UT San Antonio is welcoming more than 42,000 students to its campuses as it kicks off the first week of classes for the fall 2026 semester. That figure includes more than 4,000 students pursuing degrees at the Health Science Center, more than 6,000 Roadrunner freshmen taking their very first courses at the university and approximately 8,000 UT San Antonio students enrolled in programs downtown.
As the 2026-2027 academic year begins, learn more about UT San Antonio’s newest additions, upcoming events and other key developments taking place across the university:
UT San Antonio’s new BS in Health Sciences offers targeted preparation for medical professions.Launching competitive degree programs
To address major needs in the Texas workforce and give graduates a leg up as they pursue their careers, UT San Antonio has launched several notable new degree programs this fall.
More than 88% of Texas counties face a shortage of health professionals. UT San Antonio’s new BS in Health Sciences aims to help communities across the state close that gap. The new degree offers flexibility and targeted preparation for a range of professional medical fields, many of which have the highest job demand in the nation.
The creative arts sector is counting on a pipeline of professionals to sustain its growing production hubs both in San Antonio and across Texas. In response to this demand, UT San Antonio has launched a new MFA in Film and Media. The master’s degree provides emerging filmmakers with the precise technical training they need to secure commercial production jobs upon graduation.
Starting this fall, UT San Antonio will be one of just four universities in the state offering a PhD in Aerospace Engineering — joining Texas A&M, UT Austin and UT Arlington. Powered by vast expertise in hypersonics, UT San Antonio’s doctoral program is setting out to push the boundaries of research in the field, which has an outsized workforce presence throughout the state.
Other new degree programs being launched at UT San Antonio this semester include:
After opening in April, San Pedro II is now hosting classes and other student activities downtown.Opportunities fueled by downtown growth
UT San Antonio’s downtown footprint has expanded considerably in recent years as the university provides students with more opportunities to learn and foster connections in the heart of the city while preparing for their careers. The university’s goal is to have a downtown student population of 10,000 by 2028.
Thousands of Roadrunners will be getting their first glimpse of San Pedro II this week. The university cut the ribbon on the 180,000-square-foot facility on Dolorosa St. in April, and this semester many students are taking their first courses in the new building. San Pedro II’s distinctive learning environment enables students to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world living laboratory.
The new facility will also provide students access to academic support and career preparation programming through the USAA Student Success Center and experiential learning and networking opportunities through the Valero Engagement Center.
While many more Roadrunners will be learning downtown, some are living there as well. Earlier this month, UT San Antonio welcomed approximately 50 students to their new home at The Continental at 322 W. Commerce St. Just steps from San Pedro I and II, the apartment-style community places them within walking distance of classrooms, research spaces, internships and community partners.
The Little Runner now has air-conditioned shuttles and stops at key university locations downtown.What else is new on campus this fall
• To guide students in the classroom and to drive research innovation, UT San Antonio is bringing aboard more than 90 new full-time faculty members across its academic colleges for the 2026–2027 academic year. Of the incoming faculty, 65% earned their highest — or terminal — academic degree from Carnegie R1 institutions, and 30% received their terminal degrees from Association of American Universities (AAU) member institutions.
• Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the university’s new Basketball & Volleyball Training Center, which will celebrate its grand opening later this fall. The state-of-the-art facility will feature two full-sized NCAA practice courts, an athletic training and hydrotherapy space, a weight room, locker rooms, meeting rooms, lounges and offices for the men’s basketball, women’s basketball and volleyball programs.
• The Little Runner, a free downtown shuttle service for the UT San Antonio community, has a new look and a new route this fall. The service has upgraded to accessible, air-conditioned shuttles that make regular stops at university destinations like San Pedro I and II, One Riverwalk Place, the Southwest Campus and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Riders can track real-time shuttle locations through The Runner GPS app.
• Roadrunners can now visit two new on-campus dining locations. Choolaah Indian BBQ at the Main Campus Student Union offers bold new flavors and customizable menu items. At the Downtown Campus, Creekside Market provides a new grab-and-go option for busy Roadrunners at San Pedro II.
Students can enjoy a UT San Antonio exclusive night at Six Flags Fiesta Texas on Friday, Aug. 28.Celebrating the Roadrunner family
UT San Antonio students will have several opportunities to come together this week to ring in the new academic year. The university’s academic colleges and departments will host open houses, fairs and other celebratory events over the coming days.
The Alumni Association will provide a free early bird breakfast on Wednesday morning at the Main Campus. Roadrunners can enjoy free food, giveaways and learn about university resources at Birds Up! Downtown on Thursday afternoon at Bill Miller Plaza.
Roadrunners are also encouraged to cheer on the UTSA soccer team against Texas Southern on Thursday night and get ready for some serious roller coaster riding at the Howdy Rowdy Bash at Six Flags Fiesta Texas on Friday evening.