Best Psychology Schools in Texas – 2023 Accredited Colleges & Programs

by Imed Bouchrika
Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Texas boasts the second-largest mental health care workforce in the country, with 435 practitioners serving a population of 15,770,751. However, the state needs an additional 702 psychologists to adequately meet the rising demand for mental health services (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2022).

To help you determine whether becoming a mental health care professional is a sound career choice for you, we will delve into the outlook for psychologists in Texas and the process of becoming a licensed psychologist, and highlight some of the on-site and online schools for psychology offering exceptional psychology programs in Texas.

Best Psychology Schools in Texas Table of Contents

1. Is Psychologist a good job in Texas?
2. What are the steps to becoming a Psychologist in Texas?
3. Psychology Program Length in Texas
4. Tuition and Costs of Psychology Programs in Texas
5. Texas Schools Offering Psychology Programs
6. What To Look For in a Psychology Program in Texas

Is Psychologist a good job in Texas?

Career prospects are bright for graduates of psychology colleges in Texas through 2023. Based on reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in-state demand will grow substantially for psychologists of all ranks and roles, resulting in a total of 2,640 new job openings each year (Projections Central, n.d.).

Psychiatrists will face the greatest surge in demand among local psychologists, with a projected job growth rate of 21.3% through the decade and 80 new job openings each year. In contrast, the national average job growth rate for this position is 12.5%. Demand for technicians, educators, counselors, and other psychologists in Texas will also surpass national averages, with job growth rates projected between 9% and 19% (Projections Central, n.d.).

In Texas, specializing in psychiatry can help you land the highest paying jobs with a bachelor's degree in psychology. With an average annual salary of $198,250, psychiatrists rank 18th among the highest-paid professionals in the state (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.). However, pursuing other specialties can also earn you above-average pay. For instance, psychologists in other niches, like industrial-organizational psychology, take home an average of $107,910 a year. Meanwhile, instructors for psychology programs in Texas earn $90,790. Considering the high earning potential for psychologists and the relatively affordable $34,931 living wage (Glasmeier & Massachusetts Institute of Technology, n.d.), investing in a degree from the best colleges in Texas for psychology can pay off over time.

What are the steps to becoming a Psychologist in Texas?

To become a psychologist in the Lone Star State, you will need to earn an advanced degree from the best psychology colleges in Texas, gain clinical experience through an internship and postgraduate practicum, and pass two qualifying exams and a background check.

• Earn an Undergraduate Degree. To begin a career in psychology, you must earn an associate's or bachelor's degree from accredited psychology programs in Texas. In your undergraduate years, you will gain a broad understanding of psychology and learn concepts and theories that will guide your future studies. Earning an associate's degree can help you qualify for assistant or technician jobs, but this program can also be used as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree. A bachelor’s credential will help qualify you for a wider range of entry-level roles.
• Earn a Master’s Degree. While not always required, some people pursue a master's degree. These graduate-level programs allow students to specialize in a particular area of psychology. Common specializations include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and school psychology.
• Earn a Doctoral Degree. All psychology license applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology. To satisfy this requirement, you can earn either a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree from psychology programs in Texas. A Ph.D. focuses on independent research and scholarship, while a Psy.D. program emphasizes clinical training and practice.
• Pass the Jurisprudence Exam. Texas-based license applicants must pass a Jurisprudence Examination, which covers the state's licensing act, council rules, and other laws governing the practice of psychology. You must score at least 90% on the exam to gain eligibility for licensure (Texas Psychological Association, n.d.).
• Apply for Your License. Once you have completed your doctoral program, you can submit a license application to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP), which typically reviews applications within six weeks of submission. You will be required to undergo a fingerprint criminal history check as part of the application process.
• Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Once your license application is approved, you will be eligible to sit for the EPPP, a standardized national exam that assesses your proficiency in various areas of psychology. You will need to achieve a score of at least 70% to satisfy state board licensure requirements. (Texas Psychological Association, n.d.).
• Secure a Provisional License. To earn your required postgraduate clinical hours, you will need to apply for Provisionally Licensed Psychologist (PLP) status. As a PLP, you can practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist for up to two years while completing the exams and supervised experience required for licensure.
• Earn Post-doctoral Clinical Experience. To qualify for full licensure, aspiring psychologists in Texas must accumulate two years of supervised clinical experience, amounting to a minimum of 3,500 hours. Half (1,750) of these hours can be fulfilled through a formal internship or gained during an accredited degree program (Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, n.d.).
• Renew Your License. Texas psychology licenses expire every two years. To renew, licensed psychologists must complete 40 hours of continuing education within the validity period of their license, submit documentation of their continuing education hours, and pay a renewal fee.

