University of Texas at Brownsville

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UT Brownsville

The University of Texas at Brownsville joined The University of Texas system in 1991 as an offshoot of The University of Texas Pan American, an effort by state legislators to address an increased demand for higher education in South Texas. Over the past 25 years, the school has evolved to become a university in its own right, offering a variety of undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs to more than 8,000 students each year. Hispanics make up nearly 90 percent of the student population, and the average age on campus is 25. The school caters to a largely Latino audience, which is evidenced by its achievements.

The school added its first official facility in 1997. Since then, the campus has grown to accommodate several additional buildings, including the Education and Business Complex; student housing; and the Biomedical Research Building, a building that spans 66,000 square feet, which is dedicated to research on epilepsy, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

In its relatively short history, the University of Texas at Brownsville has achieved a number of positive feats, particularly for Hispanic students. The school ranks 20th in the United States for the number of undergraduate degrees awarded to Hispanics, 50th in the nation for master's degrees awarded to Hispanics and 2nd in the country for mathematics degrees awarded to Hispanics. UTB offers an online-only master's degree in translation, one of just two schools in the country with this program. In addition, the Master in Education Technology offered by UTB is ranked 14th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

Students at UTB can pursue degrees on campus or via the Internet. Online, there are 14 degree options and several certificate programs available to students who need greater flexibility. According to the school website, UTB's stated purpose includes fostering the "interdisciplinary search for new knowledge," and it draws on the cultural community near the Gulf Coast to provide a wide range of options for students of diverse backgrounds. In 2013, the school merged with the University of Texas Pan American to form the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

University of Texas at Brownsville Accreditation Details

The University of Texas at Brownsville holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Certain programs also hold individual accreditation. For example, the RN to BSN program offered by the College of Nursing has been accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, and it's also endorsed by the American Holistic Nurses' Certification Corporation. Students should research their desired program for additional details on accreditation.

University of Texas at Brownsville Application Requirements

Regardless of program, students interested in attending UTB can apply online. Undergraduate applicants need to submit the following:

  • A completed online application
  • Academic transcripts from high school or the GED
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • Two proofs of residency for Texas residents

Everyone who applies will also need to complete the Texas Success Initiative unless they're exempt, at which point the applicant should provide proof of exemption. Once accepted at UTB, students should submit immunization records and attend a mandatory orientation. Graduate students need a bachelor's degree, a minimum 3.0 GPA, satisfactory GRE scores, an application fee of $30, an application essay and appropriate immunization records. Graduate students may also need to submit additional documentation depending on the program.

How Do You Prepare For The GRE?

Tuition and Financial Aid

As of fall 2014, resident undergraduates at the University of Texas at Brownsville paid about $152 per credit hour for tuition while out-of-state students paid about $536 per hour. In-state graduate students paid around $191 per credit hour, and non-resident graduates paid about $575 per hour.

These rates applied to on-campus students, and they don't include the various fees that UTB charges, such as a student service fee of $150 or the athletic fee of $7 per credit hour. In total, a resident undergraduate student taking a full course load would pay around $2,460 per semester. Online students pay the same tuition rates as described above, but they're also charged a $25 Web fee. Certain fees may also be waived for online students, including the student recreation and student union fees.

Students who need financial assistance can take advantage of work-study opportunities, grants, federal and private loans, and institutional scholarships at UTB. The general scholarship application needs to be submitted by March 15, and students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA to determine eligibility for grants and loans.

Online Degrees Available

Students have several options for earning a degree online at the University of Texas at Brownsville. In addition to eight graduate programs and seven graduate-level certificates, six undergraduate programs are available, including the following: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a B.A.T. Computer Information Systems Technology.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is an online RN to BSN program that is designed as a completion program for nurses who already hold an associate's degree. In addition to earning a bachelor's in nursing, those who complete the degree will be eligible to sit for the American Holistic Nurses' Certification Examination. The program draws on a holistic approach to nursing education. Courses cover a diverse range of topics, including transcultural nursing, professional nursing in the community, and research and evidence-based nursing practice. Students will complete 121 credit hours, 32 of which are core nursing credits.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

For those who want to pursue careers in criminal justice and law enforcement, the B.S. in Criminal Justice offers a broad perspective. The degree requires completion of all regular undergraduate courses as well as 66 major-specific credits. Courses discuss topics such as institutional corrections, theories of criminal behavior, police and the community, and correctional casework and counseling. Students must also choose two relevant elective courses for the degree.

Bachelor of Applied Technology

According to the university website, UTB's B.A.T. Computer Information Systems Technology centers on "fields where computer related knowledge competencies and skills are essential," which includes a wide range of business and industrial careers. The program is designed for students who don't have a bachelor's degree but do have professional work experience. Delivered in an online-only format, the B.A.T. in CIS Technology requires 120 hours, and students can choose a teaching certification track or a non-education track. At the University of Texas at Brownsville, students can explore a diverse array of programs on campus or online.