UTSA gives students a head start on career success as new school year begins

AUGUST 26, 2024 — As the new academic year begins, UTSA is excited to introduce a range of innovative degree programs designed to meet the evolving needs of students and the demands of a dynamic workforce. These new offerings underscore the university's commitment to providing a comprehensive and forward-thinking education that prepares graduates for success in today’s rapidly changing world.

“We continuously review and enhance our curriculum to ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to be career-ready,” said Heather Shipley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “These new degree programs reflect our dedication to staying ahead of industry trends and responding to the needs and aspirations of our diverse student body.”

These new programs join the university’s existing 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

“We continuously review and enhance our curriculum to ensure that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to be career-ready.”

• The B.A. in Commercial and Digital Music will support students whose musical interests, prior experiences, and career goals center around genres of music and aspects of the music industry that lie outside both the Western Classical tradition and the more traditional pathways of musical training. The program is offered through the UTSA School of Music in the UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts.
  
  
• Also offered through COLFA, the B.A. in Digital Media Influence program will appeal to digital content creators who want to sharpen their digital skills, learn to precisely target audiences with persuasive messaging and become effective media influencers. The program also leverages UTSA’s status as an Adobe Creative Campus.
  
  
• The university’s new B.A. in Digital Media Influence also is being offered as a fully online degree program. Like the residential program, online students will work closely with faculty to curate projects and coursework to their intended audiences, offering a customized learning experience.
  
  
• The B.A. in Linguistics in the Local and Global Community in COLFA is designed for students who want to use their passion for language to advance communication and understanding.
  
  
• Two new niche B.A. programs are launching within the Multidisciplinary Studies degree program in the UTSA University College: Game Design will prepare students for diverse roles across sectors including video games, mobile games, educational software, simulation and interactive media; and Philosophy, Politics and Economics will support aspiring civic leaders in understanding how these disciplines intersect and influence one another in shaping society, policy and human behavior.
  
  
• Two former Multidisciplinary Studies concentrations now are being offered as full-fledged degree programs. The B.A. in Film and Media Studies, offered through COLFA, combines training in film and media production with study in film history and theory. The B.S. in Health Administration will prepare students to understand the healthcare needs of San Antonio and surrounding regions and to be able to use data analytics, information systems and cyber security to inform clinical decision-making skills. The degree is offered through the UTSA College for Health, Community and Policy.

• The University College will welcome its first cohort of M.A./M.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies students this semester. Students select two from more than 35 graduate certificate options to create a degree plan that builds on their personal interests, academic strengths and career goals.
  
  
• This year, UTSA established its first international dual degree program with Tecnológico de Monterrey (Tec de Monterrey) in Mexico. Through this unique study abroad opportunity, enrolled students will earn two degrees: a Master of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in cybersecurity from UTSA and a Master in Cybersecurity from Tec de Monterrey.

• The Ph.D. in Computer Engineering is an advanced research degree that focuses on the development and enhancement of computer systems, hardware and software, preparing graduates for advanced careers in engineering, technology and research. With this new program, offered through the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design, UTSA now offers 29 doctoral degree programs.

— Rebecca Luther