UTSA and Tec de Monterrey launch dual master’s program in artificial intelligence

On Tuesday, Taylor Eighmy (left) and David Garza (right) signed an agreement to establish a binational dual master’s degree program in artificial intelligence at UTSA and Tec de Monterrey.

MARCH 13, 2025 — UTSA’s international degree offerings continue to expand. On Tuesday, March 11, UTSA President and UT Health San Antonio Acting President Taylor Eighmy and Executive President of Tecnológio de Monterrey (Tec de Monterrey) David Garza signed an agreement to establish a binational dual master’s degree program in artificial intelligence (AI).

This program marks the second dual degree collaboration between the institutions. The first, a dual master’s degree program in cybersecurity, launched in Fall 2024.

The new program is designed to equip students with cutting-edge skills in artificial intelligence, preparing them for leadership roles across a broad tech landscape. The collaboration leverages the strengths of both institutions, providing students with global industry connections, cutting-edge research opportunities, cross-cultural experience and exposure to diverse AI applications.

Similar to the dual master’s degree program in cybersecurity, students will spend their first year at their home institution and their second year at their host institution. At the end of the two years, students will have two degrees — a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence from UTSA, and a Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence from Tec de Monterrey.

“This new binational dual degree program is so important as we continue to create unparalleled opportunities for our students to excel in this rapidly evolving world of advanced technologies.”

In addition to signing the agreement to establish the dual master’s degree program in AI, the Tec de Monterrey delegation learned more about UTSA’s integration with UT Health San Antonio. They also met with UTSA researchers to discuss joint programming and opportunities for collaboration in core labs at both institutions.

Students who begin at UTSA will take 18 hours of required courses, followed by 16 hours of Tec de Monterrey courses, and complete a research project jointly advised by faculty members from both institutions. All courses at both institutions will be taught in English.

The curriculum is designed to provide foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in data analysis and visualization, machine learning, AI algorithms and real-world applications. Students also have the option to learn about autonomous systems, including self-driving vehicles, robotics, intelligent power networks and smart health technologies, as well as how disruptive technologies impact industries.

The new dual degree program will be part of the UTSA College of AI, Cyber and Computing which will launch in Fall 2025. The college builds on UTSA’s leadership in AI, cybersecurity, data science and related disciplines to address the demands of an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

“We are deeply grateful for this longstanding partnership with Tec de Monterrey as we continue to advance our academic and research enterprise,” Eighmy said. “This new binational dual degree program is so important as we continue to create unparalleled opportunities for our students to excel in this rapidly evolving world of advanced technologies.”

Garza echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in fostering innovation and collaboration. “By working together, we can create a robust pipeline of talent that will drive technological advancements and economic growth in both our regions,” he said.

President Garza’s visit to San Antonio, accompanied by a 13-member delegation from Tec de Monterrey, coincided with their participation in the Council on Competitiveness regional summit held March 10-11 at San Pedro I, home of the UTSA School of Data Science and the National Security Collaboration Center. During their visit, the delegation also discussed UTSA’s merger with UT Health San Antonio and addressed the implementation of the new dual degree program in AI. Additionally, they met with UTSA researchers to discuss joint programming and opportunities for collaboration in core labs at both institutions.

UTSA and Tec de Monterrey’s partnership dates back to 1997 when the institutions signed their first affiliate agreement. Today, their collaboration spans four UTSA colleges, 10 academic departments, core research labs, the School of Data Science, and the UTSA Institute for Economic Development. Their joint efforts address critical challenges in AI, data science, cybersecurity, quantum computing, health and biology, advanced materials, and economic development, preparing the next generation of leaders in both the U.S. and Mexico.

UTSA is committed to global partnerships, with strong ties to more than 25 universities across Central and South America, the majority of which are in Mexico. With more than 100 international agreements spanning 30 countries and 80 institutions, UTSA fosters academic excellence worldwide.

— KC Gonzalez