Academics
Pursue Your Passion
At Sam Houston State University, student-centered learning means you’re supported by a community that sees your potential and helps you rise to meet it. Whether you’re just beginning your academic journey or accelerating toward a graduate degree, SHSU offers over 80 undergraduate programs across nine colleges, plus a range of fast-track options for driven high school students ready to pursue advanced studies. All you have to do is choose where to begin.
Explore Your Path
At Sam Houston State University, you’re empowered to choose a path that reflects your goals, interests, and ambitions. With a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs and flexible options like online learning, accelerated degrees, and interdisciplinary studies, you can shape your academic experience to fit your life.
Professional Development
With over 60+ graduate and professional programs, the path to advancing your career or continuing your education starts here. At SHSU, you’ll gain the skills, mentorship, and hands-on experience that lead to real-world success. In fact, 91% of our graduates are working in their desired career within six months of completion.
Our Colleges
Whether you're drawn to the arts, sciences, business, education, or health, your college becomes a launchpad where your curiosity meets opportunity and your ambition finds direction. At SHSU, choosing your college is more than selecting a major; it’s choosing the community that will help you rise to greater.
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College of Arts and Media
Inspiring and educating creative artists and media professionals through five dynamic departments: Art, Dance, Mass Communication, Theatre & Musical Theatre, and the School of Music.
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College of Business Administration
Offering a comprehensive range of majors and real-world learning experiences to prepare students for today’s business challenges.
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College of Criminal Justice
One of the nation’s largest and oldest programs, offering expertise in criminology, law, psychology, sociology, and more.
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College of Education
Preparing future educators and leaders through focused programs in teaching, leadership, counseling, and library science.
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College of Health Sciences
Promoting health and quality of life through programs in Nursing, Public Health, Human Sciences, and Kinesiology.
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College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Fostering personal growth and civic responsibility through studies in communication, history, psychology, languages, and more.
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College of Osteopathic Medicine
Training osteopathic physicians to serve the healthcare needs of Texas with a focus on community-based care.
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College of Science & Engineering Technology
Offering programs in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and more — with pathways to professional degrees in medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary science.
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Polytechnic College
Providing hands-on, career-focused education through applied associate degrees and certificates that lead directly to employment.
Office of Research
Turn classroom knowledge into practical experience.
Collaborate with SHSU faculty and researchers on campus, across the nation, or abroad. The Sam Houston State University Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) is committed to partnering with faculty, staff and students to promote, facilitate, and enhance scholarly activities through sponsored projects.
We’re Here to Help You Succeed!
At SHSU, you’re never alone. Our faculty, staff, and support programs are here to guide you every step of the way, from academic advising to internships and global experiences.
Get Involved In Your Community
SHSU’s hub for campus-community collaborations. The CCE designs, manages, and promotes initiatives that enhance the culture of community and civic engagement.
Special Academic Programs
Opportunities that elevate your academic journey!
At Sam Houston State University, we offer distinctive programs that challenge, support, and inspire students to rise to greater.
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Honors College
The Elliott T. Bowers Honors College is a community of driven scholars who seek more from their academic experience. Designed for highly motivated students, the Honors College fosters intellectual growth, mentorship, and leadership. Graduating with Honors from SHSU sets you apart—whether you're launching a career or pursuing graduate studies, you’ll carry the distinction of excellence and service.
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Military Service (ROTC)
SHSU’s Army ROTC program develops leaders of character ready to serve with integrity and purpose. Cadets gain the skills and discipline to become commissioned Officers in the U.S. Army, Army Reserves, or National Guard. Through classroom instruction and field training at Gibbs Ranch, ROTC prepares students for military service or leadership roles in any career path.
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The Teaching & Learning Center
The Teaching & Learning Center empowers educators at SHSU to innovate, collaborate, and elevate student success. Through interdisciplinary initiatives and research in pedagogy, TLC supports a culture of teaching excellence that transforms classrooms and inspires lifelong learning.
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TRIES
Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies. The TRIES Analytical Laboratory delivers high-quality research and analytical services to SHSU and beyond. Grounded in integrity, safety, and collaboration, TRIES supports environmental studies and scientific discovery that benefit communities, industries, and ecosystems across Texas.
Support for Academics
Academic programs to support students and faculty.
The Office of Academic Planning & Program Development facilitates institutional accreditation compliance, tracking, and reporting.
The Office of Assessment assists faculty and staff in their assessment efforts through training, resources, and outreach services.
An archive with links to current and previous SHSU Academic Catalogs
Contact
Visit Us
Sam Houston State University
1905 University Avenue
Huntsville, TX 77340
936.294.1111 | 866.BEARKAT