School Details
Sam Houston State University draws from more than a century of higher education experience to deliver distance education degree programs that are equal to that of the on-campus classroom. With a mission to deliver quality education through the use of innovative technologies, students can choose from more than 40 online programs. Degrees range from bachelor’s to doctorate degrees with the majority offered completely online.
Online learning features:
- No distinction between traditional and online degrees
- Faculty who utilize latest technologies to engage students
- Flexible schedules
- Small class sizes
- Accredited programs
- Networking with peers and faculty
The online environment follows traditional semester-based formats and also offers summer sessions. Students will have access to support resources, including academic advising. Added benefits include:
- Eligibility for financial aid and scholarships
- Resources for veterans and active duty military
- Potential credits awarded for work experience
Accreditation & Licensing
Sam Houston State University is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
The online Bachelor of Arts in History degree program from Sam Houston State University is designed for students who have an interest in becoming an educator, researcher, curator, archivist, records manager, documentary editor, corproate historian, or contract historian. In addition to a solid foundation of courses in communication, mathematics, natural sciences, creative arts, political science, foreign language, and social and behavioral sciences, the curriculum offers studies in:
- American History
- European History
- World History
The online Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies degree program from Sam Houston State University is interdisciplinary, allowing students to design a curriculum that suits individual goals by connecting three minors, a capstone general studies course, a core curriculum, and appropriate supporting elective courses. Minors offered include American Studies, Art History, Business Administration, Business Education, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Ethics, Health, History, Film Studies, Finance, Forensic Science, French, General Business Administration, Geography, Political Science, Public Administration and Public Policy, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, and Technical and Professional Writing.
The online Master of Arts in History degree program from Sam Houston State University is designed for aspiring young professionals interested in secondary teaching, professional programs, the military, civil service, public history, and community college faculty positions, as well as students who plan to pursue a Ph.D.
The degree may be completed either by defending a portfolio of written work or by completing a thesis. Additionally, students select one of the following tracks, which represent the mainstays of the human experience:
- Rights & Identity
- War & Violence
- Encounters & Exchanges
The online MA in Political Science degree program from Sam Houston State University appeals to students preparing for doctoral studies or law school, high school teachers seeking to improve their professional credentials, individuals wanting to teach in community colleges, and individuals preparing for careers or advancement in nonprofit organizations and the public sector. Offered as either a thesis or non-thesis option, the curriculum covers topics in:
- American Politics
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
Business
To be prepared for a career in virtually any field, the online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies teaches students how to engage in interpersonal, small group, and organizational communication. Students will learn the different types of communication such as nonverbal, persuasion, intercultural, as well as theories and rhetoric of communication. Students will also have ongoing research studies in subjects such as visual persuasion and relationship repair.
The bachelor’s degree in communication studies can lead to career opportunities such as:
- Teacher
- Attorney
- Consultant
- Pastor
Experienced faculty actively participate in various organizations to stay at the forefront of the ever-evolving communications field. Students may choose to continue their education with a graduate degree. The online bachelor’s degree in communication studies allows graduates to bring exceptional skills and talent into the business world.
Sam Houston State University offers an online Bachelor of Business Administration / General Business degree. Students will take coursework in finance, marketing, public relations, management, sales, and production – all the essential areas of business.
The online Executive Master of Business Administration program with a concentration in Banking & Financial Institutions is a unique, quality-based program. This program focuses on banking and financial institutions in a program designed to develop and enhance the skills necessary for leadership positions in financial institutions or regulatory agencies. Coursework emphasizes the integration and synthesis of various disciplines. This develops the students’ abilities to function and make sound administrative decisions in a dynamic financial institution environment. The program offers a challenging and robust academic curriculum that can be completed over a two-year period. Classes are kept small with a cap of 25 students in each cohort.
The online Graduate Certificate in Communications Studies is part of the Communications master’s program. It includes three required courses and three elective courses. Full-time students may complete the certificate in one year, while part-time students may take a year and a half.
