The University of Houston is a leading public research university located in Houston, Texas - the nation's fourth largest city. It has nearly 300 undergraduate and graduate academic programs that include both online and on campus courses.
The university is situated on a 667-acre campus in the center of the downtown area of Houston. The campus is very green, with open spaces of manicured lawns and landscaped parks highlighted with many fountains and sculptures.
Research is a major interest and highlight at the University of Houston, with the faculty and students in every department conducting research through its 40 research centers.
The University of Houston (UH) is part of the University of Houston System (UHS), which is a group of six public institutions of higher learning (four universities and two teaching centers) in the Houston area. They share common goals and are governed by a Board of Regents.
History
The University of Houston was founded in 1927, but didn't officially take the name "University of Houston" until 1934. It moved to its permanent campus in 1939, and became a state institution in 1963. In 1977, the school joined the University of Houston System.
Academics
The University's academic calendar follows the semester system, with fall and spring semesters as well as a summer session.
The University of Houston offers 120 majors and minors at the undergraduate level and 139 degree-focuses at the master's level. It offers 54 doctoral programs and three professional degree programs. Additionally, the university offers online courses through its Distance Education program. There are also noncredit courses available through the university's Continuing Education program.
Undergraduates can also choose from several pre-professional programs that lead to careers in medicine, law, pharmacy, veterinary science and accounting, as well as programs in teacher certification. UH students can also participate in special programs such as a five-year dual-degree program, ROTC, Study Abroad, Honors College or the Undergraduate Scholars at UH program. There are also Certificate Programs in areas such as Paralegal, Entrepreneurship or Sales Excellence, among others.
Colleges and Schools
The University of Houston is comprised of 12 academic colleges. Each major and graduate program operates from within one of the 12 colleges. Additionally, there is an interdisciplinary Honors College that provides courses and opportunities to students from all majors and departments.
The colleges at UH are:
Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture
C.T. Bauer College of Business
College of Education
Cullen College of Engineering
Honors College
Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management
UH Law Center
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics
College of Optometry
College of Pharmacy
Graduate College of Social Work
College of Technology
Student Life
The University of Houston has a very active and lively student population with more than 400 student organizations and 16 intercollegiate sports teams. Thousands of students live on campus in residence halls, apartments and townhouses.
Fraternities and Sororities
There is a Center for Leadership and Fraternity & Sorority Life at UH that helps students develop into ethical, purposeful leaders. Its leadership development programs teach students to get involved and use self-awareness and critical thinking for growth.
The core values of the Greek community at UH are:
Collaboration, Personal Growth, Community Growth, Brotherhood and Sisterhood, Philanthropy and Services, Academic Excellence and Social Responsibility
Traditions
In 1947 the University of Houston adopted the cougar as its mascot, which is nicknamed "Shasta."
Athletics
Cougar athletics is big at the University of Houston. The UH Department of Intercollegiate Athletics challenges student-athletes to achieve their highest academic, athletic and personal aspirations.
At UH there are cougar teams for men's baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, track & field, and women's basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field and volleyball.
Satellite Campuses
The universities within the University of Houston System are the University of Houston (UH), UH-Clear Lake, UH-Downtown and UH-Victoria. The Teaching Centers are UHS at Sugar Land and UHS at Cinco Ranch. The University of Houston also offers programs through facilities at the Texas Medical Center.
Community Life
UH students can participate in one of the 600 UHS community initiatives available that allow students to become involved in local causes such as helping with local education and housing efforts, or assisting local government. The UH Contact Center can provide information on all services and events.
The city of Houston is popular for many reasons, including its lively, bustling energy. It is referred to as "the energy capital of the world." The more than 19 Fortune 500 companies and large medical center located in the city provide ample opportunity for UH students and graduates to find internships and work.
Many Houston residents enjoy the full calendar of arts and entertainment the city offers year round. There are performances from the Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera and Houston Symphony, and plenty of art exhibits in Houston's Museum District. Plenty of award-winning restaurants and the Jazz and Blues Clubs add to the busy Houston nightlife.
Houston offers many outdoor activities including more than 150 golf courses, the Houston Zoo and hiking at the Armand Bayou Nature Center.
Admission Requirements & Details
The admissions information below may provide a better idea of the students University of Houston accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
University of Houston has a total student population of about 43,000. The enrollment breakdown by academic level is 10% enrolling as graduate students and 82% as undergraduate students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $14,100. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $50 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- In-State: $7,800-$9,400
- Out-of-State: $20,000-$23,480
- Charges for part-time students are:
- State Residents: $330-$390 per credit unit
- Nonresidents: $820-$980 per credit unit
- Some programs may have tuition rates locked at the first year rate for up to five years.
