University College offers the following programs:
- Master of Arts Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies
- M.S. in Artificial Intelligence (moved)
- Dual M.D./M.S. in Artificial Intelligence (moved)
- Master of Science Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies
- Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Translational Science
- Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Quantum Information Science and Engineering
- Graduate Certificate in Teaching
Master of Arts Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Multidisciplinary Studies (MDST) is a professional degree that can enhance career path development and help students develop specific marketable skills needed to advance their careers. One additional benefit to the multidisciplinary nature of the M.A. in MDST is that it can help eliminate the barriers encountered with traditional M.A. programs that restrict students to one area of expertise. This stackable certificate program prepares students with fundamental and advanced knowledge and skills for the workforce.
MDST students will design a degree plan that builds on personal interests, academic strengths, and career opportunities. The degree plan pairs graduate certificates in two academic disciplines that enrich students’ marketable skills. At least one of the graduate certificates must be outside the science field to qualify for the M.A. degree. Otherwise, please see the information below on the Master of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies program.
The M.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies is also offered in a 100 percent online format.
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to the University-wide graduate admission requirements, admission decisions will be based on a combination of the following:
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A bachelor’s degree in the fields related to the certificate programs of interest.
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A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last 60 semester credit hours of coursework.
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A minimum score of 79 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT or 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), for students whose native language is not English.
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A current résumé with employment or other experience.
Submission of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional. A student who does not qualify for unconditional admission may be admitted on a conditional basis as determined by the Admissions Committee.
Degree Requirements
To earn the M.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies degree, students must complete 30 semester credit hours. Students should complete two certificate programs as prescribed. No more than 3 semester credit hours of independent study should be included. Depending on the selected certificate pairing, 3 to 6 semester credit hours of graduate-level courses that align with the certificates may be taken as approved by the Graduate Advisor of Record. To satisfy the comprehensive examination requirement, candidates for the M.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies will be required to complete a course designated from one of the concentrations selected (certificate areas) or MDS 6833 with a grade of “B” (3.0) or better.
Master of Science Degree in Artificial Intelligence
The Master of Science Degree in Artificial Intelligence has moved to the College of AI, Cyber and Computing.
Dual Doctor of Medicine and Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
The Dual Doctor of Medicine and Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence has moved to the College of AI, Cyber and Computing.
Master of Science Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Multidisciplinary Studies (MDST) is a professional degree that prepares students with a diverse academic background—including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health, and social science—to combine their knowledge into one career, including consulting, systems engineering, information systems management, and data analyst. This professional degree program is designed to prepare graduate students across multiple disciplines with fundamental science, health, and engineering knowledge and skills for the workforce.
MDST students will design a degree plan that builds on personal interests, academic strengths, and career opportunities. The degree plan pairs graduate certificates in two academic disciplines that enrich students’ marketable skills. Both of the graduate certificates must be within the science field to qualify for the M.S. degree. Otherwise, please see the information above on the Master of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies program.
The M.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies is also offered in a 100 percent online format.
Program Admission Requirements
In addition to the University-wide graduate admission requirements, admission decisions will be based on a combination of the following:
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A minimum score of 79 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT or 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), for students whose native language is not English.
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A current résumé with employment or other experience.
Submission of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional. A student who does not qualify for unconditional admission may be admitted on a conditional basis as determined by the Admissions Committee.
Degree Requirements
To earn the M.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies degree, students must complete 30 semester credit hours. Students should complete two certificate programs as prescribed. No more than 3 semester credit hours of independent study should be included. Depending on the selected certificate pairing, 3 to 6 semester credit hours of graduate-level courses that align with the certificates may be taken as approved by the Graduate Advisor of Record. To satisfy the comprehensive examination requirement, candidates for the M.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies will be required to complete a course designated from one of the concentrations selected (certificate areas) or MDS 6833 with a grade of “B” (3.0) or better.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Translational Science
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Translational Science (TS) at The University of Texas at San Antonio is offered through a joint graduate program with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) and The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). The program is designed to use the existing resources and expertise in specific key areas of each university to offer a strong, diverse, and competitive Translational Science Ph.D. program. The TS Ph.D. will prepare the next generation of scientists to lead the multidisciplinary biomedical research teams of the future in increasingly complex research environments. Areas of research emphasis/excellence include, but are not limited to: Hispanic health, military medicine, comprehensive cancer research, aging and longevity, obesity and diabetes/metabolic syndrome, infectious diseases, addiction, and targeted drug delivery. The Ph.D. degree in Translational Science will be awarded to candidates who have displayed an in-depth understanding of the subject matter and demonstrated the ability to make an original contribution to knowledge in their specialized area of study.
