Bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas are a tremendous draw to the Southwest for undergrads. According to the U.S. News, Austin, Dallas, and Houston are included within the “20 Best Cities to Live In” for 2017. Take advantage of the unique culture and top-ranked higher education at these accredited Texas colleges starting with T. Also, don’t miss our section on Texas A&M University here.
Tarleton State University
College of Education
Headquartered on 1,973 urban acres in Stephenville within Texas’ Cross Timbers region, Tarleton State University is a public, co-educational member of the Texas A&M system founded in 1899 that’s educating over 12,300 today. Ranked America’s 143rd “Most Conservative College” on Niche, Tarleton State was deemed the 290th best master’s-level institution by Washington Monthly. With a 53 percent admission rate, the College of Education goes beyond teacher preparation to study people in the Psychological Sciences Department.
B.S. in Psychology
The four-year, 120-credit B.S. in Psychology allows Tarleton State undergrads to jump right into in-depth study on how human biology and environment together determine behaviors. Courses are available in Stephenville or off-site in Fort Worth, Midlothian, Waco, and online with an average student-faculty ratio at 19:1. Students may benefit from joining the Psychology Learning Community, pledging Psi Chi, studying abroad in Finland, undertaking A.L.E. Projects, and finding jobs through Hire A Texan. Graduates could also continue for the M.S. in Applied Psychology in Stephenville.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1333 W. Washington Street
Stephenville, TX 76402
(254) 968-9916
rynearson@tarleton.edu
Texas Christian University
College of Science & Engineering
Created in 1873 by Addison and Randolph Clark, Texas Christian University is a private, nonprofit ORAU member affiliated with the Disciples of Christ to educate over 10,300 faithful from its 325-acre urban campus in Worth Hills just three miles from Downtown Fort Worth. Recognized for America’s 53rd “Best College Athletics” on Niche, TCU is ranked the 82nd best national university and 50th best for vets school by the U.S. News. The College of Science & Engineering also houses the 167th top psychology degrees nationwide.
B.A./B.S. in Psychology
Delivered only by tenure-track faculty at a 13:1 ratio, the B.A./B.S. in Psychology is a generalist program for TCU Horned Frogs to become intelligent consumers of scientific literature on human behavior. The 124-credit program integrates applied learning with courses like social psychology, neuropsychology, cognition, and behavioral modification. Majors could research in the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, join the Psi Chi chapter, participate in the Pre-Health Professions Institute, and study abroad from Seville to Shanghai. Some may segue into the M.S. in Developmental Trauma program.
B.S. in Sport Psychology
Through the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, the B.S. in Sport Psychology gives undergrads the background to study how the mind affects athletic performance. The 124-credit degree includes courses for kinesiology, biomechanics, motor development, sport injuries, physical activity, stress management, and more. The four-year sequence features a semester-long senior internship with placements like the TCU Athletic Department, Fort Worth Texans, and Haws Athletic Center. Majors could also benefit from minoring in Movement Science, playing intramural flag football, or landing work-study at the Rec Center.
B.S. in Neuroscience
Featuring a 94 percent placement rate, the B.S. in Neuroscience is the third of TCU’s bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas taking a more interdisciplinary approach. This 132-credit curriculum melds psychology, biology, and chemistry together to study the brain’s complexity in living organisms. From genetics and bacteriology to psychopharmacology, the courses integrate hands-on experience in the Institute of Behavioral Research. Students may pledge Alpha Epsilon Delta, declare the Quantitative Psychology minor, travel to New Zealand, and present at the SWPA Annual Meeting.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
2800 South University Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76129
(817) 257-7410
psychology@tcu.edu
Texas Lutheran University
Social Sciences Division
Attracting around 1,400 Bulldogs, Texas Lutheran University is a private, nonprofit ECLA liberal arts institution endowed for $92.5 million that’s stood on 184 urban acres in Seguin just 35 miles east of San Antonio since 1891. Graded B as America’s 145th “Best Christian College” and 216th “Most Conservative College” on Niche, TLU is deemed the second best university and top value in the West by the U.S. News. The Social Sciences Division charges a net price of $17,953 annually for pursuing 17 bachelor’s options from public policy to geography.
Major in Psychology
Housed in Langner Hall, the Major in Psychology at TLU offers a Bachelor of Arts or Science to boost students’ appreciation for the interconnections between the brain and behavior, social relationships, and thought. The 120-credit curriculum weaves diverse electives from deviance and animal learning to neuropsychology and personality. Students select from minors like Spanish Studies and Criminal Justice. Majors can also participate in the Krost Symposium series, pursue the Gordon S. Knaier Research Award, join the Honors Program, study abroad at 200+ universities, and volunteer on Day of the Dogs.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1000 West Court Street
Seguin, TX 78155
(830) 372-6047
mczuchry@tlu.edu
Texas Southern University
College of Liberal Arts & Behavioral Sciences
Endowed for $48.7 million, Texas Southern University is a public, historically black TMCF-member school accredited by the SACS that’s serving over 9,600 scholars from a 150-acre urban campus along the Tiger Walk in southeastern Houston. Applauded as America’s 41st best HBCU on Niche, TSU is ranked the nation’s 256th best research university and South’s 190th top college overall by Forbes. The College of Liberal Arts & Behavioral Sciences was founded in the 1940s to oversee nine departments from music to sociology.
