THE MEASURE OF A LIFE IS ITS SERVICE
RISE TO
GREATER
If you want to be a leader, an achiever and a doer who makes things better than you found them — you want to be a Bearkat. Here, you can rise to your occasion.
YOU ARE WHO YOU CHOOSE TO BE.
At Sam Houston State University, everything you do builds to something greater — for you and your community. As a Bearkat, you’ll be uplifted by your professors and peers, learn how to excel in your career and start making an everyday impact through our focus on service and community engagement.
EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES
Bearkats don’t measure success like everyone else. While we pursue academic excellence, your education and growth are about more than what you learn in the classroom — they’re about who you become, the people you impact, your pride in your work and your dedication to making things better than you found them. Propelling the world forward through even the smallest actions makes us all successful.
BEARKAT STUDENTS 21k
53% OF BEARKATS ARE FIRST-GEN STUDENTS
IN SOCIAL MOBILITY
U.S. News & World Report 2023
45% OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS GO ON TO EARN THEIR GRADUATE DEGREES AT SHSU
IN TEXAS AS A ‘TOP PERFORMER ON SOCIAL MOBILITY’ U.S. News & World Report 2023
9.3% OF STUDENTS ARE MILITARY AFFILIATED
BEARKAT ALUMNI AROUND THE WORLD
20+ DEGREES AVAILABLE ONLINE
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.
90+ UNDERGRAD DEGREES
20+ ONLINE DEGREES
8 COLLEGES
Accounting, BBA
Agricultural Business, BS
Agricultural Communications, BS
Agricultural Engineering Technology, BS
Animal Science, BS
Animal Science, Pre-Veterinary Medicine, BS
Animation, BFA
Applied Arts and Sciences, BAAS
Art, BA
Banking and Financial Institutions, BBA
Bilingual Health Care Studies, BA
Biology, BA, BS
Biomedical Science, BS
Chemistry for Other Technical Careers, BS
Chemistry for Professional Chemists, BS
Communication Studies, BA, BS *
Computing Science (Computer Science), BS
Computing Science (Information Assurance), BS
Computing Science (Information Systems), BS
Construction Management, BS
Criminal Justice, BA, BS *
Cybersecurity, BS
Dance, BFA
Data Science, BS
Economics, BBA
Education, BS
Educational Studies, BA *
Arts & Media (CAM)
Business Administration (COBA)
Criminal Justice (CJ)
Education (COE)
Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology, BS
Engineering Design Technology, BS
Engineering Technology, BS
English, BA
Entrepreneurship, BBA
Environmental Science (Pollution Abatement), BS
Environmental Science (Sustainability), BS
Environmental Science (Water Resources), BS
Fashion Merchandising, BS **
Film & TV Production, BFA
Finance, BBA
Food Science and Nutrition, BS
Food Service Management, BA, BS
Forensic Chemistry, BS
French, BA
General Business Administration, BBA *
Geography (Environmental, Culture, and Development), BA, BS
Geography, Geospatial Information Sciences, BS
Geology (Geoscience), BS
Geology, BS
Graphic Design, BFA
Health Care Administration, BS *
Health Sciences, BS
History, BA, BS *
Homeland
Security Studies, BA, BS **
Human Performance and Wellness Management, BS
Human Resource Management, BBA
Integrated Studies, BS *
Interdisciplinary Agriculture, BS
Interdisciplinary Agriculture: Agricultural Industries, BS
Interior Design, BA, BS
International Business, BBA
Kinesiology (Clinical Exercise Science), BS
Health Sciences (COHS)
Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS)
Osteopathic Medicine (COM)
Science & Engineering Technology (COSET)
Learning Technologies, BA
Management Information Systems, BBA
Management, BBA
Marketing, BBA
Mass Communication: Broadcast Production, BA
Mass Communication: Multiplatform Journalism, BA
Mass Communication: Public Relation & Advertising, BA
Mass Communications: Film, BA
Mathematics, BA, BS
Mechanical Engineering Technology, BS
Music Therapy, BM
Music, BA, BM
Musical Theatre with Theatre Emphasis, BFA
Musical Theatre with Dance Emphasis, BFA
Nursing, BSN *
Philosophy, BA
Photography, BFA
Physics, BS
Physics/Engineering Dual Degree, BS
Plant and Soil Sciences, BS
Political Science, BA, BS *
Psychology, BS
Public Health, BS
Sociology, BA, BS *
Software Engineering, BS
Spanish, BA *
Studio Art 2D, BFA
Studio Art 3D, BFA
Supply Chain Management, BBA
Theatre-Acting and Direction Emphasis, BFA
Theatre-Design and Technology Emphasis, BFA
Theatre-Theatre Studies Emphasis, BFA
Victim Studies, BA, BS *
* Offered online and in person
** Offered online only
Scan to view program details, minors and more.