The regulations for this degree comply with the general University regulations (refer to Student Policies, General Academic Regulations, and the Graduate Catalog, Doctoral Degree Regulations).
Admission Requirements
The TS Ph.D. is an advanced scientific research doctoral program. In addition to satisfying the University-wide graduate admission requirements (refer to Student Policies, Admission Policies), the following admission requirements will be applied to all applicants:
- Completion of, or enrollment in, an advanced professional degree (e.g., M.D., D.O., D.D.S., M.S.N., Pharm.D.), completion of a master’s or doctoral degree, preferably in a health-related, science, public health, or social science discipline, or enrollment as an M.D./Ph.D. student with successful completion of the two-year pre-clinical curriculum. Enrollment/graduation must be from an accredited college or university in the United States, or proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the professional and/or graduate work.
- A valid TOEFL/ IELTS/ Duolingo score less than two years old at the time of submitted application is required. Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT score, with a score of at least an 84; a score of 7.0 on the Academic Examination of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS); or a score of 115 for the Duolingo English Test for applicants whose native language is not English. Applicants whose scores fall below the minimum requirement will be further assessed for English comprehension skills. TOEFL may be waived for applicants whose post-secondary education was conducted with English as the language of instruction. ECFMG certified physicians will also be granted a TOEFL waiver. NOTE: Consistent with Texas Education Code, Section 51.842(b), an applicant’s standardized test scores, when used to make admission or scholarship decisions, will be compared with scores of other applicants from similar socioeconomic backgrounds, to the extent such information is available.
- Official documentation of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or an equivalent, is not required. However, should an applicant submit the GRE score, it will be considered along with the other admission criteria, but will not be used as the sole criterion when making admission decisions. Scores for GRE tests taken more than five years prior to the date of application are not valid and should not be part of the application.
- A personal statement (1–3 pages) that describes the applicant’s past training and experience, future career goals and objectives, scientific research interest, and how the TS Ph.D. program will prepare them to achieve their stated research interest and career goals. The Personal Statement should include, but is not limited to:
- A statement of the applicant’s background and purpose for applying to the TS Ph.D. program.
- Applicant’s interest in and commitment to a translational science career.
- Applicant’s potential to develop into a successful scientist, as evidenced by research training/experience, prior publications, etc.
- Research interest and its applicability to the TS Ph.D. program.
- Identification of a potential Supervising Professor, if applicable.
- Career goals and how the TS Ph.D. program will contribute to their attainment.
- Recommendation Forms and letters of recommendation from three (3) faculty or other individuals who are familiar with and can provide information about the applicant’s academic, research, and/or professional abilities and performance, in addition to the applicant’s potential to succeed in a doctoral program and develop into an independent research investigator.
- A current curriculum vitae.
- A copy of the applicant’s U.S. medical or other health professional license or certificate, if applicable.
Full-time students accepted for the program are eligible to apply for financial support in the form of competitive teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or research fellowships.
Applications must be submitted online. A complete application includes the application form, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, curriculum vitae, a copy of the health professions license/certificate (if applicable), and a personal statement. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores, or waiver request, are required for applicants whose native language is not English. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The TS Committee on Graduate Studies (TS COGS), with members from each of the participating institutions, is responsible for reviewing applications for admission and selecting the most qualified applicants. Authorization of Security Background and Sanction check is required before a recommendation for admission consideration.