B.A. in Psychology
Consisting of 121 credits, TSU’s B.A. in Psychology spans four years after ASSET requirements are fulfilled for undergrads to broaden their empirical-based knowledge of the human mind from a liberal arts tradition. Courses have an 18:1 student-faculty ratio for addressing topics like clinical psychology and child development. There’s also a unique Philosophy & Psychology track for multidisciplinary learning. Students could benefit from visiting The Jung Center, participating in National Stress Awareness Day, joining the PSA, and attending faculty-led programs to Tanzania or China.
B.S. in Human Services and Consumer Sciences
Aspiring caseworkers looking for bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas may consider the B.S. in Human Services and Consumer Sciences as an alternative. This 125-credit certification program trains undergrads to promote healthy living throughout the lifespan. Students select tracks for Child and Family Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, or Food and Nutrition, which fulfills Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist (RDN) qualifications. Majors may also join the Dora B. Hodges ACEI Chapter, participate in Project Row House, intern with the Houston Health Department, and visit the University Counseling Center.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
3100 Cleburne Street
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 313-7421
clay_wa@tsu.edu
Texas State University
College of Liberal Arts
Classified as Texas’ fifth-largest public, co-educational RU/H institution, Texas State University occupies 492 hilly acres along the San Marcos River with a Round Rock campus satellite to educate over 38,800 scholars with a $164.3 million endowment in the CONAHEC. Lauded for America’s 74th “Best Student Life” on Niche, Texas State is ranked the 218th top public college nationally and 159th top university in the South by Forbes. The College of Liberal Arts accepts 73 percent of applicants interested in 30 bachelor’s programs from literature to social studies teaching.
Psychology, B.A. or B.S.
Attracting 1,900 Bobcats, the Psychology B.A. or B.S. is one of Texas State’s largest majors and delivered by 34 full-time, PhD-level professors trained at Harvard, UT-Austin, Duke, and other prestigious universities. The 36-credit major requires a minor for interdisciplinary teaching that improves understanding of people’s thoughts and actions. From Flowers Hall, courses delve into lifespan development, cognitive processing, human factors, and more. Students could also intern at the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center, join the Psychology Association, conduct research in the Salivary Analysis Lab, and claim the Leah Burnett Scholarship.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
429 N. Guadalupe Street
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 245-2364
psychology@txstate.edu
Texas Tech University
College of Arts & Sciences
Belonging to the Big 12 Conference, Texas Tech University is a flagship public, RU/VH research powerhouse endowed for $1.19 billion systemwide to educate over 36.500 Red Raiders from a main 1,839-acre urban campus in Lubbock and a health sciences center in El Paso. Ranked America’s 67th “Best Big College” on Niche, TTU is named the 176th best national university and 93rd top public school by the U.S. News. The College of Arts & Sciences houses the United States’ 112nd best psychology and 135th top clinical psychology education.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
With a net price of $13,901 per year, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology allows Texas Tech undergrads to build a rigorous foundation in the fundamental concepts concerned with behavior. The 35-hour major integrates two writing intensives and a non-psychology minor with courses like personality and counseling practice. Some upperclassmen pursue the combined B.A./M.A. in Human Factors Psychology. Other valuable opportunities include research in the Social Identity Theory and Health (SITH) Lab, study abroad trips to Tanzania, and internships at Lubbock Hospitality House or South Plains Children’s Center.
Bachelor of Science in Community, Family, and Addiction Sciences
Future counselors getting started with bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas should consider TTU’s Bachelor of Science in Community, Family, and Addiction Studies. The 120-credit degree fulfills requirements for the Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) credential by developing prevention, assessment, and treatment skills. An intensive 14-week practicum is included with partnering agencies like Children’s Advocacy Center, Lubbock Rape Crisis, and Covenant Health System. Majors also participate in the College Recovery Community, research within the Institute for the Study of Addiction, and travel abroad to Prague.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
2500 Broadway
Campus Box 42051
Lubbock, TX 79409
(806) 742-2011
psychadvisors@ttu.edu
Texas Wesleyan University
School of Natural & Social Sciences
Nestled on 75 urban acres in Fort Worth’s Polytechnic Heights district overlooking the Trinity River, Texas Wesleyan University is a private, nonprofit Methodist liberal arts institution carrying a $39.68 million endowment to enlighten approximately 3,375 Rams. Picked as America’s 78th “Best College with No Application Fee” on Niche, Texas Wesleyan is deemed the 50th top school and 27th most veteran-friendly university in the West by the USNWR. The School of Natural & Social Sciences boasts 90 percent placement for 11 bachelor’s majors from computer science to history.
