Texas A&M University–Victoria Academic Overview
Texas A&M University–Victoria (A&M–Victoria) is a distinct, stand-alone institution within the Texas A&M University System. While it shares a system affiliation with Texas A&M University, it operates with its own administration, offers its own academic programs, and confers its own degrees. Historically known as the University of Houston–Victoria (UHV), students graduating through summer 2025 will receive diplomas under the UHV name, with the option to reprint them as Texas A&M University–Victoria.
Originally established as an upper-division and graduate school, the university expanded its scope in the fall of 2010 to begin admitting freshmen and sophomores, providing a comprehensive educational path from the first year of college through advanced graduate studies.
Key Facts
- Ranking: Tier 2 according to U.S. News & World Report (Regional).
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1.
- Average Class Size: 20 students.
- Accelerated Path: First Texas public university to offer a 120-credit-hour bachelor's degree in three years.
- Structure: Comprised of four primary academic colleges.
Academic Structure and Colleges
A&M–Victoria organizes its academic offerings into four specialized colleges, each providing a mix of undergraduate and master's degrees to meet diverse career goals.
College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
This college focuses on the Humanities and Social & Behavioral Sciences. To accommodate various student needs, it provides flexible scheduling options, including traditional on-campus classes, online courses, and off-site learning opportunities.
College of Business
The College of Business is designed for flexibility, offering both face-to-face and 100% online degree programs at the bachelor's and master's levels.
College of Education & Human Development
Preparing the next generation of educators, this college offers undergraduate degrees for those pursuing careers in elementary, middle, and secondary teaching, as well as public health educators within the health studies track. Graduate degrees are also available.
College of Natural and Applied Science
This college provides a rigorous scientific foundation through undergraduate and graduate programs. Key undergraduate offerings include:
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Computer Information Systems (with concentrations in data science and cybersecurity)
- Digital Gaming & Simulation
- Mathematical Sciences
- Joint Admission Medical Program
- Secondary Teacher Certification
Student Experience and Faculty
The university emphasizes a personalized learning environment, maintained by a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and small average class sizes of 20 students. The faculty is composed of instructors from across the globe, bringing a diverse range of perspectives to the classroom.
Academic excellence is further encouraged through various honor societies. A&M–Victoria hosts chapters of Phi Kappa Phi, Gamma Beta Phi, Chi Sigma Iota, Psi Chi, and Kappa Delta Pi.
The Degree in Three (Dn3) Program
A&M–Victoria pioneered the Degree in Three (Dn3) program, making it the first public university in Texas to allow students to complete a full 120-credit-hour bachelor's degree in only three years. This accelerated track is available for students majoring in:
- Communication
- Criminal Justice
- English
- History
- Psychology
Academic Summary
| College | Degree Levels | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts & Social Sciences | Bachelor's, Master's | Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| Business | Bachelor's, Master's | Business Administration (Online & On-campus) |
| Education & Human Development | Bachelor's, Master's | Teaching (K-12), Public Health Education |
| Natural and Applied Science | Bachelor's, Master's | STEM, Cybersecurity, Digital Gaming, Pre-Med |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Texas A&M University–Victoria a branch of Texas A&M University?
No. While both are part of the Texas A&M University System, A&M–Victoria is a stand-alone university with its own administration, accreditation, and degree-granting authority.
What is the Degree in Three (Dn3) program?
Dn3 is an accelerated program that allows students to earn a complete 120-credit-hour bachelor's degree in three years instead of the traditional four, available in specific majors like psychology, history, and criminal justice.
Can I earn a degree online at A&M–Victoria?
Yes. The College of Business offers 100% online programs, and the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences provides online and off-site course options.
What happens to diplomas for students who graduated as UHV?
Students who graduated from UHV through summer 2025 will have diplomas under the name University of Houston–Victoria, but they have the option to reprint them under the name Texas A&M University–Victoria.
What is the average class size at the university?
The average class size is 20 students, supported by a student-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-1.