Degree Requirements
The degree requires a minimum of 72 semester credit hours beyond the master’s or professional degree. The curriculum consists of core courses (24 semester credit hours), elective courses (18 semester credit hours), and a minimum of 30 semester credit hours of combined research and dissertation hours that are required for the completion of the TS Ph.D. degree. The Translational Science Ph.D. Program also offers a Data Science track defined as 12 semester credit hours, which are counted toward the 72 hours of graduate coursework required to complete the program. Students will work with a graduate advisor or the supervising professor to complete an individualized degree plan that will meet the student’s research interests and goals. Using the individualized degree plan as a guide, courses may be taken at any participating institution with the written approval of the graduate advisor or supervising professor.
Any grade lower than a “B” in a graduate course will not count toward the minimum number of required semester credit hours. Students matriculating with a master’s degree may use up to 30 semester credit hours toward the degree, provided the courses are comparable to the core and elective courses and are approved by the TS Committee on Graduate Studies.
Advancement to Candidacy
TS Ph.D. students will advance to candidacy after completing and receiving an overall grade of "Pass" on each of their written and oral qualifying examinations. The Qualifying Examination will be administered before the start of dissertation research, and admission to candidacy will be contingent on receiving an overall grade of "Pass" on each component. Methods for administration of the qualifying exam will be written and oral. The exam will be comprehensive and will include questions covering:
- Knowledge/Information gained through the translational science coursework, and
- The basic knowledge required for the chosen area of research.
The format of the exam and composition of the Qualifying Examination Committee (QEC) will be determined by the TS COGS. Additional criteria may be set by the home institution, such as approval by an institution-specific committee, such as a Graduate Studies Committee (GSC), in addition to the TS COGS. At a minimum, each QEC will have representatives from two UT institutions and at least one graduate faculty member from a discipline outside the student’s main area of study. The QEC will administer the qualifying exam at a set date and time, will utilize the results as the basis for evaluating the student’s performance, and will report its judgment of performance to the TS COGS and the home institution’s committee, if applicable.
The qualifying exam is composed of two parts:
- Written Exam on Course Content: The written exam is a series of assignments designed to test the student’s background in translational science and their ability to apply this knowledge to research and core didactic coursework. Students will have up to three weeks to complete the written portion of the qualifying exam:
- The exam will be a take-home exam, and a three week period will be allowed for completion.
- The exam will include one question per domain in the TS Ph.D. curriculum (eight questions total). The instructor for the course taken by the student to fulfill the course requirement for each domain will write the question.
- The response to each question will be limited to 1,000 words. Literature citations are not part of the word count. Students who wish to add exhibits or other addenda must get prior approval from the instructor/question writer.
- Responses will be typed and submitted electronically as a PDF file.
- Students will not be released from lab or class responsibilities while they are completing this portion of the qualifying exam.
- The Written Exam will be scheduled at a time mutually agreed upon by the student, the Supervising Professor, and the participating instructors/question writers and graders.
- Dissertation Proposal: The Dissertation Proposal will consist of the Written Dissertation Proposal and the Oral Exam on the Dissertation Proposal. The Dissertation Committee, chaired by the Supervising Professor, will be responsible for evaluating and grading these components.
- Written Dissertation Proposal: The student will prepare a written research proposal that will be the basis for the dissertation research. The Dissertation Proposal will be submitted to the Dissertation Committee at a time mutually agreed upon by the student and the Dissertation Committee, but at least two weeks prior to the scheduling of the Oral Exam.
- Oral Exam on Dissertation Research Proposal: The oral exam will consist of a presentation of the Dissertation Proposal (a preliminary explanation of the proposed research project which will be defended at the completion of the dissertation) and should include background, methods, and proposed analyses. The relevance of the proposed research to Translational Science must also be addressed. QE Assessment Forms are available online. It is recommended that students review the assessment forms to ensure that all criteria are met. The Dissertation Committee, through questioning, will engage the candidate in a discussion of the proposed research to delineate the strengths and weaknesses of the approach. The oral exam will follow the submission of the written Dissertation Proposal and will be scheduled at a time mutually agreed upon by the student and the Dissertation Committee.
