Students looking for bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas aren’t alone in the “Lone Star State” because it’s one of the most popular majors. Sprawled across 268,581 square miles in the Southwest, Texas is America’s second-largest state with 172 colleges. Studying psychology in Texas’ diverse culture opens plentiful career options in the massive $1.64 trillion economy. Parkland Health, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Wilford Hall Hospital, and Texas Children’s Hospital are among the state’s top 20 largest employers. The South Texas Medical Center in San Antonio also ranks sixth nationally for research impact. It’s no surprise why the BLS recognized Texas for the #3 highest employment level of psychologists. The 5,550 clinical, counseling, and school psychologists report an annual mean wage of $64,130. Below we’ll begin introducing undergraduate psychology schools (A-G) in Texas for promoting your career in mental health services.
Abilene Christian University
College of Arts & Sciences
Founded as the Childers Classical Institute in 1906, Abilene Christian University has grown into a private, nonprofit entity of the Churches of Christ to educate over 4,400 Wildcats from 208 urban acres in West Texas’ Taylor County. Named America’s 33rd “Most Conservative College” on Niche, ACU is ranked the 18th best college and 12th top value in the West by the USNWR. The College of Arts & Sciences covers 14 academic departments and 130 full-time faculty for whole-person liberal arts education.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology
ACU’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology program has a 14:1 student-faculty ratio for engaging discussions that assess theories about human behavior in light of the Christian faith. The 53-credit major offers students with a minimum ACT score of 25 or SAT score of 1150 the Professional Career Track with intensive mentoring. There’s also an Accelerated Degree Plan for starting the M.S. in Clinical/Counseling Psychology as undergrads. Student opportunities include volunteering with the Noah Project, serving abroad in Uruguay, and joining Psi Chi.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
McKinzie Hall Room 124
ACU Box 28011
Abilene, TX 79699
(325) 674-2310
info@admissions.acu.edu
Angelo State University
Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work
Endowed for $158 million, Angelo State University is a public, doctoral-granting institution with the Texas Tech system’s second-largest enrollment at 9,550 on its 268-acre urban campus within the Concho Valley. Recognized for America’s 38th “Best College Dorms” on Niche, Angelo State is included within The Best 381 Colleges: 2017 Edition from the Princeton Review. The Department of Psychology, Sociology and Social Work examines human relations before an average placement rate of 91 percent.
B.A./B.S. in Psychology
Admitting 77 percent of applicants, the B.A./B.S. in Psychology program at Angelo State melds contemporary theories on behavior to address current problems faced by diverse people. The 120-credit curriculum spans courses from neuroscience to cultural anthropology with or without a foreign language requirement. Majors can benefit from experimenting in the Social Perception Lab, joining the Community Development Initiative (CDI), pledging Psi Chi, traveling to Germany, and taking free online lectures via Academic Earth.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
2601 W. Avenue North
San Angelo, TX 76909
(325) 942-2068
james.forbes@angelo.edu
Argosy University-Dallas
Social Sciences Division
Operated by Education Management Corporation since 2001, Argosy University-Dallas is one of the private, for-profit higher learning system’s 29 locations helping to educate over 24,800 non-traditional students with WASC-accredited education. Named the 87th “Best Online College in America” on Niche, Argosy is ranked in the top 1 percent of U.S. schools for psychology on College Factual. The Social Sciences Division opens a median post-graduate salary of $38,200 with degrees from psychology to community counseling.
B.A. in Psychology
Argosy stands out among online bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas for providing several B.A. concentrations. The 45-credit major is tailored with tracks for Advanced Studies in Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Organizational Psychology, Child and Adolescent Studies, or Substance Abuse Counseling. Generally taking 40 months, the flexible program launches social science theories for immediate entry-level employment. Courses are also available face-to-face in the inner-ring suburb of Farmers Branch.
Accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contact
5001 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway
Dallas, TX 75244
(855) 514-2204
materialsreview@argosy.edu
Arlington Baptist College
Professional Studies Division
Affiliated with the World Baptist Fellowship, Arlington Baptist College was founded under J. Frank Norris’ vision in 1939 as a private, four-year Christian institution with approximately 220 Patriots finishing nationally accredited education in Texas’ Mid-Cities region. Graded A for safety on Niche, ABC was included in Top Education Degrees’ “50 Most Affordable Small Colleges” with affordable out-of-state tuition at $3,360. The Professional Studies Division offers seven bachelor’s options from business to children’s ministry.
Bachelor of Science in Biblical Counseling
Established in 2008, the Bachelor of Science in Biblical Counseling is delivered on-campus or online for ABC undergrads seeking to apply secular psychology theories for leading behavioral change in Christian settings. Rooted in the Scripture, the 130-credit degree integrates courses in evangelism, biological psychology, premarital therapy, conflict resolution, and group discipleship. Senior practicum labs are included at agencies like Clarendon House and Pantego Christian Academy.
