School Details
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 as the first major public university of the 21st century in Texas. This transformative initiative provided the opportunity to expand educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley, including a new School of Medicine. It also made it possible for residents of the region to benefit from the Permanent University Fund – a public endowment contributing support to the University of Texas System and other institutions. UTRGV, a comprehensive academic institution, enrolled its first class in the fall of 2015, and the School of Medicine welcomed its first class in the summer of 2016.
Today UTRGV offers bilingual, bicultural, and bi-literate learning experiences in over 125 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. There are also various minors, certificates, and undergraduate and graduate online degrees, including some doctoral degrees. Some of UTRGV online degrees are offered in an accelerated mode. All degrees feature a world-class faculty and modern technology and are designed to help students succeed.
Accreditation & Licensing
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is accredited by:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online Graduate Certificate in Spanish Translation and Interpreting to the working adult student. This program includes intensive study and practice of various aspects of translation and interpreting in professional settings. Studies include but are not limited to:
- Translation Theory
- Audiovisual Translation
- Medical Interpreting and Terminology
Courses are available 100% online, designed for the working adult student. Graduates with this certificate may find pursuable pathways through nursing, criminal justice, media communication, business management, and more. Study classic and contemporary theories, legal texts, translation techniques, ethics, and other professional issues involved in this practice with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley online.
An online Master of Arts degree in Spanish Translation and Interpreting is available to the nontraditional student through The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. This program is designed for students seeking to enter professional practice in this field. Studies include but are not limited to:
- Translation Theory
- Audiovisual Translation
- Translation Project Management
Courses are offered 100% online, with advanced topics in translation techniques and technologies. Graduates with this degree may find pursuable pathways in legal, medical, literary, and finance translation. Enter today’s competitive workforce on the professional level with essential skills gained through The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley online.
Business
This online Master of Accountancy is offered as an accelerated degree program, allowing you to get started on your career or promotion in just 12 months. Graduates will be well prepared for public, private, and government accounting positions.
Coursework also satisfies educational requirements to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. The curriculum emphasizes important skills in critical thinking, communication, and technology. Students will study topics including business law for accountants, accounting research, information technology for accounting, and professional ethics.
Go beyond Accounting basics with a Master of Business Administration degree that prepares you to analyze financial information for the benefit of your organization. Students will learn how to leverage numbers to help measure performance and develop strategic plans for the future.
With accelerated seven-week courses, this online Accounting degree can be completed in as little as 12 months. Courses explain the connection between accounting data and decision making for business strategy. You will gain specific knowledge in business law relevant to accountants and accounting in the healthcare industry.
With this degree, you can pursue a career as a:
- Management analyst
- Financial manager
- Personal financial advisor
- Chief financial officer
With the ability to take complex data and transform it into business insights, graduates of the online MBA in Business Analytics will be a valuable asset to any organization. Students in this program will learn how to sort through big data, apply analysis techniques and software, and communicate their findings to various stakeholders.
Courses cover topics in data mining, data warehousing, enterprise analytics, and data visualization. Students will also learn how to use technological tools including R and Python. The program emphasizes hands-on application of skills, using case studies from real-world examples.
Some of the specialty topics you can choose to study in this online Business Analytics degree include:
- Health computer information systems
- Social media analytics
- Machine learning for business analytics
- Information security and assurance management
Learn how to launch a new business with the best odds for success with the online MBA in Entrepreneurship. Students in this program will gain experience evaluating the viability of business ventures and determining ways to form and fund their organization.
For individuals already working within an established company, this degree prepares you to identify new market opportunities for innovation. Courses in this online Entrepreneurship degree program cover topics in marketing, finance, law, and more. With accelerated seven-week courses and the flexibility of online coursework, you can complete your graduate degree in as little as 12 months.
