University of Houston’s Snapshot
~14
Online master’s programs
Varies
Per credit hour
Mid-range
Texas public pricing
R1
Public research university
Key policies
Institution type
Public university
Regional accreditation
SACSCOC
Admissions model
Deadline-based (fall & spring)
GRE/GMAT required
Required for engineering · Waived for MBA · Not required for education/MSW
Out-of-state premium
Yes — Texas residents pay less
Notable Programmatic Accreditations
- AACSB
- ABET
- CSWE
- Edited By Jeevan D'Souza
Start Here: Compare UH by What Matters Most
- Compare institutional strengths → Particularly strong in engineering, energy, supply chain, social work, and Texas educator pathways
- Compare accreditation → SACSCOCS regional accreditation plus AACSB, ABET, and CSWE programmatic credentials
- Compare Houston-network value → Strong alignment for careers connected to energy, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and Gulf Coast industries
- Compare flexibility → Primarily asynchronous online programs with traditional deadline-based admissions and some required field placements
- Compare alternatives → Texas A&M University, University of North Texas, Arizona State University, and Purdue University
What This University Is Known For
UH’s strengths as an online master’s institution cluster around a few high-impact areas — each connected to Houston’s outsized professional ecosystem.
1. Bauer College of Business — AACSB-Accredited, Energy & Supply Chain Focus
The C.T. Bauer College of Business holds AACSB accreditation , which fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide achieve. For online MBA students, the differentiator is UH’s concentration options in energy and supply chain management — specializations shaped directly by Houston’s position as a global energy capital and one of the country’s busiest logistics corridors. If you’re working in oil and gas, utilities, or freight, the Bauer MBA speaks the language of your industry.
2. Cullen College of Engineering — ABET-Accredited Online Programs
UH’s Cullen College offers online MS degrees in petroleum engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and civil engineering — all ABET-accredited. The MS in Petroleum Engineering is particularly rare: few universities offer this degree fully online, and UH’s proximity to the Houston energy corridor gives it recruiting and research relationships that most competitors can’t replicate.
3. Graduate College of Social Work — CSWE Accreditation
UH’s MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is the standard for licensure eligibility in all 50 states. The program offers both clinical and community practice concentrations, plus an advanced standing track for BSW holders. Note: field placement hours are required, which means this program has in-person components regardless of the online coursework delivery.
4. College of Education — MEd Programs With Texas Certification Pathways
UH’s online MEd programs in Curriculum & Instruction, Administration & Supervision, and Special Education serve working Texas educators looking to advance without leaving the classroom. The Administration & Supervision track is especially relevant for aspiring principals, as it can lead to Texas principal certification.
5. Houston-Metro Professional Network
This is harder to quantify but matters in practice. UH alumni are deeply embedded in Houston’s healthcare, energy, engineering, and education sectors. For students already in or targeting the Houston metro area, UH’s name carries weight that national online universities can’t match locally.
Online Master’s Programs by Subject
The table below lists UH’s known online master’s programs grouped by subject area. Credit hours reflect program requirements; tuition per credit is listed as null where program-specific rates were not independently verified.
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | GRE/GMAT | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | MBA | 48 | 24–36 months | Waiver available | AACSB | No | Concentrations in Energy, Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Management |
| MS in Supply Chain and Logistics Technology | MS | 30 | 12–24 months | No | — | No | Offered through the College of Technology. Leverages Houston’s logistics hub |
| MS in Human Resource Development | MS | 36 | 18–24 months | No | — | No | Offered through the College of Technology, not the business school |
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | GRE/GMAT | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS in Petroleum Engineering | MS | 30 | 18–36 months | Required | ABET | No | One of few fully online petroleum engineering master’s programs nationally |
| MS in Industrial Engineering | MS | 30 | 18–36 months | Required | ABET | No | — |
| MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering | MS | 30 | 18–36 months | Required | ABET | No | — |
| MS in Mechanical Engineering | MS | 30 | 18–36 months | Required | ABET | No | — |
| MS in Civil Engineering | MS | 30 | 18–36 months | Required | ABET | No | — |
| MS in Construction Management | MS | 30 | 18–24 months | Unknown | — | No | Offered through the College of Technology |
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | GRE/GMAT | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MEd in Curriculum & Instruction | MEd | 36 | 18–24 months | No | — | No | Fall, Spring, and Summer starts |
| MEd in Administration & Supervision | MEd | 36 | 18–24 months | No | — | No | May lead to Texas principal certification |
| MEd in Special Education | MEd | 36 | 18–24 months | No | — | No | — |
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | GRE/GMAT | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Social Work (MSW) | MSW | 60 | 24–36 months | No | CSWE | Yes — field placement required | Advanced standing for BSW holders (~33 credits). Clinical or Community Practice concentrations |
| Program | Degree | Credits | Duration | GRE/GMAT | Accreditation | In-Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Health Administration (MHA) | MHA | Unknown | 24–36 months | Unknown | — | No | Benefits from proximity to Texas Medical Center — the world’s largest medical complex |
How This University Compares
If you’re considering UH for an online master’s, you’re likely also looking at other Texas R1 universities or national online leaders. Here’s how they stack up across the dimensions that matter most.