Accreditation
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
Contact
3001 West Division
Arlington, TX 76012
(817) 461-8741
dscanright@yahoo.com
Austin College
Department of Psychology
Included in Loren Pope’s Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College is a private, nonprofit Presbyterian liberal arts school endowed for $133 million to enlighten over 1,200 Kangaroos engaged upon 70 suburban acres in Sherman. Noted for America’s 133rd “Best Academics” on Niche, Austin is deemed the 105th best national liberal arts institution by the USNWR. The Department of Psychology maximizes engagement in brain science with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio.
Psychology Major
Boasting a four-year graduation rate of 96.8 percent, the Psychology Major confers a B.A. or B.S. to Austin undergrads who are fascinated by behavioral influences for diverse careers in human services. The 11-course major could be tailored with minors in Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, or Educational Psychology. Students can join the Psychonomic Society, participate in Psych Club, study abroad in South Africa, find internships with Roo Connect, and minister with the ACtivators Team.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Hopkins Center Room 304
900 N. Grand Avenue
Sherman, TX 75090
(903) 813-2568
rcountryman@austincollege.edu
Baylor University
College of Arts & Sciences
Belonging to the Big 12 Conference, Baylor University is Texas’ oldest continuously-operated private, nonprofit Baptist research institution endowed for $1.14 billion to serve over 14,100 undergrads from a massive 1,000-acre urban campus in Waco. Placed #19 among “Best-Run Colleges” on the Princeton Review, Baylor is ranked America’s 71st best university and 53rd top value by the USNWR. The College of Arts & Sciences also boasts the 101st best graduate psychology programs nationwide.
Psychology, B.A. or B.S.
Attracting nearly 750 Bears, the large Psychology, B.A. or B.S. program at Baylor retains 88 percent of freshmen who seek to understand the origins of human behavior and emotion. The 35-credit major offers flexibility in adding diverse electives from forensic psychology to comparative psychology. Students could join Psi Chi, intern at Providence Health Center, contribute to the Mind-Body Medicine Research Lab, and enter the Honors College. Some graduates pursue the APA-accredited Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) too.
Neuroscience, B.S.
After passing pre-NSC major requirements with a minimum GPA of 2.7, students could enter Baylor’s Neuroscience, B.S. As another of the bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas, this 45-credit major suits curious learners seeking in-depth understanding of the neural connections that determine behavioral trends. Students gain valuable opportunities like experimenting in the Sleep Neuroscience and Cognition Lab, shadowing at the Psychology Clinic, joining the Nu Rho Psi Chapter, and studying in Great Britain.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
Baylor Sciences Building B309
One Bear Place #97334
Waco, TX 76798
(254) 710-2257
Hugh_Riley@baylor.edu
Concordia University Texas
School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Enrolling more than 2,500 co-ed Tornadoes, Concordia University Texas is a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution operated by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod with a 380-acre suburban campus in northwest Austin. Graded A- for location with America’s 206th “Best College Dorms” on Niche, Concordia Texas is ranked 38th statewide for top ROI by Affordable Colleges Online. The School of Humanities & Social Sciences retains 57 percent of freshmen within its seven majors from English to criminology.
Psychology – Bachelor of Arts
Available in Austin or fully online with eight-week courses, the Psychology – Bachelor of Arts at Concordia allows undergrads to explain human behavior and thinking to become tomorrow’s Christian leaders. The 128-credit program uses its 11:1 student-faculty for small-group projects and case studies within the Professional or Academic tracks. Compiling a writing portfolio and passing the CAAP exam is required. Other opportunities include joining the Behavioral Sciences Club, declaring the Pre-Seminary Minor, and studying abroad in 30+ countries, including India.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
11400 Concordia University Drive
Austin, TX 78726
(512) 313-5403
Nickles.Chittester@concordia.edu
Criswell College
Undergraduate Degrees Division
Named after the founding pastor in 1970, Criswell College is a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution affiliated with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention serving around 350 students in Old East Dallas near Belmont Park. Graded A- for campus safety on Niche, Criswell was ranked #1 nationally in Value Colleges’ “Top 50 Universities with the Lowest Student Debt.” The Undergraduate Degrees Division confers six bachelor’s plans from Biblical studies to economics and education.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Currently charging an average net price of $18,004 yearly, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Criswell examines the basis of human behavior from a Christian worldview to open doors for church-related mental health practice. The 120-credit curriculum builds upon the Biblical core with coursework in family dynamics, neuroscience, developmental psychology, counseling, and psychopharmacology. The Applied Ministry Project (AMP) requires at least 16 service learning hours per semester. Associate of Arts graduates can transfer 60 credits for degree acceleration.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
4010 Gaston Avenue
Dallas, TX 75246
(214) 821-5433
cmcdaniel@criswell.edu
Dallas Baptist University
College of Professional Studies
Occupying 292 suburban acres in Southwest Dallas along Mountain Creek Lake, Dallas Baptist University is a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts institution educating over 5,400 Patriots in the Missouri Valley Conference with a $41 million endowment. Ranked America’s 167th “Best Small College” on Niche, DBU is deemed the 214th best national university with the 119th top online bachelor’s degrees by the U.S. News. The College of Professional Studies maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio for awarding 16 flexible bachelor’s from marketing to sociology.
