30
July
2018
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15:34 PM
America/Chicago

UHD Launching Saturday Degree Programs This Fall

Summary

By: Mike Emery

The most challenging aspect of college life can be actually finding the time to attend classes and ultimately complete a degree. That’s especially true for students who balance work, family and other obligations Monday through Friday.

This fall, the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) will roll out two bachelor’s programs delivered on Saturdays to accommodate those students with weekday commitments. Students can enroll in UHD’s Saturday Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) or Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs. Courses for both undergraduate programs will be offered in UHD’s Shea Street Building, home of the Marilyn Davies College of Business.

Saturday degree offerings were developed after consultation with Houston Community College (HCC), which delivers weekend associate’s programs. Students completing HCC’s Associate of Applied Science degree can seamlessly transfer into UHD’s Saturday BAAS program. Those entering the weekend BBA program are required to have completed 42 hours of core curriculum and six prerequisite courses in math, accounting and economics.

UHD’s BAAS (offered through UHD’s University College) is designed to prepare students for leadership roles or promotions within their respective industries and disciplines. Coursework addresses human resources, budgeting, administration, project administration and other topics relevant to workforce needs. The BBA program (offered through the University’s Marilyn Davies College of Business) focuses on general business and prepares students for immediate entry into the business community.

According to Daniel Villanueva, assistant vice president for Enrollment Management, Saturday degrees will allow students to complete 12 hours each semester. Two classes will be delivered during the first eight weeks of the semester and two additional courses will round out the final eight weeks of each session.

Although UHD’s Saturday programs were created in conjunction with HCC, they are open to all students who meet the University’s admissions requirements and have completed the appropriate prerequisite courses.

“These weekend degree programs reflect a commitment to student success from both UHD and its community college partners,” said Daniel Villanueva Jr., assistant vice president for Enrollment Management. “We’re responding to the needs of our community and students. Programs, such as UHD’s Saturday degrees, complement similar offerings at HCC and Lone Star College to ensure students have opportunities to make a smooth transition from a community college into our University.”

Students interested in learning more about UHD’s Saturday programs are invited to Gator Preview Day on Thurs., Aug. 2 at the Houston Community College Central Campus (1300 Holman St.) in Room LHSB 100. Information sessions will be conducted 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 – 6 p.m. During Gator Preview Day, students can meet with academic advisors and learn more about the BAAS and BBA programs. Additional resources at Gator Preview Day also include career advising from UHD’s Marilyn College of Davies College of Business Career Development Center. UHD’s $50 application fee will be waived for those attending the event. 

UHD's Saturday Degree program is an example of our commitment to the Houston Guided Pathways to Success (Houston GPS) initiative. This multi-institutional partnership fosters collaboration among area colleges and universities with the goal of helping students graduate on time and with less debt. Additionally, Houston GPS is focused on streamlining the transfer process between local community colleges and universities. 

Students with additional questions on Gator Preview Day, admissions and transfer processes, and other services can contact transfer@uhd.edu or 713-221-5714.

About the University of Houston-Downtown

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.