Online Psychology Programs in Texas: Reviewing Top Schools

Psychology Associate Degrees in Texas

Typically offered by junior colleges, associate degree programs cater to students interested in vocational work or transferring to a four-year school in the future. Courses provide a working overview of psychology, including key concepts and professional applications. Most students graduate or transfer in two years with new critical thinking and behavioral analysis skills.

Psychology Bachelor’s Degrees in Texas

Texas schools with accredited psychology bachelor’s degree programs offer a comprehensive course of study that examines the environmental and biological factors that motivate or impede human behavior. Some programs may frame their curriculum with certain specialties in mind, such as cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, or industrial psychology.

Psychology Master’s Degrees in Texas

Psychology programs in Texas with options for graduate study qualify students for higher paying jobs with more responsibility. Earning a master’s degree deepens your knowledge of psychological science and cultivates additional skills in quantitative analysis and clinical practice. Many programs offer opportunities for specialization in areas like school, forensic, or cognitive psychology.

PhD, PsyD, and Graduate Certificates in Texas

Post-master’s degree programs in psychology include the PsyD, which prepares students for applied work as health professionals in clinics, schools, and treatment settings. A PhD in psychology trains students who want to be scientists, researchers, and postsecondary educators. Designed for clinicians, graduate certificates in psychology develop new skills or areas of competency.

All You Need to Know: Psychology Student FAQs

What are some of the organizations that accredit psychology programs?

There are several such organizations including the Texas Association of School Psychologists, but the major group recognized in the state is the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation, or APA-CoA. This accreditation is the stamp of approval you should seek out for a psychology program from a college or university, as it’s an endorsement of its quality curriculum and skilled preparation for students to enter the workforce after they graduate.

Where can I find financial aid for my Texas psychology degree or certificate program?

To find scholarships and grants for public service students, look to professional organizations like the Texas Psychological Association, and use tools like StudentAid.gov to find out if you qualify for federal financial aid. Some of the best psychology programs in Texas offer their own financial aid opportunities to new and returning students. Texas State University, Texas Woman’s University, and the University of North Texas all set aside scholarships specifically for psychology students.

What are some specializations that are available from my psychology degree?

The APA notes that there are 17 different specializations, but four major specializations are found in most programs.

• Clinical psychologists assist people with moderate to severe psychological disorders.
• Counseling psychologists concentrate on using their knowledge to assist people in dealing with everyday issues as they arise.
• Forensic psychologists work at the intersection of psychology and law, using their expertise to aid jurors and judges in making informed decisions within the legal system. Step’s guide to forensic psychology programs can get you started.
• School psychologists often work in K-12 settings to help students address issues around behaviors, emotions, family situations, learning, and mental health. Explore Step’s guide to school psychology programs.

What is the difference between being a counselor and being a psychologist?

While the roles are interlinked, there are some specific differences, especially in audience and role. Counselors often provide services based on their expertise—like in schools or with addiction recovery groups—while psychologists focus more broadly on improving mental well-being. Psychologists tend to take a theoretical approach to patient care (“Why do you feel stressed?”) while counselors focus on coping behaviors (“What can you do or how can we help alleviate your stress?”).

What qualifications do I need to become a licensed or practicing psychologist in Texas?

At minimum, all major psychology professions in every state demand a master’s or education specialist degree. But most states—including Texas—also necessitate a doctoral-level degree and a substantial amount of supervised work experience. In the case of Texas, it’s 3,500 hours. You also must pass two national tests in Texas: the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the Jurisprudence Examination. The former costs $600, while the latter costs $34 through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.

Psychology Careers: Texas Salary Insights

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Texas Resources for Psychology Students & Professionals

• National Alliance on Mental Health – Texas: This volunteer-run organization raises mental health awareness by providing a range of services for professionals, families, veterans, and Texas residents. It publishes a regular newsletter and provides job and professional development resources.
• Texas Association of School Psychologists: With offices in Dallas and Austin, this group supports school psychologists across Texas through scholarships, awards, and continuing education. It sponsors regional events and distributes guides and white papers for school psychology.
• Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council: This state-based agency oversees the licensure process for psychologists, counselors, and therapists in Texas. It houses a database of up-to-date state regulations, establishes licensure requirements, and sets professional conduct guidelines.
• Texas Counseling Association: If you use your degree to start a counseling career, this group can provide educational/networking events and support. The TCA participates in public policy, hosts conferences, salutes outstanding achievement, and distributes grants.
• Texas Psychological Association: A source of educational awards and grants, the TPA also represents and enhances psychological practice across Texas. It features tools to help link clinicians with new clients and aggregates students and professional resources.

Top-Rated Online Psychology Programs in Texas

It’s a good idea to compare schools on the attributes that drive you as a student, including financial aid availability, cost, curriculum, and career support. The following information explores two-year and four-year online psychology programs throughout Texas, ranked by these important metrics. The information for each school comes from information volunteered to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, or IPEDS. Schools must have at least one program that is either fully or partially offered online to be considered in the ranking.