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (B.A.S.) in Psychology
Following Jeremiah 29:11, the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (B.A.S.) in Psychology program at DBU strives to help non-traditional adults prosper with future plans in the social services sector. Offered fully online, the 120-credit program accepts up to 90 transfer credits for accelerated learning in human development, personality theory, marital counseling, and more. The Biblical-oriented education is supplemented with a service learning placement in students’ own communities from Dallas to Fort Worth and beyond.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
3000 Mountain Creek Parkway
Dallas, TX 75211
(214) 333-5337
professional@dbu.edu
Dallas Christian College
Arts & Sciences Department
Nationally accredited by the ABHE, Dallas Christian College is a small private, nonprofit baccalaureate institution that’s spiritually mentoring over 350 Crusaders in Farmers Branch just off Interstate 635 from downtown Dallas. Graded B+ for campus diversity on Niche, DCC was ranked Texas’ 24th most affordable college by Best Value Schools in 2015. The Arts & Sciences Department offers an impressively low 11:1 student-faculty ratio for producing servant-leaders who appreciate God’s entire domain.
B.S. in Psychology and Bible
Delivering an optional Christian Life Coaching track, the B.S. in Psychology and Bible is a traditional, four-year program for DCC undergrads to develop foundational tools for social services from a Biblical perspective. The 129-credit curriculum prepares students for graduate school with courses from abnormal psychology to anthropology and human growth. Majors apply their skills and His word with a three-credit internship at agencies like Genesis Women’s Shelter and Trinity Cross Ministry Counseling Center.
B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies
Available on-site in Dallas or online via the FLEXCampus, the B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies could be the perfect match for adults seeking bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas. It’s reserved for transfers holding 45+ credits from accredited colleges who want individualized curricula with two concentrations in Business, History, Literature, Psychology, or Social Science. Six-week online courses prepare students for Christian service quickly at an affordable rate of $488 per credit. Students still complete a three-credit internship and capstone too.
Accreditation
Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
Contact
2700 Christian Parkway
Dallas, TX 75234
(972) 241-3371 ext. 124
mfish@dallas.edu
East Texas Baptist University
Department of Psychology and Sociology
Linked to the Baptist General Convention since 1912, East Texas Baptist University is a private, four-year nonprofit CIC member endowed for $56.1 million to educate around 1,200 undergrad Tigers from a 250-acre suburban campus in Marshall. Crowned America’s 117th “Most Conservative College” on Niche, ETBU is the 10th best college and sixth most veteran-friendly university in the West according to the U.S. News. The Department of Psychology and Sociology offers three bachelor’s options with a “selective” admission rate of 55 percent.
B.A./B.S. in Psychology
At ETBU, the B.A./B.S. in Psychology splits its 120-credit curriculum into two tracks for Pre-Professional and Community Psychology to suit students’ unique goals with learning behavioral science theories. The empirical-based program fosters skeptical inquiry across various theoretical perspectives from clinical to workplace psychology. Students can benefit from completing practicum at the Texas Department of Human Services, entering the Honors Program, studying internationally in China or Chile, and declaring a Pre-Physical Therapy Minor.
B.A./B.S. in Child Development
Looking for bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas with a developmental focus could lead to ETBU’s accredited B.A./B.S. in Child Development. Motivated by the Christian faith, the 120-credit curriculum focuses on the normal and maladaptive behavioral progression of children from birth through adolescence. Courses like human growth and special education are integrated with chapel and field practicum requirements. Past placements have included L&M Christian Daycare, South Marshall Elementary, and Christus Good Shepherd.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
One Tiger Drive
Marshall, TX 75670
(903) 923-2093
sciences@etbu.edu
Whether you’re interested in forensics, counseling, human factors, or other specialties in psychology, Texas’ borders are jam-packed with degree offerings. Psychology careers always begin with a Bachelor of Arts or Science to lay the fundamentals in behavioral science. Find the right start for your chosen “helping” profession by continuing your search through our bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas here.
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