Eight of the 14 campuses in the University of Texas System award bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas. Established in 1876, the UT System is headquartered in Downtown Austin and led by Chancellor Admiral William H. McRaven to educate over 216,000 scholars total. With America’s largest total endowment at $36 billion, the system has both academic universities and health science institutions. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a particularly well-known, NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center treating over 127,000 patients yearly. The McGovern Medical School also ranks in the top 100 for psychiatry residencies. Catapult your career in mental health with the following undergraduate psychology majors in the University of Texas System.
The University of Texas at Arlington
College of Science
Endowed for $133.8 Million, The University of Texas at Arlington is North Texas’ largest public, co-educational RU/VH institution in the ORAU with over 39,700 Mavericks engaging on its 420-acre urban campus in Tarrant County just 12 miles east of Fort Worth. Applauded as America’s 104th “Best Big College” on Niche, UTA is ranked the 228th top public school and 229th best research university nationwide on Forbes. With 73 percent retention, the College of Science is also highly regarded by the U.S. News for the 190th best psychology department.
Undergraduate Psychology Program
Offering a B.A. or B.S., the Undergraduate Psychology Program at UTA is located in the Life Sciences Building to nurture students’ scientific curiosity about the inner workings of the brain. Featuring a 25:1 student-faculty ratio, the 120-credit curriculum draws big classes for discussing behavioral science. Majors can select from emphasis areas in Social/I-O Psychology or Cognitive Psychology/Neuroscience. Other valuable opportunities include joining Psi Chi, earning the Jeanette Coburn Scholarship, conducting research in the Health Psychology Lab, studying abroad in Zhengzhou, and working towards the M.S. in Experimental Psychology.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
501 Nedderman Drive
Campus Box 19528
Arlington, TX 76019
(817) 272-0858
mjuel@uta.edu
The University of Texas at Austin
College of Liberal Arts / College of Natural Sciences
Inducted into the prestigious AAU in 1929, The University of Texas at Austin is a public, space-grant RU/VH institution endowed for $3.39 billion that’s educating more than 50,900 students in the Big 12 Conference from 434 urban acres. Graded A+ for America’s fourth “Best Student Life” on Niche, UT-Austin is ranked the 56th best national university, 14th most innovative college, and 18th top public school by the U.S. News. The College of Liberal Arts and College of Natural Sciences collaborate for two bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Classified as “more selective” with a 39 percent admission rate, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology at UT-Austin is reserved for pre-majors who’ve finished 12+ credits in residence with a 2.5 GPA or better. Over 1,500 majors congregate in the 120-credit program to study the complexities of behavior, thought, and emotion processes. Students can benefit from the SURE summer internship, research in the Mood Disorders Lab, access to the Seay Psychology Building’s Diversity Reading Room, membership in the ABPSY Student Circle, and expeditions abroad from Denmark to Chile.
Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience
Launched in Fall 2012, the Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience lets UT-Austin Longhorns focus their 120-credit curriculum in rigorous study of the central nervous system to explain the roots of human behavior. Students select from six three-course specializations: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology. Majors gain applied learning with state-of-the-art fMRI and two-photon microscopy equipment in facilities like the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab. Undergrads could also pursue the Honors Degree, investigate in the Waggoner Center for Alcohol & Addiction Research, and participate in the Memory Matters events.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
108 E. Dean Keeton Street
SEA 4.208 Stop A8000
Austin, TX 78712
(512) 471-1157
psy-undergrad@utexas.edu
The University of Texas at Dallas
School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Occupying 445 urban acres in Richardson’s Telecom Corridor just 18 miles north of downtown. The University of Texas at Dallas is a public, doctoral RU/VH institution in the American Southwest Conference that’s serving over 26,700 students on a $447 million endowment. Noted for America’s 132nd “Best Academics” on Niche, UT-Dallas is ranked the 146th best national university and 74th top public school by the U.S. News. The School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences houses the country’s 131st best graduate psychology education.
Psychology B.S.
At UT-Dallas, the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences’ most general bachelor’s degree is the Psychology B.S. with 42 elective credits to suit each student’s study whims. The 120-credit curriculum builds broad empirical-based knowledge on the ways people perceive, learn, think, interact, and behave. Upper-division majors are required to complete directed research in a department generating nearly $44 million in expenditures. Students can learn by interning in the Center for Vital Longevity, volunteering at Baylor Geriatric Center, studying abroad in Australia, and participating in the BBS Career Roadmap Series.
Cognitive Science B.S.
