Over the last decade, UTSA has taken several steps to stake its claim as a leader in the forward-looking fields of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), data science and computing.
In 2014, the university’s cyber security degree program emerged as a power player when it was deemed the best in the nation in a prominent professional survey. A few years later, UTSA became one of only a handful of universities to earn all three National Center of Excellence designations from the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The university went on to establish its School of Data Science in 2018, which is still the only school of its kind at a Carnegie R1 U.S. Hispanic Serving Institution. UTSA then completed a cluster hiring of new faculty members dedicated to generating positive AI solutions in 2019 that led to the creation of MATRIX: The UTSA AI Consortium for Human Well-Being in 2020. And in 2023, UTSA opened San Pedro I, placing the School of Data Science, National Security Collaboration Center and several other notable AI and computing researchers in the heart of San Antonio’s downtown tech corridor.
Now, as AI advancements have become more prevalent and are increasingly converging with cyber, computing and data science, UTSA will amplify its strengths in these vital areas to address the demands of an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
UTSA has announced plans to launch the College of AI, Cyber and Computing, advancing the university’s strategic vision to integrate emerging technologies with interdisciplinary collaborations. Slated to formally launch in fall 2025, the new college is expected to enroll more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Its faculty and staff will work closely with employers and community partners to align its academic programming with workforce needs, ensuring UTSA graduates are well-prepared for surging career opportunities.
“Our newest college is at the epicenter of the digital convergence that will shape the future, as it focuses on thought leadership, new innovations, transdisciplinary collaboration and future applications of AI, computing and data science,” says UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “Moreover, this first-of-its-kind college reinforces our position as a leader across disciplines, driving the workforce and economic development that our city, state and nation need.”
As the college takes shape, UTSA will continue engaging with stakeholders to ensure its programs, partnerships and initiatives reflect the needs of the university and the community.
Fueling workforce growth in San Antonio
A focus on workforce development will be a cornerstone of the new college, as demand for expertise in AI, cybersecurity, computing and data science continues to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in data science and cybersecurity alone is projected to exceed 35% by 2031, with millions of positions opening worldwide in these and related fields.
Building on the success of the School of Data Science, the establishment of the College of AI, Cyber and Computing represents the university’s next step in meeting the region’s growing demand for skilled professionals. As a key component of UTSA’s downtown expansion, the college will serve as a dynamic hub for education and research while deepening UTSA’s connections with industry and government partners.
“UTSA’s commitment to innovation is deeply tied to our role as a catalyst for economic growth in San Antonio and beyond,” says UTSA Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Shipley. “By anchoring the new college downtown and aligning its programs with workforce needs, we’re creating unparalleled opportunities for our students and amplifying our city’s reputation as a destination for top talent and innovation.”
Headquartered at the UTSA Downtown Campus in San Pedro I and the under-construction San Pedro II, the college will expand UTSA’s role as a cornerstone of San Antonio’s tech ecosystem. By fostering strong ties with local and national partners, UTSA is further solidifying San Antonio’s position as the largest information security hub outside Washington, D.C.
Most notably, Shipley adds, these collaborations will offer students hands-on learning opportunities, including internships, research and real-world projects, ensuring they graduate with the skills to excel in high-demand fields.
Focus areas
The UTSA College of AI, Cyber and Computing will comprise four specialized departments, structured to maximize the university’s expertise and collaboration across computer science, computer engineering, information systems, cyber security, data science and statistics. These departments will prepare students for high-demand careers while advancing UTSA’s role as a research powerhouse. Aligning these departments will also allow UTSA to respond swiftly to emerging technologies and market needs.
“The nexus of disciplines will accelerate innovation across industries by creating smarter, more secure and efficient systems,” Eighmy says. “The rapid pace of technological advancement makes it critically important to integrate cyber into the foundation of AI and data operations.”
Academic programs in the new college
A department focused on computer science will combine UTSA’s existing degrees and a newly approved undergraduate program in software engineering.
- Computer Science (B.S., M.S. and Ph.D.)
- Software Engineering (B.S.)
Addressing critical security needs, a department focused on information systems and cyber security will offer these degrees.
- Applied Cyber Analytics (B.S.)
- Cyber Security (B.B.A.)
- Cyber Security – Information Technology (M.S.)
- Cyber Security Science (M.S.)
- Information Systems (B.B.A.)
- Information Technology (M.S. and Ph.D.)
Bridging software and hardware, a department focused on computer engineering will house degrees in computer engineering and artificial intelligence.
- Artificial Intelligence (B.S., M.S.-MDST)
- Computer Engineering (B.S., M.S. and Ph.D.)
A department focused on data science, analytics and statistics will drive innovation in data-driven decision-making.
- Applied Data Science (B.A.)
- Applied Statistics (Ph.D.)
- Data Analytics (M.S.)
- Data Science (B.S.-MDST)
- Statistics and Data Science (B.S. and M.S.)
Advancing research and collaboration
The new college structure also will provide students with unparalleled opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research and will foster collaboration and innovation among university faculty and researchers, Shipley adds.
The college will align closely with two university-level research centers to expand its impact. MATRIX: The UTSA AI Consortium for Human Well-Being is dedicated to transformative research on designing and deploying AI technologies to enhance human life. It fosters a transdisciplinary approach to preparing future leaders with forward-looking, sustainable solutions. Similarly, the Open Cloud Institute supports university-wide initiatives in cloud computing, data science, AI and machine learning, driving innovation and discovery across multiple domains.
The College of AI, Cyber and Computing also will unite three UTSA research centers — the Institute for Cyber Security (ICS), the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS) and the Cyber Center for Security and Analytics — under one administrative home. Collectively, these centers will drive innovation and address critical societal challenges.
“By integrating and aligning these centers, the new college will amplify UTSA’s ability to secure competitive funding, foster transdisciplinary partnerships and deliver real-world solutions,” Shipley says. “This collective expertise positions the college as a national leader in addressing the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly digital and interconnected world.”
How UTSA's research centers accelerate cybersecurity efforts
ICS
Leads groundbreaking studies in cybersecurity models, architectures and technologies, with a focus on doctoral education and partnerships across academia, government and industry.
CIAS
Enhances state and community cybersecurity capabilities through grassroots initiatives, education and training, while fostering a culture of preparedness nationwide.
The Cyber Center
Bridges cybersecurity and data science to deliver practical solutions in machine learning, cyber forensics and advanced cyberinfrastructure, serving as a trusted partner for public and private organizations.