MBA core coursework provides additional insights into areas including:
- Managerial economics
- Information systems for managers
- Organizational behavior
- Strategic management
- Business research
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online MBA with a concentration in Financial Planning. This degree prepares students to strategically manage the personal financial assets and investments of individuals including portfolio design, tax management, and retirement planning. Coursework includes:
- Financial planning fundamentals such as time value of money, cash and debt management, and education planning
- Wealth management including investment portfolio design, fund selection and evaluation
- Retirement plans and planning from both the employer/employee and individual perspectives
- Advanced communication skills and peer networking
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online MBA program designed to provide students with the leadership and project management skills required for success in today's competitive job market. Courses explore a range of important topics such as:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Organizational Behavior
- Marketing Strategy
- Business Ethics
- Strategic Management
The online MBA in Human Resource Management allows you to further your foundational knowledge of business while exploring a range of focused HR topics. Coursework will prepare you to become a HR leader within your organization.
The curriculum of this online HR Management degree emphasizes practices for multicultural and international work environments. Students will learn about management techniques, employment law, organizational leadership, and change management. With accelerated seven-week courses and the flexibility of online coursework, you can complete your graduate degree in as little as 12 months.
MBA core coursework provides additional insights into areas including:
- Managerial economics
- Information systems for managers
- Organizational behavior
- Strategic management
- Business research
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online MBA with a concentration in International Trade designed to provide students with the essential marketing, financial, and management skills to become leaders in the international business world. In addition to foundational business courses, the curriculum explores specialized topics such as:
- Customs
- Trans-border Operations
- Multicultural Management
- Multicultural Marketing
Learn best practices and new innovations in marketing with the online Master of Business Administration degree in Marketing. Coursework will help students confidently perform market research and analyze consumer behavior.
Students in this online Marketing degree will learn about research methods, strategic management, and marketing strategies. Business Administration courses help strengthen your critical and analytical skills and provide you with advanced management training. With accelerated seven-week courses and convenient online classes, you can complete your graduate degree in as little as 12 months.
Some of the topics you can expect to study in this MBA concentration include:
- Marketing strategy for nonprofits
- Business ethics
- Healthcare marketing
- Social media in business
- International competitiveness
UTRGV offers the online MPA. This program enables graduates to serve in areas of public policy analysis, grant writing, managing local government, non-profit professions and political and public administration research just to name a few. Coursework provides the latest theories, trends and real-world practice-based scenarios that result in the skills you need for more rewarding opportunities.
The following courses are offered in the program:
- Political Leadership: Decision-Making and Management in Public Organizations
- Policy Implementation and Program Evaluation
- Graduate Seminar in Public Administration
- Public Personnel Administration
- Public Budgeting and Finance
- Scope and Methods
Help your business thrive with the technical knowledge and analytical skills you gain from the Master of Science in Business Analytics program. Graduates of this program will be able to take large quantities of raw data and transform it into useful information for business decision making.
Courses cover data selection, collection, preparation, storage, analysis, and visualization. Students will learn how to utilize technology to apply sophisticated analytics techniques using tools and software including R, Python, and Tableau. With accelerated seven-week courses and the flexibility of online learning, you can complete your online Business Analytics degree in as little as 12 months.
Graduates will possess skills in areas such as:
- Data mining
- Machine learning
- Text mining
- Social media analytics
- Big data
- Enterprise analytics
Education
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers a E-Learning certificate. The program offers a strong emphasis on online learning, but does not provide licensure. Students who have an interest in teaching online initiatives in higher education may benefit from the coursework.
Enroll in online ESL degree programs and enhance professional opportunities. Students of this program will learn to meet the educational needs of native Spanish speakers. The program develops leaders of these practices to provide a rich learning environment. Go beyond bilingual education and practices to provide bilingual/bi-literate/bicultural enrichment opportunities after graduation.
Choose from concentrations in:
- Biliteracy
- Dual Language
- Educational Leadership
- ESL
- Mexican American Studies
The flexibility of ESL degrees online allows you to balance your education with other obligations. Study when and where it is convenient.
Gain in-depth knowledge of teaching mathematics and science, assessment, and instructional best practices by earning this online masters in curriculum and instruction. Learn to serve the needs of elementary students and develop advanced skills in curriculum development and implementation while becoming a content specialist in the high-demand areas of math and science.
