Howard Payne University’s School of Business advances God’s kingdom here on earth by preparing Christ followers for lives of service as business professionals through the teaching and examining of business concepts and topics from a distinctly biblical perspective.
The School of Business at Howard Payne University prepares students for meaningful work, responsible leadership, and lives of service.
Students do more than study business concepts. They learn how to think clearly, communicate well, solve problems, use information wisely, and make decisions with integrity. Through programs in accounting, finance, management, marketing, sport management, business administration, and the Master of Business Administration, students build a foundation that can prepare them for careers, graduate study, entrepreneurship, and service in many kinds of organizations.
Business education at HPU is personal. Students are known by their faculty, supported as they work toward their goals, and challenged to connect what they are learning with the people and communities their future decisions will affect.
The School of Business connects students with alumni, employers, entrepreneurs, and community partners who help them see career paths more clearly, learn from real experience, and better understand the opportunities available after graduation.
Whether you are a prospective student, current student, parent, alumnus, employer, or community partner, we are glad you are interested in the School of Business. Our mission is to prepare career-ready, faith-formed business graduates who are known personally, grounded ethically, prepared professionally, and connected to employer and community needs.
Mission:
The School of Business prepares career-ready, faith-formed business graduates who are known personally, grounded ethically, prepared professionally, and connected to employer and community needs.
Vision:
To become a leading Business School for rural and regional communities in Texas, known for developing capable, ethical, and career-ready graduates who strengthen the businesses, organizations, and communities they serve.
Welcome to the School of Business at Howard Payne University.
My name is Dr. Matthew Earnhardt, and I am honored to serve as Dean of the School of Business. I am grateful you are taking time to learn more about our school, our faculty, our programs, and the students we are blessed to serve.
On my first day on campus, I walked through the HPU bookstore and saw a shirt that said, “Howard Payne University: where everybody is somebody.” That phrase stayed with me. It says something important about this university, and it says something important about the kind of School of Business we want to be. At HPU, students are not just numbers, majors, or names on a roster. Each student is a person with a story, a calling, individual goals, and a future that matters.
That belief is at the heart of our work in the School of Business.
We want our students to be ready for the workplace. We want them to graduate with the knowledge, confidence, communication skills, and practical ability to step into a job and contribute from day one. That kind of preparation does not happen by accident. It happens through strong teaching, real-world examples, applied projects, meaningful conversations, career-focused preparation, and faculty who take the time to know and guide their students.
But business education at Howard Payne is about more than preparing students for a first job. It is about preparing students for a life of purpose. We want our graduates to think clearly, ask good questions, evaluate information carefully, solve problems wisely, and make decisions with integrity. We want them to understand that business can be a way to serve others, strengthen organizations, support families, care for communities, and contribute to society in powerful and lasting ways.
That is one of the reasons I believe the School of Business fits so naturally within the mission of Howard Payne University. As a Christ-centered academic community, HPU is committed to developing the whole person. In the School of Business, that means we care about what students know, what they can do, and who they are becoming. We want students to grow academically, professionally, personally, and spiritually.
Our faculty make that possible. Students in the School of Business learn from an experienced and dedicated group of faculty members who bring professional knowledge and industry experience into the classroom. They understand business beyond the textbook, and they care deeply about helping students connect what they learn in class to the real decisions, challenges, and opportunities they will face after graduation. Just as important, they invest in students as people. They teach, mentor, challenge, encourage, and walk alongside students as they prepare for what comes next.
Whether you are a prospective student exploring HPU for the first time, a current student working toward your goals, a parent praying over your child’s future, an employer looking for capable graduates, or an alumnus who continues to support this university, I hope you see the heart behind our work. We believe every student matters. We believe preparation matters. We believe faith, character, critical thinking, and professional readiness belong together.
I invite you to explore our degree programs, review the university catalog, visit campus, meet our faculty, and learn more about the opportunities available through the School of Business. Whether you are just beginning to consider Howard Payne or already feel this is where you belong, we would be honored to help you take the next step.
With Respect,
Matthew
Matthew P. Earnhardt, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Business
Howard Payne University
1000 Fisk Ave., Brownwood, TX 76801
(325) 649-8704
mearnhardt@hputx.edu
Rooted in Howard Payne University’s Christ-centered mission, the School of Business challenges students to approach business and leadership with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to ethical practice. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge and skills in ways that strengthen organizations, serve communities, and positively impact the lives of others. By combining professional expertise with Christian values, graduates are prepared to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and make meaningful contributions in an increasingly complex and interconnected marketplace.
To learn more about the values that guide the Howard Payne University community, explore our Core Values.
Students applying for admission to the School of Business may also choose to apply for admission to the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy. Providing an innovative approach to the academic program, the Academy enables students to combine their specialized major with coursework grounded in an understanding of the American free enterprise system.
Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences General Education.................120 hours
Bachelor of Business Administration General Education................120 hours
For complete program requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and degree information, please refer to the Howard Payne University Academic Catalog. The catalog provides the most current and comprehensive details to help you plan your academic journey, page 72-82; 188.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting................120 hours
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance................120 hours
Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems................120 hours
Bachelor of Business Administration in Management................120 hours
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing................120 hours
Bachelor of Business Administration in Sport Management................120 hours
For complete program requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and degree information, please refer to the Howard Payne University Academic Catalog. The catalog provides the most current and comprehensive details to help you plan your academic journey, page 72-82; 188.
Minor in Business ............................................................................................................. 18-24 hours
For complete program requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and degree information, please refer to the Howard Payne University Academic Catalog. The catalog provides the most current and comprehensive details to help you plan your academic journey, page 72-82; 188.
Undergrad Program Insights
Accounting
International Business
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Human Resources
Marketing
Teaching Physical
Education & Coaching
Students in HPU’s School of Business are prepared to function effectively as business professionals through applied experiences including online business simulations and discipline-specific research projects and internships.
Alumni Testimonial
My business degree from Howard Payne University prepared me not just professionally, but spiritually. I learned how to approach work as a mission field, living out the Gospel through integrity, service, and compassion in the workplace. Faith wasn’t just a subject; it was the lens through which we viewed leadership, decision-making, and purpose. That foundation continues to shape how I lead, love, and serve others in my current role.
Jack Shackelford ’25
Scholarships
95% of HPU students receive financial aid.
The School of Business offers several departmental scholarships for the enrolled and declared Business Major.
Business Scholarship Requirements
The application process will open in the early spring semester, starting in January to early February. Please watch for posted announcements when the application period opens. A list of available scholarships and requirements will be available. For more information contact Mary Hill by email or call 325-649-8704.
We’re passionate about making your college experience financially accessible. Our dedicated Financial Aid team will work diligently with you to explore every available opportunity and help make your HPU education affordable. To learn more about area and outside scholarships and other financial aid opportunities, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (325) 649-8015 or by email to financial-aid@hputx.edu.
Contact
Dean, School of Business
