McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College (STC) is preparing to launch a first-of-its-kind Associate of Applied Science degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI), responding to a rapidly growing demand for skilled workers in the field. The program, slated to begin in the fall of 2026, aims to equip students with the knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed in a variety of industries increasingly reliant on AI technologies.
The new degree isn’t simply an adaptation of existing curricula. According to Francisco Salinas, Cybersecurity Assistant Professor and Department Chair at STC, the program was designed from the ground up, with direct input from industry partners. “Notice no templates for AI in the workforce catalog, so we designed every course from scratch based on industry needs,” Salinas said. “Our goal is to give students the skills, hands-on experience and certifications to qualify for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
Preparing Students for a Changing Job Market
The program’s development has already received initial approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and STC advisory committees, comprised of local industry representatives. These groups have played a crucial role in shaping the curriculum to ensure it aligns with the specific needs of the regional workforce. The degree offers two pathways: a one-year certificate track, requiring approximately 16-30 credit hours and a full associate degree, requiring 60 credit hours. The certificate program is designed to seamlessly transition into the associate degree for students seeking further education.
The demand for AI skills extends far beyond the technology sector. Salinas emphasized that proficiency in AI is becoming increasingly valuable across a wide range of professions. “So, whether you go into healthcare, IT, cybersecurity or manufacturing, AI knowledge is becoming a must,” he said. This broad applicability is a key driver behind the program’s focus on practical application and industry-recognized certifications.
Industry Partnerships and Curriculum Focus
STC is actively pursuing partnerships with leading technology companies like Intel and Google to integrate industry certifications into the AI curriculum. These certifications, Salinas explained, provide external validation of student skills and are highly valued by employers. The coursework will cover core AI concepts such as machine learning, Python programming, operating systems, and database integration. While Python is already a component of the existing Cybersecurity program, the AI curriculum will focus on applying coding skills to develop intelligent applications and robotics.
Dirce Hernandez, a Cybersecurity expert and current STC adjunct faculty member, is slated to join the full-time faculty when the AI program launches. “I see real potential for growth, especially with this planned AI curriculum,” Hernandez said. “My background will always be cybersecurity, but I’m excited to eventually teach in STC’s AI program.”
Transfer Pathways and Future Growth
While direct transfer pathways to four-year universities may be limited due to the technical nature of the degree, STC has established a clear pathway for students to continue their education within the college system. Graduates can seamlessly transition into STC’s Bachelor of Applied Technology in Computer Information Technology (BAT-CIT) program, with all earned credits fully transferable. This ensures students can build upon their associate degree without losing academic progress.
The urgency behind this new program reflects a broader trend. As Hernandez noted, “If you don’t get on board with AI, you’re going to be left behind. That’s true not just in IT or cybersecurity, but in marketing, HR, manufacturing and every other sector.” She added that AI is rapidly becoming a baseline requirement in job descriptions, and students who fail to acquire these skills risk being left behind in the competitive job market.
Salinas echoed this sentiment, stating, “It doesn’t matter if you embrace AI or not as industries already expect you to realize it.”
Further information about STC’s AI program can be found at www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/cybersecurity/ or by calling 956-872-3461.
The next step in the program’s development is the finalization of the curriculum over the next year, with continued input from industry partners to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. STC’s new AI associate degree represents a significant investment in the future workforce of the region, preparing students to navigate and thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Have thoughts on this new program? Share your comments below.
