UTSA Online expands offerings with new graduate programs
UTSA Online this fall launched two new 100% online graduate programs, providing students with the opportunity to earn a master’s degree in multidisciplinary studies and a bilingual education graduate certificate. Both programs offer students flexibility and the chance to learn from world-renowned faculty.
“The multidisciplinary studies master’s degree offers a customizable path for students to build successful careers while having the flexibility to manage family, work and personal responsibilities,” said Suzana Diaz Rosencrans, assistant vice provost for online programs. “Students can tailor their program by combining two graduate certificates, allowing them to create a graduate degree that aligns with their personal interests and career goals.”
“Our new bilingual education program is perfect for busy adults who are passionate about helping emergent bilingual students thrive in the classroom while addressing a critical demand in Texas schools,” added Diaz Rosencrans.
Responding to workforce needs
UTSA Online is designed for students who need flexibility while balancing other responsibilities. Compared to on-campus students, 78% of students enrolled in the university’s fully online programs are 23 or older, 75% work full or part-time, and 41% have children. UTSA Online equips these learners with the skills they need, offering education tailored to their pace and needs.
UTSA Online’s high academic standards are evident in its rise on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs list, moving from No. 85 in 2023 to the top 20%, ranking No. 57 out of more than 399 institutions in 2024. In addition, UTSA Online’s enrollment climbed above 1,000 students for the second consecutive year, showing a 14% increase over Fall 2023.
UTSA’s rise in rankings and growth, Diaz Rosencrans says, is due to the integral role of faculty and the university’s commitment to high-quality curricula and student engagement. Academic innovation collaborates with faculty and academic partners to develop online certificates and degrees that align with workforce needs in San Antonio and beyond. By empowering educators to design hands-on, career-engaged learning experiences, UTSA ensures that graduates are equipped with the critical thinking and technical skills needed for success in today’s job market.
Creating customizable pathways
The new 100% online multidisciplinary studies master’s degree from UTSA allows learners to focus on different interest areas while pursuing their academic goals. In this program, students earn three separate credentials. First, they’ll choose two of UTSA Online’s graduate certificate programs. Once both certification programs are complete, students will also earn a full master’s degree.
UTSA currently offers graduate certificates in bilingual education, data science, facility management, and medical device commercialization, with more in development.
For example, students might combine the data science and medical device commercialization certificates to develop new skills for making better data-driven decisions in healthcare technology. The two focus areas allow students to gain career-ready experience that can lead to innovative product development, better market strategies and improved regulatory compliance.
Addressing the shortage of bilingual teachers
In UTSA’s 100% online bilingual education program, students learn from professors in the UTSA Department of Bicultural-Bilingual Studies, which has been ranked No. 2 nationally in bilingual, multilingual, and multicultural education by Hispanic Outlook Magazine.
“There’s a persistent, high demand for bilingual teachers, and our program is a great place to start if you’re looking to improve your knowledge or begin preparation for bilingual education certification,” said Department Chair Patricia Sánchez. “Our faculty are continuously researching the best methods and practices in the field of bilingual education to provide students with skills they can use to help transform the lives of bilingual students and their families.”
Throughout this program, students will learn assessment strategies, biliteracy teaching methods, effective language model implementation, and how to communicate constructively in a bilingual setting.
“UTSA has some of the best educators in the world, and we’re proud to help play a role in preparing them to do great things for their students everywhere,” Diaz Rosencrans. “Our faculty help set UTSA Online apart. Because of their expertise in their fields, we know our students are receiving a great education that will help them build the life they deserve.”
Learn more about the bilingual education graduate certificate, and the multidisciplinary studies master’s program.
EXPLORE FURTHER
- US News ranks UTSA Online in top 20% of online programs
- Forbes ranks UTSA Online at top 5 in the nation for cybersecurity
- Explore professional and continuing and education opportunities for teachers
By Cari Gold
Edited by Brett Copeland and Auris Calvino