Psychology Program Length in Texas

Completing your undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate education at psychology colleges in Texas can take up to 14 years in total. After you earn your psychologist license, you must complete continuing education hours every two years as part of your renewal requirements.

• Associate’s Degree in Psychology. An associate’s psychology degree introduces students to fundamental theories and concepts over two years.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. A four-year bachelor's degree provides a comprehensive overview of the field and discipline of psychology.
• Master’s Degree in Psychology. A master's in psychology typically takes two to three years to complete, depending on the program and whether it is pursued on a full-time or part-time basis.
• Doctoral Degree in Psychology. A doctoral degree in psychology can take anywhere from four to seven years to complete, depending on the program and your progress. A Ph.D. takes around five to seven years to complete while a Psy.D. can be completed in four to six years.
• Continuing Education in Psychology. To maintain a psychology license in Texas, you must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years, with twelve hours dedicated to diversity and ethics (Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council, 2023; Texas Psychological Association, n.d.).

Tuition and Costs of Psychology Programs in Texas

Based on our expert team’s analysis of the best psychology programs in Texas, a top-rated undergraduate program can cost between $386 and $1,828 per credit for an average of 120 credits. Meanwhile, a top-rated graduate program may cost between $320 and $900 per credit for 30 to 115 credits. The University of Houston stands out as offering the most affordable, high-quality psychology degree programs in the state.

Texas Schools Offering Psychology Programs

Similar to our list of the best business schools in Texas, a list of the five best psychology programs in the state was prepared by our research team.

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin, a prestigious public research university, has established itself as one of the best schools in Texas for psychology. The psychology department at UT Austin is known for its wide-reaching catalog of research and excels in various areas of study. Its psychology programs, which include one of the most renowned LSSP programs in Texas, cut across gender, culture, and age and include training in experimental design and statistics. Undergraduate and graduate students alike enjoy access to state-of-the-art research facilities, libraries, and resources which allow them to excel in their academic pursuits.

• Program Length: Four years (undergraduate), Two to five years (graduate)
• Tracks/concentrations: Behavioral Neuroscience; Clinical Psychology; Cognition, Brain, and Behavior; Developmental Psychology; Individual Differences and Evolutionary Psychology; Perception, Brain, and Behavior; and Social Psychology (graduate)
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $724 (undergraduate), $992 (graduate)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120 (undergraduate), 30-99 (graduate)
• Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)

University of Houston

The University of Houston is a comprehensive public research university that offers top-ranked undergraduate and graduate psychology programs in Texas. At UH, students are given opportunities to participate in exciting research, access to state-of-the-art laboratories, and chances to pick the brains of expert faculty members. Students have the opportunity to specialize in one of four areas, namely clinical psychology, I-O psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology through the university’s top-rated doctorate program. According to the university, alums of the UH doctoral program have achieved an average licensure percentage of 96% within two to ten years after graduation.

• Program Length: Four years (undergraduate), Five years (graduate)
• Tracks/concentrations: Clinical, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Industrial/Organizational, and Social Psychology (graduate)
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $386 (undergraduate), $320-$470 (graduate)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120 (undergraduate), 72 (graduate)
• Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)

University of North Texas

One of the country’s largest universities, the University of North Texas, is considered one of the best colleges for psychology in Texas. The UNT psychology department offers diverse academic programs, including LSSP programs in Texas, that combine education in psychological theories, research methodologies, and practical skills training. The program employs a hands-on learning approach, providing students with research opportunities, internships, and community engagement experiences. It is also selective. In the 2021-2022 school year, only 14 out of 362 applicants gained entry into the Clinical Psychology Ph.D.

• Program Length: Four years (undergraduate), Four to six years (graduate)
• Tracks/concentrations: Educational Psychology, Behavioral Science, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology (graduate)
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $600 (undergraduate), $900 (graduate)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120 (undergraduate), 113 (graduate)
• Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a renowned public research university located in College Station, offers top-ranked bachelor's, master's, and doctoral psychology programs in Texas. As one of the top online schools for psychology, TAMU offers programs encompassing various areas of study like behavioral and cellular neuroscience, I-O psychology, and social psychology. The undergraduate program immerses students in research or internships early on, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and apply their learnings as they go. TAMU’s graduate programs are just as rigorous but are more selective. The university admits only about 100 graduate students annually to maintain a 2:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The small class sizes allow for individualized attention and accelerated skill development.

