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Degree Programs

The UHD College of Public Service offers students undergraduate and graduate degrees through its Urban​ Education, Criminal Justice & Social Work departments.


Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

The Department of Criminal Justice offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a major in Criminal Justice. Associated course work prepares students to enter the workforce with a basic understanding of the criminal justice system, and strong communication and analytical skills. A bachelor of science in Criminal Justice will acquaint students with fundamentals of criminal justice and criminology.

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences

A UHD BAAS in Criminal Justice program provides a seamless transfer from community colleges for AAS graduates. Most AAS students are practitioners with established careers in criminal justice agencies looking to advance with degrees in higher education. This degree plan minimizes the number of lost credit hours from other types of degree programs.

UHD College of Public Service also offers an online bachelor's degree completion program in Criminal Justice for those individuals interested in completing their degree in Criminal Justice in a non-traditional manner. UHD's online program offers the benefit of a traditional degree with the ease and flexibility of online learning.

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice curriculum assists students in development of skills in criminal justice planning, implementation and evaluation to ensure management and administration of the criminal justice system is effective, efficient, and responsive to community needs. This program allows students to obtain degree with the ease and flexibility of online learning.

Criminal Justice Training Center

Other educational experiences are offered through the Criminal Justice Training Center (educational experience outside traditional academic curriculum). Programs offered include basic peace officer training, continuing education courses, and review courses for state licensing for Texas peace officers.

Bachelor of Social Work

Social Work is an applied field that offers a scientifically grounded, value-based approach to human services. Work locations may include schools, hospitals, mental health and juvenile justice facilities. Job tasks can encompass areas of case management, client advocacy and counseling. Social workers make a difference in the lives of diverse populations and communities on global scale.

Urban Education

Bachelor of Arts in Education (Professional Development Sequence)

A UHD Bachelor of Arts in Education (Professional Development Sequence) addresses well-documented problems of urban education. Many educators feel that one of the greatest sources of educational inequality is the disproportionate exposure of poor and minority students - those students who attend inner-city schools - to less trained and experienced teachers. This individualized program allows students to pursue diverse interests and obtain a Texas teacher certification.

  • 4th - 8th Grade Core Subjects with ESL Supplemental
  • Early Childhood - 6th Grade Core Subjects with Bilingual Supplemental
  • Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification

    Our Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification program is composed of three phases:

    • Pre-internship candidacy
    • Securing employment
    • One-year public school internship

    The pre-internship candidacy includes university course work that requires fieldwork in schools six hours per week. Program participants must secure their own internship teaching position. During the internship year, the intern is a teacher of record, takes a minimum of one university course, attends university seminars, and prepares and takes the appropriate TExES exams. This program allows students to pursue diverse interests and obtain a Texas teacher certification.

    Master of Arts in Teaching

    The UHD Masters of Arts in Teaching program allows existing teachers to advance their expertise and to prepare future educators to teach in urban classrooms. An emphasis on urban teaching makes this graduate degree unique. This program helps classroom teachers advance their classroom education skills.

    • MAT Curriculum & Instruction
    • EC-6 Core Subjects with ESL Supplemental Certification
    • 4-8 Cores Subjects with ESL Supplemental Certification
    • Secondary Education Certification

    Register today! We look forward to working with you to tailor your academic program to your career goals. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the program advisor.

    Master​ of Educational Leadership

    The Master​ of Educational Leadership degree program at UHD is specifically designed to prepare K-12 educational leaders to better meet modern demands. America needs transformative leaders in K-12 education whose passion for quality and equity is matched by a firsthand knowledge of effective leadership strategies for learning and development, a firm grasp of school regulations at the federal, state, and local levels, and the organizational management skills to tran​​slate visionary ideas into overall school improvement. ​​

    The program, which will admit its first cohort in Fall 2023, is designed for students currently holding​ a teaching certificate and working towards principal certification. The courses for the MEDL degree program are taught in an online delivery format with interactive online sessions as scheduled by the instructor and are complemented by a full practicum experience.​​

    Degree Sheet

    For more information in applying at UHD, visit the UHD Admission page.