PUT YOUR LEARNING TO WORK
SHSU graduates are known to hit the ground running when they start their careers. That’s thanks to the hands-on experiences and community engagement we emphasize here. Based on your program of study, you’ll have access to a wide range of ways to turn your classroom learning into real-world skills.
RESEARCH
Depending on your major, you can participate in undergraduate research opportunities, supported by your professors. Whether you plan on continuing your studies in graduate school or want to enter the workforce, having research experience is an invaluable skill.
LABS & INSTITUTES
Put in the work — and reap the rewards. Some of our research laboratories include the Gibbs Ranch, the Pineywoods Environmental Research Laboratory and the Sower Business Technology Lab. The College of Criminal Justice is home to four institutes, including the Institute for Homeland Security. With these academic resources, you can start developing technical skills and making connections that jumpstart your career.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
At SHSU, we believe community service is not only a great way to engage with and serve our local communities, it also helps foster your leadership abilities and opens up career pathways you might not have known about. With our Volunteer Opportunities & Organizations Fair, you can find service options that align with your education and interests.
YOUR WORK IS A FORCE FOR GOOD.
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
You, and your college experience, are more than academics. You can thrive with SHSU’s abundant onand off-campus offerings, from clubs and football games to downtown Huntsville’s cultural gems.
Did we mention the food is good, too?
LIVING ON CAMPUS
You’ll find a variety of living options to suit your needs at SHSU. We offer both female and co-ed residence halls that are fully furnished, small houses and apartments. If you’re interested in the Honors College or specific majors, you can apply to live in one of our living communities, where you’ll get to connect with like-minded peers and form deeper relationships with your professors. All first-year students who have been out of high school for less than a year are required to live in university housing.
CAMPUS AMENITIES
LSC BOWLING ALLEY
REC CENTER MEMBERSHIP Gym, Equipment Rentals, Rock Wall
NEW RESIDENCE HALLS Study and Game Rooms
INTERACTIVE ART INSTALLATIONS
316
ACRE CAMPUS
BEARKAT DINING
Like we said — the food here is good! With four main dining locations around campus, including options like Chick-fil-A and Starbucks, you can choose what fits your mood. We offer three meal plan levels for resident students, all of which come with Bearkat Bucks, our pre-paid system you can use across campus, for your convenience.
BEARKATS WORK
Social networking, resume building, leadership development and new friendships are just some of the benefits that come with getting involved in the Bearkat community. And we make it as easy as possible — every Wednesday, all student groups and organizations get together in the Frank Parker Plaza to hang out. It’s a great way to find your people and discover new interests.
GET GREEK WITH IT
In addition to the student-led clubs and organizations, SHSU has an active Greek Life, with more than 900 students participating. Joining a fraternity or sorority is a great way to make friends and connections while becoming a leader dedicated to serving others.
START WITH BEARKAT CAMP
As an incoming freshman, you will have the opportunity to take part in our three-day, two-night Bearkat Camp to experience what life is like at SHSU, get in the Bearkat spirit and start making friends before classes even begin.
FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES
AND PLAY
Cheer on one of our 17 NCAA Division I athletic teams or join an intramural team — or both! You can stay active and find camaraderie with all the campus recreation options here.
CAMPUS RECREATION
The Recreational Sports Center has everything you need to stay fit while pursuing your studies. We offer fitness classes and personal training, a full weight room and cardio area, a climbing and bouldering wall, a swimming pool, an indoor track and space for basketball, volleyball and more!
OUTDOOR RECREATION
You can take advantage of the beautiful nature surrounding Huntsville by getting outdoors with the SHSU Outdoor Recreation Program. We offer climbing, equipment rentals for camping and more, as well as a thrilling challenge course.
CLUB, INTRAMURAL & ESPORTS
If you like playing sports for fun, club sports are the right fit for you. If you like to get more competitive, our intramural sports teams will satisfy the need for victory. We also offer some esport teams, if gaming is more your style.
