University Overview
University of Houston-Clear Lake is a student-centered, community-minded, partnership-oriented university that offers bachelor’s, master’s and select doctoral degree programs to enhance the educational, economic and cultural environment of the region. The university serves a diverse student population from the state, the nation and abroad - particularly from the Houston-Galveston metropolitan area - by offering programs on and off campus.
UHCL offers a variety of programs in business, education, human sciences and humanities, and science and engineering. Academic programs are designed to develop the critical thinking, creative, quantitative, leadership and communication skills of students.
The university is committed to community engagement through partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
A Metropolitan University
Adjacent to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, UHCL is situated in the heart of Clear Lake’s high-tech community. The campus is located between downtown Houston and Galveston Island. Its neighbors to the east are Armand Bayou Nature Center and Bayport Industrial Complex. As one of the leading higher education institutions serving the Texas upper Gulf Coast, UHCL is a vital component of the surrounding region. The university conducts applied and basic research. It engages in community and professional services that support both the economic development and the quality of life of the area. Because a strong university is essential to the success of the area’s industries, UHCL is dedicated to developing and strengthening programs that support the region’s various commercial, engineering, human services and trade sectors, especially in the computing, medical, petrochemical and space industries.
Students and faculty apply academic theories and conduct research through UHCL’s centers, institutes, clinics and laboratories. These entities include:
- Art School for Children and Young Adults
- Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
- Center for Educational Programs
- Center for Executive Education
- Center for Professional Development of Teachers
- Center for Robotics Software
- Center for Workplace Consulting
- Diplomacy Institute
- Environmental Institute of Houston
- Health and Human Performance Institute
- Institute for Human and Planetary Sustainability
- Professional Development Lab School
- Psychological Services Clinic
Establishment of UHCL
The establishment of UHCL was authorized by the 62nd Texas Legislature in 1971. The measure was the result of a 1968 report by the Coordinating Board, Texas College and University System (now the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board), which called for a second University of Houston campus to provide upper-level and graduate programs. In 1973, the Texas Senate authorized construction of a permanent campus at Clear Lake.
Construction began early in 1974 with the first phase of the Bayou Building. September 1974 marked the beginning of regularly scheduled classes on the UHCL campus under the leadership of founding chancellor, Alfred R. Neumann. Opening-day enrollment totaled 1,069 students. Charter faculty included 60 professors. Today, the university has approximately 8,900 students, and more than 600 full-time and adjunct faculty.
In fall 2014, UHCL welcomed its first-ever freshman class. The university received approval from the state in 2011 for downward expansion, which allowed the university to add freshman- and sophomore-level courses to its roster.
Creation of UHCL Pearland
In 2007, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved creation of UH-Clear Lake at Pearland. Located at 1200 Pearland Parkway, the new campus was developed as a partnership between UHCL and the city of Pearland to improve access to higher education for Pearland-area residents.
In 2009, construction began on a facility that featured eight media-equipped classrooms, two teaching labs, library and other student resources. Classes began in fall 2010, with more than 600 students enrolling in degree programs such as accounting, business, criminology, education, nursing and psychology.
In fall 2014, UHCL Pearland began offering courses toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree for registered nurses with associate degrees. The RN to BSN program is customized for students who wish to improve managerial skills and advance as nurse managers, educators or administrators.
Since 2017, UHCL Pearland has hosted Alvin Community College core classes, which are transferable to UHCL.
In fall 2018, classes became available for students in UHCL’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program. In spring 2019, classes began in a new, three-story Health Sciences and Classroom Building, featuring a simulated hospital environment, 100-seat lecture hall, laboratories, faculty offices and study zones.
For more information about degree programs offered at UHCL Pearland, call the Office of Enrollment Services at 281-212-1690.
Accreditations
The University of Houston-Clear Lake is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of the University of Houston-Clear Lake may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
The College of Business maintains accreditation for graduate and undergraduate business programs by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). College of Business graduate and undergraduate accounting programs also maintain separate AACSB accounting accreditation.
The College of Education is accredited by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), has granted accreditation to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.S.) program in the Department of Counseling, Special Education, and Diversity, College of Education at University of Houston-Clear Lake.
The College of Human Sciences and Humanities is home to a number of accredited programs. The Behavior Analysis program is accredited by the Association for Behavioral Analysis International. The Human Factors/Ergonomics Certificate and the Human Factors concentration in the master’s degree Psychology program are both accredited by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. The Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The Bachelor of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The Doctor of Psychology in Health Service Psychology has been awarded accreditation on contingency by the American Psychological Association. The School Psychology program is approved by and has received National Recognition from the National Association of School Psychologists. In addition, the National Strength and Conditioning Association has recognized the Fitness and Human Performance curriculum as preparing students for successful entrance into the career field.
The College of Science and Engineering’s undergraduate degree programs in Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science and Computer Information Systems are accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. The undergraduate program in Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS). The undergraduate programs in Occupational Safety and Health-Safety and Industrial Hygiene are accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Commission (ANSAC) of ABET.
The Counseling and Mental Health Center is accredited by the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS). The Doctoral Internship in Health Service Psychology in the Counseling and Mental Health Center is additionally accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Governance
UHCL is one of four institutions with distinct identities and missions that make up the University of Houston System. The universities are governed by the UH System Board of Regents and Chancellor Renu Khator. Administrative responsibility for UHCL is vested in its president. UHCL’s shared governance process includes the Faculty Senate, University Staff Association and Student Government Association, working with the university’s administration through various committees and councils including University Council, which is chaired by the university’s president. Other councils/committees include Academic Council, University Life Committee, Planning and Budgeting Committee, and Facilities and Support Services Committee.
The Campus
UHCL’s buildings are situated in a 524-acre natural environment. The campus features picturesque, park-like settings with Horsepen Bayou winding through heavily wooded areas abundant with wildlife.
The Arbor Building houses painting, ceramics, weaving and photography studios, as well as educational centers, teaching methods labs and psychology facilities, notably UHCL’s Center for Autism & Development Disabilities.
The Bayou Building houses the majority of classrooms, administrative and faculty offices, the library, alumni relations, bookstore, cafeteria, computing services and laboratories, copy services, mail room and Bayou Theater. It is also home to the Center for Executive Education, Center for Professional Development of Teachers and other research activities.
The Delta Building houses student computer laboratories, classrooms and computing faculty offices. It is home to UHCL’s Cyber Security Institute and Center for Robotics Software.
The Student Services and Classroom Building accommodates functions that include enrollment, health, counseling, academic support and veteran services. The one-stop Welcome Center provides enrollment, registration, fee payment, financial aid and scholarship services.
The STEM and Classroom Building houses classroom and lab space for science, technology and mechanical engineering. A three-story section accommodates classrooms, teaching labs and research labs; a two-story section is home to offices, computer lab and a 100-seat tiered lecture hall.
The Recreation and Wellness Center includes academic and recreational wings, open study spaces, casual seating, food service and private study rooms. An indoor, elevated three-lane running track provides runners a campus view while overlooking two regulation-sized basketball courts and a multi-activity court for indoor soccer, hockey and other sports. It also features weight and cardio rooms, two multipurpose rooms for yoga and other exercises as well as three teaching labs and two classrooms. Also, it is home to UHCL’s Exercise and Nutritional Health Institute.
UHCL’S Environmental Institute of Houston is located in North Office Annex 1, just off Entrance 3 adjacent Parking Lot D.
The Central Services Building is headquarters for building maintenance, grounds and custodial services, scheduling and space planning, and vehicle maintenance. The UHCL Police Department is located next to Central Services.
Hunter Residence Hall is home to a community of Hawks who live, learn and engage together. The 297-bed residence hall is located steps away from the Recreation and Wellness Center, STEM and Classroom Building and computer labs. As a resident, students get access to free laundry, a full community kitchen, study rooms, high-impact, programs along with support from live-in staff.
University Forest Apartments is a privately owned and managed apartment complex built in 1995 on the campus of the university. This 136-unit student housing facility is a two-story complex that includes a central courtyard with clubhouse, laundry facility, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sand volleyball court, barbecue grills, and picnic and lounge areas.
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