The demand for health science and nursing educations is increasing in both Texas and nationally, driven by the growing need for qualified professionals to train the next generation of clinicians. Graduates of the proposed program will be well-positioned for employment in academic and clinical settings. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Texas Workforce Commission indicate that job growth for postsecondary health specialties teachers is expected to increase 25% in Texas and 19% nationally in the coming years. Nursing instructors and teachers show similar demand, with growth projections of 25% in Texas and 8% nationally. The new Doctor of Science in Health Science degree will directly help address that growing demand.
The M.S. in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (MME) is designed to complement the existing MME doctoral program. It will enable students to deepen their analytical expertise across core areas, including mechanics, fluid and thermal sciences, control theory, manufacturing and automation—topics that undergraduate programs often cannot explore in sufficient depth. In addition, students will also be introduced to emerging disruptive technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and additive manufacturing, equipping them with forward-looking skills essential for modern engineering practice.
The M.S. in Civil Engineering is intended to meet the growing regional, state and national demand for targeted research, policy development and engineering solutions to address critical infrastructure challenges. The program will provide students with advanced knowledge, research opportunities, and specialized skills in technology-enhanced infrastructure. Graduates will be prepared to meet complex engineering challenges, support innovation and contribute to the development, renewal and sustainability of infrastructure systems across Texas and the nation.
The M.S. in Health Informatics is designed to support both continuing students and healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their practice through advanced knowledge of informatics. The curriculum will emphasize key competencies, including health data analytics, cybersecurity, information governance, clinical decision support, project management, socio-technical systems and leadership. The demand for health informatics professionals is strong, with both the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Texas Workforce Commission projecting continued job growth and competitive salaries in this field.
