About University of Houston Downtown

The University of Houston-Downtown is a comprehensive four-year university offering bachelor’s and selected master’s degree programs and providing strong academic and career preparation as well as life-long learning opportunities. Located in the heart of the city, the University reflects the diversity of the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area, and, through its academic programs, engages with the community to address the needs and advance the development of the region. UHD is an inclusive community dedicated to integrating teaching, service, and scholarly research to develop students’ talents and prepare them for success in a dynamic global society. UHD draws students from throughout the Greater Houston area. UHD is considered one of the most ethnically diverse liberal arts institutions in the southwest, a distinction that indicates the student body accurately reflects the Houston community's wealth of cultures, languages and nationalities. The University offers all students a specially tailored opportunity for quality higher education, as well as small classes. UHD employs over 1,100 faculty and staff.

Since opening its doors in 1974, UHD has grown in mission and service, and now offers baccalaureate degrees in 44 areas and nine master's degree programs. Over 15,000 students attend classes in five colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business; Humanities and Social Sciences; Public Service; Sciences and Technology; and University College. UHD boasts over 56,000 alumni and is noted nationally as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and a Minority-Serving Institution. As one of the four distinct and separate components of the University of Houston System, UHD offers educational opportunities and access to students from a variety of backgrounds, including many first-generation college students, students who work full- or part-time, students with additional family obligations, and students who transfer from community colleges and other higher education institutions. The University of Houston System is a public system of higher education that includes three other universities in addition to UHD—the University of Houston, UH-Clear Lake and UH-Victoria.