UHD Ranked for Online Programs
By Emily Christiansen
The University of Houston-Downtown’s online programs are ranked No. 5 of the Top Online Degrees in the Houston area by Great Value Colleges.
Online degrees continue to rise in popularity throughout the nation. The number of U.S. students taking some or all of their classes online increased to 17.6 percent in 2017. Online degrees are helpful to adults who have other obligations, and also reflect the level of integration that technology plays in people’s lives.
UHD psychology major and online student Lauralee Maraj said that this past year was busier than usual with school, work and being a mom of six. She described how online classes helped her keep up with her classes.
“UHD online classes are amazing and not what I expected at all,” she said. “The classes are so convenient and there are so many options to fit the average working person who has a busy schedule. The online classes are structured and organized so you’re working at your own pace but still learning as you go and staying on track. The online database helps me keep in touch with others in my online class and provides excellent communication and feedback with my professors.”
Great Value Colleges analyzed each school for what types of degrees are available, the cost per credit hour, and the faculty to student ratio.
UHD currently offers upper-level coursework online for 15 bachelor's degrees and three graduate degrees. It is one of the most affordable universities in the area with an average in-state tuition of $6,500 and a student to faculty ratio of 20:1.
Rebecca Pfeffer, assistant professor and graduate program director for the Criminal Justice program at UHD, explains the benefits of UHD’s online programs.
“Online degree programs are a great option for people who need flexible class times due to work or family obligations. We want to be sure that we offer those students the same high-quality, rigorous, engaging class experience that they would have in person,” Pfeffer said.
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.