Students who do not pass the qualifying exam will have their performance reviewed by the QEC. If the qualifying exam is not passed, the QEC may recommend:
- Specific remediation in areas that require further study, including taking further coursework
- The student be allowed to retake the qualifying exam or section(s) of the exam, as appropriate
- The student be dismissed from the graduate program
Students who retake the qualifying exam and who do not pass it on the second attempt will be dismissed from the TS Ph.D. program. Any student wishing to transfer to a master’s program will be responsible for identifying an appropriate program and applying.
Dissertation
Candidates must demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research by completing and defending an original dissertation. The research topic is determined by the student in consultation with the supervising professor and the Dissertation Committee. A student must choose a Dissertation Committee by the end of the second semester of study or within 90 days following the student’s admission to candidacy. The Dissertation Committee will include at least four members, but may have additional members if required by the Graduate School of the student’s home institution. Minimum Dissertation Committee requirements are:
- The Supervising Professor, who will act as the Chair
- Graduate faculty from the TS Ph.D. program from the student’s home institution
- Graduate faculty from the TS Ph.D. program from a second institution participating in the joint degree program
- A member from an outside institution who is not part of the TS Ph.D. program and is an expert in the student’s dissertation field
Approval of the Dissertation Committee and the completed dissertation will follow the guidelines established by the Graduate School of the student’s home institution. Refer to the TS PhD Student Handbook for further information on dissertation requirements.
Final Oral Examination (Defense of Dissertation)
Completion of the dissertation will require a satisfactory final oral examination, as evaluated and approved by the Dissertation Committee. The final oral examination will cover aspects of the dissertation, information derived from the general field of the dissertation research, and other parts of the student’s individualized curriculum as determined by the Dissertation Committee. The relevance of the dissertation to the field of Translational Science will also be evaluated. Satisfactory completion of the final oral examination will be evaluated based on whether the student has:
- Completed all work assigned by the Dissertation Committee
- Passed all examinations, including the final oral examination
- Completed the minimum requirements as outlined in the student’s individualized curriculum plan
- Completed a dissertation that meets the criteria outlined above for independent investigation and contribution to the scientific discipline
- Submitted an approved abstract for publication
Following a thorough review of the completion of these requirements, the Dissertation Committee will sign the approval sheets and provide an official recommendation to the TS COGS regarding the award of the doctoral degree.
If the dissertation is considered meritorious by a majority vote of the TS COGS, the TS COGS will accept the Dissertation Committee’s approval and then inform the Graduate School of the student’s home institution. Awarding of the degree is based on the approval of the Dissertation Committee, approved by the Dean. The UT San Antonio Dean of the Graduate School certifies the completion of all University-wide requirements. The TS COGS will also inform the Graduate Schools of the other UT components.
Program of Study
The TS Ph.D. curriculum is designed to meet requirements and display expertise in eight educational domains:
- Translational Science
- Responsible Conduct
- Research Design and Analysis
- Team Science and Leadership
- Multi-level Cultural Proficiency
- Scientific Communication
- Business of Translational Science
- Evidence-based Implementation and Policy
Refer to the UT Health Catalog and TS PhD Student Handbook for further information on program requirements.
Course List Code | Title | Credit Hours |
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Total Credit Hours | 72 |
Graduate Certificate in Data Science
The Graduate Certificate in Data Science has moved to the Department of Statistics and Data Science.
Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies
The National Security Studies Certificate program is designed to recognize and empower students who are dedicated to the study of national and international security matters. This program offers students the opportunity to cultivate a holistic understanding of security studies, fostering interdisciplinary expertise and practical experience in various facets of this dynamic field.
Admissions Requirements
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Applicants should have a B.A. or B.S. degree, or be in their junior year of their degree in closely related fields with a minimum GPA of 3.00.
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All other applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Program Highlights:
- Interdisciplinary Expertise: The National Security Studies certificate program provides a well-rounded education encompassing a wide range of subjects, including diplomacy, law, economics, history, public policy, defense, and intelligence. It encourages students to explore the multifaceted nature of security, delving into topics such as homeland security, international affairs, international development, human rights, war, conflict, peace, and related fields.
