THE MEASURE OF A LIFE IS ITS SERVICE
PURSUE YOUR EXCELLENCE.
You deserve a college education that matches your drive. Whichever degree path you choose, SHSU will give you hands-on experience in your field of study and equip you for your future.
Arts & Media (CAM)
Business Administration (COBA)
Criminal Justice (CJ)
Education (COE)
Health Sciences (COHS)
Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS)
Osteopathic Medicine (COM)
Science & Engineering Technology (COSET)
Accounting, MS
Agriculture, MS
Applied Behavior Analysis, MA
Applied Economics, MS
Art and Social Practice, MFA
Athletic Training, MSAT
Band Studies, MA
Banking and Financial Institutions, MBA
Biology, MA, MS
Business Administration, MBA
Chemistry, MS
Clinical Psychology, MA
Communication Studies, MA
Comparative and Global Education, MEd
Computing and Data Science, MS
Counseling, MA
Creative Writing, Editing, and Publishing, MFA
Criminal Justice, MS
Criminal Justice and Criminology, MA
Criminal Justice Leadership and Management, MS
Curriculum and Instruction, MEd
Dance, MFA
Dietetics, MS
Digital Forensics, MS
Digital Media Production, MFA
Emerging and Social Media, MA
English, MA
Experimental Psychology, MA
Forensic Science, MS
Geographic Information Systems, MS
Health Care Quality and Safety, MS
Higher Education Administration, MA
History, MA
History and Political Studies, MA
Homeland Security Studies, MS
Information Assurance and Cybersecurity, MS
Instructional Systems Design and Technology, MEd
Kinesiology - Sport and Human Performance, MS
Library Science, MLS
Literacy Instruction, MEd
Mathematics, MS, MA
Music, MM
Scan to view program details, certificates and more.
Political Science, MA
Project Management, MS
Public Administration, MPA
Public Health, MPH
School Counseling, MEd
School Leadership, MEd
School Psychology, SSP
Sociology, MA
Spanish, MA
Special Education, MEd
Sport Management, MS
Statistics and Data Science, MS
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Environment (S.A.F.E.), MA
Teaching and Learning, MEd
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), MEd
Technical Communication, MA
Victim Services Management, MS
BECOME A BEARKAT
GRADUATE REQUIREMENTS
Review graduate programs
→ Locate your program of study at shsu.edu/academics for application requirements and deadlines.*
(See page 1 for a list of programs.)
Complete the Admissions application at shsu.edu/apply
→ Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee ($90 for international applicants).
Submit your transcript(s)
→ Submit your official transcript(s) or upload your unofficial transcript(s) for purposes of your application review.
Upload your materials
→ Upload additional application materials as required by your program in the SHSU Self-Service Center.
See your program of study for specific submission deadlines. 1 2 3 4
*International applicants are required to submit additional materials. Learn more at shsu.edu/admissions/international.
If you are in the process of completing your degree, submit a current transcript and a final one after you graduate. A transcript showing your degree and date awarded is required prior to enrollment.
ADMISSIONS APPLICATION DEADLINES
AUGUST 1 FALL DEADLINE
MAY 15 SUMMER DEADLINE
DECEMBER 15 SPRING DEADLINE
Some graduate programs may have earlier application deadlines. Scan for more information on how to apply for the Graduate School.
FUNDING YOUR FUTURE
NON U.S. CITIZENS
If you’re a Texas resident and not a U.S. citizen, or you’re ineligible for Federal Aid, the state of Texas offers the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA).
Learn more about the TASFA by visiting shsu.edu/tasfa.
FAFSA
Eligibility for financial aid is determined using your FAFSA application. While it’s not mandatory to complete a FAFSA for some types of financial aid, it is the form states, and most colleges use to determine need-based aid. (SHSU’s school code, 003606)
You do not need a graduate application on file with SHSU first.
FEDERAL LOANS AND GRANTS ELIGIBILITY
You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, regularly admitted without exception to an eligible graduate program, and enrolled in at least six hours to receive funding.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Graduate & Professional School General Scholarship is intended for high-quality students in SHSU graduate programs. Applications for this competitive $1000 scholarship will be accepted for both new and current students. Students may submit new applications each semester while enrolled in graduate programs at SHSU.
Teach Grant
The most common grant available for graduate students is the TEACH Grant, which can help you pay for college if you plan to teach in a high-need field in a low-income area.
Assistantships
Graduate, teaching, and research assistantships are available in most departments. If awarded, you may qualify for in-state tuition and other benefits. Contact your program advisor for availability information.
Travel/Research Funding
The Graduate & Professional School provides research and travel funding to graduate students. Research funds may be used to purchase necessary equipment, software, or datasets needed to complete a project. Awardees may receive up to $1,000 in graduate student funding per academic year.
