Psychology programs in Texas offer multiple pathways to help you achieve your education and career goals – whether you’re an experienced practitioner in Dallas looking to take the next step in your career, a first-time college student in Austin exploring degree options, or anywhere in between.
In this guide, you’ll find the essential information you need to begin your search for psychology programs and colleges. Read on to explore the top psychology programs in Texas that cater to those both new to and experienced in the profession. Also get an overview of the differences between these programs and insight into salary expectations and the employment outlook for this challenging yet rewarding field.
Best Psychology Programs in Texas for 2023
Colleges with good psychology programs in Texas offer accessible and affordable degrees that develop a student’s understanding of psychological science and its professional applications. To help you get started with your school search, we’ve identified several best-in-class schools and programs that rise above the rest. These spotlights serve as a preview of our comprehensive rankings arriving later this year, so be sure to check back for more information on the best psychology programs in Texas.
1
Rice University
Rice University’s Department of Psychological Sciences offers several degree programs that blend basic and applied psychology, equipping aspiring professionals for success. Rice stands out from other colleges by focusing on areas of study including affective neuroscience, psychometrics, and human-computer interaction. The school delivers research-oriented programming designed to prepare students for work in laboratory and applied settings. This psychology program in Texas also provides opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students to participate in approved psychology experiments.
The undergraduate offerings at Rice give students an overview of psychological science, including its main theoretical approaches and research methods. The graduate programs prepare students for doctoral-level study and future work as university researchers and educators. Graduate and undergraduate students alike can join one of Rice’s psychology interest groups, reading workshops, or honor societies.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts
- PhD
Specialization Options:
- Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience
- Health Psychology & Behavioral Medicine
- Human Factors & Human-Computer Interaction
- Industrial & Organizational Psychology
- Psychometrics & Quantitative Psychology
2
Southern Methodist University
Housed within the Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences, the Southern Methodist University (SMU) psychology department grants bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. It holds accreditation with the American Psychological Association and sponsors psychological clinics and research labs. One of the best psychology programs in Texas, SMU boasts internationally recognized faculty and offers numerous research and internship opportunities for students.
Classes at SMU cover topics such as abnormal psychology, forensic investigation, and psychology of personality. The school also focuses on interdisciplinary work in cognitive science and neuroscience, offering minors to undergraduate students in both areas. Recognized among the best psychology programs in Texas, SMU’s graduate programs focus on peer-reviewed research and prepare aspiring professionals for work in clinical and organizational psychology. SMU has a local Psi Chi chapter and financial aid opportunities for students at every level of education.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science
- PhD
Specialization Options:
- Organizational Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroscience
3
University of Texas (UT) at Austin
Students at UT’s main campus in Austin can earn an undergraduate degree in psychology or complete a doctorate in the discipline. The school’s Department of Psychology works to advance scientific discovery and improve the human experience through rigorous research and education. UT adopts a comprehensive approach to the discipline and focuses on individual areas of study like evolutionary psychology, behavioral neuroscience, developmental psychology, and cognitive neuroscience.
UT maintains affiliations with nearly a dozen organizations and initiatives that sponsor cutting-edge psychological research. Students and researchers have access to a science portal that connects them with funding, collaborators, and quantitative tools. Recent psychology courses covered biopsychology, diversity in cognitive aging, psychopharmacology, social cognition, and functional neuroanatomy.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Arts
- Interactive Degree Audit
Graduate Programs:
- PhD
Specialization Options:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Developmental Psychology
- IDEP
- Perception, Brain and Behavior
- Social & Personality
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Texas
Many accredited psychology programs in Texas offer online learning, making it easier for busy professionals and non-traditional students to earn their degree. Online programs offer an alternative path to in-person instruction, providing greater flexibility and convenience for those with multiple responsibilities.
We’ve highlighted some of the best psychology programs in Texas that offer online formats. These programs use interactive tools like discussion boards and learning management technologies to deliver course material virtually. While most of these programs do not require in-person components, some may offer hybrid options for students who want to supplement virtual learning with face-to-face activities. Keep an eye out for our full ranking of online psychology programs in Texas, which will be available later this year.
1
University of Houston
The University of Houston administers an online psychology program in Texas for undergraduate students that results in either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science. Both pathways require 120 credits and prepare graduates for further study or work in science, technology, and education. Designed as degree completion programs for students with some general education transfer credits, each program surveys theoretical approaches to psychology used in a variety of industries.
