Our world is rapidly evolving. But while the world changes around us, Houston Christian University remains at the forefront of innovation in the realm of STEM education. The College of Science and Engineering has been hard at work developing, introducing and implementing a suite of new degrees and programs that are designed to equip the next generation of leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively tackle tomorrow’s challenges starting today.
When it comes to fields like data science and cybersecurity needing specialized skills or if it’s enhancing the broad scientific foundations for future healthcare professionals, HCU is fully committed to developing well-rounded and ethically-grounded STEM professionals. The new programs offered at HCU showcase a dedication to academic excellence and the ability to seamlessly integrate faith and holistic learning with all disciplines.
Here is how HCU is shaping the future of STEM education and preparing this generation of Huskies to make a lasting impact on the world.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DATA SCIENCE
Every industry requires data-driven decision making skills. Every industry will need professionals capable of tackling complex challenges and driving innovation. And every industry is going to need ethical decision makers who can effectively handle data. That’s where HCU’s brand new Master of Science in Data Science program is able to stand out.
Starting in Spring 2025, HCU’s Master of Science in Data Science will combine rigorous technical training with ethical considerations. Students will be fully equipped to thrive in the complex landscape that is big data. HCU’s curriculum will cover everything from machine learning and statistical modeling to data visualization and predictive analytics and graduates will be equipped to be data scientists who are both skilled and morally grounded.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SCIENCE
With HCU’s new Bachelor of Science in Science Studies, Huskies now have the chance to pursue a unique, interdisciplinary approach to scientific education. This program has been specifically crafted for those students that crave a broad scientific background which would allow them to explore a number of scientific disciplines before finding a specialization to focus on. A comprehensive understanding of the scientific world is gained through exploring fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, medical humanities and computer programming.
With the flexibility built into this program, HCU students are able to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. They are able to effectively prepare for graduate studies, medical school, research careers and so much more, thanks to the critical thinking skills that they build with this holistic education in science.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CYBERSECURITY
With the rapid and seemingly unending growth of our digital world, the significant need for robust cybersecurity measures grows as well. HCU is now offering two ways to grow in this field. A foundation for success in cybersecurity is laid with the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, which was designed to develop well-rounded cybersecurity professionals.
This undergraduate degree provides that much needed robust foundation while also focusing on the necessary specialized skills related to protecting digital assets. Undergraduate students are equipped with a knowledge base that includes everything from ethical hacking and network defense to cloud security and cryptography with the integration of Christian ethics into the curriculum.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CYBERSECURITY
To develop a cybersecurity skillset that goes beyond that robust foundation found in the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, HCU has unveiled its Master of Science in Cybersecurity, which goes several steps forward with a comprehensive curriculum. Students pursuing the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program will build on their foundation and explore topics such as network security, system administration and cloud computing.
And with everything that they study in this program, HCU students will go through a program that puts a significant emphasis on ethical considerations and real-world application. The integration of project-based learning and a graduate capstone project helps ensure that students graduate having gained practical, hands-on experience to go with their theoretical background.
MINOR IN PREMEDICAL STUDIES
Helping to complement the robust STEM offerings at HCU, the Minor in Premedical Studies is designed for students across various majors across campus who are considering careers in medicine or other health professions. The Minor in Premedical Studies provides students with every course required for medical or dental school admission, as documented by the Texas Medical and Dental Application Service.
Students are able to gain a critical foundational understanding of fields such as biology, chemistry, physics and biochemistry all while integrating HCU’s liberal arts core. With this minor, HCU is fully committed to preparing students to be scientifically competent and also well-versed in ethics, communication and critical thinking.
PROFESSIONAL SCIENCE MASTER’S IN HEALTH PROFESSIONS
As students look to enhance their qualifications for medical school or other health professional programs, HCU aims to prepare them with the Professional Science Master’s in Health Professions. This innovative program is designed for students to gain a blend of advanced scientific coursework and further develop their professional skills thanks to a curriculum that covers topics such as biostatistics, epidemiology, molecular biology and health disparities. Graduates from this program are well-equipped to take on the challenges of advanced health professional education and careers as this program thoroughly exemplifies HCU’s commitment to producing healthcare leaders who will thrive when challenged.