With HPU’s Christian mission and commitment to excellence deeply ingrained in the curriculum, students will also be prepared for service to God and humanity.
Howard Payne University’s School of Humanities offers degree options to students who have interests or career objectives involving individual and community relationships. By studying fields such as criminal justice, English, history and government, psychology, social work and Spanish and Hispanic studies, students will gain a better understanding and appreciation of themselves and the world around them. We provide our students with a wide range of options for pursuing a career in liberal arts and civic engagement. School of Humanities students are given a choice of 11 different degree offerings while they plan their future careers in humanities.
The study of the Humanities is what sets a degree from Howard Payne apart from that of a technical or professional school. When people talk about a “liberal arts university,” one of the things they mean is a school that requires courses in the Humanities. Such degrees have added value because they signify a broad-based education that emphasizes adaptability, reading and writing skills, and critical (and creative) thinking. Such characteristics serve in any career and endure over a lifetime of employment, no matter what the economy might do.
Of equal importance, the Humanities teach us what it is to be human, what it means to live a fulfilling life. To major or minor in the School of Humanities allows one to speak and interact in foreign cultures, to read carefully, to write with style and grace, and to understand the present through a knowledge of the past. Our courses demonstrate how societies and civilizations are organized, how their laws are formed and enforced, and how their most needy are cared for. Our classes open a door into the workings of the human mind and personality. To quote Matthew Arnold, these disciplines give you “the best that is known and thought in the world.”
Every student at Howard Payne, in every degree, is required to take a significant number of Humanities courses as part of his or her education. Click on the “Department” link at the left and take the next step, by considering a major or minor in one of these fields. It will be one of the hardest and most rewarding things you have ever done.
Sincerely,
Dr. Millard Kimery, Dean
School of Humanities
Howard Payne University
mkimery@hputx.edu
Rooted in Howard Payne University’s Christ-centered mission, the School of Humanities challenges students to explore the human experience with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to ethical thought and practice. Through the study of language, literature, history, culture, justice, and human behavior, students are encouraged to use their knowledge and skills to strengthen communities—especially rural and underserved ones—deepen understanding of the human condition, and positively impact the lives of others. By combining rigorous academic inquiry, cultural awareness, and practical experience with Christian values, graduates are prepared to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and make meaningful contributions in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
To learn more about the values that guide the Howard Payne University community, explore our Core Values.
Consult your academic advisor and/or the HPU Catalog for specific degree requirements.
The Department of English serves all students enrolled at HPU. Students in general-education English courses will become adept at using information technology and at developing research skills, will improve their vital language skills and will enrich their appreciation of the beauty and value of our literary heritage. English majors and minors will further build and refine these cognitive and affective skills.
To prepare majors in the field of criminal justice, emphasis will be placed on the roles of policing, courts, laws and correctional systems at the local, state, federal and international levels. Sociological and psychological perspectives of offenders, victims and professionals who interact in the criminal justice system will be explored and reviewed. Students taking introductory level courses in criminal justice will be able to understand the operations of the criminal justice system in social interaction as well as on an individual basis.
The social work program prepares students for entry-level positions in social work in a variety of social agencies including public, nonprofit, private, Christian-based and government. Upon graduation, students are also prepared for professional licensure in Texas. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education. Check out these links to the Council on Social Work Education, CSWE, and the National Association of Social Workers, NASW.
The history program seeks to study the development of human life over time. The study of history provides students with the skills required to seek knowledge, analyze complex issues and present conclusions in a clear and thoughtful manner.
The political science program is designed to introduce the students to the basic tenets of politics; to provide the opportunities to gain practical research experience using contemporary techniques of political analysis; to help the students gain a better perspective of the American political system in an international context; and to provide academic training for such professional fields as law, policy research, teaching, journalism, management and government service.
The study of geography is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the spatial relationship between humans and the physical environment and how that environment affects society, economics, politics and culture.
The Department of Spanish and Hispanic Studies at Howard Payne offers students a well-rounded, enriching Christian education with regard to the Spanish language and Hispanic literature and culture. Currently the department offers a Spanish minor that will combine well with any major offered at Howard Payne.
Psychology is a multifaceted discipline that seeks to better understand the nature of human behavior. Students studying psychology at HPU will have opportunities to explore the foundational content domains of psychology, develop their skills in conducting and evaluating psychological research and learn how to evaluate the important theories and presuppositions in psychology from a Christian worldview.
Program Insights
Education
Health Care
Law
Editing
Teaching Physical
Education & Coaching
Students are encouraged to read and study, as well as interact with other students and departments as an essential part of the HPU experience.
Members of student organizations and Greek life
Participants in theatre productions
Tutors in the Center for Student Success
Members of the Model UN and Mock Trail teams
Alumni Testimonial
“Howard Payne University challenged me to think critically about the world, society and my faith through the lens of literature. My professors taught me to write and read with intentionality while preparing me for my career and further studies.”
Sidney (Ganus) Sisemore ’21
Scholarships
95% of HPU students receive financial aid.
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.
Contact
Dean, School of Humanities
Professor of English