In as little as 10 months, students are prepared for career opportunities that include:
- Curriculum specialist
- Instructional coordinator
- Mentor to educational consultant and policy developer
This flexible online curriculum and instruction degree allows students to balance their educations with other obligations. Study when and where it is convenient.
Develop the skills and knowledge needed in future classrooms and boardrooms with this online master’s in education administration. Students learn about the uses of technology and how they can be applied in instructional/training settings. The curriculum focuses on the theory, research, and applications related to educational technology.
Students will study how to:
- Use instructional technology as a resource for the delivery of instruction
- Serve as directors or facilitators in education settings
- Develop instructional programs and materials for new technology
- Design instructional materials in various media
You also have the opportunity to earn a graduate certificate in E-Learning and/or Technology Leadership.
Enroll in online instructional design programs and enhance professional opportunities. This program was designed for educators in K-12 or higher education environments as well as industries and corporations. Instructional technology methods and resources are covered so educators can utilize them in their own environments. The focus is on the theory, research, and applications related to the educational technology field.
You will have the opportunity to also earn a graduate certificate in E-Learning, Technology Leadership, or both.
As the number of special education students is increasing, so is the need for teachers and advocates with the knowledge and skills to guide them. Students of this online special education degree learn effective teaching methods that apply to the growing field of working with special education students.
Courses in this TEACH Grant-eligible online special education master’s degree program include:
- Advanced Individual Differences
- Multiculturalism, Bilingualism, and the Exceptional Learner
- Foundations of Assessment in Special Education
- Legal Foundations of Special Education
An initial teaching certificate is not required for admission. Those who are certified teachers will receive additional special education certification credentials.
Healthcare
Enhance your education and career with this online bachelor’s degree in health science. Build on your A.A.S. level career. Prepare for a leadership position in such fields as:
- Health services
- Education
- Vocational
- Corporate training
- Consulting
The flexibility of course selection ensures students are able to design a curriculum that allows each one to meet their career goals. Flexibility extends to scheduling. The online nature of this program ensures students are able to balance their careers and educations.
Advance your career and move into a supervisory or managerial position with the Graduate Certificate in Clinical Laboratory Sciences. This online health science degree is designed for students who have completed a Master of Science Health Science degree, allowing them to complete a second concentration and obtain a graduate certificate in Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Students also have the opportunity to complete the coursework and earn a graduate certificate without entering an additional master’s degree program. However, this certificate on its own does not meet the requirements to become certified.
Courses provide a deeper understanding of such topics as:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology and Hemostasis
- Immunology
- Advanced Diagnostics
There are a number of outcomes for graduates. Use this online health science degree to document professional development, provide evidence of graduate hours necessary for faculty positions in high school and higher education, or to advance your current career.
Complete accelerated programs that teach students to use data in healthcare with these health informatics online degrees. In as little as one year students learn to manage, evaluate, and use health data to improve patient outcomes. This degree is designed for students who have completed a Master of Science Health Science degree, allowing them to complete a second concentration and obtain a graduate certificate in Health Informatics. Students also have the opportunity to complete the coursework and earn a graduate certificate without entering an additional master’s degree program.
The curriculum focuses on such topics as:
- Database management
- Project management
- Consumer health
- Leadership in healthcare informatics
Use this online health informatics degree to document professional development or to meet the hours needed for faculty positions in high schools, community colleges, or universities.
Become a leader in healthcare with these accredited online healthcare degrees. Learn to lead and educate allied health and medical professionals, public health practitioners, community health educators, and health science educators and administrators. Graduates are also qualified instructors in the medical and allied health professions at all levels of professional preparation.
Students learn how to:
- Design, implement, and evaluate curricula in health science education
- Integrate technology into instructional practices
- Provide mentorship to current and future health science professionals
- Implement emerging technology for education
- Lead initiatives to advance the field of health science education
The flexibility of online learning allows you to balance your education with other obligations.
Become a leader in nutrition with this online nutrition degree. Enhance your knowledge of nutrition while expanding your career options. This degree is designed for students who have completed a Master of Science Health Science degree, allowing them to complete a second concentration and obtain a graduate certificate in Health Science Nutrition. Students also have the opportunity to complete the coursework and earn a graduate certificate without entering an additional master’s degree program. However, this certificate on its own does not meet the requirements to become a registered dietitian.
