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More than 16,000 undergraduates attend Sam Houston State University, established in 1879 and named for the legendary statesman and leader of the Texas War of Independence. Its curriculum offers 79 undergraduate degree programs, 54 master’s programs, and 5 doctoral programs. Originally founded as a teacher’s college,
SHSU—or Sam, as it’s known to students—is consistently ranked among the top schools of education. Many students choose majors in the arts and sciences, and the College of Business Administration has been awarded an accreditation level shared by only about 12 percent of all business schools. Sam’s location in Huntsville and its proximity to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice are advantageous for the university’s well-regarded criminal justice program.
The sprawling 272-acre campus includes 32 residence halls that house approximately one fourth of the student body. Freshmen spend their first year on campus; for upperclassmen, there are separate facilities available for honor students and even a hall for those committed to healthy living. Newly completed facilities include student housing and a health and fitness center expansion. A performing arts center is currently are under construction. Sam’s diverse student body, made up of ranch-bred Texans, city sophisticates, and international students representing 53 countries, pursues a variety of extracurricular options. More than 100 student organizations are registered with the university, and they cover just about every special interest. Student athletes compete on NCAA Division I teams or on recreational sports teams. Off campus, students go to the movies, hang out at nearby Sam Houston Avenue establishments, or head to Huntsville State Park, which is just four miles away.