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.
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.
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.
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