About Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University (SHSU), founded in 1879 as the Sam Houston Normal Institute, is the oldest teacher-training institution in Texas. Located in Huntsville, Texas, United States, it has evolved into a comprehensive public university offering over 170 undergraduate and graduate programs. SHSU is renowned for its strong emphasis on criminal justice, education, business, and health sciences, serving more than 21,000 students across its main campus and satellite locations. The university's mission is to provide quality education, foster research, and promote community engagement, with key achievements including national recognition for its criminal justice program, which is one of the largest in the nation. Campus locations include the main 316-acre site in Huntsville, featuring historic buildings like the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, and additional facilities in The Woodlands and Conroe. For more details, visit the Sam Houston State University Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Texas, and Academic Jobs in Huntsville.
SHSU's history is rooted in preparing educators, but it has expanded significantly, becoming a doctoral-granting institution in 1969. Today, it boasts a diverse faculty and student body, with notable alumni including politicians, athletes, and criminal justice experts. The university emphasizes practical learning, with facilities like the Criminal Justice Center and the Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science Facility. Key departments include the College of Criminal Justice, College of Education, College of Business Administration, College of Health Sciences, and College of Science and Engineering Technology. SHSU is classified as a Doctoral/Professional University by the Carnegie Commission and is part of the Texas State University System. Its commitment to accessibility is evident in robust online programs, making it a leader in distance education. For academics interested in professor positions Sam Houston State University or research jobs Sam Houston State University, the institution offers a supportive environment with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration.
In terms of academic trends for 2025, SHSU is investing in STEM fields, criminal justice reform studies, and health professions, driven by regional demands in Texas. The university has seen growth in enrollment and research funding, with over $20 million in annual grants. Notable faculty include experts like Dr. Phillip Lyons in criminal justice and Dr. Joyce McCauley in education. Salary data from recent reports indicates competitive compensation, with average faculty salaries around $85,000, varying by rank and department. For those exploring higher education jobs Sam Houston State University, the university's location in Huntsville provides a blend of small-town charm and proximity to Houston's metropolitan area, enhancing career and lifestyle appeal.
SHSU's key achievements include high rankings in online education and criminal justice programs, with alumni success rates above national averages. The university promotes diversity and inclusion, with initiatives supporting underrepresented groups in academia. For job seekers, academic careers at Sam Houston State University offer stability and growth, supported by professional development resources. Discover more about lecturer roles Sam Houston State University and faculty jobs Sam Houston State University through AcademicJobs.com.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Sam Houston State University
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Sam Houston State University are abundant, particularly in high-demand areas like criminal justice, education, and business. Based on 2025 trends, the university is expanding positions in online teaching and research due to growing enrollment in digital programs. Assistant professor positions Sam Houston State University often focus on tenure-track roles in the College of Criminal Justice, where expertise in forensics and policy is sought. Lecturer roles Sam Houston State University are prevalent in education and humanities, offering flexible contracts for experienced professionals. Research jobs Sam Houston State University emphasize funded projects in health sciences and engineering, with opportunities for collaboration with state agencies.
Salary ranges for 2025, researched from sources like the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and university reports, show assistant professors earning $65,000-$85,000 annually, associates $85,000-$105,000, and full professors $105,000-$140,000, influenced by department and experience. For instance, faculty in criminal justice command higher salaries due to specialized demand, averaging $95,000. These figures are competitive within Texas public universities, with additional benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. Explore professor positions Sam Houston State University and higher education jobs Sam Houston State University on AcademicJobs.com's filtered search.
Job trends indicate a 10% increase in openings for STEM and health-related roles by 2025, driven by Texas's economic growth. SHSU's strategic plan prioritizes hiring in interdisciplinary fields, such as cybersecurity in criminal justice. For academics seeking academic careers at Sam Houston State University, the university offers mentorship programs and research grants. Link to Higher Ed Jobs for current listings, or check Research Jobs for specialized opportunities. In Huntsville, the cost of living supports these salaries, making it attractive for families.
Specific examples include faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences, where positions involve teaching and research in ecology, with salaries starting at $70,000. In business, adjunct roles offer part-time flexibility. For comprehensive insights, visit Adjunct Professor Jobs. SHSU's commitment to diversity hiring enhances opportunities for underrepresented groups in academia.
Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice
Focus on forensics; salary $75,000-$90,000. Apply via Higher Ed Jobs.
Lecturer in Education
Teacher training roles; salary $60,000-$75,000. Explore at Lecturer Jobs.
Research Fellow in Health Sciences
Grant-funded positions; salary $80,000+. See Research Jobs.
