Overview

The College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences (COLABS) is the most instructionally diverse unit at Texas Southern University offering eleven (11) undergraduate and five (5) graduate degrees through eight (8) departments housed in different locations on campus.  Choosing a major is one of the most important decision any student will make. We encourage them to choose one that best aligns with their passions, creative talents, intellectual interests, and academic strengths. In addition to the majors, the College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences offers 17 minors. COLABS majors and minors satisfy the interests of those committed to:

1. social and economic justice,
2. racial and gender equality,
3. improving the lives and mental health of individuals in our communities,
4. strengthening families and communities,
5. finding solutions to various social challenges,
6. engaging with global economies, societies, and cultures,
7. intellectual inquiry and challenging received bodies of knowledge, or
8. inspiring others through artistic creation and expression. 

It should be noted that some majors require students to declare a minor or area of concentration, while others do not. Students should consult with their academic advisers to learn more about these requirements.  

 The following is a summary of the undergraduate departments, degrees, minors and concentrations:

COLABS also offers the Master of Arts in English, History, Psychology, and Sociology and the Master of Science in Human Services and Consumer Sciences. Students interested in our Graduate degree programs should refer to the Graduate Bulletin of Texas Southern University for detailed descriptions of those programs and degree plans.

The officers of the College include the Dean, Associate Dean, Assistant Dean, and Department Chairs. The Office of the Dean is located in Suite 315 of the Barbara Jordan – Mickey Leland Building (PAB) and may be contacted by calling (713) 313-4287.

Mission Statement of the College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences

Through quality programs and innovative study of the Arts, Humanities, and Social and Behavioral Sciences, the College is dedicated to engaging students in a journey of self-discovery and intellectual inquiry, thereby empowering them to live fully actuated lives in diverse, urban, and global communities.

College Policies

Students, new or transfer, wishing to enroll in one of the majors offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences must first submit an application through the Texas Southern University’s Office of Admissions and be accepted. Once accepted, students are strongly encouraged to contact their academic department to learn more about the various opportunities associated with their major of choice.

Students who have not attended the University in a year or longer are required to file an application for readmission and submit transcripts from all colleges attended since their last enrollment at Texas Southern University. Continuing students who have been enrolled in credit courses within the year preceding the intended registration are not required to re-apply for admission. 

All COLABS majors are required to consult with their designated academic advisor before registering for classes each semester. The advising process plays a vital role in ensuring that students are meeting the curriculum requirements of their declared major.

The College strictly adheres to the policies found in the Student Code of Conduct handbook. Students are advised to familiarize themselves with this document.

Good Academic Standing Policy 

To remain in good academic standing in the College, students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Those who fail to meet this standard are subject to the probationary and suspension policies set by the University described in this document. The College adheres to the University policies on probation and suspension. Students wishing to re-enroll after suspension must follow the set University procedures and consult with the Dean or Associate Dean of COLABS.  

Students pursuing majors and/or minors through the various departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences are strongly cautioned that many programs have their own specific cumulative GPA and grade requirements that are higher than the University’s minimum GPA requirement. Students must adhere to these policies to remain in their chosen program.  

Student Organizations and Performing Groups

Various student organizations operate within the College and the departments. In addition, a number of ensemble groups perform under the guidance of the Department of Music. Students interested in participating in student organizations and/or performing groups should contact the respective department for further information.

Accreditation

Texas Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In addition, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Degree in Social Work is also accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Right to Modify

The information contained in this bulletin is considered to be informational and descriptive, but not contractual. The University reserves the right to change, without notice, any policy, procedure, course, or requirement found in this bulletin.

Description of Departments in the College

The eight departments in the College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences are described in detail in the following pages.