| Dimension | University of Houston | Texas A&M University | University of North Texas | Arizona State University |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Master’s Program Count | ~14 | ~40+ | ~30+ | 200+ |
| Carnegie Classification | R1 | R1 | R1 | R1 |
| Business Accreditation | AACSB | AACSB | AACSB | AACSB |
| Engineering Accreditation | ABET (5+ online MS programs) | ABET (broader range) | Limited online engineering | ABET (broad online catalog) |
| Social Work (CSWE) | Yes — online MSW | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost Positioning | Mid-range for Texas public | Mid-range for Texas public | Lower (one of Texas’s most affordable R1s) | Higher for out-of-state; competitive for in-state |
| Professional Network Strength | Houston energy, healthcare, logistics | Statewide Texas + engineering/agriculture | DFW metro + education | National — broad but less locally concentrated |
| Format Flexibility | Primarily deadline-based cohorts | Mix of cohort and flexible | Mix | Rolling starts, high flexibility |
| Best For | Energy, supply chain, Houston-area professionals | Breadth across engineering, agriculture, education | Affordable Texas R1 across liberal arts + education | Maximum program choice and format flexibility |
Key takeaways from this comparison:
- The honest tradeoff: UH’s online catalog is smaller than all three competitors. If you need a niche subject area — say, an online master’s in criminal justice or psychology — UH may not have it. But in the areas it does cover, UH’s programs carry accreditations and industry connections that justify the narrower focus.
University of Houston is
Best For
UH’s online master’s programs aren’t for everyone — they’re built for specific professional contexts. Here’s who benefits most:
- 1. Working Engineers in the Energy Sector Seeking an ABET-Accredited Online MS If you’re a petroleum, mechanical, or industrial engineer working in oil and gas, energy, or manufacturing — especially in the Gulf Coast region — UH’s online engineering programs let you earn a credentialed master’s without interrupting your career. The ABET accreditation matters for employers who screen for it, and UH’s research ties to the energy industry add practical relevance to the curriculum.
- 2. Aspiring Social Workers Who Need CSWE Accreditation for Licensure The CSWE-accredited online MSW at UH qualifies graduates to pursue licensure (LMSW/LCSW) in all 50 states. The advanced standing option for BSW holders cuts the program nearly in half. If clinical practice in the Houston metro is your goal, UH’s field placement network in the Texas Medical Center and surrounding agencies is a real asset.
- 3. Houston-Area Professionals Seeking an AACSB MBA With Energy or Supply Chain Focus The Bauer MBA’s concentrations in energy and supply chain management are unusually specific for an online MBA. If your career trajectory intersects with Houston’s energy, shipping, or logistics sectors, this program connects coursework to an employer base that recruits heavily from UH.
- 4. Texas Educators Pursuing Principal Certification or Specialization UH’s MEd in Administration & Supervision offers a pathway to Texas principal certification for working educators who can’t leave the classroom. The online format and multiple start terms make it practical for teachers on school-year schedules.