The online graduate certificate program in communications offers:
- Start dates in fall and spring
- Length is 18 credit hours
- Experienced and engaging faculty
Courses include advanced communication theory, advanced interpersonal communication, and communications research. This online graduate certificate program is ideal for busy, working students wishing to further their careers. Graduates will be able to seek out a wide variety of opportunities in various fields with this certificate.
Sam Houston State University offers an online Master of Arts in Communication Studies for students and professionals looking to advance their career. Topics included in the program are conflict resolution, gendered communication, organizational communication, family communication, and more.
- Accounting for management
- Statistical analysis
- Managerial communication
- Financial management
Sam Houston State University offers an online Master of Public Administration degree. The online learning environment allows students to engage with classmates and professors to learn the field. There is a concentration offered in Disaster & Emergency Management.
Sam Houston State University offers an online Master of Science in Project Management. Students will engage in the project lifecycle within organizations, and learn how to face challenges related to new products and services.
Computer Science & IT
Sam Houston State University offers a Graduate Certificate in Data Assurance to the working professional. This program is designed for those holding a baccalaureate degree in fields such as Management Information Systems, Computer Science, etc. Students will take on subjects such as:
- Malware
- Risk Management
- Database Security
Through this program students will enhance their knowledge of assessment strategies, concepts and techniques of security, and design of enterprise networks. By earning this certificate, students are well prepared for leadership roles in a variety of IT careers. Expand opportunity with an online certificate in data assurance from Sam Houston State University distance learning.
Earn a Master of Science degree in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity through Sam Houston University online. This program is designed for those with an undergraduate Computer Science or Management Information Systems, or a degree in a related field. Studies will cover topics including but not limited to:
- Database Security
- Security Planning
- Risk Assessment
Students will develop marketable skills in assessment, planning, and problem solving as well as enhanced knowledge in commercial, industrial and governmental information assurance. With this advanced degree, there comes opportunity for pay increase as well as career networking with peers and professionals. Expand professional competencies and knowledge with an online master’s with SHSU.
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Sam Houston State University offers two choices for the online bachelor’s in human services degree, the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Victim Studies. This program, ranked as one of the highest Criminal Justice and Criminology programs, offers the knowledge and skills to succeed. Through this online criminal justice degree students learn about all areas of victim services and prepare them for careers in the field as victim advocates, case workers, investigators for the Department of Family and Protective Services, shelter workers, and more. You will learn how to provide information about victim’s rights, court accompaniment, and other court-related matters for victims while also gaining knowledge that is useful for community-based advocates assisting survivors. The core curriculum includes victim studies-specific and victim services courses along with electives in:
- Social Justice
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Psychology
In addition to these courses, the Bachelor of Science degree requires courses in Mathematics and Natural Sciences while the Bachelor of Arts degree requires Language and Communications courses.
With an online Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Victim Studies from Sam Houston State University, you have the opportunity to pursue a career in almost any discipline of the justice system. From security to customs, from law enforcement to victim advocacy, this degree can launch your future in any direction you’d like to go, whether it is with a local organization or a federal agency. To help you ultimately decide on your career path, Sam Houston State offers Criminal Justice internships during your last year of study. These are hands-on opportunities offered by local, national and international organizations. The Bachelor or Arts in Criminal Justice and Victim Studies combines your foreign language skills with prerequisite classes.
Some electives offered at Sam Houston State University in the BA of Criminal Justice and Victim Studies, include:
- White-collar crime
- Global terrorism
- Cyber crime Forensic science
The online Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security Studies from Sam Houston State University centers on the theory and practice of protecting the public from manmade and natural disasters, alike. Ever since the September 11th attacks in the United States, institutes of higher education have developed programs to create critical thinkers required to keep the public safe. If you are dedicated to the ultimate in public safety, this degree may be for you. It combines coursework in a foreign language with subjects such as public health and transportation security. Other class examples include:
- Intelligence analysis
- Border security
- Global terrorism
- Water security
The online BA in Homeland Security from Sam Houston State allows you some flexibility with course customization, based upon your career path.
