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From a Single Letter to Thousands of Degrees

What began as a letter in the mail in the 1960s now fuels thousands of Hawks every year to achieve success — a vision of what can be, and the initiative to turn it into reality.

In 1965, Dr. Robert Gilruth, Director of the Spaceflight Center, recognized the need for locally trained professionals to support America's space program. He penned a letter to University of Houston Chancellor Phillip Hoffman, proposing the creation of an educational facility in Clear Lake to address this need. This letter planted the seed for what would later become University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL).

UH-Clear Lake officially opened its doors in 1974, welcoming over 1,000 students. Since then, the university has transformed the lives of more than 80,000 students through experiential learning, translated knowledge to actionable solutions, and transcended boundaries to develop our economy.

In its 50-year history, UHCL has educated bestselling authors, astronauts, CEOs, mayors, and alumni in many other professions.

Students at chili cookoff


7770+
students
80k+
alumni
100+
degree programs

Learning Locations

In addition to our main location in the Clear Lake area of Houston, students can take courses at UHCL at Pearland and UHCL at Texas Medical Center. We also offer select courses and entire degrees online, for the convenience of working adults and any student who prefers to learn remotely. 

  • UH-Clear Lake
  • UHCL at Pearland
  • UHCL at Texas Medical Center
  • Remote

Campus Life

As a UHCL Hawk, you'll have the opportunity to do far more than just earn a degree. With more than 100 student organizations and student programs, fun-filled events throughout the year, theater and arts opportunities, and so much more, you'll also get the chance to make friends and memories that last a lifetime. Visit our Campus Life page to learn more.

Campus Buildings

Situated on 524 acres of natural green space, UHCL consists of eight buildings in the north campus area, and five in south campus area. 

North Campus Buildings:

South Campus Buildings:

Access the Campus Directory for more information.

Potter Pond

Teacher and students in computer lab

Millennium Milestones

By the late '90s, the university consisted of three facilities dedicated primarily to student learning, in addition to its first on-campus housing complex. However, in the new millennium, UHCL demonstrated its commitment to students and the community by expanding learning spaces, adding more centers and institutes, establishing new partnerships, and introducing its first doctoral degree.

2004

Student Services and Classroom Building (SSCB) opened

Student Services and Classroom Building

2005

Joint Master of Healthcare Administration/Master of Business Administration introduced at Texas Medical Center

Texas Medical Center lounge area

2008

Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (CADD) established

Arbor South Building

2014

UHCL transitioned to a four-year university, welcoming freshmen and sophomores for the first time

Students at commencement

2018

UHCL's STEM Building and Recreation and Wellness Center opened

Rec and Wellness Center

2019

UHCL at Pearland's Health Sciences and Classroom Building opened

UHCL at Pearland Health Sciences Building

2023

New lease in Fannin Tower at Texas Medical Center secured

Texas Medical Center

And the best part? We continue to grow and achieve new milestones. At UHCL, you'll discover a diverse destination where everyone can thrive, and have the opportunity to earn your degree at a university that gets you. Go Hawks!