The primary objective of The Graduate School at Texas Southern University is to create an environment that fosters the advancement of research, teaching, and scholarly activities for students pursuing advanced degrees in specialized academic fields. Graduate studies promote a high level of scholarship, emphasizing qualities such as industry, intellectual honesty, thoroughness, and accuracy through courses, seminars, independent study, and research. The structured graduate degree programs provide education and training in specialized subjects, preparing graduates to offer leadership and expertise to address the needs and demands of our democratic society.

Within the context of these goals the graduate program of the University seeks to provide an environment in which the pursuit and love of learning is nourished and enhanced to the maximum extent. The major objectives of the Graduate School are:

  1. To provide advanced programs of study in specialized academic disciplines.
  2. To provide students with knowledge of the concepts and techniques for scholarly research.
  3. To teach students to anticipate consequences and assay the validity of assumptions.
  4. To prepare students to synthesize the essence of knowledge drawn from several related courses in an academic discipline.
  5. To train students in the techniques of problem solving through the use of systematic analysis.
  6. To prepare students to become creative contributors to the advancement of knowledge and to the well-being of society.

The Graduate School at Texas Southern University is committed to intellectual honesty, thoroughness, and accuracy. These virtues are emphasized by the University and apply to faculty and student involvement in courses, seminars, independent study, and research. Graduate degree programs are structured to enable students to obtain specialized and interdisciplinary training in various academic departments.

Through legislative mandate, the University and the Graduate School are dedicated to developing programs and services that enable students and faculty to study the complex urban milieu and serve the urban community. Therefore, an overall goal of the Graduate School is to develop highly trained graduates for service in the public and private sectors with knowledge and interest in providing leadership and expertise to solve urban problems.

The policies governing admissions and the requirements for qualifying for professional certificates and degrees are designed to attract students with the potential to achieve maximum benefits through involvement in the graduate program. The ultimate aim is to develop an intellectually-oriented individual who appreciates their culture and is capable of achieving social, political, and economic security as a result of participating in the graduate program at Texas Southern University.