You have a choice where to earn your degree. Why not choose a long-established university with a prestigious reputation to gain career training with the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University? The online criminal justice degree offers such benefits as:
- Expert faculty
- State-of-the-art facilities
- A close-knit learning environment
Through the online criminal justice bachelor’s degree program, you focus on the social sciences with courses in psychology, political science, sociology, and the like. Other core coursework explores topics like cyber crime, ethics, correctional systems, and victimology.
You can train to defend against large-scale threats to the US with the Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security Studies from Sam Houston State University. The online homeland security degree focuses on such areas as:
- Cybersecurity
- Border security
- Emergency management
- Strategic communications and more
Through the online homeland security bachelor’s degree program, you also learn methods to protect critical infrastructure and to counter terrorism. Your online studies develop leaders, thinkers, and analysts to keep our citizens safe.
You can train to protect public health with the Certificate in Biosecurity & Pandemics from Sam Houston State University. The online emergency management program examines such issues as:
- Disease threats
- Bioterrorism
- Public health policies and laws
- Pandemic preparedness and management
Through the online emergency management certificate program, you also explore the relationship between border security and public health. Your online studies might also cover biowarfare, health access, and global health security.
You can learn about community crime challenges with the Certificate in Crime Analysis & Mapping from Sam Houston State University. The online criminal justice program focuses on spatial analysis and offers courses in such topics as:
- Criminal investigation
- Computer cartography
- GIS in law enforcement
- Applied geographic information systems (GIS)
Through the online criminal justice certificate program, you apply GIS to analyze geospatial patterns in criminal behavior. Your online studies originate from the Departments of Criminal Justice & Criminology and Environmental & Geosciences, blending geospatial analysis for the purpose of addressing crime.
You can gain a competitive edge when applying for roles dealing with critical infrastructure with the Certificate in Security & Resilience from Sam Houston State University. The online homeland security program offers separate certificates in such industry areas as:
- Chemical and energy sectors
- Transportation sector
- Healthcare sector
Through the online homeland security certificate program, you develop in-demand skills. Your online studies cover the foundations of:
- Risk assessment
- Security and resilience
- Emergency/crisis management
You can train to help victims through the criminal legal system with the Certificate in Victim Studies from Sam Houston State University. The online criminal justice program explores such areas as:
- Victimology
- Family violence
- Violence against women
- Trauma and crisis intervention
Through the online criminal justice certificate program, you learn from the institution who established the first course and then the first undergraduate degree in victim studies more than 20 years ago. Your online studies develop your skills in communication, interpersonal relations, and empathy.
You can become a leader with the Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Leadership & Management from Sam Houston State University. The online criminal justice program offers two courses per semester in shortened formats, so you focus on one class at a time.
Through the online administration graduate certificate program, you can continue working while you further your education. Your online studies provide professional growth and career development to improve your earning potential.
The infrastructure in a community, and nationwide, has to be protected. If you are a Homeland Security professional, law enforcement officer, or other individual tasked with protecting the framework within the public or private sectors, then an online graduate certificate in Critical Infrastructure Protection may help you advance your education and your career. At Sam Houston State University, you will take courses covering protection and risk management, while learning how to protect various infrastructure components such as:
- Water and energy
- Transportation systems
- Food and agriculture
- Border security
- Cyber security
Upon completion of this certificate program, you will be midway to earning a Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies.
You can gain expertise in critical infrastructure security with the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security from Sam Houston State University. The online cyber security program explores such topics as:
- Cyber law
- Malware
- Network and cyber security
- Cyber warfare and terrorism
Through the online cyber security graduate certificate program, you build on the knowledge of your BS in computer science or a related degree. Your online studies may also cover business continuity management, cryptography, and steganography.
You can train to explore cyberspace with the Graduate Certificate in Digital Investigation from Sam Houston State University. The online forensic science program delves into such topics as:
- Malware
- Digital security
- Multimedia forensics
- Network and cybersecurity
Through the online forensic science graduate certificate program, you learn to use specialized tools to investigate cyber crimes. Those with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, criminal justice, or a related degree benefit from this program.
