Public Administration Degree

The public administration program at University of Houston prepares students for careers as a budget analyst, city manager, county clerk, legislative support, lobbyist, non-profit manager, policy analyst, and more. The program focuses on serving as management in the executive arm of local, state, and federal government. Program courses include: roles of public administration, the management of public policy, executive-legislative relations, public budgetary processes and financial management, administrative law, professional ethics, and research methods. Get more details below including other Texas colleges that offer public administration degrees.

Learn more by requesting information now!

University of Houston

3007 N. Ben Wilson, Victoria, TX

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.

Students Enrolled in the Public Administration Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. University of Houston offers a master's degree program in public administration.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Chief Executives

Description

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, chief executives employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -1.2% from 2014 to 2024

General and Operations Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, general and operations managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 7.1% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Victoria, TX
  • Total Employment: 630
  • Average Hourly Rate: $50.33
  • Average Annual Salary: $104690

Legislators

Description

Develop, introduce or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, State, or Federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, legislators employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -0.7% from 2014 to 2024

Transportation Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate the transportation operations within an organization or the activities of organizations that provide transportation services.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, transportation managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 2.2% from 2014 to 2024

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).