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Sam Houston State University

Since 1879, Sam Houston State University has touched the lives of countless graduates and helped shape the economic, social and cultural development of the state and nation. 

Located in the historic town of Huntsville, the university is steeped in tradition and Texas hospitality.  SHSU is the third oldest state university, as well as the oldest teacher training institution in Texas.  The school’s historical roots can be traced to General Sam Houston, whose legendary life is preserved by the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and grounds located on the campus.

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Giving students the personal attention they deserve is a Sam Houston State core value and part of a proud history and Bearkat tradition. When the university opened its doors in 1879, the school had 110 students, and a student- to-faculty ratio of 1:22. Today, SHSU is a modern comprehensive campus with technology resources that prepare graduates for a wide variety of successful careers while still maintaining the same student-to-faculty ratio as in 1879.

A dedicated, caring faculty focused on educating and mentoring students underlies the success of the university’s academic programming and commitment to excellence. More than 70 percent of Sam Houston State’s highly-skilled and experienced faculty hold doctoral or terminal degrees.

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The beautifully maintained campus and historic architecture provide a serene backdrop to high-tech facilities, equipment and amenities. In the past five years, more than $225 million in construction and renovation has been committed in order to further enhance students’ academic experience.

 

Named in 2007 by Princeton Review as one of the “Best Western” colleges, Sam Houston State offers many top-ranked, nationally-accredited or one-of-a-kind programs. The College of Criminal Justice at SHSU ranks among the premier programs of its kind in the nation. Each year, more than 2,000 students pursue a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in criminal justice.

 

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Fast Facts

Location:

Huntsville, Texas

City
Population:

Approximately 35,000

Campus: 

2,148 acres

History:

Founded in 1879

Enrollment:

15,935

Faculty:

675

Student-to-Faculty Ratio:

22:1

Academic Opportunities:

79 undergraduate degrees, 52 master’s degree programs and five doctoral programs are offered through five colleges including Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Education, and Humanities and Social Sciences

Along with its renowned doctoral program in criminal justice, SHSU offers the only doctoral program of its kind in clinical psychology with a focus on forensic psychology in the United States.  Additional doctoral offerings include educational leadership, counselor education, and reading.

Competitive tuition rates combined with personal attention, exceptional faculty, and outstanding academic programs makes Sam Houston State University one of the best educational values in Texas