An online graduate certificate in Emergency Management is an ideal way to advance your career if you are involved with crisis management. Whether you work in the private or public safety sector, this program is conducive to balancing the demands of your job while you learn.
Enrolling in two classes per semester, you can complete this online certificate from Sam Houston State University in one year. At that point, you will be halfway towards the completion an online Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies should you chose to continue your education and take your career even further.
You can benefit from quality programming to advance your career with the Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. The online criminal justice degree leads to work in such sectors as:
- Security
- Corrections
- Social services
- Law enforcement
Through the online criminal justice master’s degree program, you can complete your graduate degree in two years. Graduates find success in such roles as:
- Judges
- Victim advocates
- Police administrators
- Federal law enforcement agents
As a mid-management professional, you can advance your career with the Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership & Management from Sam Houston State University. The online administration degree offers graduate-level expertise from one of the country’s most prestigious criminal justice programs.
Through the online administration master’s degree program, you learn from a leader in academic research and professional development, especially in leadership skills.
At Sam Houston State University, computer science and criminal justice blend to form the online Master of Science degree in Digital Forensics. This program will prepare you to manage and develop secure information systems related to forensic data. Your master’s work will focus on the life of digital evidence – from collection to preservation, sometimes utilizing the department’s dedicated, state-of-the-art forensic center.
The Master of Science in Digital Forensics at SHSU requires a knowledge foundation gained through a relevant undergraduate degree and/or technical or on-the-job experience. You may be required by the master’s program to take additional core classes to broaden your knowledge base.
Together, the Departments of Security Studies and Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University offer an online Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies. As a relatively new discipline, rising from the 9/11 US attacks, this master’s program is both conceptual and practical. The degree follows the Homeland Security Enterprise model and employs internationally and nationally renowned faculty. Courses involve emergency management, pandemics and cybersecurity to name a few. Not only is Homeland Security intended to protect the public-at-large from disasters, but also to protect critical infrastructure. Your Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies can lead to professional positions in areas such as:
- Water supply
- Energy supply
- Transportation
- Food and agriculture
Sam Houston State University offers the Master of Science in Victim Services Management, an online criminal justice degree. Although this program is beneficial for all individuals, the ideal students will have experience in the victim services field. This online master’s in human services degree prepares students to work in various areas of victim services, providing a better understanding of the services available. You will study rape crisis centers and other victim service providers while gaining the tools to provide aid to victims. Graduates are prepared to work in such victim services areas as direct service provision, organizational management, and social policy development.
The curriculum offers a variety of courses, such as:
- Gender and Criminal Justice
- Human Sex Trafficking
- Elder Abuse and Victimization
- Interpersonal Violence
- Neurobiology of Trauma
Education
You can train to develop programs for underprepared students in higher education with the Doctor of Education in Developmental Education Administration. This online higher education doctoral degree emphasizes original research to advance leaders in developmental education.
The interdisciplinary higher education doctoral degree continues your intellectual growth. Your online coursework imparts such knowledge as:
- Designing learning environments in developmental education
- Academic writing and research
- Contemporary issues in higher education administration and leadership
- Leadership of higher education institutions
You can prepare as a scholar of learning technologies with the Doctor of Education in Instructional Systems Design & Technology from SHSU. This online instructional design doctoral degree allows you to lead your organization in the integration of technology. Benefits of this program include:
- Lead learning analysis research in various contexts
- Integrate technology into diverse learning environments
- Create instructional materials for training, education, or performance improvement programs
- Evaluate learning management systems
Graduates of this online instructional design doctoral program find success in K-12 settings, higher education, businesses, and military training. Roles range from instructional design to educational networking to implementation of learning technologies and more.
You can start or continue your career in educational coaching with the Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising from SHSU. This online higher education graduate certificate provides advanced training for those seeking to mentor or counsel students in their post-secondary education.
You can gain expertise in the best practices to educate adults with the Graduate Certificate in Adult Education from SHSU. This online adult education graduate certificate imparts the techniques and strategies for optimal student outcomes.
