The Texas A&M System Board of Regents approved several new degree programs, development of a new autism institute and the 2022 Fiscal Year budget for Texas A&M University-San Antonio at their meeting Aug. 26.
The board approved an operating budget of $123.84 million for A&M-San Antonio, compared with $92.1 million in Fiscal Year 2021. Kathy Funk-Baxter, vice president for business affairs, said in an email to The Mesquite the amount increased mainly because of new federal funding from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding.
Along with the fiscal budget, Regents greenlighted six new degree programs:
- Bachelor of Science in applied behavior analysis
- Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in chemistry
- Master of Science in applied behavior analysis
- Master of Science in criminology and criminal justice
- Master of Science in cyber security
- Master of Science in psychology
The approvals of these programs are a “significant milestone for A&M-San Antonio,” said University President Cynthia Teniete-Matson in an Aug. 27 email to faculty and staff. She noted that these degrees will be useful as many employers in the area require advanced training.
All programs must receive approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The programs are set to launch fall 2022.
The board approved establishment of the A&M-San Antonio Institute for Autism and Related Disorders.
Matson said in the email the institute will be used for research, education and other services that will be provided to school districts, teachers, children, couples and families.
The institute will focus on serving those in south Bexar County who are below poverty income level, Matson said.
