UHD Launches New Program for Public Sector Professionals
By Mark Kramer
The University of Houston-Downtown is launching a new bachelor’s degree program this summer targeted toward seasoned public sector professionals looking to advance in their careers, but still needing to complete their undergraduate degree.
UHD’s BAAS in Applied Administration is now offering a concentration in Applied Public Administration and Leadership, thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Texas Affordable Baccalaureate (TAB) program. Through a partnership with Houston Community College and other area community colleges, students that have completed their Associates in Applied Science (AAS) will also be able to seamlessly transfer to the new BAAS concentration offered through University College.
According to Dr. Karen Kaser, program director of the UHD BAAS program, the new concentration will provide valuable knowledge and insights for those professionals working in city, county or state agencies, public school systems, higher education or non-profit organizations.
“This program is designed to offer students the opportunity to develop competencies, skills, and preparation to advance into administrative and supervisory positions,” Kaser said. “It will be an asset to those seeking to elevate their careers.”
Kaser added that the new Applied Public Administration and Leadership program was developed following research and consultation with employees from the Houston Police Department, Houston Fire Department, Houston Port Authority, the City of Houston and other organizations.
“It is the only TAB sponsored degree located in a major urban setting that addresses public sector workforce needs in the Greater Houston region and throughout the state,” she said.
As part of the program, students will gain greater knowledge and skills in the public administration of ethics, human resources, budgeting, strategic planning and grant development, just to name a few.
“The competency-based curriculum of this program will help students complete college credits and advance toward their graduation goals,” Kaser said. “Students who demonstrate a mastery of principles outlined in these competencies can advance through the program in a timely manner.”
For more information on the Applied Public Administration and Leadership program, visit their website.
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.
