Posted on September 8, 2025 by Rebekah Alegria
STEM-designated degree builds a pipeline for high-demand analytical careers and PhD study
College Launches Master of Science in Business Research
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The Carlos Alvarez College of Business at UT San Antonio has introduced a new Master of Science in Business Research (MSBR) program, designed for students seeking research-focused careers or interested in pursuing a doctoral degree.
As a STEM-designated program, the MSBR serves as a research-intensive alternative to the MBA or other domain specific master’s program. Students take seminar courses alongside PhD cohorts, work closely with faculty on projects and develop advanced quantitative and research skills that prepare them for both the workplace and further doctoral programs. The degree can be completed in as little as 16 months, and—if accepted into an Alvarez business PhD program—students may apply up to 30 credit hours from the MSBR toward doctoral requirements.
“The MSBR program provides students with a rigorous foundation in quantitative and research methods, along with the flexibility to pursue specialized concentrations or cross-disciplinary electives that prepare them for careers in consulting or doctoral studies,” said Rodrigo Vélez, professor of economics and academic director of XQuant@ACOB. “Through XQuant, a $2.8 million, five-year U.S. Department of Education–funded initiative in the college, we are creating a support system based on coaching and mentoring to boost student success. XQuant also provides eligible low-income MSBR students with scholarships, expanding pathways to high-paying careers for students from low-income and other underserved backgrounds.”
In addition to coursework, students benefit from early support and mentoring through XQuant. Resources include a pre-program math and statistics bootcamp, one-on-one academic coaching and PhD application support. Funding opportunities are also available, such as need-based scholarships for low-income students, graduate assistantships and the Graduate Competitive Scholarship, which provides in-state tuition for non-residents.
“The MSBR is built around support, so students from all backgrounds can thrive in advanced quantitative work with help from mentoring, coaching and early skills bootcamps. That combination of high standards and high support is how we broaden access to graduate research and open doors to high-opportunity careers.”
Dan Sass, associate dean of graduate studies and associate professor of operations & analytics
Learn More
Prospective students can learn more by participating in information sessions to review admission requirements, deadlines and funding options. Questions can also be answered by our graduate program advisors by emailing gradbiz@utsa.edu.
— Rebekah Alegria
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