The University of Texas Pan American began as Edinburg College, a two-year community college that was part of the Edinburg School District. Initially, 200 students were enrolled at the college in 1927. In 1933, the school became known as Edinburg Junior college and was the only institute of higher learning in southern Texas. In 1948, the school moved from its original four-acre site to a larger campus a few blocks to the west and became Edinburg Regional College.
In the early 1950s, the school transformed from a two-year junior college to a four-year college. The name was changed to Pan American College to reflect the desire of the school to bridge the cultures of North and South America as well as the cultural diversity of the college. The college became predominantly Mexican-American in the 1970s and was credited for establishing a Hispanic middle class in southern Texas.
The college merged with the University of Texas system in 1989, becoming the University of Texas Pan American. It is one of the fastest growing colleges in the University of Texas system with an enrollment of around 19,000 students.
University of Texas Pan American Accreditation Details
The University of Texas Pan American is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges. Accreditation demonstrates that the school meets or exceeds criteria set forth by the accrediting agency indicating excellence in education. In addition, the following agencies provide accreditation for specific programs at the university:
- Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
- Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
- Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Council on Academic Accreditation
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Board of Nurse Examiners for the State of Texas
- Computing Accreditation Commission
- Engineering Accreditation Commission
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Association of Schools of Theatre
- Physics Teacher Education Coalition
- State Board for Educator Certification
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- The Council on Rehabilitation Education
- The Council on Social Work Education
University of Texas Pan American Application Requirements
Students who wish to enter undergraduate studies at the University of Texas Pan American should contact an admissions counselor to learn the requirements and application procedures. Students must provide ACT or SAT scores as well as high school transcripts. If students have earned college credit, transcripts from all colleges and universities must also be provided. All students must receive a meningitis immunization as well prior to admission. Graduate students must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in order to be accepted into programs at the University of Texas Pan American. Students must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended as well as official GMAT, GRE, TOEFL and IELTS scores.
University of Texas Pan American Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate tuition at the University of Texas Pan American is $50 per credit hour for Texas residents and $412 per credit hour for non-residents. Graduate tuition is $100 for Texas residents and $462 per credit hour for non-residents.
Financial aid is available at the University of Texas Pan American in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and other options. Grants available include:
- Federal PELL Grants
- TEXAS Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
- Graduate Tuition Assistance Grant
- Texas Public Education Grant
- TEACH Grant – Undergraduate and Graduate
- UTPAchieve
- Summer Boost Grant
Scholarships are available for entering freshmen, transfer students, undergraduate and graduate students. There are also institutional and state programs available to help students pay for college as well as loans, work study and programs for veterans. To be eligible for aid at the University of Texas Pan American, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
University of Texas Pan American Psychology Degree(s) Available
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program at the University of Texas Pan American requires 43 semester hours of general studies, 16 semester hours in core psychology courses and 15 semester hours in elective psychology courses. Students are provided the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain entry-level positions in the field of psychology.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program at the University of Texas Pan American requires 43 semester hours of general studies, 16 semester hours in core psychology courses and 12 semester hours in designated psychology electives as well as nine semester hours in elective psychology courses. Students must also select a minor in another program and complete eight hours of science courses. The 12 semester hours in designated electives must include:
- Cognitive Functions
- Theoretical Foundations
- Developmental/Social/Cultural Foundations
- Applications
Clinical M.A.
The University of Texas Pan American offers a Master of Arts in Psychology with a clinical option. It is designed for those who wish to enter careers in mental health service delivery. Students who complete the degree are eligible to teach psychology at the post-secondary level. Graduates are prepared for professional licensure as a counselor or to pursue doctorate studies. Students are provided the skills and knowledge to diagnose and treat complex, chronic, transient or acute mental health problems found in a diverse population. The program is offered in both a thesis and non-thesis option.
Experimental M.A.
The University of Texas Pan American offers an Experimental Master of Arts in Psychology that prepares graduates for careers in general experimental psychology. It is designed to advance a student into a doctorate program and prepares students to teach at the post-secondary level. Students working in the psychology field may find greater career opportunities by completing the master’s program. Students are provided core knowledge of psychology as well as the ability to conduct research.
Students who are interested in obtaining a degree that allows them to help those who are suffering from mental illness will find the programs offered at the undergraduate and graduate level through the University of Texas Pan American beneficial in advancing their current career goals or achieving a career change. The University of Texas Pan American offers courses with flexible schedules so that adults who have obstacles to achieving their higher education goals can complete their education while still meeting family, work and social obligations.