UTSA unveils plans for new AI and cybersecurity college

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has announced plans to launch its new College of AI, Cyber and Computing in fall 2025, bringing together artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science programs under one administrative structure.

Key details of the initiative: UTSA’s new college represents a strategic move to integrate emerging technologies and expand its existing School of Data Science programs.

• The college is expected to enroll more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students
• A national search for the founding dean will begin in January 2024
• The college will be located at UTSA’s Downtown Campus in the San Pedro I and II buildings

Academic structure and focus areas: The college will organize its curriculum around four primary departments to address the growing demand for technology professionals.

• Computer science department
• Computer engineering department, offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees in artificial intelligence
• Information systems and cybersecurity department
• Data science and statistics department
• All departments will offer programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels

Research and innovation centers: The new college will integrate several existing research centers to strengthen UTSA’s technological capabilities.

• AI Consortium for Human Well-Being
• Open Cloud Institute
• Institute for Cyber Security
• Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security
• Cyber Center for Security and Analytics

Workforce development and economic impact: The college aims to address significant projected growth in technology sector employment and strengthen San Antonio’s position in the cybersecurity landscape.

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 35% job growth in data science and cybersecurity by 2031
• San Antonio is positioned to become the largest information security hub outside of Washington, D.C.
• The college will offer hands-on learning opportunities through partnerships with private and government sectors

Leadership perspective: Key university officials emphasize the strategic importance of this new college for both the institution and the region.

• UTSA President Taylor Eighmy highlights the college’s role in driving digital convergence and innovation
• Provost Heather Shipley emphasizes how the downtown location will create opportunities for students and enhance San Antonio’s reputation as a technology hub

Strategic implications: The establishment of this college positions UTSA to play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology education and innovation in Texas, while potentially influencing the broader landscape of integrated technology education across the United States.