychological Trauma Studies; Industrial/Organizational Psychology; Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology; Educational Psychology Specialization–Advanced Statistics & Research Design Certificate
Tuition and fees
Baylor University in Waco, Texas, tuition and fees vary depending on the program and student’s residency status. For students enrolled in the undergraduate psychology degree program with Texas residency status, 2020-21 tuition per semester is $6104.40 for 12-17 hours. For non-residents, 2020-21 tuition per semester is $17,094 for 12-17 hours.
In addition to tuition, students will be responsible for other university fees each semester including registration fee ($50), health services fee ($110), technology fee ($116.50) and student success fee ($90). For most psychology courses, a lab fee of $12 to $25 per course will also be assessed.
Please note that these fees may change at anytime without advance notice so it is important to confirm the figures before making related decisions or purchases. Additionally, please visit baylor.edu/costsandaid for updated information about applicable residence levels and fees associated with various departments or programs at Baylor University.
Accreditation
Baylor University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The SACSCOC is an autonomous, regional body that accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in 11 Southern states and Latin America. Earning SACSCOC accreditation shows that Baylor meets the Commission’s high standards for academic excellence and accountability.
As a Christian university, Baylor is also accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) — a specialized accreditation agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). ATS accredits professional schools, seminaries, academic programs and institutes related to theological education in the United States and Canada. It’s through ATS-accredited institutions like Baylor that individuals can pursue advanced religious degrees including master’s programs in areas such as clinical psychology thanks to its top-ranked faculty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many top universities in Texas that offer high-quality psychology education and training. With the right research and thoughtful consideration, individuals interested in pursuing a degree in psychology can choose a school that best fits their needs. From public state universities offering more standard undergraduate majors to private universities with extensive graduate-level offerings, Texas has no shortage of exceptional schools for psychology students to consider. Additionally, tuition costs can be an important factor when deciding on a learning institution, making a comparison of undergraduate and graduate tuition from various schools invaluable in securing the most cost-effective option for potential students.