• Program Length: Four years (undergraduate), Four to five years (graduate)
• Tracks/concentrations: Behavioral and Cellular Neuroscience, Clinical, Cognitive, Developmental, Industrial-Organizational, and Social Psychology (graduate)
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $707 (undergraduate), $804 (graduate)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120 (undergraduate), 33-60 (graduate)
• Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)

Baylor University

With offerings including undergraduate neuroscience, Ph.D., and Psy.D. programs in Texas, the Waco-based Baylor University has established itself as one of the best psychology schools in the state. This private Christian university combines didactic instruction and practical training in its program curriculums, all underpinned by principles of faith. In line with its mission to foster equity, diversity, and inclusion, Baylor’s psychology department aims to create a respectful, affirming, and inclusive space for students.

• Program Length: Four years (undergraduate), Five years (graduate)
• Tracks/concentrations: Neuroscience (undergraduate), Behavioral Neuroscience, Social Psychology, General Experimental Psychology, Clinical Psychology (graduate)
• Estimated Cost per Credit: $1,828 (undergraduate), $608 (graduate)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120 (undergraduate), 78-115 (graduate)
• Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)

What To Look For in a Psychology Program in Texas

The degree programs you choose can significantly impact your access to job opportunities and experience of getting licensed. When choosing between psychology programs in Texas, it is important to consider:

• Accreditation. The best psychology programs in Texas are approved by a prominent accrediting body, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Accreditation ensures that employers, higher learning institutions, and credentialing boards will recognize your degree.
• Licensure Preparation. If your goal is to become a licensed psychologist, choose a program whose curriculum and training experiences align with the licensing requirements set by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. You can also benefit from checking if the program offers courses or support focused on licensure preparation and exam readiness.
• Internship and Job Placement Rates. To understand whether a program is reputable and will positively impact your career, look for its internship and job placement rates. Programs with high placement rates indicate that graduates can secure relevant positions in their field.

Enter Top-Rated Psychology Programs in Texas

What can you do with a child psychology degree, I-O psychology degree, or clinical psychology degree? Becoming a mental health care professional in Texas will allow you to derive the most value from your education. Graduates of top-rated psychology programs in Texas can positively impact their patients’ lives, access numerous professional opportunities, and earn some of the highest salaries in the state. Considering the positive outlook for Texas psychologists, pursuing a mental health career in the state can be a sound decision.

References:

• Glasmeier, A. K., & Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (n.d.). Living Wage Calculator. Living Wage Calculator. Retrieved September 12, 2023, from https://livingwage.mit.edu/states/48
• Kaiser Family Foundation. (2022, September). Mental Health Care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). KFF. Retrieved September 12, 2023, from https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/mental-health-care-health-professional-shortage-areas-hpsas/?activeTab=map&currentTimeframe=0&selectedDistributions=total-mental-health-care-hpsa-designations&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Total%20Mental%20Health%20C
• Projections Central. (n.d.). Long-Term Occupational Projections (2020-2030). Projections Central. Retrieved September 13, 2023, from https://projectionscentral.org/Projections/LongTerm?AreaName=TEXAS%2C+%22united+states%22&Name=psych&items_per_page=1000
• Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. (n.d.). Applying for a License – Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. Retrieved September 12, 2023, from https://www.bhec.texas.gov/texas-state-board-of-examiners-of-psychologists/applying-for-a-license/index.html
• Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. (2023, June). Consolidated Rulebook for Professional Counseling [PDF]. Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council. https://www.bhec.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/LPC-Rulebook-June-2023.pdf
• Texas Psychological Association. (n.d.). Steps to Becoming a Licensed Psychologist in Texas. Texas Psychological Association. Retrieved September 12, 2023, from https://www.texaspsyc.org/page/LicensureSteps
• Texas State Board Of Examiners Of Psychologists. (n.d.). Texas Administrative Code. Texas Administrative Code. Retrieved September 13, 2023, from https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=22&pt=21&ch=465&rl=2
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Texas - May 2022 OEWS State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 12, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tx.htm