The University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley Reviews

"Professors have a high knowledge of the field. The school by itself has a good environment, but there is a lack in course variety due to small interest in the community, nothing that has to do with the school."

"the pros is the abet accreditation the faculty the professors but the price is one big con"

"The professors focus on making sure the students understand the material well. They take their time where students struggle to understand material, which is very helpful. However, sometimes this sets back the class and the last subject may not get taught completely."

"I just started a Biology graduate program and I'm very impressed with the way my faculty and advisor care about my experience, both academic and personal, as I embark on my new journey. The faculty are also very demanding about the student potential, and I love the small-school atmosphere."

"Pros: Professors are understanding, environment is calming, there are always networking opportunities Cons: Expectations are high, any slip-up with more than one C can bomb GPA and get probation"

"It is a very accessible program with excellent instructors. They are very accommodating with their scheduling of classes. I do not see any cons in the program."

"The pros ares that the quality of education is great, the faculty is willing to help you, and the class size is small. It is very close to home and I've heard great things about the program. The only conn I can think of is it will be stressful working full time and going to graduate courses."

"The pros are that they offer a bilingual education to better serve the community in which UTPA is located. Professors are always readily accessible, even after graduation. Cons are the financial assistance provided and sustainability. Transportation is also tough if you don't live within walking distance."

"I'm an international student, and I'm U.S RESIDENT cons: they don't give us loans to still studying pros: good university"

"It is demanding at times and at times can be competitive between students. you are allowed to explore medias and are actually encouraged to do so...you are pushed out of your comfort zone and into areas you never thought you would experiment or do but it is all for your own good. the professors are always handy and other students are there for you as well. it's not quite tight knit as you would expect because everyone is focused on their own projects. it is a small graduate program but this allows you greater access to the studio labs. everyone gets their own private studio which is a major plus."

"My graduate program is amazing! The faculty and staff are easily accessible and are willing to help at all times and costs. If we are having any trouble with the topics being covered, the professors will gladly accommodate our concerns and personally talk to you about what you do not understand. In addition to personal one on one academic help, the faculty is there to help us out with our personal problems that we may be experiencing, ranging from depression to family deaths. The faculty are very supportive of each and every one of us students that literally my program is home away from home. The material we cover is very in depth and extremely informative. I was very blessed to have been accepted to my graduate program. I truly believe the Physician Assistant Studies Department at the University of Texas-Pan American is by far the best program in Texas."

"The clinical psychology graduate program is committed to providing an environment of academic freedom. Because the program accepts only a dozen of students per semester, this gives students more opportunities to work with professors, better communication between students and professors, and more focused lectures. The con of this graduate program is that there is not that much diversity in the student population (because of the demographics of the area)."

"The graduate program in Clinical Psychology at UTPA is a competitive when compared with other UTPA graduate programs. However, compared with equivalent programs at most other universities, I don't believe it would be considered competitive. ON the other hand, what it lacks in faculty expectations from students, it makes up for in engaged faculty. They remain available and personable with students. This location, in deep south Texas, is one of the least expensive places to live in the country. Housing is extremely affordable. The Rio Grande Valley is an somewhat isolated region, though it is home to more than 1 million people. The local culture is such that most people don't leave the Valley for school. This trend results in a distinctly home-grown student population. Unfortunately, primary and secondary public schools have low expectations and poor reputations. So most students enter college unprepared."

"Although UTPA seems to be more lenient on demands with their undergraduate programs, the current program I am enrolled in seems very consistent with the demands other programs are likely to require. UTPA offers a very affordable graduate degree; on top of this, it is one of the lowest cost of living areas."

"The quality of education I receive is mind opening. The campus is comprised of individuals with various mindsets and adaptable teaching styles that suit the various forms of learning styles within the classroom. All the while providing a transparent way of showing what were doing and why it's important or viable. The social surroundings and the bureaucracy of the school and the network it utilizes are cumbersome and mostly unhelpful. But despite theses issues, the education provided, as well as some limited student services is quite good."

"The pros of my graduate program is ability to receive an assistantship,which helps a lot with my academic expenses. The cons of the program are a lack of social and cultural life, difficulty to get to the classes due to the absense of transportation system and feeling of discrimination."

"It is a great University to complete a bachelors or master degree."

"The pros to my graduate program is that they have a strong reputation of maintaining board passing rates above 90%."

"The thing that I like the most about the Masters in Psychology graduate program at UTB is the accessibility of the faculty and the cohesion of the students in the program. Whenever we have a question or need extra help with an assignment for class or just to have something clarified, the professors are always very willing to help. They are often busy, but will make time for their graduate students. Cohesion is also high among the students in the program. When we need help, we know we can always count on one of our classmates. We have regular study sessions and help each other out with projects. One of the biggest drawbacks is the area. While there is a beautiful beach close by and rent is more affordable than most places, I feel the town lacks the diversity and excitement that one might find in a bigger city. But, as a graduate student, there isn't always time to be going out and enjoying the night life anyway. Overall, it is a great program with dedicated, talented faculty who will ensure that their students graduate with knowledge and skills that will make them more competitive in the workforce."

"I like the idea that our graduate program is very helpful in making sure that we get everything prepared on time. For example making sure that the right classes are offered at the right time so that everyone will have all the required classes done by the time graduation time comes around. This is my first semester in my graudate program so it's really hard for me to see that there's a problem in it thus far."