Psychology Major
From the Nenetta Burton Carter Building, the Psychology Major at Texas Wesleyan capitalizes on a 15:1 student-faculty ratio to engage undergrads in stimulating discussions about the various facets of behavior and cognition. The 124-credit curriculum confers a B.A. or B.S. for entry-level human services employment or graduate admission. Majors can get involved by becoming Psi Chi members, completing practicum at agencies like the Battered Women’s Foundation, participating in Upward Bound, and organizing the annual World Suicide Prevention Day event. Graduates could continue into the M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy program.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1201 Wesleyan Street
Fort Worth, TX 76105
(817) 531-4422
admissions@txwes.edu
Texas Woman’s University
College of Professional Education
Led by Chancellor Carine M. Feyten, Texas Woman’s University is a public, independent liberal arts institution established in 1901 that’s admitting over 14,800 male and female Pioneers upon its 270-acre campus in Denton, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro’s 11th biggest city. Ranked America’s 232nd best public college and South’s 168th top school on Forbes, TWU is named the ninth best regional bang for the buck by Washington Monthly. The College of Professional Education in Stoddard Hall has the 211st best psychology degrees according to the U.S. News.
B.S. in Psychology
Retaining 70 percent of freshmen, the B.S. in Psychology at Texas Woman’s University adheres to APA undergraduate guidelines to explore the scientific underpinnings of people’s attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors empirically. The 122-credit curriculum offers six specialized tracks: General Psychology, Graduate School Preparation, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Pre-Physical Therapy, Fast-Track to M.A. in Counseling Psychology, and Fast-Track to S.S.P. in School Psychology. Outside the classroom, majors can join Psi Chi, volunteer with Denton County Friends of the Family, take statistics tutoring on Blackboard, and study abroad in Paris.
B.S. in Child Development
In Denton and McKinney, TWU’s B.S. in Child Development stands as an alternative to bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas for in-depth youth training. The 120-credit Bachelor of Science suits future human services practitioners who will work at agencies serving children and their families. Majors self-tailor coursework with four tracks: Child Life Specialist, Early Childhood Education, Pre-Occupational Therapy, and Pre-Physical Therapy. Two practica are integrated at placements like Newton Rayzor Elementary School and Denton County Juvenile Detention Center. Study can continue online with the M.S. in Child Life.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
304 Administrative Drive
P.O. Box 425470
Denton, TX 76204
(940) 898-2303
lrosen@twu.edu
Trinity University
Department of Psychology
Established in 1869 by Cumberland Presbyterians in Tehuacana, Trinity University moved to a 117-acre urban campus in San Antonio’s Monte Vista district to educate over 2,400 scholars as a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts institution in the Annapolis Group. Given a Forbes financial grade of “A” as America’s 116th best value, Trinity is declared the #1 best university, best for vets school, and undergraduate educator in the West by the USNWR. The Department of Psychology offers two bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas with PhD-level faculty trained at Baylor, Princeton, Rutgers, and more.
B.A. in Psychology
Small classes with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio accompany the B.A. in Psychology program for Trinity undergraduates to learn the application of behavioral science sub-disciplines. Beginning in the freshman year, the 120-credit curriculum embraces courses like individual differences, memory, perception, personality, and abnormal psychology. Self-motivated majors could add the Psychology Thesis Option for research expertise. Other opportunities include interning at San Antonio State Hospital, joining Psychology Club, getting published in Clinical Psychological Science, and traveling internationally to Rome or Hong Kong. Graduates can earn licensure with the M.A. in School Psychology.
B.S. in Neuroscience
Utilizing nearly $4 million worth of advanced scientific equipment, the B.S. in Neuroscience program offers hands-on training for Trinity students to examine molecular, cellular, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of the brain. The 120-credit baccalaureate integrates project-based experiential learning with courses like organic chemistry, vertebrate physiology, and animal behavior. Majors could also benefit from joining the Society for Neuroscience chapter, interning with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, reviewing neuropsychological literature in Coates Library, and choosing a second major in computing. Trinity Tigers complete over 100,000 community service hours yearly too.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
One Trinity Place
San Antonio, TX 78212
(210) 999-8836
psych@trinity.edu
We’re nearing the finishing line in our race for premier undergraduate schools for studying the “Lone Star State of Mind.” Check out the last two installments of bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas here.