UTSA M.S. Business Program

Institution
The University of Texas at San Antonio
State
Texas
Academic Level
Graduate
Issue Area
Academic Program
Key Personnel
Program Focus
Career/Workforce

Overview

The M.S. in Business (MSB) program’s mission is to equip recent college graduates from non-business majors with fundamental business knowledge and focused career coaching to help them take the next step in their career. For the past 3 years, 57% of the students enrolled in the program are of Hispanic descent, compared to 40% graduate Hispanic students in the College of Business. The percentage of Hispanic students has grown to 64% of new MSB students in the 2019-2020 academic year.

Program Description

The MSB program is designed as a 1- year program with flexibility for those that wish/need to complete the program at a slower pace due to personal considerations. The program also offers automatic admission to qualified students which enables the students to be admitted without additional expense (e.g., GMAT/GRE exam fee is waived which avoids time and costs) and refunds the application fee. The College of Business reserves about 15% of the graduate-student scholarships exclusively for MSB students. Scholarships are awarded with consideration of need and first-generation status. In addition, many students receive paid Teaching Assistant or Graduate Assistant positions. Approximately 20% of the MSB students receive scholarships and/or assistantship positions.

Outcome

  • The retention and graduation rates are proof of the effectiveness of the program. Ninety-three percent (93%) of students graduate and are awarded a graduate degree, with 84% of those enrolled in the program graduating within 1 year. MSB alumni achieve an average 35% salary increase after graduation.
  • For the past 3 years, 57% of the students enrolled in the MSB program are of Hispanic descent, compared to 40% graduate Hispanic students in the College of Business. The percentage of Hispanic students has grown to 64% of new MSB students in the 2019- 2020 academic year.
  • Between 20% to 30% of the students who apply to the MSB program each year are referred by a current or former MSB student. The high level of referral – and the high retention and graduation rates – is partly attributed to the comradery created within the cohort and the servant leadership displayed by administrators and faculty members.