SUPPORT FOR YOUR SUCCESS
At the Graduate and Professional School, our commitment to your success goes beyond the classroom. We offer an array of services to support your academic and professional development. For instance, writing and accountability study groups are offered to support graduate writing in a structured environment. Whether you need guidance with research papers, theses, or dissertations, we help you refine your work to its highest standard. We host a regular speaker series that will expose you to diverse perspectives, new research, and inspiring stories, fostering intellectual growth, and sparking thought-provoking discussions.
We help you refine your interviewing skills and provide individualized consultations to support your professional goals. As mentors, faculty and staff are here to guide and support you throughout your academic journey. Their expertise, experience, and commitment to your success will help shape you into a confident and accomplished professional.
Scan for more information on applying for the Graduate and Professional School.
GRADUATE STUDENT RESOURCES
Dedicated graduate student space for research, exam review, presentation or project prep, interviews, and general community are located at the Arleigh Templeton Building.
SHSU COST CALCULATOR
The SHSU Cost Calculator provides an estimate of what you will pay for one semester based on credit hour and parking permit selections.
It is an estimation only and does not reflect financial awards such as scholarships, grants, or loans.
Based on Fall 2024/Spring 2025 rates and are subject to change. For the most up-to-date financial information and to estimate online classes, international, or out-of-state costs, visit shsu.edu/cost.
Academic Support
→ TGPS seminar series
→ Road to PHD Scholars
→ Graduate writing and accountability study groups
→ Blackboard online community
→ Thesis/dissertation boot camps
→ Thesis/dissertation resources
→ Career and professional development
FULL-TIME
GRADUATE STUDENT COURSE LOAD
Fall semester
9 credit hours
Spring semester
9 credit hours
Summer semester
6 credit hours
LEAD IN SERVICE TO OTHERS
The Graduate and Professional School at SHSU engcourages the discovery of leadership abilities, building relationships with mentors, and creating opportunities for future development.
TGPS SEMINAR SERIES
Offered in conjunction with our campus partners, the TGPS seminar series cover an array of topics in various aspects of academic and professional development to enhance the graduate learning process and the graduate school experience.
ROAD TO PHD SCHOLARS
The ROAD to Ph.D. graduate scholars’ program provides doctoral students with the tools and training to acclimatize them to the academic rigor of doctoral education. The program provides academic support, mentoring, networking, and professional development opportunities to scholars.
GUIA
The Graduate/Undergraduate Instructor Academy (G.U.I.A.) is a professional development event designed to aid research, graduate and teaching assistance with instructional training and resources.
CAREER & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Graduate & Professional School offers opportunities for career and professional development. This includes:
→ Mock Interviews
→ Etiquette Dinner
→ Resume and LinkedIn profile consultations
→ Career Readiness Scholarship
THESIS & DISSERTATION RESOURCES
The Graduate & Professional School supports, oversees, and implements the thesis. dissertation policies, guidelines, and submission process.
→ Boot camps allow graduate students to partner with faculty for coaching, intensive writing sessions and creating individualized writing plans.
→ This event is designed for participants to work with experienced faculty and support staff for personalized coaching, intensive writing blocks, intentional goal setting, and individualized writing plans.
New Graduate Student Orientation
Meet your college advisor and learn about support services at our resource fair. Attend specialized breakout sessions to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Graduate Exploration Week
GRADUATE & PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL EVENTS
The Graduate & Professional School hosts a series of events designed to support, connect, and celebrate students at various stages of their academic journey.
Third- and fourth-year undergraduate students are invited to explore opportunities in the Graduate and Professional School. The event includes a mentorship and networking gala, providing connections with faculty and current students, as well as an overview of the application process.
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition
The 3MT competition allows graduate students to present their research in three minutes. Participants can compete for scholarship awards and represent their institution at the state level, enhancing their visibility within the academic community.
Graduate Student Appreciation Week
Join us for a week of events celebrating graduate students at Sam Houston State University. Enjoy activities that recognize your contributions to our academic community.
60+ MASTER’S PROGRAMS
28 ONLINE GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
10 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS
30+ GRADUATE CERTIFICATES
35+ ONLINE GRADUATE PROGRAMS
ARLEIGH B. TEMPLETON BUILDING
Newton Gresham Library
Gaertner Performing Arts Center
Erica Starr Theatre Center University Hotel
Lowman Student Center
Smith-Hutson Business Parking Garage Bell Tower The Quad Austin Hall
Peabody Library
Frank Parker Plaza
CJ Center School of Music
Elliott Hall
BelvinBuchanan Hall
Parking Garage CAM Creative Community
San Jacinto Hall
Templeton
RISE TO
