At Howard Payne University, we believe education should equip students to serve others with knowledge, compassion, and purpose. Few fields offer greater opportunities to make a meaningful impact than nutrition. As diet-related health concerns such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease continue to affect communities across the nation and around the world, the need for well-trained nutrition professionals has never been greater.
Whether your goal is to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist through graduate study, pursue a career in food science or public health, or continue into other health professions, HPU’s Nutrition program provides a strong foundation for a future of purpose and service. Here, you will be prepared not only for a rewarding career, but also to help people live healthier, fuller lives.
At HPU, the Nutrition program equips students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to make a meaningful impact on individual and community health. Grounded in HPU’s Christ-centered mission, students learn how nutrition can be used to promote wellness, serve others, and address some of society’s most pressing health challenges.
At Howard Payne University, we have intentionally designed our Nutrition program to prepare students for a variety of meaningful and rewarding career paths. In developing the curriculum, we consulted experienced nutrition educators and program leaders from across the country to identify the knowledge and skills students need to succeed in today’s rapidly growing health and wellness fields.
The curriculum combines a strong foundation in nutrition science, biology, chemistry, and health with coursework in research methods and carefully selected electives. This balanced approach provides students with a comprehensive understanding of food, nutrition, and human health while developing the critical thinking and scientific skills valued by employers and graduate programs alike.
A key partner in this process was Dr. Rachel Schichtl, RD, CFCS, FAND, a respected leader with more than a decade of experience launching, directing, and developing accredited undergraduate nutrition programs. Through her guidance and expertise, HPU’s Nutrition program was shaped to support students pursuing four primary pathways:
Students who wish to pursue their ACEND Registered Dietitian certification in a certified Masters program (as of 2024, ACEND requires students to complete a graduate program to qualify for the certification).
Students who wish to enter food science roles upon graduation.
Students who wish to enter community health roles upon graduation.
Students who wish to enter Health graduate programs, such as Public Health or Physician Assistant. Â
The Howard Payne University Nutrition program is designed to provide students with a strong scientific foundation while fostering a commitment to service and lifelong learning. Graduates will be prepared for advanced study, including pathways leading to accredited graduate programs and eligibility for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credentials. The program also equips students for careers in food science, community and public health, wellness promotion, and other health-related professions where they can make a lasting difference in the lives of others.
As awareness of nutrition’s vital role in health continues to grow, so does the demand for professionals equipped to guide individuals, families, and communities toward healthier lifestyles. Labor market data indicates strong and sustained demand for dietitians and nutritionists, with employment opportunities and wages steadily increasing. Industry projections point to continued growth in this field, creating promising career pathways for graduates who are passionate about health and wellness.Â
Student interest in nutrition has also risen significantly in recent years. Nutrition-related degree programs have experienced substantial growth nationwide, reflecting both increasing career opportunities and a growing recognition of the field’s importance. As healthcare systems place greater emphasis on prevention and wellness, graduates with expertise in nutrition are positioned to make valuable contributions in a variety of settings.
At Howard Payne University, we have intentionally designed our Nutrition program to prepare students for a variety of meaningful and rewarding career paths. In developing the curriculum, we consulted experienced nutrition educators and program leaders from across the country to identify the knowledge and skills students need to succeed in today’s rapidly growing health and wellness fields.
Students interested in becoming Registered Dietitian Nutritionists will build a strong academic foundation for success in graduate-level dietetics programs. Courses such as lifecycle nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and advanced nutrition science introduce concepts and competencies that are essential for future dietetics professionals.
For students pursuing careers in food science, the program includes foundational coursework in food science and organic chemistry, preparing graduates for opportunities in food production, quality assurance, product development, and related industries.
Consistent with Howard Payne University’s commitment to academic excellence and Christ-centered education, the Nutrition program equips students to serve others through careers that promote health, wellness, and human flourishing in communities across Texas and beyond.
Program Insights
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Food Science
Community Health and Wellness Promotion
Food Industry
Public Health
Physician’s Assistant
Teaching Physical
Education & Coaching
Alumni Testimonial
“I decided to pursue HPU’s Master of Education in Sport Management because I wanted to combine my love for sports with strong leadership and business skills. I had always wanted to be a coach when I was done with college, but this program gives me more opportunities to expand my career options while continuing to work in a field I am passionate about.”
Deaven Connelly ’26
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
Chair of the Department of Kinesiology,
Assistant Professor of Kinesiology,
Certified and Licensed Athletic Trainer,
Director of Wellness Center
The Nutrition minor is offered online through a consortium of accredited colleges and universities (the Lower Cost Models Consortium or LCMC). All courses within the program are delivered by faculty employed by partner institutions in the consortium, with technology and administrative support provided by Rize Education.
Oversight of courses offered through the consortium are reviewed and approved by HPU. Students register through HPU and receive academic credit from HPU.
