Students at Texas A&M University-San Antonio will have new opportunities to pursue careers in medicine, biomedical research and other health professions as the University will launch a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences in Fall 2027. The program will be housed in the Department of Natural Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Developed in response to strong student interest in health- and medical-related careers, the degree will build on the University’s strengths in biology and its growing research initiatives. Students will explore the science behind human health and disease while preparing for a range of career and educational pathways in the health sciences.
The new program reflects A&M-San Antonio’s broader investment in health sciences education, supported by new facilities and partnerships designed to address the health care needs of South Texas. Utilizing current faculty expertise, the program’s courses and training will be housed in the Science and Technology Building
“We recognized the need to expand our course offerings to include a greater focus on biomedical sciences,” said Davida Smyth, chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and professor of Biology. “San Antonio boasts one of the largest and fastest-growing biomedical industries in the country, and this new degree program is designed with biomedical careers in mind. We’re excited that our students will have the opportunity to complete internships and undergraduate research and graduate with skills needed for success as they contribute to medical technologies and advancements.”
The degree also aligns with a joint affiliation agreement among A&M-San Antonio, the Texas A&M Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine and University Health. University Health recently opened the VIDA clinic next to campus and plans to open the neighboring Palo Alto Hospital in 2027.
The partnership is designed to expand health sciences education and clinical training opportunities. As part of the agreement, Texas A&M College of Medicine students and faculty will have classroom and office space in the University’s $55 million Public Health and Education Building, which celebrated its grand opening on Oct. 21. The facility brings together academic programs, research laboratories and community-focused initiatives.
The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences complements the undergraduate degree in Public Health, as both programs support the University’s growing research efforts. This includes the Public Health Genetics and Genomics Group, which is studying health challenges affecting South Texas communities, including childhood obesity and factors contributing to diabetes and other metabolic conditions.
With the addition of biomedical sciences, A&M-San Antonio will offer 40 undergraduate and 24 graduate degree programs. The University is also developing a Ph.D. in Integrative Genetics and Genomics, which would be its first doctoral program in the natural sciences and further expand its research and graduate education capabilities. Other academic programs in the works include electrical engineering, health care administration, computer engineering, and construction engineering technology.