Topics of study include:
- Advanced methods and techniques of instruction
- Human growth and development
- Integrating current technologies
- Developing curriculum for adults
Upon completion of this adult education graduate program, you can provide training or professional development programs for adults. Potential employers include higher education institutions, businesses, and nonprofits.
You can gain expertise in digital literacies with the Graduate Certificate in Digital Literacies from SHSU. This online reading and literacy graduate certificate helps you keep pace with emerging technology. Upon completion of this succinct online literacy graduate program, you can showcase such knowledge as:
- Understanding of the importance of digital literacies in the 21st-century
- Integrating technology into current teaching practices
- Mastery of digital literacies, including their possibilities, problems, and politics
- Methods to incorporate digital literacies into your curricula
Sam Houston State University offers an online Graduate Certificate in Dyslexia. The program covers areas of study in The Dyslexia Handbook to provide a solid foundation on the disorder and ways of working through it. Students of this program will learn teaching strategies for working with their students with dyslexia. Areas of focus include multi-sensory instruction, phonological and graphophonemic instruction.
You can specialize in serving young children with disabilities with the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education from SHSU. The School of Teaching and Learning offers this online gifted and special education graduate certificate. The online program combines special education and early childhood education courses to prime you to serve young students with special needs. This special education program does not lead to teacher certification.
Brought to you from the Department of Library Science and Technology, the Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology from SHSU makes the most of your time and money. This online instructional design graduate certificate provides graduate-level training without the expense of obtaining a degree. Professionals responsible for training benefit from this online educational technology graduate program. You can use such knowledge for academic programs and professional development with the following employers:
- PK-12 and higher education
- Business or industry
- Medical field
- The military
You can learn the best practices in eLearning with the Graduate Certificate in Effective Online Instruction from SHSU. This online instructional design graduate certificate streamlines the acquisition of the knowledge and skills to teach online courses effectively. Such competencies appeal to those responsible for professional development and academic lectures in such fields as:
- Education
- Medical field
- The military
- Businesses and corporations
You can gain expertise in teaching English as a second language (ESL) with the Graduate Certificate in Second Language Instruction from SHSU. This online ESL graduate certificate appeals to those seeking to teach ESL to young children to adults.
You can save time and money by pursuing a graduate certificate rather than a degree. Upon completion of this online ESL graduate program, you gain such competencies as:
- Training in applied and theoretical linguistics
- Second language teaching methodology
- Cultural aspects of language teaching, learning, and assessment
You can prepare for mid-level leadership and administrative positions in higher education with the Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from SHSU. This online higher education master’s degree enhances your career-related leadership skills. It focuses on student services, academic affairs, and such areas as:
- Enrollment management
- Student success
- Governance and organization
- Educational technology
Candidates of this online education administration master’s program can select whether to complete a thesis or not. Students can also pursue academic advising certification within this program.
You can be a change leader in student achievement with the Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from SHSU. This online curriculum and instruction master’s degree focuses on the following:
- Theoretical applications
- Pedagogy
- Curriculum methodology
With the help of an advisor, you design your individual study program to align with your career goals and personal interests. Graduates can teach dual credit courses as well as classes at the community college level.
You can gain expertise in instructional technology with the Master of Education in Instructional Systems Design & Technology from SHSU. This online instructional design master’s degree prepares you for leadership in training, instructional, learning, and educational environments. Your marketable skills from this program include the following:
- Ability to identify instructional program problems and needs
- Use of technology to solve educational program problems
- Develop creative applications for educational technology
All students of this online instructional design master’s program complete a culminating research project. Students undertake the design, research, implementation, and evaluation of an online training course.
Have it your way with the Master of Education in Reading / Language Arts from SHSU. This online reading and literacy master’s degree provides for a Reading Specialist Certificate—or not.
Educators seeking a Texas Reading Specialist certificate may do so through this online reading and literacy master’s program. This option benefits certified teachers in Texas with at least two years of experience.