- 5. Healthcare Professionals Interested in Administration With Texas Medical Center Proximity UH’s MHA program sits in the shadow of the Texas Medical Center — the largest medical complex in the world. For students already working in Houston healthcare, that proximity translates into networking and practicum opportunities that most online MHA programs can’t match.
Not a Best Fit For
UH is strong in focused areas, but it’s not the right choice for every online master’s student. Be realistic about these tradeoffs:
- 1. You want maximum program variety. With roughly 14 online master’s programs, UH’s catalog is a fraction of what Arizona State University offers (200+). If you’re exploring subjects like communications, public administration, data science, or creative fields, UH simply doesn’t have them online. ASU or Purdue University gives you far more options.
- 2. You want a competency-based or self-paced format. UH’s programs follow traditional semester-based, deadline-driven structures. If you’re looking for the flexibility of competency-based learning — where you advance by demonstrating mastery rather than completing set coursework — Western Governors University is designed specifically for that model.
- 3. You’re outside Texas and won’t leverage Houston professional networks. Much of UH’s value comes from its deep integration with Houston’s energy, healthcare, and education sectors. If you’re a remote student in the Pacific Northwest with no plans to work in Texas, the Houston-centric networking advantage disappears — and a national institution like Southern New Hampshire University or ASU may provide better geographic reach.
- 4. You need a fully online MSW with no in-person requirements. UH’s MSW is CSWE-accredited, but it requires field placement hours that must be completed in person. If you can’t arrange local supervision or aren’t near an agency affiliated with UH’s placement network, this becomes a logistical hurdle. Some competitors offer MSW programs with more flexible field placement arrangements .
- 5. Your priority is the lowest possible tuition. UH is competitively priced for a Texas R1, but it’s not the cheapest option. University of North Texas often comes in lower for Texas residents, and SNHU’s flat-rate online tuition can be more predictable for out-of-state students. If cost is the dominant factor, compare carefully before committing.
Featured Programs / Top Picks
These are the online master’s programs where UH has a genuine competitive edge — not just availability, but a combination of accreditation, industry alignment, and program quality that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
This is UH’s most distinctive online offering. Fully online master’s programs in petroleum engineering are rare nationally, and UH’s version carries ABET accreditation and direct research connections to the Houston energy corridor. If you’re a working engineer in oil and gas who needs a credentialed master’s without relocating, your shortlist of comparable programs is very short. A GRE is required.
UH’s MSW program offers both clinical and community practice concentrations with CSWE accreditation — the accreditation standard required for social work licensure. The advanced standing option for BSW holders (approximately 33 credits instead of 60) makes it one of the fastest paths to licensure for qualified applicants. The tradeoff: field placement hours are mandatory and require in-person supervision.
The Bauer College MBA is AACSB-accredited and differentiates itself through concentrations that map directly to Houston’s dominant industries. The energy concentration is particularly unusual for an online MBA. GMAT/GRE waivers are available for applicants with sufficient professional experience and GPA, which removes a common barrier for working professionals. Students comparing AACSB-accredited online MBA programs will find UH’s industry-specific concentrations set it apart from more generalized competitors.
For Texas educators, this program’s pathway to principal certification makes it a practical career accelerator. The fully online format with multiple start terms fits the school-year calendar that working teachers operate on. It’s less flashy than the engineering or business programs, but for its target audience — experienced Texas teachers ready to move into administration — it’s highly functional.
Admissions Snapshot
Admission requirements at UH vary meaningfully by program and college. Here’s the practical breakdown:
General Requirements Across Programs:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose / personal statement
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2–3)
- Minimum GPA: generally 3.0 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work, though individual programs may set different thresholds
GRE/GMAT Policies — This Is Where It Gets Program-Specific:
- Engineering programs (Petroleum, Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil): GRE generally required. This is a real filter — if you’re not willing to take the GRE, UH engineering isn’t GRE-optional .
- MBA: GMAT or GRE required, but waivers are available based on professional experience and undergraduate GPA. Many working professionals qualify for the waiver.
- Education programs (MEd): GRE typically not required.
- MSW: GRE not required.
- MHA, Supply Chain, HR Development: Policies vary; check current program pages.
Application Deadlines:
UH uses a deadline-based admissions model for most online master’s programs. Programs typically admit for Fall and Spring semesters, with some education programs also offering Summer admission. Applications are reviewed in rounds, so earlier submission generally improves your chances.
