10 Best Psychology Master’s Programs Texas: A Practical Guide for 2025
Texas is one of the most expansive states for graduate education in mental health. With a mix of large public universities, respected private institutions, and faith-based colleges, it offers something for almost every aspiring therapist, researcher, or counselor. Whether you’re pursuing licensure, preparing for a PhD, or seeking a more holistic education, this list of the top psychology master’s programs in Texas will help you find your fit.
Below, we compare 10 leading psychology MA and MS programs in Texas by format, cost, career path, and unique features.
| University | Degree Program | Type | Format | Cost (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas at Austin | MA in Psychology (PhD track) | Research | In-person | ~$12,000–$24,000/year |
| Texas A&M University | MA in Psychology (PhD track) | Research | In-person | ~$10,000/year |
| University of Houston | MA in Clinical, I/O, or Social Psychology | Licensure or Research | In-person | ~$9,000/year |
| Texas State University | MA in Clinical Counseling or Psychological Research | Licensure or Research | In-person | ~$8,000/year |
| St. Edward’s University | MA in Counseling | Licensure-track | In-person | ~$33,000 total |
| Sam Houston State University | MA in Clinical Psychology | Licensure-track | In-person | ~$7,000/year |
| Baylor University | MA in Educational Psychology | Licensure or Research | In-person or Hybrid | ~$20,000/year |
| University of North Texas | MS in Counseling or Psychology | Licensure or Research | In-person | ~$8,500/year |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | MS in Psychology (MFT or LPC) | Licensure-track | In-person or Hybrid | ~$28,000 total |
| Texas Woman’s University | MA in Counseling Psychology | Licensure-track | In-person | ~$6,500/year |
1. University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)
Program: MA in Psychology (en route to PhD)
Type: Research-focused
Format: In-person
Cost: ~$12,000/year (in-state), ~$24,000/year (out-of-state)
Link: UT Austin Psychology Graduate Program
UT Austin’s psychology graduate program is one of the most competitive in the country. It offers an MA as part of the PhD track. Students focus on cognition, neuroscience, social, or developmental psychology. It’s ideal for those pursuing academic careers or research.
2. Texas A&M University
Program: MA in Psychology (en route to PhD)
Type: Research
Format: In-person
Cost: ~$10,000/year (in-state)
Link: Texas A&M Psychology Graduate Program
Texas A&M is known for its strengths in behavioral and biological psychology. The MA is part of the PhD path, making this program suitable for students who want to go into research or teaching. It does not offer a terminal MA for clinical licensure.
3. University of Houston
Program: MA in Psychology (Clinical, I/O, or Social)
Type: Clinical or Research
Format: In-person
Cost: ~$9,000/year (in-state)
Link: University of Houston Psychology
UH offers a flexible master’s program with options in Clinical Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or Social Psychology. The clinical track is CACREP-aligned and can lead to LPC licensure in Texas. The I/O track is highly respected in the business sector.
4. Texas State University
Program: MA in Psychological Research or MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Type: Research or Licensure
Format: In-person
Cost: ~$8,000/year (in-state)
Link: Texas State Psychology
Texas State offers two distinct MA programs. One prepares students for doctoral-level research, while the other meets LPC requirements for mental health counseling licensure. It’s one of the most affordable and flexible programs in the state.
5. St. Edward’s University
Program: MA in Counseling
Type: Licensure-track (LPC)
Format: In-person
Cost: ~$33,000 total
Link: St. Edward’s MA in Counseling
Located in Austin, St. Edward’s offers a values-based counseling degree rooted in ethical practice, trauma training, and cultural humility. The program prepares graduates for LPC licensure and includes internship support and practicum experience.
6. Sam Houston State University
Program: MA in Clinical Psychology
Type: Licensure-track
Format: In-person
Cost: ~$7,000/year (in-state)
Link: SHSU Clinical MA
SHSU’s MA in Clinical Psychology prepares students for LPC or LPA licensure in Texas and includes rigorous training in assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic skills. It’s a great option for students who want to work in clinical practice without pursuing a PhD.
7. Baylor University
Program: MA in Educational Psychology (with Counseling emphasis)
Type: Licensure or Research
Format: In-person or Hybrid
Cost: ~$20,000/year
Link: Baylor MA Educational Psychology
Baylor’s MA in Educational Psychology allows students to specialize in counseling or assessment. It can prepare students for school-based roles, LPC licensure, or further doctoral study. Its Christian framework emphasizes ethical and compassionate care.
8. University of North Texas (UNT)
Program: MS in Counseling Psychology or Psychology
Type: Licensure (MSCP) or Research (MS)
Format: In-person
Cost: ~$8,500/year (in-state)
Link: UNT Psychology Graduate
UNT offers both licensure-track and research-focused degrees. The MS in Counseling Psychology is CACREP-accredited and prepares students for LPC licensure in Texas. The MS in Psychology offers research training for PhD-track students.
9. Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU)
Program: MS in Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy or LPC)
Type: Licensure-track
Format: In-person and hybrid
Cost: ~$28,000 total
Link: OLLU MS Psychology
OLLU’s MS program offers specializations in Marriage & Family Therapy or LPC preparation. Rooted in cultural and community context, it supports bilingual training and serves many Latinx students in South Texas.
10. Texas Woman’s University (TWU)
Program: MA in Counseling Psychology
Type: Licensure-track
Format: In-person (Denton campus)
Cost: ~$6,500/year (in-state)
Link: TWU Counseling MA
TWU offers one of the most affordable and respected master’s programs for aspiring LPCs in Texas. Students receive in-depth training in counseling theory, ethics, multicultural practice, and research.
Final Thoughts
Texas has a diverse and robust set of psychology master’s programs—whether you’re pursuing licensure, research, or integrative practice. From powerhouse institutions like UT Austin and Texas A&M to more hands-on, community-based programs like TWU and OLLU, there’s something for every path.
As you decide, ask yourself: Do I want licensure? Do I want a PhD someday? Am I looking for hybrid flexibility or campus immersion? This guide is your starting point.
And if you’re looking for a body-based, integrative psychology program designed for coaching and private practice, explore the MA in Integrative Psychology as a modern alternative.