Newman University Embraces the Future with Seven New Career-Focused Programs

In a bold move that reinforces its commitment to preparing students for tomorrow's careers, Newman University has announced the addition of seven new undergraduate degree programs scheduled to launch in Fall 2025. These programs represent not just an expansion of academic offerings, but a strategic pivot toward high-growth fields where employer demand continues to surge.

Through an innovative partnership with RIZE Education, Newman will soon offer programs in Applied Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Game Development, Financial Planning, Neuroscience, and Nutrition. Each program has been carefully selected to align with industry needs and economic forecasts that show substantial growth in these sectors over the coming decade.

"We're responding directly to what employers are telling us they need," explains Allen Stout, Vice President for Academic Affairs. "These aren't just trendy fields—they represent areas where skilled professionals are in critically short supply nationwide, and particularly here in Kansas."

What makes these programs particularly distinctive is their hybrid delivery model. Students will experience the best of Newman's personal, values-centered education on campus while also accessing specialized online coursework developed by industry experts through RIZE Education. This approach allows Newman to rapidly introduce cutting-edge programs without the years-long development process typically required.

For David Cochran, Dean of the School of Business & Technology who will oversee many of the new programs, the hybrid format represents an ideal balance. "Students still get the Newman experience—small classes, personal mentoring, and our campus community—while also connecting with specialized content that might otherwise not be available at a university our size," Cochran notes.

The flexibility of the hybrid format offers particular advantages for student-athletes and working students. With approximately one online course per semester, students can better manage their schedules while still maintaining deep connections to campus life and their peers.

Each program addresses specific workforce needs with a practical focus:

• The Applied AI program focuses on real-world applications across industries rather than purely theoretical approaches.
• Cybersecurity addresses the critical shortage of qualified security professionals in an increasingly vulnerable digital landscape.
• Data Science equips graduates with advanced analytics capabilities essential across business sectors.
• Game Development balances creative design with technical skill development for a rapidly expanding entertainment industry.
• Financial Planning aligns with CFP Board requirements for students pursuing careers in financial advising.
• Neuroscience provides interdisciplinary preparation for careers spanning medicine, psychology, and research.
• Nutrition addresses growing interest in preventative healthcare and wellness.

This expansion represents Newman's ongoing evolution to meet changing student interests and workforce demands while staying true to its mission of empowering graduates to transform society. By partnering with RIZE Education, which has worked with over 100 institutions nationwide, Newman gains access to curriculum and expertise developed specifically for workforce preparation.

The new programs are pending final approval from the Higher Learning Commission and are expected to welcome their first students in August 2025. Prospective students can learn more by visiting www.Newman.edu/academics or contacting the Admissions Office.

As the job market continues its rapid transformation, Newman University's innovative approach ensures its graduates will be well-positioned for the careers of tomorrow while receiving an education grounded in the personal attention and values that have defined Newman for generations.