Houston is home to a thriving job market, offering diverse career opportunities across various industries, from energy and healthcare to technology and finance. However, pursuing a career in psychology is a solid choice if you’re considering a field that combines the science of human behavior with the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives. With a strong demand for mental health professionals and a growing emphasis on psychological well-being, psychology offers both personal fulfillment and professional stability.

Fortunately, Houston is also a hub for higher education, boasting various psychology programs across its universities. Whether aiming for a bachelor’s degree, a master’s, or even a doctoral level, you’ll find numerous options tailored to your interests and career goals. Institutions like the University of Houston and others in the city offer robust programs that can equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this rewarding field.

Houston On-Campus Psychology Degrees

In the field of psychology, physical interaction is essential. Engaging with professors, peers, and research opportunities in person can significantly enhance your learning experience. It allows you to develop crucial interpersonal skills, gain hands-on experience through labs and internships, and build a professional network that can be invaluable in your career. On-campus programs in Houston provide these opportunities, immersing students in a rich academic environment where they can directly apply psychological theories and methods.

These programs not only focus on the theoretical aspects of psychology but also emphasize practical experience through direct engagement with faculty and fellow students. This interaction is key to understanding the complexities of human behavior, as it allows students to observe and participate in real-world scenarios that are crucial for developing a deep understanding of the subject

1. Rice University
Houston, TX 77005

Program: Undergraduate in Psychology
Program Tuition: $31,437
Program Overview: The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in various psychological theories and research methodologies, encouraging exploration across different levels of analysis. The faculty comprises experts who are actively engaged in research, providing students with opportunities for mentorship and hands-on experiences

Program: Master of Human-Computer Interaction & Human Factor
Program Tuition: $17,500
Program Overview: This is a two-year professional master’s program specifically designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The curriculum covers critical areas of human-computer interaction and human factors, ensuring students are well-versed in the latest academic findings and theories.

Program: Master of Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MIOP)
Program Tuition: $17,500
Program Overview: The MIOP of Rice University is also a two-year program that prepares students for the high demand in areas concerning the psychology of work and the workplace. The curriculum is structured to deliver both scientific and practical knowledge, covering key topics such as the dynamics of work environments and the anticipated evolution in work practices. 

2. University of Houston
Houston, TX 77004

Program: Clinical Psychology
Program Tuition: $44,877
Program Overview: The Clinical Psychology program at the University of Houston is distinguished by its comprehensive approach to training in three major areas: Clinical Program (adult), Clinical Child Program, and Clinical Neuropsychology. This diversity in specialization allows students to align their studies with specific interests and career goals within clinical psychology. Each track offers focused coursework and practical experiences that prepare students for varied roles, from clinical practice to academic research. 

Program: Social, Personality, & Health Psychology
Program Tuition: $6,400 – $9,400
Program Overview: The curriculum is structured to provide a deep understanding of how social and personality dynamics influence health-related behaviors and outcomes. Students engage with a wide range of theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches, enabling them to address complex questions about human behavior and psychological processes in diverse contexts. Students benefit from mentorship by faculty members who are experts in their fields, as well as access to collaborative research opportunities that enhance their academic and professional development. 

3. University of St. Thomas
Houston, TX 77006

Program: B.A. in Psychology
Program Tuition: $
Program Overview: Through a curriculum that spans clinical, cognitive, biological, social, and developmental psychology, students gain a well-rounded education in psychology’s core areas. This diversity in coursework allows students to tailor their academic experiences according to their interests and career aspirations. 

Program: M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Program Tuition: $
Program Overview: The M.A. in Counseling Psychology at the University of St. Thomas is tailored to meet the licensure requirements necessary for professional practice in Minnesota, providing three distinct career paths: Licensed Professional Counselor/Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPC/LPCC), Joint Licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), and LPC/Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). This versatility allows students to choose a specialization that aligns with their career goals and the specific populations they wish to serve. 

3. Houston Christian University
Houston, TX 77074

Program: B.A. in Psychology
Program Tuition: $18,375 per semester (estimated, full-time)
Program Overview: Through a curriculum focused on evaluating theories, applying research methodologies, and articulating key psychological concepts, students gain foundational skills essential for various professional contexts. The inclusion of elective courses allows students to explore specific areas of interest, tailoring their education according to their career goals and personal curiosities within psychology.

