Best Texas PsyD Programs: Reviewing Online Schools
Are you ready to transform lives as a clinical psychologist in Texas? Doctorate in psychology (PsyD) programs in Texas offer a direct path to becoming a licensed psychologist. Discover how you can join this rewarding field while benefiting from Texas’s robust healthcare job market and diverse training opportunities.
Expertise:
Online LearningHigher Education
Expertise:
Mental HealthBehavioral HealthInside Texas’ PsyD Programs
The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits PsyD programs in the U.S., signaling high academic and clinical training standards. In Texas, only three PsyD programs are APA-accredited, and all are in in-person. No APA-accredited online options exist, largely due to Texas licensure rules requiring supervised clinical hours.
With that said, however, the school highlighted below is worth considering for students looking for a flexible program with strong student support.
Baylor University
Baylor’s practitioner-scientist PsyD develops clinical competencies through coursework, research, and extensive practicum experience. Students complete 1,000 – 1,200 clinical hours plus a dissertation, following a lock-step cohort model.
Duration: 5 years (4 years on campus + 1-year internship)
Mode: In-person
Cost: $3,000-4,000/year (student fees only; tuition covered)
Funding: Full tuition for up to 5 years + $16,000 – $25,000 annually from practicum work
Curriculum Highlights: Psychological Assessment, Psychotherapy, Ethics, Neuropharmacology, Developmental Psychology, Clinical Health Psychology, Multicultural Issues, Dissertation, Clinical Internship
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Answers to FAQs
Do I need a master’s degree to get into a PsyD program in Texas?
Not always — most PsyD programs in Texas accept students with a bachelor’s or related graduate degree, though some require a master’s.
- Example: Our Lady of the Lake University requires master’s for its counseling psychology PsyD.
- Other programs accept applicants with a bachelor’s in psychology or related field, sometimes with prerequisites.
- Many students still choose to earn a master’s first for specialization and preparation.
Do PsyD programs in Texas require the GRE?
Yes, most APA-accredited PsyD programs in Texas still require GRE scores, but there are exceptions.
- All three APA-accredited PsyD programs in Texas ask for GRE scores (minimums vary).
- The Chicago School or Professional Psychology (Dallas) does not require the GRE for admission.
How long do PsyD programs in Texas take to finish?
Most PsyD programs in Texas take about five years full-time, though timelines vary.
- Some students need 1-2 extra years to finish requirements.
- Others may finish faster (e.g., University of Houston Clear Lake) if they already completed foundational master’s-level coursework.
Can I get my PsyD online in Texas?
No, there are currently no APA-accredited online PsyD programs in Texas. Students must look out-of-state if they want to enroll in an online or hybrid program.
- Examples: Meridian University and the University of Arizona Global Campus
- Always check whether the program qualifies for Texas licensure before enrolling.
- See our full guide to online doctorate in psychology programs for more options.
How do I become a licensed psychologist in Texas?
To practice in Texas, you must earn a PsyD and meet licensing requirements through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC). This includes:
- Passing the EPPP exam and the Texas Jurisprudence Exam.
- Completing 3,500 supervised practice hours.
- Submitting an official licensure application to the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.
Salary & Career Outlook
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $48,820 | $168,870 | $96,100 |
| Texas | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $32,490 | $135,010 | $75,140 |
| Amarillo, TX | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $39,590 | $141,330 | $65,610 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $37,320 | $145,360 | $79,090 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $39,900 | $129,180 | $79,130 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $40,610 | $123,160 | $66,220 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $31,140 | $133,130 | $75,140 |
| El Paso, TX | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $36,040 | $141,750 | $71,910 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $32,490 | $135,190 | $58,020 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $53,780 | $155,460 | $85,540 |
| Lubbock, TX | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $37,370 | $122,620 | $53,940 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $36,120 | $169,670 | $108,590 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $59,360 | $133,860 | $87,080 |
| Tyler, TX | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $31,820 | $160,760 | $67,600 |
| Waco, TX | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $37,280 | $136,090 | $76,820 |
Source: Clinical & Counseling Psychologists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | 67,500 | 75,200 | 7,700 | 11.40% |
| Texas | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | 3,470 | 4,150 | 680 | 19.60% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Resources for Students & Professionals
Texas PsyD students and professionals have access to an abundance of state-specific resources that can help them succeed both in and out of school. The following five resources can help through any financial, academic, or career success you may face:
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC): This government organization is responsible for licensing psychologists in Texas and overseeing regulations and standards for delivering psychological care. They also offer professional development resources for psychologists in the state.
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Paying for College: Each year, the government provides state-funded scholarships and loans for students at all levels, including PsyD students. This page outlines how to access state-funded financial aid.
Texas Jurisprudence Exam: To become a licensed psychologist in Texas, you must take the state’s jurisprudence exam. This information sheet details how to register for the exam and study strategies to help you pass with flying colors.
Texas Licensure Requirements: After getting a PsyD degree, most students apply to become licensed psychologists in Texas. This guide details different license types and requirements for each.
Texas Psychological Association: Members of this association can access networking events, professional development resources, and webinars on changes or emerging themes within the field. There’s even a discounted doctoral membership for PsyD students.