- Professional Development: This certificate program is geared towards equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in careers related to national security. It places a strong emphasis on practical experience, preparing graduates for roles in government agencies, international organizations, private sector firms, and nonprofit organizations.
- Flexibility: Our program is designed to accommodate the needs of both full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility in scheduling and course selection. This allows individuals to pursue the certificate alongside their other academic or professional commitments.
- Expert Faculty: Students will benefit from the expertise of distinguished faculty members with extensive experience in the field of national security. Our instructors are dedicated to fostering a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of security studies.
- Networking Opportunities: The National Security Studies certificate program provides a platform for students to connect with peers who share their passion for national security issues. It also offers opportunities for networking with professionals and experts in the field through seminars, workshops, and events.
Certificate Program Requirements
To earn the Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies, students must complete 9 semester credit hours as follows.
Course List
Code |
Title |
Credit Hours |
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| Introduction to National Security Studies | |
| National Security Law and Ethics | |
| Leadership in the Global Arena | |
| Understanding Global Hotspots | |
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| The Role of U.S. Intelligence in National Security | |
| National Security and Human-Digital Technology Relationships | |
| International Politics and Cyber Security | |
| Global Security | |
| International Relations and World Politics | |
| Public Policy Process | |
| Strategic Management | |
Total Credit Hours | 9 |
Graduate Certificate in Quantum Information Science and Engineering
This 15 semester credit hour graduate certificate in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) is designed to meet the needs of prospective students interested in developing specialized skills in quantum technologies. The purpose of this certificate is to provide professionals who already have undergraduate degrees with graduate-level instruction in quantum information science and engineering as a means of advancing and promoting their professional development in this rapidly growing field.
Quantum information science is an interdisciplinary subject; therefore, the certificate program is designed to provide graduates with coursework in quantum computing, quantum hardware design, and quantum sensing, enhancing their expertise in areas outside of their undergraduate major.
Description of Certificate Program
The prerequisites for this program are a bachelor’s degree with a current status as a degree-seeking or special student in a graduate-level program. To maintain enrollment in the certificate program, students should maintain a 3.0 grade point average throughout tenure in the program. No more than 3 semester credit hours may be transferred from another institution.
Admission Requirements
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Required Degree: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.
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Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Departments may consider the GPA of the last 60 semester credit hours.
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Transcripts: Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English.
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Credential Evaluation: Required if the student has earned university-level credit from foreign institutions. Submit an evaluation of transcripts from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) directly from the graduate admission application platform.
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English Language Proficiency: 550 TOEFL Paper / 79 TOEFL Internet / 6.5 IELTS / Duolingo 100.
Certificate Program Requirements
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Quantum Information Science and Engineering, students must complete 15 semester credit hours as follows.
Course List Code | Title | Credit Hours |
| Introduction to Quantum Information | |
| Quantum Sensing | |
| Quantum Computing | |
| Quantum Cybersecurity | |
| Quantum Machine Learning | |
| Quantum Mechanics I | |
| Quantum Logic | |
| Topics in Applied Mathematics (Quantum Information Theory) | |
Total Credit Hours | 15 |
Graduate Certificate in Teaching
The Graduate Certificate in Teaching is housed within University College and in partnership with the Graduate School and various colleges. The 9-semester-credit-hour certificate coursework offers students unique preparation for careers involving teaching and provides certification of training for graduate teaching. *Please note that this is not a Texas Educator teacher certification program.
Admission Requirements
- Current admission as a UT San Antonio doctoral student or postdoctoral fellow
- Completion of 9 graduate hours of approved UT San Antonio coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or above
Certificate Program Requirements
To earn the Graduate Certificate in Teaching, students must complete 9 semester credit hours as follows:
Course List Code | Title | Credit Hours |
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| Theory of Curriculum and Instruction | |
| Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment | |
| Instructional Strategies and Learning to Teach in Higher Education | |
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| Teaching Anthropology | |
| Special Problems | |
| Theory and Practice of Teaching Composition | |
| Doctoral Teaching Seminar | |
| Online Learning and Teaching | |
Total Credit Hours | 9 |