Program: M.A. in Psychology
Program Tuition: $1,860 (per 3 credit hour course)
Program Overview: The M.A. in Psychology at Houston Christian University offers a tailored educational experience in intimate class settings, fostering personalized mentorship and guidance. Students can choose from specialized tracks such as Thesis, Applied Teaching, and Applied Project, allowing them to align their studies with specific career objectives and personal interests. This flexibility enables students to develop expertise in their chosen area, whether it be academic research, teaching, or practical applications in industry settings.

Program: Master of Arts in Christian Psychology
Program Tuition: $1,860 (per 3 credit hour course)
Program Overview: The Master of Arts in Christian Psychology at Houston Christian University offers a unique integration of scriptural teachings and psychological science, preparing students for roles as Licensed Psychological Associates (LPA). This distinctive program combines theological perspectives with psychological principles, enabling students to provide counseling and psychological services that are informed by both faith and science. The curriculum is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of psychological concepts within a Christian framework, fostering the development of a holistic approach to mental health care.

Houston Online Psychology Degrees

Houston is home to several institutions offering psychology degrees, yet the availability of fully online programs, particularly at the graduate level, remains limited. While undergraduate students may find a few online options, such as Houston Christian University’s 100% online B.A. in Psychology, those seeking advanced degrees often face challenges in finding fully online graduate programs. This limited availability highlights a gap in the market for online psychology education in the Houston area, making it necessary for students to consider a mix of on-campus and online coursework or to look beyond local institutions for fully online graduate opportunities.

1. Houston Christian University
Houston, TX 77074

Program: B.A. in Psychology
Program Tuition: $18,375 per semester (estimated, full-time)
Program Overview: Houston Christian University offers a B.A. in Psychology through a 100% online option. This allows students to complete their degrees remotely, providing flexibility for those who may not be able to attend on-campus classes. The online program typically mirrors the curriculum of the on-campus version, ensuring that students receive the same quality education.

Houston Specialized Psychology Programs

Despite the limited availability of fully online graduate programs, the city offers a variety of on-campus and hybrid master’s and doctoral programs that cater to specific areas of psychology, such as clinical, counseling, industrial-organizational, and school psychology. These specialized programs provide graduates with the opportunity to deepen their expertise and tailor their education to align with their career goals, making Houston a robust hub for those looking to elevate their qualifications in the field of psychology.

1. University of St. Thomas
Houston, TX 77006

Program: Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
Program Tuition: $
Program Overview: This program emphasizes a rigorous approach to both assessment and intervention, preparing students for clinical, academic, or research careers. Ethical knowledge and decision-making are central to the program, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled practitioners but also ethical leaders in the psychology community. The curriculum combines in-depth theoretical exploration with hands-on practice, fostering a comprehensive understanding of counseling techniques and psychological assessment.

2. University of Houston
Houston, TX 77004

Program: Integrative Program in Developmental, Cognitive, & Behavioral Neuroscience (DCBN)
Program Tuition: $6,400 – $9,400
Program Overview: This program bridges multiple areas of psychology, allowing students to explore the intersections of developmental, cognitive, and behavioral neuroscience in both theoretical and applied contexts. A distinctive feature of this program is its emphasis on cross-disciplinary research, which encourages students to develop innovative solutions to complex neurological questions. 

Program: Industrial Organizational Psychology
Program Tuition: $6,400 – $9,400
Program Overview: The University of Houston’s Industrial Organizational Psychology program is recognized as one of the oldest and most respected in the country, with a history dating back to 1950. Renowned for its comprehensive curriculum and research opportunities, the program offers students a solid foundation in both the scientific and practical aspects of I/O psychology. Students are equipped with the skills necessary to conduct rigorous analyses and implement effective strategies in a variety of organizational settings. 

3. Houston Christian University
Houston, TX 77074

Program: Master of Arts in Christian Psychological Studies
Program Tuition: $1,860 (per 3 credit hour course)
Program Overview: The Master of Arts in Christian Psychological Studies at Houston Christian University is designed for students seeking to bridge advanced psychology with theological insights. This program prepares students for careers in faith-based counseling, and scholarly research, and positions them for further academic pursuits, such as a PhD. By integrating advanced psychological theories with theological principles, the program offers a unique perspective on human behavior and mental health, ideal for those who wish to incorporate faith into their professional practice.

Through a curriculum that emphasizes both psychological and theological knowledge, students are equipped to conduct scholarly inquiry that is informed by their faith. This program is particularly suited for individuals aiming to work in environments where spiritual and mental health are interwoven.