Friday, November 1, 2024
Strategic Growth

Unlocking quality education through UTSA’s online learning initiatives

Unlocking quality education through UTSA’s online learning initiatives

Amanda Bovi is currently a student in the UTSA Online B.B.A in Cyber Security program.

OCTOBER 31, 2024 — As a full-time IT project management specialist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Amanda Bovi found the UTSA Online B.B.A in Cyber Security aligned with her busy schedule.

Bovi, who is also pursuing a minor in digital forensics, appreciates that the program provides flexibility and support while offering real-world experiences.

"Sometimes we're up at 10 p.m. knocking out classwork. Having support or resources to assist us at even that time makes a world of difference," Bovi said.

UTSA has developed a strong reputation for online learning programs, including the Online B.B.A in Cyber Security. Forbes.com recently ranked the degree program in the top five nationally as the Best Online Bachelor's Degree in Cybersecurity for 2024. That selection was based on the program’s credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.


“Our goal is to make the Roadrunner experience available for students who wouldn't be able to have it because of work, family responsibilities or because they can't drop what they're doing and be a full-time student.”




Bovi says the cybersecurity program provides knowledge and skills while creating opportunities. It also enables personal connections.

"Really, for me, it's the people you meet along the way, the experiences you have. The new things you learn in each of these classes will set me apart from other individuals," Bovi said. 

UTSA's online degree programs are successful due to several factors, including the quality of the programs, faculty and student support.

"We have very low student-to-faculty ratios. We're able to give a high-level concierge service to our students so that they make it through to graduation," said Suzanna Diaz Rosencrans, UTSA assistant vice provost of academic innovation and director of online marketing and enrollment. 

UTSA's fully online undergraduate degree programs moved from No. 85 in 2023 to No. 57 this year and into the top 20% of the more than 399 ranked institutions, according to U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Best Online Programs list. 

"Our goal is to make the Roadrunner experience available for students who wouldn't be able to have it because of work, family responsibilities or because they can't drop what they're doing and be a full-time student," said Melissa Vito, UTSA vice provost for academic innovation. 

Vito says UTSA is unique because faculty and internal teams are responsible for building online courses and providing personalized student support. Other institutions outsource course development and student support.

"Our approach is that we wanted to make sure it was our faculty, our team, that was helping build the courses, and that our team was helping support students. And so, the experience, though different, has the same level of quality and attention to the personalization piece that we would offer our face-to-face students," Vito said.  

UTSA is continuing to add innovative new online programs that address students' needs, such as the newly launched Digital Media Influence program tailored for students who are interested in creating content to become media influencers.  

"The Digital Media Influence program speaks directly to what our students need and want in the workforce. It's also a great reflection of the technology and the growth in the industry,” Diaz Rosencrans said. 

Bovi is passionate about the growing field of cybersecurity and is eager to take more courses. She plans to graduate by spring 2027.

"I'm excited to continue my education with UTSA and to dive deeper into my cybersecurity journey," Bovi said.


EXPLORE FURTHER
Interested? Get more information on the B.B.A. in Cyber Security from UTSA Online.
⇒ Learn more about the Bold Steps UTSA is taking to establish a new college dedicated to AI.

UTSA is one of a few universities nationally — and the only Hispanic Serving Institution — to hold all three Center for Academic Excellence designations from the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Also, the university holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Tiffany Huertas



UTSA Today is produced by University Strategic Communications,
the official news source
of The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu.


UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.


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UTSA’s Mission

The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.

UTSA’s Vision

To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

UTSA’s Core Values

We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.

UTSA’S Destinations

UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.