University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) students in the 100% online Facility Management master’s program are invited to apply for the IFMA Foundation Scholarship. Individual scholarships range from $1,500 and $10,000 and applications are open until April 15, 2025. According to the application, “recipients receive a cash award and subsidized World Workplace conference travel, registration and participation.”
“The scholarship from the IFMA Foundation was a tremendous support for my [facility management] educational journey,” said Jason Downing, UTSA Online alumnus and two-time award recipient. “It alleviated financial stress, allowing me to fully focus on my studies and professional growth.”
Shalita Myrick added “Beyond the financial aspect, [the scholarship] reinforced my commitment to the field and connected me with a network of industry professionals who have been instrumental in my professional growth. The scholarship was not just an award—it was an investment in my future as a facility management leader.”
Myrick, who received the IFMA Foundation Scholarship in 2021, was the first graduate from UTSA Online’s program. She is currently the chief operating officer and vice president for administrative services at Pacific Lutheran University.
About UTSA Online
UTSA is one of only 11 schools from around the world and one of only six in the United States to offer a master’s degree in Facility Management. The program is 100% online, providing a path for busy adults to enter and/or advance in the facility management field.
“UTSA Online provided me with a strong foundation in Facilities Management,” shared Myrick. “I gained expertise in sustainability, strategic planning, and operational efficiency, all of which have been instrumental in my ability to lead campus-wide initiatives effectively.
Most importantly, UTSA Online emphasized adaptability and problem-solving—skills that are essential in managing the evolving demands of a university’s facilities.”
UTSA Online has been recognized for the quality of its Facility Management program multiple times. It was added to the list of Best Online Master’s Programs in Texas for 2024 by Online Master’s Colleges (OMC). Most recently, UTSA Online ranked among the Top 100 in U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs for Facility Management.
“My experience with UTSA Online was instrumental in achieving my goals of working in facility management,” shared Downing. “The comprehensive curriculum provided me with in-depth knowledge and practical skills that are essential in this field. The flexibility of the online program allowed me to balance my studies with my military and professional responsibilities, enabling me to apply what I learned in real-time.”
UTSA’s faculty are world-renowned experts with extensive industry experience in facility management. For example, Professor Thomas Mitchell is a leader in the field of the built environment.
About the IFMA Scholarship
To qualify for one of the IFMA Foundation scholarships, students must be enrolled in a facility management or a related program and have a minimum of a 3.2 GPA in their facility management courses. Students will also be required to attend the World Workplace Conference and Exhibition in Minneapolis, Minnesota from September 15 – 19.
“The highlight of attending World Workplace as a scholarship recipient was the opportunity to network with other students and professionals,” said Laurie Strawn, a 2024 scholarship recipient. “The Ignite Challenge, designed explicitly for scholarship recipients, provided a fantastic platform for collaboration as we worked together to solve a problem. Our team won the challenge, an excellent way to conclude and wrap up the conference.”
“Attending IFMA’s World Workplace as part of my scholarship award was a transformative experience,” added Downing. “The event provided me with unique opportunities to engage with leading experts in the field of facility management, attend insightful sessions, and participate in hands-on workshops such as FM ignite!
“These experiences broadened my understanding of current trends and best practices in the industry, and I gained new perspectives that I could apply to my own professional development.”
Learn more about application eligibility requirements here.
Pursue a Graduate Program at UTSA Online
Contact us today to learn more about our Master of Science in Facility Management. If you are interested in pursuing either program, contact the UTSA Online Graduate Enrollment team at 210-458-4400 or OnlineGrad@utsa.edu.