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
| Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
|---|---|---|
| Any Financial Aid | 86% | - |
| Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 77% | $9,732 |
| Receiving Student Loans | 38% | $6,618 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and recent graduates, University of Houston may offer services like those listed below:- Online classes
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial courses
- Career path counseling
- Student employment
- Employment search assistance
- Child care
Graduation Rates
University of Houston has an overall graduation rate which is around 48%.
| Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
|---|---|
| Students Graduating in 4 Years | 16% |
| Graduating in 5 Years | 21% |
| Graduating in 6 Years | 10% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Dietetics Program
- English Language Program
- Law Program
- Music Program
- Optometry (O.D.) Program
- Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) Program
- School Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
Intercollegiate Athletics
University of Houston is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports being in the NCAA Division I-A classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (372)
- Basketball (372)
- Track and Field (372)
- Football (372)
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.
Get more information about the programs offered by University of Houston by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Architecture
- Architecture (B, M)
- Environmental Design, Architecture (B)
- Interior Architecture (B)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B, D, M)
- Biochemistry (B, D, M)
- Biotechnology (B)
- Vision Science, Physiological Optics (D)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (B, M)
- Accounting (B, M)
- Hotel and Hospitality Management (B)
- Operations Management (B, M)
- Finance (B, M)
- Advertising and Marketing (B)
- Information Systems (B)
- Sales Manager (B)
- Human Resources Development (B, M)
- Corporate Communications (B)
- Organizational Leadership (B)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (M)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management (M)
- Entrepreneurship (B)
- Commerce (D)
Communications and Journalism
- Public Relations (B, M)
- Radio and Television (B)
- Journalism (B)
- Advertising (B)
- Communication, General (B)
- Communications (B)
- Health Communication (B, M)
- Media Studies (B, M)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Systems Analyst (B)
- Computer (B, D, M)
- Computer Graphics (B)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (M)
- Information Science (B)
Education
- Curriculum and Instruction (D, M)
- Guidance Counselor (M)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (D, M)
- Higher Education Administration (M)
- Special Education (M)
- Health Teacher Education (M)
- Physical Education (M)
- Health Occupations Teacher Education (M)
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Electrical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Petroleum Engineering (B, M)
- Chemical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Industrial Engineering (B, D, M)
- Civil Engineering (B, D, M)
- Systems Engineering (M)
- Biomedical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Computer Engineering (B)
- Environmental and Environmental Health Engineering (D, M)
- Materials Engineering (M)
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (M)
- Surveying Engineering (M)
Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Technology Technician (B)
- Construction Engineering Technology (B)
- Computer Engineering (B)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (B)
- Engineering Technology (M)
English Language and Literature
- English (B, D, M)
- Creative Writing (B, D, M)
- Rhetoric and Composition (M)
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Human Nutrition (B, M)
- Family Studies (B)
- Business Family and Consumer Sciences (B, M)
- Consumer Merchandising and Management (M)
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Spanish Language and Literature (B, D, M)
- Chinese Language and Literature (B)
- Sign Language (B)
- French Language and Literature (B)
- Italian Language and Literature (B)
- German Language and Literature (B)
- Foreign Languages and Literatures (B)
- Linguistics
- Classical Languages, Literatures and Linguistics
Health and Clinical Professions
- Health and Wellness, General (B)
- Pharmacy (D)
- Optometry (D)
- Communication Disorders (B, M)
- Pharmacy Administration, Policy and Regulatory Affairs (D, M)
- Pharmaceutics and Drug Design (D)
- Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (D)
- Pharmacoeconomics, Pharmaceutical Economics (D)
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
History
- History (B, D, M)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Biological and Physical Sciences (M)
Legal Professions and Studies
- Law (D)
- Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Law (M)
- Health Law (M)
- International Law and Legal Studies (M)
- Tax Law, Taxation (M)
- Intellectual Property Law (M)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (B)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, D, M)
- Mathematical Biology (B)
- Applied Mathematics (M)
Natural Resources and Conservation
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B, M)
Physical Sciences
- Geology (B, D, M)
- Chemistry (B, D, M)
- Geophysics and Seismology (B, D, M)
- Physics (B, D, M)
- Meteorology (D, M)
Psychology
- Psychology (B, M)
- Clinical Psychology (D)
- Educational Psychology (D, M)
- Counseling Psychology (D)
- Social Psychology (D)
- Organizational Psychology (D)
- Developmental And Child Psychology (D)
- School Psychology (D)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (D, M)
- Public Administration (M)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Kinesiology And Exercise Science (B, D, M)
- Sports Management (B, M)
Social Sciences
- Political Science (B, D, M)
- Economics (B, D, M)
- Sociology (B, M)
- Anthropology (B, M)
- Applied Economics (M)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Art Studies (B, M)
- Music (B, D, M)
- Painting (B)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B, M)
- Graphic Design (B)
- Industrial Design (B)
- Photography (B)
- Music Performance (B)
- Sculpture (B)
- Art History (B, M)
- Dance (B)
- Arts, Entertainment,And Media Management, General (M)
- Music Theory and Composition (B)
- Conducting
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to University of Houston.
- Texas Southern University in Houston, TX (2 miles away)
- University of Houston - Downtown in Houston, TX (4 miles away)
- University of Houston - Clear Lake in Houston, TX (20 miles away)
- Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, TX (44 miles away)
- Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX (70 miles away)
Also, check out our college lists below, which can help students compare schools to one another:
- Compare all colleges & universities in Texas
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