Howard Payne University in Brownwood will launch three new career-focused academic programs in fall 2026, giving current and incoming students the option to study data science, cybersecurity and nutrition. Nutrition will also be available as an area of emphasis within HPU’s kinesiology degree programs.
The university announced the programs Aug. 7, 2026. Students may declare the new programs now. Current students should speak with their academic advisors, while incoming students can contact the Howard Payne University Office of Admissions about adding a minor or emphasis to their degree plans.
Programs connect technology, security and health
The data science minor is designed to build analytical and technical skills for interpreting complex information and communicating evidence-based findings. Coursework may include data analytics, data visualization, Python programming, predictive modeling, machine learning and applications of artificial intelligence.
The curriculum also addresses responsible data use, including accuracy, interpretability and bias. HPU said the minor can complement studies in computer science, business, mathematics, the natural sciences, social sciences and other fields as employers and organizations increasingly rely on data-informed decisions.
The cybersecurity minor will focus on the digital security problems facing technology-related and other professional workplaces. Students will examine network and systems security, cybercrime, risk assessment, threat detection, security planning and incident response through applied assignments and practical tools.
According to the university, the cybersecurity curriculum developed through its partner emphasizes hands-on projects and recognized security frameworks applied to real-world challenges. The program is intended for students preparing for technology careers as well as students whose future jobs will involve protecting information or managing digital risk.
The nutrition minor and kinesiology emphasis will examine connections among food, nutrition, health, wellness and human performance throughout the lifespan. Potential subjects include introductory nutrition, food science, food economics, lifecycle nutrition and medical nutrition therapy.
HPU said the nutrition option may interest students pursuing health and wellness, fitness, community health, food systems or related graduate study. Students seeking to become registered dietitian nutritionists would still need the additional education, supervised practice and credentialing required through an accredited dietetics pathway.
Hybrid courses will supplement HPU’s residential experience
All three program areas are being offered through a partnership with Rize Education and the Lower Cost Models Consortium, or LCMC. The programs combine Howard Payne’s Christ-centered, on-campus education with selected online courses in specialized subjects.
The new degree paths are credit-bearing parts of HPU’s curriculum, and academic credit earned through them applies toward requirements established by the university. Students remain enrolled at HPU, receive advising and support from HPU faculty and staff, and earn their credentials and degrees from Howard Payne.
Rize-powered courses are designed with academic and industry subject-matter experts and delivered online through accredited, Title IV-eligible LCMC member institutions. Qualified consortium faculty teach the courses, evaluate student work, provide feedback and offer academic support.
The hybrid format is intended to let students continue taking part in HPU classes, athletics, student organizations, ministry and service opportunities, and other aspects of campus life while completing selected specialized courses online. The online classes include virtual assignments, regular instructor interaction and scheduled opportunities for academic assistance.
Fall 2026 classes begin soon
Howard Payne President Dr. Cory Hines said the programs expand academic options while maintaining the university’s close campus relationships and Christian formation. Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Chad Gann said the three areas complement existing HPU strengths and can serve students across several disciplines.
Classes in data science, cybersecurity and nutrition will begin during the fall 2026 semester. Howard Payne University, founded in 1889, is a Christ-centered liberal arts university in Brownwood with more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs across six schools and three locations.