17 NCAA D-1 ATHLETIC TEAMS
22 CLUB SPORTS
175k SQ. FEET OF STATEOF-THE-ART FITNESS & ATHLETIC FACILITIES
13 INTRAMURAL SPORT OPTIONS
SET YOUR SIGHTS
Huntsville is full of Texas charm — this lively, historic city is home to museums, a thriving arts and culture scene, a quaint downtown, lots of restaurants and coffee shops and more.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Don’t stay cooped up in your room — spend an afternoon at the Blue Lagoon or go for a hike in the Piney Woods. And the Sam Houston National Forest is just a short drive away.
TAKE IN A SHOW
Aside from the productions hosted at SHSU’s award-winning James & Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center, you can take advantage of Huntsville’s Old Town Theatre and its offerings — including film screenings, live music and performing arts events.
OFF CAMPUS
Everything is Bigger
in Texas
From horseback riding to hiking, the recreational opportunities are endless.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COURSES
The community partnerships SHSU forms are just another way you get hands-on learning outside the classroom. From mass communications students filming the Huntsville mayor’s State of the City address, to animation students telling senior living community residents’ stories, these Academic Community Engagement (ACE) Courses provide real experience that connects you to the world.
Since 2010, SHSU has been nationally recognized as a community-engaged campus. We’re proud to bring our learning out into our communities — at the local, state, national and global levels. As a Bearkat, this enhances your education in a variety of ways and shows you how to be an engaged citizen who makes things better than you found them.
COMMUNITYENGAGED SCHOLARSHIP
When you connect with your community, your community connects back. At SHSU, you can focus on community-based problems, learn from your community and collaborate on finding solutions. This type of learning equips you with holistic skills that will benefit you in your professional and personal life.
COMMUNITIES ARE BETTER SERVED WHEN THE COLLEGES WITHIN THEM OPEN THEIR DOORS. I FIND THAT COMMUNITY BRIDGE BUILDING IS PARAMOUNT TO THE SUCCESS OF A UNIVERSITY AS A WHOLE.
Martin Gaston Professor, Mass Communications
USE YOUR
TALENTS
LEAD IN SERVICE TO OTHERS
We measure success based on our own standards at SHSU; we also look at leadership a little differently. Here, leadership looks like continued excellence in our careers, being confident in ourselves, serving others and putting our hearts into everything we do.
THE MEASURE OF A LIFE IS ITS SERVICE
We believe in your leadership potential! Our Department of Student Involvement: Leadership & Service strives to offer opportunities that help bring out and develop your leadership qualities.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
Freshman Leadership Program
Student Government Association
Orange Keys
Student Employee Leadership Institute
Ultimate Bearkat Society
Emerging Leaders
LET'S SEE YOU SUCCEED
Employers know they can count on SHSU graduates to excel in the workforce; you can count on SHSU to get you career-ready.
The Career Success Center offers services like resume reviews, mock interviews, job searches and more to help you meet your full career potential — during your time here and after you graduate.
CAREER SUCCESS CENTER BEARKATS GET HIRED TOP EMPLOYERS
Quanta Services
Conroe Independent School District
Houston Methodist
Klein Independent School District
Our Career Success Center-led initiative, Bearkats Get Hired, connects employers with Bearkat students and alumni to foster your career success, from internships to full-time opportunities.
Global Shop Solutions
Memorial Hermann
Disney Company
MD Anderson
Montgomery County
Sam Houston State University
Texas Department of Criminal Justice
Enterprise Mobility
WE HELP YOU KEEP YOUR STANDARDS HIGH
We offer a variety of resources to support and encourage you throughout your time at SHSU.
SUPPORT TO GET YOU STARTED
Bearkat Orientation
Orientation staff help you transition from high school or community college to SHSU, providing assistance to you and your family and helping connect you with other future Bearkats. All freshmen are required to attend.
Family Zoom Series
This series helps you and your family learn about important next steps before starting your college journey.
First-Year Experience: Bearkat U
Every Bearkat freshman and transfer student registers for the UNIV 1101: Bearkat U course that best fits your interests. This class helps you make the transition to SHSU through caring professors and peer mentors.
Student Advising & Mentoring Center (SAM Center)
Academic advising services to help you start strong with a clear academic plan.
ELLIOTT T. BOWERS HONORS COLLEGE
SUPPORT TO KEEP YOU GOING
Academic Success Center
Every resource you need to succeed academically, for every Bearkat.
Student Money Management
Get one-on-one counseling and resources on how to best manage your personal finances.
Career Success Center
Start your career readiness before graduating with resumé building, mock interviews, job/internship searching, LinkedIn profile assistance, career and internship fairs and more.
Student Advising & Mentoring Center (SAM Center)
To stay on track with your college journey.
