UHV graduate business programs earn national ranking
Two of the University of Houston-Victoria School of Business Administration’s graduate business programs recently were included in a list of the top-value programs in the nation because of the school’s accreditation, support for students and low tuition.
UHV was 51st among the 64 schools included in Discover Business’s Best Value Online MBA Degree Programs list. UHV offers Global and Strategic Master of Business Administration degrees.
“Excellence, affordability and accessibility are three key elements to the UHV School of Business Administration’s success,” said Farhang Niroomand, dean of the school. “This ranking is yet another endorsement that proves the emphasis on those principles has created a strong, outstanding program for our students and the community.”
When determining the rankings, Discover Business looked for accredited, nonprofit universities that offered online programs. The programs were ranked based on tuition, admissions, online program quality, and program support and experience.
The UHV School of Business Administration is accredited through AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which accredits less than 5 percent of business schools throughout the world.
AACSB International tracks many of the same factors as this ranking during the accreditation process. These include faculty research, online teaching methods, class sizes and more. Those factors give UHV students an advantage when applying for jobs, said Ronald Salazar, UHV associate professor of management.
“Only the finest schools of business earn this accreditation,” Salazar said. “Many employers recognize that and give preference to applicants and employees who graduated from schools with that stamp of approval because of the excellence it represents.”
UHV has a dedication to excellence that is emphasized at all levels, Salazar said. That dedication is shown by both students and faculty members. During classes, students are exposed to the latest thinking and concepts in how to successfully run a business. The school also brings in speakers and experts. In addition, students have the opportunity to interact with successful alumni and engage in real-life projects that affect businesses.
“Our faculty constantly are working to keep abreast of key business and economic issues, and current events,” Salazar said. “They then bring that knowledge and their own experience and expertise to the class. That way, students learn about relevant issues under the guidance of experienced professionals.”
Because UHV wants to make education accessible to full-time students and working professionals, online courses are instrumental to the program, Salazar said. The university has offered online classes for years, and every faculty member is encouraged to teach both online and in the classroom.
“Our goal is to help anyone who wants to learn how to successfully manage a business,” Salazar said. “Business is a highly competitive environment, and competent employees are highly sought after, so we want to help our students and meet the needs of the business community.”
The University of Houston-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 80 academic programs in the schools of Arts & Sciences; Business Administration; and Education, Health Professions & Human Development. UHV provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as an instructional site in Katy, Texas, and online classes that students can take from anywhere. UHV supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.