Admissions Snapshot Box:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum GPA | Generally 3.0 (last 60 hours) |
| GRE/GMAT | Required for engineering; waiver available for MBA; not required for education/MSW |
| Admissions Model | Deadline-based |
| Typical Start Terms | Fall and Spring (some programs add Summer) |
| Application Materials | Transcripts, statement of purpose, 2–3 recommendation letters |
Tuition & Cost Overview
UH’s tuition structure for online master’s programs reflects its status as a Texas public university — generally competitive for in-state students, with higher rates for out-of-state residents.
Key Cost Considerations:
- In-state vs. out-of-state: Unlike some universities that offer flat-rate online tuition regardless of residency, UH’s tuition often differentiates between Texas residents and non-residents. For out-of-state students, this can meaningfully increase total cost — verify current rates for your specific program before committing.
- Program variability: Engineering and MBA programs typically carry higher per-credit rates than education programs. The MBA’s 48-credit requirement also makes it one of the more expensive programs in the portfolio by total cost.
- Cost positioning vs. peers: UH generally falls in the mid-range for Texas public universities. University of North Texas is often cheaper, while Texas A&M is comparable. National online universities like SNHU may offer more predictable flat-rate pricing for out-of-state students.
- Financial aid: UH online master’s students are eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA). Some programs offer graduate assistantships, though these are more commonly available to on-campus students. Employer tuition reimbursement is common among UH’s working professional student base — check whether your employer has a partnership with UH. Students carrying federal loans should also explore student loan forgiveness programs that may apply to public-sector or nonprofit careers.
Tuition Overview Box:
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| In-State Advantage | Yes — Texas residents typically pay less |
| Out-of-State Flat Rate | Not standard; verify by program |
| Highest-Cost Programs | MBA (48 credits), Engineering (GRE-required programs) |
| Lowest-Cost Programs | MEd programs (36 credits each) |
| Financial Aid | Federal aid eligible; limited assistantships for online students |
Visit University of Houston’s official online programs page
Related Rankings
If you’re evaluating UH, these OMC rankings provide additional context for your decision:
- AACSB-Accredited Online MBA Programs — UH’s Bauer College MBA carries this accreditation. See how it compares against other AACSB-accredited online MBA options nationally.
- Online Master’s Programs With No GRE Required — Several UH programs (MBA with waiver, education, MSW) don’t require the GRE. If test-optional admissions is a priority, this ranking shows your full range of options.
- CSWE-Accredited Online MSW Programs — UH’s MSW holds CSWE accreditation. Compare it against other accredited online MSW programs to evaluate field placement logistics, cost, and advanced standing options.
FAQ
Yes. The C.T. Bauer College of Business holds AACSB accreditation, which applies to both its on-campus and online MBA programs. This accreditation is held by fewer than 6% of business schools globally.
Not universally. Unlike some universities that offer flat-rate online tuition regardless of location, UH’s tuition structure often differentiates between Texas residents and non-residents. Check the specific program you’re applying to — some programs may have flat-rate online pricing, but this is not standard across the board.
The coursework for UH’s MSW can be completed online, but the program requires field placement hours that must be done in person under approved supervision. This is a CSWE requirement for accredited programs, not unique to UH. You’ll need to arrange a local field placement, which may require coordination with UH’s field education office.
Generally, yes. UH’s online MS programs in petroleum, industrial, mechanical, electrical, and computer, and civil engineering typically require GRE scores. This is a meaningful admissions filter — if you’re looking for GRE-optional engineering master’s programs, UH is likely not the right fit.
Yes. BSW holders from CSWE-accredited programs can apply for advanced standing, which reduces the MSW from approximately 60 credits to approximately 33 credits. This can cut program duration significantly.
UH’s online master’s programs carry the same accreditations as their on-campus counterparts (AACSB for business, ABET for engineering, CSWE for social work). The curricula are designed and taught by the same faculty. The primary differences are format-related: online students access asynchronous lectures rather than attending in person, and some networking opportunities (career fairs, on-campus events) may be less accessible to fully remote students.