Associate Professor in Business
Management focus; salary $95,000-$110,000. Visit Professor Jobs.
Why Work at Sam Houston State University
Working at Sam Houston State University offers unparalleled opportunities for academic careers, with a focus on impactful research and teaching in a supportive community. The university's location in Huntsville, Texas, provides a low cost of living and access to Houston's resources, making it ideal for faculty jobs Sam Houston State University. Unique benefits include generous professional development funds, sabbaticals, and collaboration with state criminal justice agencies. Research opportunities abound in centers like the Correctional Management Institute, attracting grants and partnerships. Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and paths to leadership roles. SHSU's emphasis on work-life balance, including family-friendly policies, enhances its appeal for lecturer roles Sam Houston State University and research jobs Sam Houston State University.
Compared to other institutions, SHSU stands out for its criminal justice excellence and online education innovation, positioning it as a hub for academic opportunities Sam Houston State University.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Sam Houston State University
📊 Salaries for faculty at Sam Houston State University are competitive, reflecting the institution's status in Texas higher education. Based on 2025 data from the Chronicle of Higher Education and university disclosures, average salaries range from $65,000 for assistant professors to $120,000+ for full professors. Factors affecting pay include experience, department (e.g., criminal justice offers premiums), and location in Huntsville, where living costs are 15% below national averages. Tenure-track roles often include bonuses for research output. For salaries Sam Houston State University academia, assistant professors in education average $70,000, while those in business reach $90,000. Associate professors see $85,000-$105,000, with full professors at $105,000-$140,000. Additional perks like housing allowances boost effective compensation.
Compared to national averages, SHSU salaries are solid for public universities, though lower than Ivy League institutions. Trends show a 3-5% annual increase due to state funding. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries or University Salaries. In high-demand fields like forensics, salaries can exceed $100,000 early in careers. Location impacts include Texas's no state income tax, enhancing take-home pay.
Faculty in STEM departments often earn more due to grants, with averages 10% higher. Experience levels: entry-level with PhD starts at $65,000, mid-career $95,000, senior $125,000. Department variations: criminal justice $95,000 average, humanities $75,000. For career guide Sam Houston State University, these figures support long-term planning.
To maximize earnings, pursue tenure and publications. Explore Higher Ed Career Advice for tips.
| Rank | Average Salary | Department Example |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $65,000-$85,000 | Criminal Justice |
| Associate Professor | $85,000-$105,000 | Education |
| Full Professor | $105,000-$140,000 | Business |
| Lecturer | $60,000-$75,000 | Humanities |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Sam Houston State University
⭐ Rate professors Sam Houston State University using AcademicJobs.com's Rate My Professor platform to discover top educators and make informed course choices. This tool helps recognize excellence in teaching, with ratings based on student feedback. For professor ratings Sam Houston State University, explore profiles tied to key programs like criminal justice and education.
Dr. Phillip Lyons (Criminal Justice)
Rating: 4.8/5 - Expert in forensics, praised for engaging lectures.
Dr. Joyce McCauley (Education)
Rating: 4.7/5 - Focuses on teacher training, known for supportive mentoring.
Dr. Balasubramaniyan Ramanathan (Business)
Rating: 4.9/5 - Specializes in management, appreciated for real-world insights.
Dr. Melinda Tasca (Criminal Justice)
Rating: 4.6/5 - Research in corrections, valued for practical applications.
Dr. Darren Williams (Biology)
Rating: 4.8/5 - Ecology expert, commended for interactive classes.
Career Progression at Sam Houston State University
Career progression at Sam Houston State University follows a structured path, starting from assistant professor to full professor with tenure. Salaries increase by rank: assistants $65,000-$85,000, associates $85,000-$105,000, full $105,000+. Tenure-track emphasizes research and teaching, with funding from grants. Professional development includes workshops and sabbaticals. University-specific factors like criminal justice strengths offer unique advancement. Link to Higher Ed Career Advice.
Research and Innovation at Sam Houston State University
🔬 Research at Sam Houston State University focuses on criminal justice, forensics, and education innovation, with 2025 trends in AI applications and health equity. Major centers include the George J. Beto Criminal Justice Center. Funding exceeds $20 million annually, supporting collaborations. Explore Research Jobs.
Resources for Sam Houston State University Academics
- 🎓 Professional development via Faculty Development Center.
- Union support through Texas Faculty Association.
- Benefits include health plans and retirement matching.
- Research grants from internal funds.
Student Life and Perspectives at Sam Houston State University
Student life at Sam Houston State University features vibrant programs in criminal justice and education, with strong career outcomes (90% employment rate). Use Rate My Professor for professor selection. Resources include advising and internships.
