The University of Houston-Downtown programs is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This week, the publication released its list of Best Online Programs, and UHD earned spots in two categories.

The University's degrees are ranked among U.S. News & World Report's Online Bachelor’s Programs (Top 100) and is No. 26 in the publication's Best Online Programs in Graduate Criminal Justice. Both are the highest ranked programs in Houston within their respective categories.

“Being ranked by U.S. News & World Report is a tremendous honor for our university,” said UHD President, Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz. “This achievement reflects the university’s commitment to delivering rigorous academic programs across a range of platforms. I commend our faculty who develop practical curriculum for these programs and prepare students for success in their respective disciplines and careers.”

Among UHD’s online offerings is its Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences in Applied Administration (BAAS-AA). This  degree program is based in the University College and supports students as they develop competencies and skills necessary to ascend in their career ladders. Coursework is focused on developing communication, team-building and leadership skills. Course topics include human resources, budgeting, administrative communication, change management, decision making skills, negotiation and mediation, information systems and project administration. UHD’s BAAS-AA is listed among the top seven online bachelor’s programs in the state according to the recent rankings.

“Our faculty and staff are proud to be ranked among the top 100 online bachelor's degree program in the nation,” said Dr. Karen Kaser, program director for the BAAS-AA and senior lecturer. “This degree program is unique because it allows students from all career disciplines to apply the workforce credits they earned at community colleges toward the BAAS-AA. Our alumni apply the skills and knowledge they gain from our excellent faculty to obtain promotions with their current employers, move on to higher positions with new employers, start their own businesses and non-profit organizations, and continue their education by completing masters and doctoral degrees.”

Based in UHD’s College of Public Service, the Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) helps develop students’ knowledge of criminological theory, program evaluation and criminal justice administration. The 36-hour program includes courses focused on the most pertinent issues in the field and offers the skills needed for students  in their careers or to continue on to a doctoral program. The degree program also requires a capstone graduate project or thesis. The MSCJ U.S. News & World Report ranking places it among the top four online criminal justice programs in the state.

“This master’s program was UHD’s first graduate degree and its first online graduate degree,” said Dr. Ashley Blackburn, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work. “It is taught by our exceptional full-time faculty and offers quality instruction and a distinctive learning experience to those enrolled. The program continues to produce prestigious alumni who serve in leadership roles across the criminal justice field in the Houston area and beyond.”