The curriculum is focused on common nutritional topics, such as:
- Nutrition and diabetes
- Eating disorders
- Obesity
- Integrative nutrition
Use this online nutrition degree to document professional development or to meet the hours needed for faculty positions in high schools, community colleges, or universities.
Advance your healthcare career with the Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Interpreting. These online healthcare degrees are designed for those who are practicing translators, interpreters, or future practitioners interested in gaining high-end interpreting abilities in the medical field. This program can also serve as a foundation for postsecondary education in the Humanities.
Students learn about such medical and healthcare interpreting areas as:
- Translation of medical records
- Simultaneous and consecutive interpreting capabilities
- Cultural and patient-doctor mediation skills
The online nature of these online healthcare degrees allows students to successfully balance their education with other obligations.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online bridge program for practicing physician assistants. This brief, unique curriculum augments and updates existing research and clinical skills for use within the primary care setting. Students will have the opportunity to evaluate current literature from the medical journals in light of research design and data collection.
The online MBA with a concentration in Health Care Administration from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley provides students with a foundation of knowledge and skills in business administration, as well as the opportunity to explore specialized areas such as health care accounting, financial management, and marketing. Graduates are prepared to pursue managerial positions in:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Nursing Homes
- Rehabilitation Centers
- Government Health Care Agencies
Advance your healthcare career with this health science online degree. Build a strong foundation in basic medical sciences as you gain a diverse academic, scientific, and professional skill set. The rigorous, multidisciplinary curriculum is developed and taught by an experienced faculty. Able to be completed in as little as one year, this specialized program includes courses in:
- Human Anatomy
- Medical Physiology
- Pathology
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology
- Medical Statistics and Genetics
Students are introduced to clinical research while also learning about ethics in biomedical research. Graduates will be ready to pursue further academic training in medicine, professional health school, and doctorates in medical sciences.
The Master of Science in Bioethics will help you to become a leader in healthcare. These online healthcare degrees help prepare students to advance careers in bioethics, social justice, and health equity, teaching students to create opportunities and manage resources effectively. At the same time, students will learn to remain responsive to diverse challenges within complex social, political, and economic climates. Courses cover such topics as:
- Understanding bioethical issues
- Ethics related to complex human situations and equity
- Synthesizing empirical and non-empirical content relative to bioethics and social justice
- Bioethical issues impacting health care decisions
- Bioethical considerations in conducting research
Coursework draws content and expertise from the Rio Grande Valley region, providing a unique perspective on bioethical challenges that lead to disparities in outcomes and inequities in health care and resources.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers the online MS in Health Sciences. In the field of Health Sciences, knowledge is derived from pure science and related sources and applied to practical and clinical practices to maintain and improve the health of the greater community. The need for health sciences skilled professionals is expanding, and this degree can prepare you for a broad range of occupations, including administration, laboratory sciences, clinical practice and many others.
Students can choose from four concentrations:
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences
- Health Care Administration
- Healthcare Informatics
- Nutrition
Make a difference in others’ lives with the Master of Science in Kinesiology online degree. Learn to act professionally in a diverse and changing society, improving quality of life and promoting healthy lifestyles through management, physical activity, and wellness concepts. There are three concentrations available:
- Health Professions Education and Technology
- Physical Education
- Sport Management
The Health Professions Education and Technology concentration is designed for those planning on educating others in allied health, nursing, medical professionals, health science educators, public health practitioners, community health educators, and more.
The Physical Education concentration focuses on physical and health education methods and curriculum development, so graduates are more proficient and valuable in their careers.
The Sport Management concentration prepares sport professionals for management-related careers in athletic, recreation, and education settings, and is one of the most versatile career paths with new specialties continuously emerging.
