School of Education &
Human Services

Instructing minds and shaping lives

Apply to an Academic Program Today!

About the School

Meaningful Education and Service

“Better to illuminate than merely to shine, to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate.” – St. Thomas Aquinas 

At the University of St. Thomas, education is a calling. It is no accident that our University is named after St. Thomas Aquinas, one of history’s greatest teachers and Doctor of the Church. His words remind us that the role of the teacher is not only to learn but to bring light to others.

From their very beginnings in 1822, the Basilian Fathers dedicated themselves to education and evangelization, offering a balanced Christian education to students of diverse communities. Their mission continues today on our campus in Houston, where our students remain actively engaged as educators and role models. 

Our Curriculum

Programs of Study

Coursework for all programs combines the heart of a Catholic liberal arts education with the practical training for a professional career. You will graduate not only with a strong theoretical foundation but also with the confidence that comes from extensive, real-world experience.

Areas of study include:

  • Education across all grade levels
  • Social Innovation and Human Services
  • Criminology, Law and Society
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Educational Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction
An Educator with a Soul

Professional Training with Heart

Ethical responsibility and respect for human dignity are integrated throughout coursework and practice as they are pillars of our Catholic identity. Students are prepared to work thoughtfully and responsibly with individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds.

Academic Program Level
AAS in Pragmatic Studies
BA in Criminology, Law and Society
BA in General Studies in Education
BAAS in Social Innovation and Human Services
EdD in Educational Leadership
EdD in Higher Education Leadership
EdD in Human Resource Leadership
EdD in Law, Society, and Criminal Justice Leadership
EdD in Strategic Leadership
Graduate Certificate in Catholic Teacher Development
MA in Criminology, Law and Society
Master of Education (MEd)
Learning from the Experts

Education and Human Services Leadership

Dr. Ana-Lisa Gonzalez

Under the leadership of Dr. Ana-Lisa Gonzalez, the School of Education and Human Services approaches professional preparation as both a scholarly and formative endeavor. Her leadership emphasizes ethical responsibility, inclusive practice, and the development of professionals committed to equity and lifelong learning.

Student Experience

An Educator with
a Soul

In the School of Education and Human Services at UST, we mold professionals that bring together the mind (knowledge and skill), the heart (compassion and empathy), and the hand (practical action and service). In short, our goal is to help you become an educator with a soul, one who transforms not only the classroom but also the lives of students, families, and communities. We accomplish this through:

  • Field-Based Learning: From your earliest semesters, you will engage in field placements that allow you to practice teaching in real classrooms, guided by expert faculty mentors. 
  • Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with local schools and education organizations ensure that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners. 
  • Mentorship and Formation: Our professors and Basilian heritage provide both professional coaching and spiritual formation, reminding future educators that teaching is both an art and an act of service. 


This unique clinical approach – where learning, reflection, and practice are woven together – sets a UST degree apart.

Program Overview

Considering Education and Human Services at UST?

Graduates pursue roles in teaching, educational leadership, counseling support, community organizations, nonprofit services, and graduate or professional study. Programs prepare students for careers centered on service, leadership, and positive social impact.

Yes. Field-based learning is an essential component of programs within the School of Education and Human Services, allowing students to apply theory in real educational and community environments.

Ethical responsibility and respect for human dignity are integrated throughout coursework and practice as they are pillars of our Catholic identity. Students are prepared to work thoughtfully and responsibly with individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds.

Prior professional experience is not required for admission. Programs are designed to support students as they develop the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for professional roles.

Students benefit from faculty mentorship, academic advising, and field supervision that support both professional preparation and personal development.

Join Our Community

Preparing Professionals for Service

To study education at UST is to be part of a tradition that blends faith, intellect, and service. You will learn from professors who see teaching not merely as a skill, but as a vocation, a way of shaping lives, fostering human dignity, and preparing the next generation.