The Academic Introduction & Strategies (AIS) program offers a set of core curriculum courses required for all first-time freshmen and students entering the university with less than 30 hours. Each student takes one AIS course during their first year at UTSA and it’s a signature part of the Roadrunner First Year Experience.
What to expect in your AIS course
Every AIS course has the same objectives:
- Build and enhance students’ fundamental skills necessary for success in college.
- Explore majors related to students’ interests.
- Engage in career exploration consistent with students’ professional goals.
Every AIS course falls within an Academic Studies section:
While each AIS course has the same objectives, they are organized by different disciplines – what we call Academic Studies -- that map to certain majors. Students are placed in one of the seven AIS courses below based on the Academic Studies section that includes their declared major.
Taught by all AIS faculty
- Multidisciplinary Studies
- Undeclared
Taught by Lauren Riojas-Fitzpatrick
- American Studies
- Art
- Art History and Criticism
- Classical Studies and Humanities
- English
- History
- Medical Humanities
- Mexican American Studies
- Modern Language Studies
- Music
- Philosophy
- Spanish
- Women's Studies
Taught by Judy Dones, Erin O’Brien, and Morgan Grace
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Cyber Security
- Economics
- Finance
- Information Systems
- Management
- Management Science
- Marketing
- Real Estate Finance and Development
- Statistics and Data Science
Taught by Alyssa Vikesland, Karen Engates, and Cande Ramirez III
- Architecture
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Construction Science and Management
- Electrical Engineering
- Geology
- Interior Design
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Physics
Taught by Tinney Leveridge and Aaron Galliher
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Multicultural Early Childhood Development
- Kinesiology – Physical Education
Taught by Rebecca Schroeder, Naomi Rubal, and Elena Camargo
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Environmental Science
- Health
- Kinesiology
- Kinesiology - Athletic Training
- Kinesiology - Kinesiology & Health Science
- Medical Humanities
- Microbiology & Immunology
- Multidisciplinary Science
- Neurobiology
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Public Health - Health Promotion & Behavioral Science
Taught by Mike Newell, Erin O’Brien, Jesse Harasta, and Kate Harrell
- Anthropology
- Communication
- Criminal Justice
- Geography and Environmental Sustainability
- Global Affairs
- History
- Multidisciplinary Studies
- Political Science
- Politics and Law
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health - Epidemiology & Disease Control
- Sociology
Find your AIS course
Not sure about your major or what AIS course is right for you?
AIS Faculty
First-Year Experience
AIS is just one part of your First-Year Experience at UTSA. It also includes mentoring, resources and dedicated support to help you adjust to college and be successful in and outside of your classes.
Two Cents for Success
At the end of every AIS course, your professor will hold a special Two Cents for Success celebration. This tradition is centered around two pennies. Professors hand out cards that have an inscription of the tradition and two pennies attached. The first penny symbolizes the wisdom that you have accumulated throughout your life, and the second represents the experiences, ideas, hopes and fears that encompass your “self.” Together, these pennies signify the “two cents” that you will always have to offer, and that you will carry with you as you continue through college and through life.
“The Two Cents tradition follows you throughout your lifetime, providing you with opportunities to succeed by allowing you to receive and offer information you have learned as a student. Since my freshman year, I've been able to use the tips and methods that my professor provided me in my AIS class throughout my academic career and beyond.”
