20
December
2016
|
09:40 AM
America/Chicago

UHD MBA Program Again Ranked Largest in Houston

uhdarchitecture016For the second consecutive year, the University of Houston-Downtown's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program was ranked the largest in the city by the Houston Business Journal. UHD held the top spot—with 1,067 students—in the publication's annual round-up of "Largest Houston-Area MBA Programs."

Offered through its College of Business, the University's MBA program continues to attract professionals seeking to advance their careers to the next level. According to Michael Fields, dean of the College of Business, the program's curriculum is closely aligned with workforce needs.

"The College has been successful in determining the needs of working professionals, designing courses that prepare students to drive more immediate value to their employers, and delivering classes in a way that meets their objectives," he said.

The growth of the College's graduate programs was most evident during recent graduation events. More than 200 MBAs were conferred during the College's Fall 2016 Commencement ceremony. Students earning Master of Security Management degrees were also recognized during this event, which marked the first time a separate graduation ceremony was conducted apart from the general commencement due to an increased number of master's graduates.

The University's MBA curriculum is team taught by faculty and industry veterans - or Corporate Fellows - who offer a mix of theoretical insight and practical know-how. Coursework is delivered in the UHD's Shea Street building where students can select from eight concentrations:

  • accounting
  • business development/sales management
  • finance
  • human resources management
  • international business
  • investment management
  • leadership
  • supply chain management

The program was launched in 2012 with a cohort of just 20 students. Fields attributes its accelerated growth over the past few years to the energies of the College of Business faculty and staff, including the program's director Kevin Barksdale, associate dean of graduate studies.

"One reason for the program's growth is that it's strategically designed to meet the expectations of our students and the city's corporate landscape," Fields said. "Another factor is the commitment from our College's faculty and staff who work diligently to ensure that our students receive a unique academic experience that prepares them for an ever-evolving marketplace."