Health & Behavioral Science Degree Added to UHDNW
By Mike Emery
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 2.4 million health care jobs will be added to the U.S. workforce by 2026. In addition to the roles of physicians and nurses, the industry will require professionals focused on aging, case management, outreach, education and medical translation.
The University of Houston-Downtown’s (UHD) Health & Behavioral Science program is already preparing students for jobs in these areas, and will soon expand to serve residents in the city’s northwest region. In spring 2019, UHD Northwest will add the Health & Behavioral Science (HBS) program to its growing list of degree offerings.
Students who enroll in this Bachelor of Science program can select from two tracks:
- Aging & Wellness – preparing students to meet the needs of seniors, the fastest growing population in the U.S.
- Health care navigation – preparing future case managers to address complex, long-term provisions for patients.
This interdisciplinary degree program is offered through the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Students explore health topics through disparate disciplines, such as communication, philosophy, professional writing, public health, psychology and sociology. All HBS students have opportunities to participate in faculty-led research or internships in the health care or aging industries.
“Health and behavioral science is the fastest growing major in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences because our students are invested in advocating for improved health care for patients and older adults,” said Dr. Cindy Stewart, Health & Behavioral Science coordinator and associate professor of psychology.
HBS graduates have embarked on careers at a variety of organizations and agencies, including The University of Texas Health Science Center, Aetna, Harris Health System, Texas Adult Protective Services, Alzheimer's Association, and the American Diabetes Association.
UHDNW’s Bachelor of Science in Health & Behavioral Science curriculum is delivered online. Lone Star College (LSC) students can also enroll in the program, completing required courses jointly at LSC and at UHDNW.
Prospective students interested in learning more about the HBS degree, should contact Cindy Stewart; Maria Estrada, assistant director of Off Campus Operations or Dale Higginbotham, coordinator/advisor.
UHD Northwest is located at 20515 TX-249 in north Houston. The campus is located in Lone Star College University Park and serves residents in the growing communities of Cypress, Tomball, Spring/Klein, Katy, Waller and The Woodlands. UHD Northwest offers 22 bachelor’s degrees, four master’s degrees and four graduate certificates.
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
