Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
Programs in cybersecurity, health sciences, nuclear engineering, and sport management address emerging national and global workforce needs
Tuskegee University is expanding its academic offerings with the launch of four new programs in this fall, reinforcing the institution's commitment to innovation, global workforce development, and student success in the careers of their choice. The new offerings include a Ph.D. in Information Systems and Computer Security, a Ph.D. in Integrative Health and Behavioral Sciences, a Minor in Nuclear Engineering, and a new Sport Management concentration.
The additions reflect the University's strategic focus on preparing students for high-demand careers in technology, healthcare, engineering, and the sport industry while addressing emerging national and global workforce needs.
“For 145 years, Tuskegee University has prepared graduates through our enduring philosophy of educating the hand, the head, and the heart—equipping students with technical skills and intellectual rigor, but also building their character for purpose-driven leadership needed to transform communities,” said Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO.
“That educational model remains as relevant today as it was at our founding and Tuskegee remains committed to delivering an education aligned with the demands of the economy and the needs of society—programs that consistently exceed the expectations of gainful employment. We prepare our students to begin great careers, and ultimately achieve lasting social and economic mobility through the power of their education. These new Fall 2026 academic offerings brightly reflect Tuskegee's Renaissance Era—expanding pathways into high-demand fields while remaining true to our historic mission of developing leaders who serve, innovate, and excel.”
Two New Ph.Ds are offered in Computer Science, and Integrative Health and Behavioral Science
The Ph.D. in Information Systems and Computer Security (ISCS) welcomed its first cohort of six doctoral students last spring and the program will introduce two new courses to further strengthen the curriculum.
The program offers specialized tracks in Cybersecurity and Data Science. growing students’ expertise in information security, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, quantum computing, software engineering, big data analytics, and related fields.
"The response to this new doctoral program has been tremendous," said Dr. Fan Wu, Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science in the College of Business and Information Science. "The curriculum provides students with access to state-of-the-art topics and research opportunities that position them to become leaders in cybersecurity, data science, academia, industry, and government."
Tuskegee University's new Ph.D. in Integrative Health and Behavioral Sciences combines research, practice, and community engagement to address complex health challenges affecting individuals and communities.
The 60-credit-hour doctoral program integrates behavioral health, public health, rehabilitation science, and integrative health.
The program emphasizes research, program evaluation, and community-focused scholarship, preparing graduates for leadership roles in higher education, healthcare systems, research institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
"Today's health challenges require innovative solutions that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries," said Dr. Cordelia Nnedu, Dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health. "This doctoral degree equips scholars and practitioners with the skills needed to improve health outcomes while contributing meaningful research that impacts communities."
Nuclear Engineering is offered as a new minor
The 18-credit-hour minor includes three core courses and provides students with foundational knowledge in nuclear engineering principles, nuclear power plant operations, nuclear materials, radiation protection, and plant safety. Students who complete the program will receive a certificate recognizing their achievement.
The minor is available to students enrolled in mechanical, aerospace, electrical and computer, and chemical engineering programs.
This coursework addresses a growing demand for skilled professionals in the nuclear energy workforce, as experienced nuclear engineers retire and new energy technologies emerge.
The minor also supports national priorities related to energy security, climate change mitigation, and technological innovation. Coursework will introduce students to concepts related to next-generation reactor technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which are expected to play a significant role in the future of clean energy production.
"The minor creates a valuable educational pathway for students interested in expanding their technical expertise and career opportunities," said Dr. Heshmat Aglan, Professor and Dean of the College of Engineering. "Graduates will be better positioned to contribute to critical sectors involving energy, national security, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies."
Sport Management Offers Several Career Options
Tuskegee University is also introducing a new Sport Management concentration, designed to prepare students for diverse careers within one of the world's fastest-growing industries.
“We have developed this program to equip students with a strong and comprehensive foundation in understanding both the organizational and human aspects of sport,” said Dr. Brooke Burk ’00, Professor and Dean of the School of Education. “And while we know this program will interest some student-athletes in our outstanding Tuskegee Athletics program, it is intentionally interdisciplinary so that any student can access skills that put them on a variety of pathways to careers in the increasingly competitive sports industry.”
The interdisciplinary program combines coursework in psychology, sociology, business, communications, kinesiology, and leadership with specialized sport management courses covering sport marketing, sport law, ethics, leadership, facility management, injury prevention, and event management.
Students can tailor their studies to the business side of sport or leadership-focused career paths while gaining practical experience through a capstone internship or field-based professional project during their final year.
Graduates will be prepared for careers in athletic administration, sport marketing and promotion, event and facility management, collegiate and professional sports organizations, recreation programs, sport media, wellness management, coaching, youth sport administration, and athletic academic advising.
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