The school accepts both full-time learners and part-time students who need to manage outside responsibilities. Students can select hybrid delivery methods, which include some face-to-face elements, or opt for a fully online experience. Online psychology courses at the University of Houston come in synchronous or asynchronous formats, depending on the instructor. They cover a range of topics such as childhood and adolescent psychology, quantitative research methods, lifespan development, and organizational psychology. Students can also access to the school’s range of online career training programs.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
Program Options:
- Fully-Online
- Hybrid
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
2
Concordia University-Texas
Concordia University’s Texas-based campus in Austin offers an online bachelor of arts in psychology that prepares students for work as therapists and counselors, social workers, and human resources professionals. The school’s curriculum focuses on the link between psychological science and lived experience. It includes courses in animal behavior, sports psychology, behavioral science, and evolutionary psychology. Students study this material in small, seminar-style classes that involve interactive learning and peer collaboration.
Like other psychology programs in Texas, Concordia University offers specializations to enhance learning and career advancement. Students interested in graduate or doctoral-level study focus more on research methods and the scientific systems that underline psychology. Those interested in practice-based careers adopt a plan of study that emphasizes clinical applications. The school also integrates service-learning components, which give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge through reflection and civic activity and propels Concordia University Texas to have one of the best psychology programs in Texas.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts
Specializations:
- Academic Track
- Professional Track
Program Options:
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
- On-Campus
3
Angelo State University
Students interested in online graduate work can enroll in one of the Angelo State University (ASU) master’s programs in psychology. The 42-credit master of science in experimental psychology blends behavioral neuroscience with experiment-based research in a laboratory setting. Administered through the school’s Department of Psychology and Sociology, this course of study focuses on neuroscience and includes instruction in psychopharmacology, cognitive development, and statistical methods of analysis. As one of the best psychology programs in Texas, the ASU master’s prepares graduates for doctoral work and may include research or teaching assistantships.
ASU’s applied psychology program requires 36 credits and emphasizes the role psychology plays in human behavior and social functioning. It can also serve as a stepping-stone for future doctoral work, but focuses more on preparing students for leadership positions in human services agencies and other care facilities. Students gain hands-on experience throughout their studies and often collaborate with faculty on research projects of interest.
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science
Program Options:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Hybrid
- Thesis Option
- Nonthesis Option
Specializations Offered:
- Experimental Psychology
- Applied Psychology
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Texas
Colleges with good psychology programs in Texas offer quite a few options designed to meet students at different points in their career or education. These programs come in online and on-campus formats and achieve learning outcomes that prepare you for employment, further study, or both. Find out more about each pathway below.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Texas
Associate Degrees in Psychology
Typically offered by junior colleges, these programs cater to students interested in vocational work or transferring to a four-year school in the future. They provide a working overview of psychology, including its key concepts, professional applications, and main theoretical approaches. Most students graduate or transfer within two years equipped with new skills in critical thinking and behavioral analysis.
Examples of Accredited Texas Colleges with this Psychology Degree
South Texas College: Associate of Arts in Psychology (Online or On-Campus)
Houston Community College: Associate of Science in Psychology (Online or On-Campus)
Austin Community College: Psychology Program (On-Campus)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
Most colleges with good psychology programs in Texas confer either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science (or both, in some cases). These four-year programs offer a more 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 subfields in mind – like cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, or industrial psychology. Others may adopt a more generalist approach.
Examples of Accredited Texas Colleges with this Psychology Degree
The University of Texas at Dallas: Psychology BS (On-Campus)
The University of North Texas: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (On-Campus)
Tarleton State University: BS in Psychology (Online or On-Campus)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Texas
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
Psychology programs in Texas with options for graduate study build on undergraduate work and qualify students for higher paying jobs with more responsibility. At colleges with good psychology programs in Texas, 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 psychology or organizational psychology.
Examples of Accredited Texas Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Texas A&M University-Commerce: Psychology MS (Online and On-Campus)
Texas Woman’s University: MS in Psychological Science (On-Campus)
Texas Southern University: MA in Psychology (On-Campus)
PsyD Programs
One of the highest degrees in psychology, the PsyD credential prepares students for applied work as health professionals in clinics, schools, and other treatment settings. The best psychology programs in Texas offering PsyDs often require original projects in empirical research or evidence-based practice. They include a sequence of core courses, usually delivered up-front, and prepare aspiring professionals for licensure in clinical psychology. These Texas psychology programs typically last three to five years.