Math & Science
Plan for success with this online mathematics degree. Are you planning to teach mathematics? Or maybe you want to work within the industrial sector? With either of these goals, this program will help you to succeed. Choose from these concentrations:
- Mathematics
- Mathematics Teaching
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
All students understand mathematics through the construction of mathematically rigorous and logically correct proof, can conduct research in mathematics or statistics, and can identify and analyze world problems with statistical or mathematical techniques. Communication skills are taught as well.
Nursing
Help meet the growing demand for nurses prepared with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with the online RN to BSN program from UTRGV. Registered Nurses can complete this program to gain leadership skills and move ahead in their nursing career.
Pursuing this online BSN degree allows nurses to continue working while furthering their education in an accelerated, flexible format. Coursework focuses on gaining knowledge from theory, research, and evidence-based practice. Students will gain evidence-based knowledge and management skills preparing them to take the lead in providing quality nursing care.
Nurses in this program will study topics including:
- Pharmacology
- Nursing research
- Client assessment
- Issues in nursing
- Community health
The online MSN / Nursing Administration degree program from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is designed to empower students to demonstrate leadership in the application of interventions and technology related to policy, research, finance, organization, hospital administration, and health care management. Graduates of the program are able to:
- Apply theories from behavioral, natural, social, and applied sciences to their nursing practice
- Use the research process to define clinical research problems with application to evidence-based practice
- Understand and apply cost analysis, strategic planning in budgeting, and marketing and forecasting across a variety of health care settings
The online MSN / Nursing Education degree program from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley prepares students to meet the needs of a diverse student population in a variety of roles in nursing education, including patient educator, as well as the educator role in clinical and academic settings. Graduates are able to:
- Use evidence in educational design, implementation, and evaluation of strategies for classroom and clinical teaching
- Synthesize knowledge from nursing science and learning theory to demonstrate leadership and innovation in teaching
- Employ instructional strategies that recognize the diverse learner
- Implement assessment and evaluation methods in a variety of learning environments
- Analyze the teaching, scholarship, and service roles of the nurse educator
The Post-Master’s Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner offers master’s-prepared nurses a specialty focusing on the mental health care needs of individuals and families in diverse settings. PMHNPs can provide services in outpatient, inpatient, and private practice environments. Students in this program gain advanced knowledge and clinical skills necessary to provide comprehensive care to clients of all ages.
This online Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program is comprised of five courses:
- Theoretical diagnostics for mental and substance use disorders
- Clinical diagnostics for mental and substance use disorders
- Diagnosis and management across the lifespan theory
- Diagnosis and management across the lifespan practice
- Clinical therapeutics/preceptorship
Psychology & Human Services
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online social work degree, the Master of Science in Social Work in Administration & Community Practice for individuals interested in helping the Latino community. This is an Advanced Standing degree, allowing students to earn their degree in as little as 12 months. Students completing this program develop leadership skills and a renewed commitment to strengthening agencies and improving human services for at-risk Latino communities. Courses teach you to work with diverse populations, including minorities, vulnerable populations, at-risk groups, and the disenfranchised, assessing their needs and mapping assets. You will also gain clinical and macro assessment and organizational administration skills with an understanding of the practice implications and characteristics of Latino populations. The curriculum includes real-world experience applying community organizing, social advocacy, and social action mobilization practices in a field setting chosen by the student, further preparing them to serve the border region of South Texas and beyond. Graduates are prepared for administrative or leadership roles in social service settings and are eligible to sit for exams for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credentials.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online social work degree, the Master of Science in Social Work in Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families & Groups, an Advance Standing program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. This program is designed for individuals interested in working with at-risk populations, especially in the Latino community. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed for advanced social work practice with individuals, groups, and families, which includes the therapeutic process, empowerment and strength perspectives, and clinical strategies for change. The curriculum teaches evidence-based family therapy practice models while helping students learn to develop treatment plans, establish relationships with clients, apply intervention strategies, and more. Students gain real-world experience in a field setting of their choice as they study how discrimination, oppression, and other challenges limit the opportunities of minority, at-risk, and disenfranchised groups.
Graduates are prepared for careers that include:
- Family/children’s social services agency
- Mental health programs
- Health services organizations
- Substance abuse treatment centers