San Antonio, July 29, 2025
News Summary
The University of Texas A&M-San Antonio has received approval to start a new fully online doctoral program focusing on educational leadership, set to launch in fall 2026. Developed in response to community needs, this program will require 54 credits and will accommodate working professionals with classes offered evenings and weekends. The initiative emphasizes the university’s commitment to enhancing education and leadership roles in Bexar County schools.
San Antonio
The University of Texas A&M-San Antonio has received unanimous approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to launch a new doctoral program, set to begin in fall 2026. The program, designed to be completely online, is aimed at meeting the educational needs in the community and enhancing leadership roles within the education sector.
The doctoral program will require students to complete 54 credits to earn their degree. Classes are scheduled to be held in the evenings and on weekends, making it accessible for working professionals and those involved in other commitments. The design of the program’s curriculum was developed with significant input from community stakeholders, including representatives from various school districts in south Bexar County, ensuring that it addresses pressing educational needs in the region.
University President Salvador Hector Ochoa indicated that the program not only prepares students for leadership roles in education but also reflects the university’s strong commitment to community engagement. He emphasized the importance of adapting educational leadership to the specific needs of the community.
Dr. Emma Savage-Davis, the dean of the College of Education & Human Development, pointed out that this program seeks to reshape leadership within the PK–12 educational spectrum. This focus reflects a growing recognition of the importance of effective educational leadership in fostering student success and addressing the challenges faced by schools today.
The program will be staffed by sixteen existing faculty members who will be responsible for teaching core courses and supporting dissertation research. This team brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that aims to enrich the learning environment for doctoral candidates.
The initiative is part of the university’s broader mission to enhance educational opportunities in the region and ensure that its programs remain relevant to the needs of the community it serves. The program will feature specializations that focus on various leadership pathways within education, further tailoring the learning experience to the aspirations of the students.
This announcement follows a recent board meeting held in Austin, where the approval of the doctoral program was first reported.
Key Features of the Doctoral Program
- Program Start: Fall 2026
- Credits Required: 54 credits
- Delivery Format: Fully online
- Class Timing: Evenings and weekends
- Faculty Involvement: Sixteen faculty members
- Specializations: Focus on leadership pathways in education
Background on the University
The University of Texas A&M-San Antonio is dedicated to meeting educational demands while fostering a community-oriented environment. Its commitment to addressing local educational challenges is echoed by its various programs and initiatives aimed at transforming the landscape of education in Bexar County and beyond.
FAQ Section
What is the new doctoral program at the University of Texas A&M-San Antonio?
The new doctoral program will focus on educational leadership and is set to launch in fall 2026.
How many credits are required for the doctoral degree?
Students will need to complete 54 credits to earn their doctoral degree.
When will classes be offered?
Classes will be held in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working professionals.
Who will teach the doctoral courses?
The program will be taught by sixteen existing faculty members from the university.
What specializations will the program offer?
The doctoral program will offer specializations focused on leadership pathways in education.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT News: Texas A&M-San Antonio Launch
- Wikipedia: Educational Leadership
- CultureMap: UTSA Graduate School News
- Google Search: UTSA Graduate School Ranking
- KSAT News: UTSA Professor Doctorate Journey
- Google Scholar: UTSA Doctorate Programs
- Spectrum News: San Antonio Man in Ph.D. Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Doctorate Programs
- NY Times: San Antonio NBA Coaching Program
- Google News: NBA Coaching Programs
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