Examples of Accredited Texas Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Baylor University: PsyD in Clinical Psychology (On-Campus)
Our Lady of the Lake University: Counseling Psychology PsyD (On-Campus)
University of Houston-Clear Lake: Health Service Psychology, PsyD (On-Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
Unlike the PsyD, which focuses on clinical work and professional practice, a PhD in psychology trains students for work as scientists, researchers, and postsecondary educators. PhD psychology programs in Texas are structured like PsyD offerings – and last about as long – but focus on building an academic knowledge base within specialized areas of research. Students typically complete a dissertation project that conveys their research findings.
Examples of Accredited Texas Colleges with this Psychology Degree
The University of Texas, Tyler: Clinical Psychology PhD Degree (On-Campus)
Sam Houston State University: Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program (On-Campus)
Southern Methodist University: PhD Program in Clinical Psychology (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
Designed for clinicians and other practitioners, graduate certificates in psychology develop new skills or areas of competency without requiring a new degree. Because they involve focused study with fewer requirements, many certificates at the best psychology programs in Texas take only take a year or two to complete. If you’re a working professional looking to expand your scope, this could be an ideal option.
Examples of Accredited Texas Colleges with this Psychology Degree
Texas Tech University: School Psychology Graduate Certificate (On-Campus)
The University of Texas at El Paso: Graduate Certificate in Quantitative Methods in Psychology (On-Campus)
Texas State University: Graduate Certificate in Forensic Psychology (On-Campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Texas
Financial aid opportunities such as scholarships and grants help students defray tuition-related costs. Professional organizations like the Texas Psychological Association offer grants and other awards to students, and tools like StudentAid.gov help you find out if you qualify for federal financial aid. Our own directory lists several scholarships available to psychology students.
Some of the best psychology programs in Texas offer their own financial aid opportunities to new and returning students. Texas State, Texas Woman’s University, and the University of North Texas all set aside scholarships specifically for psychology students. For more information, including tips on funding your psychology program in Texas, see our guide to financial aid.
Texas Job Growth and Earnings for Psychology Grads
Graduates of psychology programs in Texas are in high demand, especially in areas such as mental health and clinical counseling. Other industries that need skilled professionals with a background in psychology, such as human resources and market research, also see above-average growth in Texas and across the nation.
The trends for psychology graduates in Texas are especially promising due to localized demand in major metropolitan areas like Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. For each profession listed below, growth numbers in the Lone Star State outpace the national average by several percentage points.
When it comes to pay, the annual mean wage in Texas is consistent with other states for those same occupations. Within the state itself, the annual mean wage for all professions is $52,400; as the chart below shows, graduates entering occupations such as psychology or clinical counseling could earn over 50% more than their peers in other industries.
| Job Growth (2018-2028) | Avg. Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2020) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical, Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | 15.9% | 890 | $73,160 |
| Psychologists, all other | 13.5% | 90 | $98,410 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | 25.8% | 1,620 | $50,920 |
| Market Research Analysts | 33.2% | 1,580 | $76,840 |
| Management Analysts | 26.7% | 5,980 | $96,730 |
Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Resources for Psychology Professionals and Students in Texas
National Alliance on Mental Illness | Texas
This volunteer-run organization raises awareness about mental health by providing a range of services for professionals, families, veterans, and individuals. It publishes a regular newsletter and provides job and professional development resources.
Texas Association of School Psychologists
Based in Dallas, this regional affiliate supports school psychologists across Texas through scholarships, awards, and continuing education opportunities. It sponsors local events and distributes guides and white papers specific to school psychology.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council
This state-based agency oversees the licensure process for psychologists, counselors, and therapists in Texas. It keeps a database of the most up-to-date state regulations, establishes licensure requirements, and sets guidelines for professional conduct.
Texas Counseling Association (TCA)
The TCA has supported counseling professionals in Texas since 1935. It participates in public policy, hosts conferences and regional events, and salutes outstanding achievement in counseling practice. The TCA also distributes grants and publicizes job openings.
Texas Psychological Association (TPA)
Founded in 1947, the TPA represents and enhances psychological practice across Texas. It extends tools to help link clinicians with new clients, engages in advocacy efforts, and aggregates resources for students and professionals.