Named for Texas’s greatest hero, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) continually honors its historical roots through academic excellence. For more than 140 years, SHSU has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement. Its motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service,” resonates among its 22,000 students, eight colleges and well beyond its Huntsville roots. Sam Houston State offers top-ranked degree programs and was named No. 3 among the ‘2020 Best Valued Online Colleges.’ With over 90 bachelor degrees, 50 master’s, and 11 doctoral programs—including the nation’s first Ph.D. in forensic science, SHSU provides an exceptional college experience for every student: traditional or non-traditional; first generation; international; or online. In the fall of 2020, SHSU welcomed its inaugural class of student doctors into the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the third college of osteopathic medicine in Texas. Its mission is to train physicians who will serve the healthcare needs of rural and underserved Texans. Service to self and others is paramount at SHSU and reflected in all university organizations and programs. In fact, the university was named to USA Today’s Top 50 in t...he U.S. for “commitment to civic engagement and global awareness,” in addition to being classified a "Community Engaged" by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. This honor, bestowed to only 311 public institutions nationwide, acknowledges the university's significant commitment to service. At SHSU, the student-athlete experience is defined by Bearkat Athletics, with 17 teams competing at the NCAA Division 1 level in Conference USA. With SHSU’s array of recognized academic programs, exceptional student support services, volunteer opportunities and more, Bearkats are not only well-prepared to think and respond to the workforce needs of a rapidly changing world but stand ready to serve their community.