Welcoming Students from All Over the World
The Graduate School at Texas Southern University boasts an ethnically diverse student population, with individuals from nearly every state in the U.S. Additionally, a significant number of international students choose to matriculate here, enriching the academic and cultural experience for all.
The Graduate School Faculty at Texas Southern University
The Graduate School faculty at Texas Southern University, meeting at least twice annually, includes regular, associate, and special faculty members approved by the Graduate Council. Regular faculty status is granted for five years, while associate and special faculty are approved for three and one year periods, respectively. Approximately 85% of the graduate faculty hold doctorate degrees. Most faculty members have over five years of college-level teaching experience and have published scholarly books and papers in leading journals. Many are actively engaged in research projects supported by federal, state, and private grants.
Research Efforts at TSU
The graduate faculty at Texas Southern University engages in a wide range of research projects funded by federal, state, and private grants, often focusing on urban and instructional issues. These research efforts have led to numerous publications in scholarly journals and several books. The Graduate School publishes the University Research Journal, an online Catalog of Faculty Researchers, and an Annual Research Listing for University Faculty. Additionally, a Graduate School Newsletter is printed each semester, featuring information on international events. Dissertations are recorded by University Microfilms, Inc., with abstracts published in Dissertation Abstracts.
Degree Program
The College of Arts and Sciences at Texas Southern University offers majors in biology, chemistry, city planning, communications, English, history, journalism, mathematics, music, psychology, public administration, sociology, speech, and theater/cinema. The Department of Chemistry provides interdisciplinary programs in environmental science at the M.S. and Ph.D. levels.
The School of Business offers master's degrees in accounting and business administration.
The College of Education provides master's degrees in administration, counseling, elementary education, secondary education, and health and kinesiology (physical education). Doctor of Education degrees are available in administration, counselor education, and curriculum and instruction.
The School of Technology offers Master of Science degrees in industrial technology and transportation.
Procedure for Program Proposing New Degree Programs and Courses
Proposals for new degree programs at Texas Southern University should originate within the respective academic department. After receiving approval from the department chairperson and dean, the proposal is submitted to the Graduate Council. If approved, it moves to the Deans Council for further action. Upon their approval, it is then referred to the President of the University and subsequently to the Board of Regents. Once the Board of Regents approves, the proposal is submitted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Upon their approval, the program can be initiated.
New graduate courses can be added based on a department's recommendation, with the approval of the College Dean, the Graduate Dean, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Proposals for New Degree Programs and Courses
The Graduate Council at Texas Southern University is responsible for evaluating all proposals for new degree programs and courses. Serving as an advisory, evaluative, and recommending body, the Council reviews and improves proposals before recommending them to the Deans Council through the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Before acting on a proposal, the Council makes suggestions for improvement. Once finalized, the Council's recommendations are transmitted to the Academic Vice President. In evaluating proposed programs, the Council follows the guidelines of the Texas Coordinating Board, the criteria of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the policy statements on graduate programs from the Council of Graduate Schools.
In addition to these regional and national criteria, the Council considers the following:
- The extent to which the proposed new degree program relates to the overall mission and goals of Texas southern University.
- The extent to which the program complements existing courses and programs.
- The extent to which the proposed program duplicates existing courses and programs.
- The potential demand for the new program and/or courses.
- The priority level of the proposed program in relation to overall University goals.
- The cost of the program in relation to projected budgetary allocations.
- The available supportive facilities and materials for the new program.
- The extent to which supportive library materials exist.
- The current strength of the faculty and the number of new faculty who will be needed to implement the new program.
- The number and relevancy of proposed new course offerings in the proposed program.
Accreditation and Memberships
Texas Southern University is accredited as a level IV institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The University is a proud member of several prestigious organizations, including the Council of Graduate Schools, the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, the Texas Association of Graduate Schools, the Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools, the American Council on Education, the American Chemical Society, the Association of American Universities, and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.