Best Online Psychology Programs in Texas (TX)
From associate degrees to PhDs, the Lone Star State offers a full spectrum of psychology degrees to meet your unique goals. Explore top-ranked online psychology programs in Texas that have the accreditation, affordability, and flexibility you need to take the next step in your education and career.
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.
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.
In our rankings list below, we’ve highlighted 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. Learn more about this year’s top-ranked online psychology degree programs and see which one is the best fit for you.
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Public
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Public
University of Houston-Victoria
Victoria, Texas
Public
Parker University
Dallas, Texas
Private
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, Texas
Public
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas
Public
Nelson University
Waxahachie, Texas
Private
LeTourneau University
Longview, Texas
Private
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Public
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Public
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, Texas
Private
University of Houston-Downtown
Houston, Texas
Public
Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Public
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, Texas
Private
Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, Texas
Private
St. Mary’s University
San Antonio, Texas
Private
South Texas College
McAllen, Texas
Public
Abilene Christian University
Addison, Texas
Private
Wayland Baptist University
Plainview, Texas
Private
Southwestern Adventist University
Keene, Texas
Private
Texas A&M University-Central Texas
Killeen, Texas
Public
Houston Community College
Houston, Texas
Public
Temple College
Temple, Texas
Public
Amarillo College
Amarillo, Texas
Public
El Paso Community College
El Paso, Texas
Public
Navarro College
Corsicana, Texas
Public
Alvin Community College
Alvin, Texas
Public
Northwest Vista College
San Antonio, Texas
Public
Palo Alto College
San Antonio, Texas
Public
San Antonio College
San Antonio, Texas
Public
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.