Another of the bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas at UT-Dallas is the Cognitive Science B.S., which builds an interdisciplinary, 120-credit curriculum for studying biological and artificial intelligence systems. Retaining 86 percent of freshmen, this exciting major integrates six research exposure credits (REC) per semester with facilities like the Face Perception Research Lab. Students select from three concentrations: Psychology/Human-Computer Interactions, Cognitive Neuroscience, or Artificial Intelligence/Computational Modeling. Upper-level majors complete a three-credit BBS cooperative fieldwork internship. Some also continue for the PhD in Cognition and Neuroscience.
Neuroscience B.S.
Centered on a 45-credit major, the Neuroscience B.S. program equips UT-Dallas Comets for careers in biomedical research by studying the extensive network of neural pathways in the brain from a systems-level perspective. The 120-credit curriculum offers three optional elective specializations: Pre-Med, Pre-Med Advanced Biology, and Pre-Med Physics. Motivated seniors could select the B.S./M.S. in Applied Cognition and Neuroscience Fast-Track. More opportunities include conducting research in the Cognitive Neuroscience of Aging Lab, participating in the BBS Colloquium Series, and joining the Neuroscience Student Association (NSA).
Child Learning and Development B.S.
Prospective bachelor’s in psychology students could consider the UT-Dallas Child Learning and Development B.S. option for opening social services jobs with youth or families. The 120-credit program lays a science-based core for testing theories related to the typical and atypical development of children’s intellect and emotions. Majors can benefit from interning at the Callier Center for Communication Disorders, delivering research in the Children and Infant Listening Lab, applying to Collegium V, joining the Psychology Coalition, and minoring in Public Health. There’s also the Fast-Track for the M.S. in Psychological Sciences.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
800 W. Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080
(972) 883-2206
bbs.undergraduate@utdallas.edu
The University of Texas at El Paso
College of Liberal Arts
After SB 183 was signed by Governor Oscar Branch Colquitt in 1913, The University of Texas at El Paso opened on a 366-acre urban campus of Dzong style near the Mexican city of Ciudad Juárez and grown as a public, Hispanic-serving research institution with 23,300 Miners. Deemed America’s 188th “Most Liberal College” on Niche, UTEP is ranked the 195th best public university and 207th top research school by Forbes. With 70 percent retention, the College of Liberal Arts confers the 148th best psychology degrees according to the USNWR.
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Psychology
With a student-faculty ratio of 21:1, the Bachelor of Arts/Science in Psychology at UTEP follows two separate 120-credit sequences for undergrads to explore contemporary theories related to the brain and behavior. The B.S. swaps out foreign language requirements for extensive mastery in math and laboratory science for grad school prep. Both bachelor’s require a minor, such as Chicano Studies, Health Promotion, or Speech-Language Pathology. Majors could also take the Developmental English Program, study abroad in Guatemala, research in the Judgment & Decision Making Lab, and intern with El Paso Behavioral Health.
Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies: Social Sciences Concentration
Searching for a flexible alternative to the bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas could lead to UTEP’s Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies (BMS) option. This transfer-friendly, 60-credit program marries face-to-face and online courses of traditional length or accelerated, seven-week periods. Non-traditional adults select from three concentrations: Cultural Studies, Health and Well-Being, or Social Sciences. The later, 15-credit track offers coursework in anthropology, psychology, geography, public policy, and more. Admission for the Online Orientation will require having completed the Texas Core curriculum and two years at regionally accredited colleges.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
500 West University Avenue
El Paso, TX 79968
(915) 747-5666
libarts@utep.edu
The University of Texas at San Antonio
College of Liberal and Fine Arts
Belonging to the ORAU, The University of Texas at San Antonio is the Lone Star State’s eighth-largest public, doctoral Hispanic-serving institution spanning 725 suburban acres in Bexar County to serve over 28,700 Roadrunners on a $133 million endowment. Ranked the 259th best public college and 253rd top research university nationally on Forbes, UTSA is recognized for America’s 115th “Best College Athletics” by Niche. The College of Liberal and Fine Arts has a 65 percent retention rate for 19 bachelor’s degrees from music to Spanish.
B.A. in Psychology
Housed in the McKinney Humanities Building, the B.A. in Psychology at UTSA is delivered by full-time, PhD-level faculty trained at Wayne State, West Virginia, North Texas, and more for in-depth behavioral science knowledge. The 33-credit major delves into the complexities of the mind with courses like attitudes, sensation, cross-cultural psychology, and behavior analysis. Students can get involved by interning at San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind, contributing to the Research Service Center, adding the Honors thesis, becoming a Health Ambassador, and joining the APS Student Caucus.