The option that does not lead to a Reading Specialist certificate appeals to practitioners who want to develop expertise in literacy for application in the classroom or other learning environments. Both programs follow the same degree plans. Through the online reading and literacy coursework, you gain such outcomes as:
- Develop reflective practitioners for young children through secondary learners
- Design interventions to meet the varied learning needs of students
- Become a literacy advocate for all levels of literacy development
You can gain principal certification with the Master of Education in School Leadership from SHSU. This online education administration master’s degree emphasizes such factors as:
- School organization and administration
- Effective leadership strategies
- Campus business management
- Federal, state, local, and school regulations
Candidates of this online education administration master’s program may enter in the spring, summer, or fall semesters. Graduates learn to improve student outcomes through program evaluation, data analysis, and knowledge of how diverse populations and special programs impact a school and the community.
You can gain advanced competencies in special education with the Master of Education in Special Education from SHSU. This online gifted and special education master’s degree imparts the necessary knowledge, dispositions, and skills to effectively assess and instruct learners with special needs.
Through the online special education coursework, you learn teaching practices and delve into innovative research for learners with disabilities. Other learning outcomes include the ability to:
- Enact and assess research-based practices
- Find solutions to systemic injustice
- Explore varied cultural perspectives on disabilities
- Assess and mend disability policies through current research
Graduates can maximize their professional competence and advance their careers. They enjoy success in leadership roles where they can use their competencies in advocacy and systems change.
You can gain expertise in teaching English language learners with the Master of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This online ESL master’s degree incorporates best practices and addresses language instruction theories. Outcomes include:
- Mastery of the principles and processes of second language acquisition
- Examination of the psychological, cognitive, sociocultural, and linguistic foundations of language and literacy
- Use of assessments to develop reading and literacy plans
- Integration of technology to optimize learning
Upon completing this online ESL graduate degree, students can earn a Second Language Instruction certificate from SHSU. Graduates find success teaching all ages, from the early years through adulthood.
Sam Houston State University offers an online Master of Library Science degree. For students who wish to work in a school library, this program provides professional skills in managing media and maintaining collections. The program has a focus on new technologies as well, so students are up-to-date on research methods and skills.
Math & Science
This online mathematics degree is primarily intended for secondary mathematics teachers. Prepare to teach mathematics at the community college level or to teach dual-credit and/or AP courses at the high school level. Others may choose to pursue a doctorate in Mathematics Education.
As you earn this mathematics degree online you will be able to continue working. Study wherever it is convenient without spending the time and money commuting to campus.
This is a non-thesis program.
The online Master of Science in Sustainable Agriculture & Food Environment program focuses on sustainable agriculture and food systems. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduate-level students for advanced studies in agriculture while integrating the framework of sustainable practices. Topics include applied knowledge of plants, animals, and soils, with a blend of eco-friendly practices and problem-solving skills to advocate for the role of agriculture in building healthy communities.
Psychology & Human Services
Sam Houston State University offers an online sociology degree in either the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Sociology. The Department of Sociology, considered one of the prominent departments for the study of Globalization, is committed to providing high quality instruction and research. This online bachelor’s in sociology provides ways to understand how society works as well as a greater understanding of why things happen. Courses teach practical skills that help students succeed in the global world and provide the tools needed to analyze social issues and their place within a larger context. You will understand techniques of sociological research, social statistics, sociological theory, and major substantive areas in sociology. There are three concentrations available:
- Social Change and Economy and Society
- Culture and Social Institutions
- Inequality and Society
While most of the courses are the same for both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, there are a few course differences. The Bachelor of Science degree requires courses in Mathematics and the Natural Sciences while the Bachelor of Arts requires Foreign Language and Communication courses.
- Sociology of Community
- Sociology of Entrepreneurship
- Seminar In Medical Sociology
- Sociology of Disasters
- Applied Research Methods
Sam Houston State University offers the Master of Arts in Sociology, an online sociology degree designed to provide students with advanced and up-dated instruction. You will study quantitative and qualitative techniques of sociological research, statistics, and theory. Students develop advanced professional skills necessary to analyze social issues in applied settings. These skills include research grant writing, program evaluation, impact assessment, and community-based research.
Students pursuing this degree may specialize in one of the following:
- Environment & Social Change & Development
- Stratification, Culture & Institutions
- Applied Sociology