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.

Giving students the personal attention they deserve is a Sam Houston State core value and part of a proud history and Bearkat tradition. This special environment is so persuasive at Sam Houston that when you are here, you can feel it. When the university opened its doors in 1879, the school had 110 students. Today, with over 17,500 students, SHSU is a modern comprehensive campus with technology resources that prepare graduates for a wide variety of successful careers. At Sam, students can dream and succeed.

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. Based on the positive feedback from faculty and staff, Sam Houston State University was recognized in 2010 and 2011 as a "Great College to Work For" by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

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 $228 million in construction and renovation has been committed in order to further enhance students’ academic experience.

Sam Houston State University offers many top-ranked, nationally-accredited and one-of-a-kind programs, including forensic science, a banking program which offers one of three banking degrees in the nation, and the PGA/Professional Golf Management Program, of which there are only 20 in the United States.

Sam Houston State has been classified as a “Doctoral Research University” by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. 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 at the university include educational leadership, developmental education administration, counselor education and reading.

Sam Houston State strives to promote not only intellectual growth, but social, ethical and leadership growth, as well by offering their students civic engagement and service-learning opportunities. In 2011, Sam Houston State University was selected by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching to receive the 2010 Community Engagement Classification.

Competitive tuition rates combined with personal attention, exceptional faculty, and outstanding academic programs make Sam Houston State University a great name in Texas education and one of the best educational values in Texas.