Best Psychology Programs in Texas in 2024

The University of Texas at Austin offers two undergraduate degrees in psychology: a bachelor of science (B.S.) and a bachelor of arts (B.A.). B.S. students prepare for medical school or other health roles, such as occupational therapist, physical therapist, and physician's assistant. The program is best suited for students with a strong math background and an interest in science.

The B.A. curriculum is for students planning to become psychologists or pursue graduate study in psychology, law, business administration, or other social science fields.

Both tracks require courses that include an introduction to psychology, an introduction to statistics for behavioral sciences, and psychological methods and research.

Rice University's bachelor of arts with a major in psychology develops a broad knowledge base in psychology and an understanding of its applications. Students also gain an understanding of research methods and how to apply them to address psychological questions. 

Course topics cover psychology's major areas, the origin and treatment of abnormal behavior, and psychology-based interventions. Core requirements include an introduction to cognitive psychology, an introduction to social psychology, and quantitative analysis for the social sciences. 

The department offers an honors program for qualified students during their senior year. Interested candidates submit a written project proposal and must hold a 3.7 GPA in psychology courses and an overall 3.5 GPA.

The bachelor of arts with a major in psychology at Texas A&M International University includes core courses in cognitive psychology, lifespan growth and development, psychology of personality, and research methods.

Electives cover topics in advanced social psychology, child psychology, language development, media and behavior, and the psychology of aging. 

Degree-seekers complete 120 credits, including university core requirements, a life and physical science lab, foreign language credits, and minor credits. Within the major, students take 20 core credits, 15 advanced general electives credits, and nine credits of restricted psychology electives.

Students can earn their bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) in psychology at Texas A&M University. Core psychology course requirements are the same for both degrees and emphasize analysis and integration of information about groups and individuals. Graduation requires completion of cultural discourse and international and cultural diversity courses.

The B.S. takes a science-based approach to human behavior and prepares learners for applicable graduate programs, medical school, or health-related professional programs, along with entry-level applied psychology or business positions. The B.A. requires additional courses in foreign languages and humanities. 

Texas Christian University's bachelor's degrees in psychology include the university's core curriculum, which develops intellectual curiosity and prepares students to work and live in an increasingly diverse and global society. 

The bachelor of arts in psychology is geared toward students with a general interest in psychology but who do not plan to become psychologists or pursue psychology-related careers. The bachelor of science prepares learners for graduate study and careers in psychology.

Both degree options require a minor or second major and courses, such as introduction to psychology, principles of behavior, research methods in psychology, and a senior seminar.

At the University of Texas at Dallas, bachelor of science in psychology students learn to ask questions about human behavior and thinking from a scientific standpoint. The curriculum emphasizes theories, methods, and research findings and offers experiential learning through campus research labs, internship placements, and individual study with faculty members.

Qualified students who intend to enter master's programs in applied cognition and neuroscience; human development and early childhood disorder; or speech-language pathology can apply for the fast track program. Those accepted can apply up to 15 semester credits earned in their psychology undergraduate classes toward a master's degree.

The University of Dallas offers a bachelor of arts in psychology grounded in Catholic intellectual tradition. The curriculum consists of general education courses in arts, humanities, mathematics, and sciences and offers a deep understanding of psychology as a liberal art and rigorous science. Degree-seekers engage in active research and writing and work with faculty during junior and senior research seminars.

Students complete 12 credits of advanced psychology electives and write a thesis in their senior year. Psychology majors who continue on to a master's in psychology at the University of Dallas can complete their master's with an additional year of coursework.

Psychology majors at the University of Houston can earn a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or a bachelor of science (B.S.). The process starts with a declaration of major, which requires a UH 2.0 GPA, enrollment in a psychology course, and choice of degree. 

Students can opt to complete their upper-division psychology courses online, along with some lower-division classes. Distance learning space is limited. Those pursuing a B.A. in psychology must finish their six hours of sophomore-year foreign language requirements before transitioning to online learning. 

UH's psychology department offers numerous resources for entering the workforce or graduate psychology after finishing the bachelor's program.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's bachelor of science in psychology prepares learners to work in mental health or in other fields, such as business and politics. The curriculum includes foundational psychology courses, along with courses in social and behavioral science, cognitive/biological foundations, development/social/cultural/foundations, and theoretical/methodological foundations.

Applied elective offerings include applied behavior analysis, psychology and law, psychopathology of childhood, and stress management. Students can select life and physical science courses in areas like astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and physics.

The bachelor of arts in psychology at the University of North Texas offers a varied curriculum that includes general college requirements, psychology core courses, and additional psychology options in six categories: brain, behavior, and cognition; applied psychology; diversity and inclusivity; health and development; psychopathology and personality; and relationships. Degree-seekers can opt to add a minor.

Graduation requires 18 hours of psychology courses taken at UNT; 12 of those hours must cover advanced topics. In addition, learners must maintain a 2.0 overall GPA and a 2.5 GPA in psychology major courses with a C or higher in each.