Evolve
To empower all incoming transfer students to thrive in their undergraduate journey.
If you’d like to expand your education even further, our Honors College offers unique opportunities and benefits, including:
→ Scholarship and funding opportunities
→ Specialized courses
→ Smaller class sizes
→ Early registration
→ Private Honors facilities
→ Research opportunities
→ Honors distinction upon graduation
Ready to start rising to greater?
BECOME A BEARKAT
HOW TO APPLY
1 Submit an online application.
→ Visit shsu.edu/apply.
2 Pay the application fee in the self-service portal.
→ Visit shsu.edu/checkstatus. This is a non-refundable $50 fee.
3 Submit transcripts.
Ask your high school or college to send your official transcript(s) with your current GPA listed. High school transcripts need to include expected graduation date and graduation plan. If you attend more than one college, you will need to provide an official transcript from each institution. (Code: 003606)
4 OPTIONAL Submit optional test scores.
If you choose to send your test scores, contact the appropriate testing agency to request submission to SHSU. (SAT school code 6643; ACT school code 4162)
AUTOMATIC ACCEPTANCE FOR FRESHMAN
We have automatic acceptance for any student with an unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, regardless of ACT or SAT score. GPAs are based on a 4.0 scale.
AUTOMATIC ACCEPTANCE FOR TRANSFERS
Any student with 12-17 transferable credit hours with a 2.5 or higher GPA or 18+ transferable credit hours with a 2.0 or higher GPA.
FUNDING YOUR FUTURE
While SHSU is rated a top 10% best college for the money, we want your education to be as accessible as possible. With a variety of financial aid resources and scholarships, we work to make your educational goals a reality.
72% OF STUDENTS RECEIVE SOME FORM OF FINANCIAL AID
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID
Scholarships
Need-based or merit-based free money that does not have to be repaid. While not all scholarships require a FAFSA on file, it is recommended you complete one.
Grants
Need- or merit-based free money that does not have to be repaid.
Loans
Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
FAFSA CHECKLIST
→ Request an FSA ID
→ Have your parent request their FSA ID
→ Complete and submit your FAFSA using SHSU school code 003606
→ Watch for your award notification from SHSU
→ Review and understand your aid options
→ Attend your classes
→ Maintain your grades
→ Reapply each year
SHSU SCHOLARSHIPS
While FAFSA helps determine need-based financial aid, scholarships can be both need and merit-based. To maximize the amount of free money you receive, make sure you apply for both!
Scholarship4Kats
→ shsu.edu/scholarships | 936.294.1774
You must be accepted to SHSU to apply for SHSU scholarships. To qualify for institutional awards, you must complete the general application in the Scholarships4Kats portal to review your eligibility. You are automatically considered for all relevant scholarships after you complete your profile.
Smith-Hutson Scholarship
→ shsu.edu/smith-hutson | 936.294.3116
Students awarded Smith-Hutson Scholarships may receive financial support up to a maximum of $19,500 per academic year for up to four years for incoming freshmen and two years for transfer students. Smith-Hutson Scholars also benefit from tutorial support, academic advising, mentoring and professional development advising. Texas residents only.
Honors College Scholarship
→ shsu.edu/honors | 936.294.1477
Students awarded Sam Houston Honors Scholarships may receive financial support up to a maximum of $10,000 per academic year for up to four years for incoming freshmen. For transfer students, visit our website to learn about your FAFSA checklist.
To experience SHSU’s campus is to love it! Come visit us in person or take a virtual tour. We have Spanish and transfer tours available.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR
→ shsu.edu/visit
→ seesam@shsu.edu
→ 936.294.1844
SATURDAY @SAM
We offer campus preview days in both the fall and the spring. Learn more and sign up online at shsu.edu/saturday.
COME SAY HELLO
IMPORTANT DATES
Check these tasks off to track your progress.
JUL 1
ADMISSIONS APPLICATION OPENS
SEP 1
SCHOLARSHIPS4KATS APPLICATION OPENS
OCT 1
HOUSING APPLICATION OPENS TO NEW STUDENTS
FEB
ORIENTATION REGISTRATION OPENS
DEC 1
ANTICIPATED FAFSA OPENING PLEASE MONITOR STUDENTAID.GOV FOR DETAILS
NOV 1
SCHOLARSHIPS4KATS PRIORITY DATE
MAR 1–MAY 1
FAFSA PRIORITY DATE AND ROOMMATE SELECTION AVAILABLE
AUG 15-17
MOVE-IN WEEKEND
WHO WILL YOU DECIDE TO BE?
