Sam Houston University Degree Programs Available
Sam Houston State University appears in our ranking of the Top 50 Great College Deals: Master of Public Administration Online.
Sam Houston State University has been preparing leaders for careers in a wide range of industries for more than 137 years. The school strives to honor its historical roots of academic excellence by providing students with an exceptional faculty and rigorous curriculum. The school offers more than 80 undergraduate and more than 50 graduate programs. Several on-campus and online programs have been ranked highly among colleges and universities throughout the country. These include degrees in:
- history
- criminal justice
- computer information
Bachelor of Arts in History
The Bachelor of Arts in History at Sam Houston State University is available both online and on campus. The online degree has been recognized by US News & World Report as one of the best in the country. The degree provides a look into the past to understand the present and prepare for the future. Sam Houston State University understands that history is the foundation for all academic disciplines, providing critical thinking skills through:
- reading
- writing
- research
- analysis
Students are able to gain an understanding of the history of:
- U.S.
- Latin American
- Europe
- military history
- African American history, among others
The degree prepares students for careers in:
- teaching
- museum curation
- records management and more
There is a Bachelor of Science program as well but it’s only available on campus and is designed for pre-medical students. Those who plan to enter the museum field are also able to gain hands-on experiences through internships at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Some of the courses taken in the program include:
- American Women’s History
- Black Civil Rights Movement
- Early America to 1783
- Immigration Ethnicity American History
- Military & War in America
- Native American History
- Texas and the Southwest
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Sam Houston State University offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Both are available on campus or online. The Bachelor of Science includes additional coursework in social sciences, including:
- psychology
- sociology
- political science
The Bachelor of Arts includes additional foreign language study.
Students are able to minor in:
- forensic anthropology
- forensic science
- security studies
- psychology
- other subjects related to criminal justice.
The College of Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country. US News & World Report ranks the online program as one of the best in the country. Some of the courses required in the program include:
- Child Abuse & Neglect
- Criminal Investigation
- Cybercrime
- Forensic Science
- Global Terrorism
- Victimology
- Violent Offenders
- White Collar Crime
Master of Science Computing and Information Science
The Master of Science in Computing and Information Science is only available on campus at Sam Houston State University. To prepare students for a career where change is normal, the program uses:
- state-of-the-art software
- software development methodologies
- project management techniques
The program is designed for those who wish to combine technical competence in information systems with managerial and organizational knowledge. Students gain an understanding of analysis and documentation for architecture, design, and implementation of computer applications systems.
In addition, the program provides an understanding of the design and implementation of:
- database systems
- data communications
- systems analysis
- design
Students gain the competency to identify information technologies as they have value to a company. They learn to assess where the values lie and manage their implementation. Some of the courses required for the program include:
- Algorithm Design and Analysis
- Database Systems
- Language and Compiler Design
- Operating Systems
- Software Engineering
A thesis is also required.
About Sam Houston State University
Austin College began on the campus where Sam Houston State University sits today.
It held classes in what is known as Austin Hall. It’s the oldest continuously-used state-owned building of higher education west of the Mississippi. Austin College relocated to Sherman, Texas, in 1876.
In 1879, a group of Huntsville citizens purchased the building after they had failed to have their city designated as the Texas state capital. Instead, the town was selected as the location for a normal school whose mission was to educate teachers for public schools. It was the first teacher-training school in the southwestern United States. The school was named Sam Houston Normal Institute in honor of Sam Houston, one of the greatest heroes in Texas history.
In 1919, four-year degree programs were added. In 1923, the school became Sam Houston State Teachers College. After World War II, enrollment grew tremendously as soldiers returned from the war to take advantage of the GI Bill. By 1964, enrollment had grown to 5,000, increasing to 8,500 by 1970, the year after it became Sam Houston State University.
The school’s motto is “The Measure of a Life is its Service.” The school strives to live that motto each day. Sam Houston State University embraces their legacy while also meeting the needs of their students whether they are traditional or online. It is the 12th largest university in Texas with an enrollment over 21,000. The Chronicle of Higher Education listed the school as one of the Fastest Growing from 2003-2013. It ranks first in placing students in the workforce within 12 months of graduation. Historically, over 50 percent of students are first-generation.
Sam Houston State University Accreditation Details
Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Accreditation uses a process of validation to determine that colleges and universities meet or exceed standards that demonstrate high-quality education. As part of the accreditation process, Sam Houston State University is periodically reviewed to confirm that:
- students are receiving an education that will help them establish careers
- that they have the resources to meet their goals and objectives a
- any areas that may need improvement are identified
In addition to accreditation by the Association, Sam Houston State University has programs accredited by the following organizations:
- ABET
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- American Chemical Society
- American Music Therapy Association
- American Psychological Association
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Council for Interior Design Accreditation
- Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission
- National Association of School Psychologists
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design
- National Association of Schools of Music
Sam Houston State University Application Requirements
To apply for the Bachelor of Arts in History or Criminal Justice, applicants must complete the ApplyTexas application and submit official high school transcripts. They must also submit official SAT or ACT scores. Applicants who have earned more than 12 college credits after high school graduation must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Applicants with 17 or fewer transfer credits must have a GPA of 2.5. Those with 18 or more credits must have a GPA of 2.0. Online students must follow the same admissions procedures as on-campus students.
To apply for the Master of Science in Computing and Information Science, applicants must complete an application and provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must also provide official GRE scores and two letters of recommendation. The degree is open to those who have completed undergraduate study in computer science, both majors and minors. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Sam Houston State University Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition for full-time undergraduate programs is $4,148 per semester for Texas residents and $9,128 for non-residents. Full-time graduate tuition for Texas residents is $5,069 per semester. For non-residents it’s $10,049. Online undergraduate programs are $5,085 per semester and graduate rates are $6,006 per semester. Texas residents may choose the Guaranteed Price Plan which locks tuition for the entire degree program for online courses. Guaranteed Price Plan tuition is $5,349.96 per semester for up to 12 credits.
Students may qualify for financial aid that is either need- or merit-based as well as a combination of both. It is important to understand that financial aid is designed to supplement rather than replace contributions from the student and parents. Need-based financial aid is determined by information supplied on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This must be renewed annually.
Financial aid may be awarded in the form of grants which are gift aid and do not need to be repaid. Scholarships may also be included and are normally merit-based. Scholarships are also gift aid. Work-study programs, including assistantships and fellowships, are for on-campus students. They’re provided employment to offset the cost of tuition. Loans may also be provided but they must be repaid with interest upon graduation.
Sam Houston State University has been preparing students for their chosen career for more than 137 years. Striving to live up to the memory of its namesake, Sam Houston State University offers exceptional teaching and rigorous curriculum. It instills the desire to serve the community as a way of life.