Sam Houston State University, also known as SHSU and Sam, for short, was founded in 1879. Its first name was the Sam Houston Normal Institute. Its original mission was to train teachers for the public schools of Texas. In 1919 it was awarded its first bachelor’s degree. In 1923 it became Sam Houston State Teachers College. Later in 1965 the name was changed to Sam Houston State College in recognition of its expanded academic program. Four years later it was elevated to university standing.

The university includes colleges of arts and sciences, criminal justice, business administration, and applied and education science. In addition to undergraduate studies, the university offers a range of master’s degree programs and doctoral programs in criminal justice, education, and forensic clinical psychology. Several university organizations provide training and continuing education in this field, including the Correctional Management Institute of Texas, the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, the Institute for Law Enforcement Training, and the National Institute for Victim Studies. Total enrollment is approximately 12,500.

Sam Houston State University offers online programs and courses. Online distance learning programs are not the same as face-to-face programs. Online programs demand certain skills and study habits of a student in order to be successful. The exciting academic challenge of utilizing new technologies to further your educational goals from home, from work, from practically anywhere in the world awaits you through Distance Learning at Sam Houston State University! These online programs are designed to provide quality education.

Sam Houston State University is accredited regionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCC).