The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is set to launch two new undergraduate degree programs and expand its Master of Business Administration (MBA) offerings to a fully online format, underscoring its commitment to innovation, accessibility, and workforce development.

Beginning in fall 2025, UHD will offer a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and a Bachelor of Arts in Translation. These additions are designed to equip students with critical skills to meet the region’s evolving workforce demands and support upward socioeconomic mobility.

The new B.A. in Translation is tailored to address the growing need for language access services, particularly within Houston’s Spanish-speaking communities. Emphasizing both theory and hands-on training, the program prepares students to translate medical and legal documents and offers practical experience in interpreting and editing. Coursework will focus on translation techniques, vocabulary strategies, and the development of linguistic, technological, and intercultural competencies.

The B.S. in Cybersecurity aims to meet the increasing demand for information security professionals. The program is open to high school graduates and community college transfer students with interests in technology-related fields such as computer science, data science, and management information systems. Aligned with the Association for Computing Machinery’s Cybersecurity Curricula and the accreditation standards of the Associated Board for Engineering and Technology, the curriculum covers key areas including computer and network security, cryptography, and operating systems. Employment for information security analysts in Texas is projected to grow significantly through the decade, reflecting a strong job market for graduates.

Additionally, the Marilyn Davies College of Business has officially launched its online MBA program, providing students with increased flexibility while maintaining the quality and rigor of the in-person experience. The online MBA includes evening 8-week terms, instruction from the same faculty, and co-teaching by industry leaders. Students also have the option to attend in-person classes, further enhancing accessibility. The program remains one of the most affordable MBA options in Texas.

These initiatives highlight UHD’s ongoing efforts to serve the Houston community by delivering educational programs that align with industry needs and broaden access to higher education.

For more information, visit uhd.edu.