B.A. in Medical Humanities
One of the most unique bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas is UTSA’s B.A. in Medical Humanities, which focuses on analyzing the human factors associated with illness. The 120-credit, interdisciplinary option blends natural and social sciences with the humanities for wide-ranging courses from developmental psychopathology to race relations. Majors can select the Pre-Medicine Concentration or Health Careers Concentration. Other opportunities include adding a Latin Certificate, studying abroad in Rome or Vienna, attending the Brackenridge Distinguished Visiting Lecture Series, and presenting at the Spring Research Conference.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
One UTSA Circle
San Antonio TX 78249
(210) 458-4011
augustine.osman@utsa.edu
The University of Texas at Tyler
College of Education & Psychology
Attracting over 9,880 students, The University of Texas at Tyler is a public, co-educational arts and sciences institution added to the UT system in 1979 by Governor George W. Bush to provide 90+ degrees from a 400-acre suburban campus just 100 miles east of Dallas. Named America’s 68th “Most Conservative College” on Niche, UT-Tyler is ranked the 88th best university and 32nd top public school in the West by the USNWR. The College of Education & Psychology charges an average net price of $12,524 yearly for four bachelor’s programs.
Psychology BA/BS
Available in Tyler, Longview, Palestine, and Houston, the Psychology BA/BS program selectively admits 64 percent of hopeful UT-Tyler Patriots who seek broad-based inquiry and interpersonal skills for applying knowledge on human behavior. The 42-credit major offers four guided elective tracks: Health Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Forensics, and Counseling. Upper-division majors could participate in outreach with the Psychology & Counseling Training Clinic. Students can also review scientific literature in Robert R. Muntz Library, research brain waves in the Sass CPR Lab, study abroad in London, and contribute to Project Lead the Way (PLTW).
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
3900 University Blvd.
Tyler, TX 75799
(903) 566-7130
psychology@uttyler.edu
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
College of Arts & Sciences
Charging superbly low in-state tuition at $2,624, The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a public, co-educational master’s institution founded in 1973 that’s blossomed on a 644-acre urban campus in Odessa’s Mid-Continent Oil Producing Area to serve over 5,600 Falcons yearly. Lauded for America’s 47th “Best College Dorms” on Niche, UTPB is ranked the 93rd best university and 37th top public school in the West by the U.S. News. The College of Arts & Sciences also houses some of the 81st best online bachelor’s programs nationwide.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Retaining 68 percent of freshmen, UTPB’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program offers traditional, 15-week courses face-to-face or accelerated, seven-week courses online for forming inferences about behavior. Rooted in liberal arts, the 36-credit major focuses on applying modern psychological theories to foster well-being among socio-cultural diversity. Pre-graduate school students can complete the Senior Honors Thesis with PhD-level advisors published in Developmental Neuropsychology and other journals. Majors could also declare the Special Populations minor, join Psych Club, present at the SWPA Annual Meeting, and intern at Odessa Regional Medical Center.
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762
(432) 552-2348
montgomery_l@utpb.edu
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling
Formerly called UT-Brownsville until 2015, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a public, multi-campus research institution headquartered on 550 acres in Edinburg to educate over 28,500 predominantly Hispanic Vaqueros with a $46.13 million endowment. Ranked America’s 128th “Best College with No Application Fee,” UTRGV is deemed the 126th best university in the South on Forbes. The School of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling also stands out for the 15th best rehab counseling degrees according to the U.S. News.
Psychology (BA) and (BS)
Boasting a 90 percent placement rate, the Psychology (BA) and (BS) program at UTRGV builds the fundamental skills for using skeptical inquiry to scientifically solve everyday problems related to behavior and thought processes. The 39-credit major requires adding a minor or second major, such as Addiction Studies, Medical Humanities, or Legal Studies. Students can benefit from meeting with the Psychology Club, engaging in the Clinical Neuropsychology Lab, joining the Honors College, interning at Hope Community Counseling Center, and traveling abroad from China to Croatia. Graduates could begin the Clinical MA for BCBA training.
Rehabilitation Services (BS)
UTRGV’s Rehabilitation Services (BS) is another excellent alternative to bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas for training to assist people with disabilities. The CORE-accredited, 120-credit program opens human services careers with courses like case management and abnormal psychology. Majors select from three concentrations: Addictions Studies, Deaf Studies, and Rehabilitation Services. Skills are practiced with 400 supervised clinical hours in placements like Better Hearing Clinic and Las Palmas Healthcare Center. Students can also join the Deaf Rehab Club, contribute to DRS Project HIRE, and access the Addictions Resource Center.
Accreditation
Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Contact
1201 W. University Drive
Edinburg, TX 78539
(956) 665-7036
rehabservices@utrgv.edu
Not only does the University of Texas System offer high-quality, affordable programs, but it’s also making “Quantum Leaps” in the country’s brain health revolution. However, there are still several options for bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Texas (U-Z) to consider here.