Howard Payne University in Brownwood is expanding its academic offerings with three new career-aligned program areas set to begin in fall 2026. The university is adding minors in data science, cybersecurity and nutrition, while also offering nutrition as an area of emphasis within its kinesiology degree programs.
Current and incoming students may declare the new programs now. Howard Payne said the additions are intended to broaden options for students preparing for careers shaped by technology, data, health and human performance.
Programs connect technology, security and health
The data science minor will focus on the skills needed to interpret complex information and communicate evidence-based findings. Coursework may include data analytics, data visualization, Python programming, predictive modeling, machine learning and applications of artificial intelligence.
The curriculum will also address responsible data use, including accuracy, interpretability and bias. Because data-informed decision-making is increasingly used across professional sectors, the minor can complement majors in computer science, business, mathematics, the natural sciences, social sciences and other fields.
HPU’s cybersecurity minor will examine digital security challenges through applied assignments and practical tools. Students will study network and systems security, cybercrime, risk assessment, threat detection, security planning and incident response.
The program is designed for students pursuing technology careers as well as those entering workplaces where protecting information and managing digital risk are important. The cybersecurity curriculum from Rize Education emphasizes hands-on projects and the use of recognized security frameworks in real-world situations.
The nutrition program will be available as a stand-alone minor and as an emphasis for kinesiology students. Students may study introductory nutrition, food science, food economics, lifecycle nutrition and medical nutrition therapy while examining connections among food, health, wellness and human performance across the lifespan.
The program may be useful for students interested in health and wellness, fitness, community health, food systems and related graduate study. Students who want to become registered dietitian nutritionists would still need the additional education, supervised practice and credentialing required through an accredited dietetics pathway.
Hybrid model keeps students connected to campus
All three program areas are being offered through a partnership with Rize Education and the Lower Cost Models Consortium. The model combines HPU’s Christ-centered, on-campus experience with selected online courses in specialized subjects.
The new degree paths are credit-bearing parts of Howard Payne’s curriculum, and academic credit earned through the programs applies toward requirements established by HPU. Students remain enrolled at the university, receive advising and support from HPU faculty and staff, and earn their credentials and degrees from Howard Payne.
Courses powered by Rize are developed with academic and industry subject-matter experts. Qualified faculty from consortium institutions teach the online classes, evaluate student work, provide feedback and offer academic support.
The hybrid format is intended to let students continue participating in HPU classes, athletics, student organizations, ministry opportunities, service activities and campus life while completing selected specialized coursework online. The online classes include assignments designed for the virtual environment, regular instructor interaction and scheduled opportunities for academic assistance.
Students can plan for fall enrollment
Classes in data science, cybersecurity and nutrition will begin during the fall 2026 semester. Current students interested in adding a program should consult their academic advisor. Incoming students may contact the HPU Office of Admissions for information about including a new minor or nutrition emphasis in their degree plan.
Howard Payne University was founded in 1889 and describes itself as a Christ-centered liberal arts university in Brownwood. It offers more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs across six schools and serves students at three locations.
The university says its academic and student experience is built around personal connection, faith, leadership, service, athletics and community involvement. Rize Education says more than 125 institutions use its program-sharing model to expand career-focused academic opportunities.