Houghton College: Psychology

Psychology at Houghton

Houghton offers a major and minor in psychology, leading to a B.A. degree. The six faculty members (five full-time and one part-time) who contribute to the program are all academically prepared at the doctoral level. All are very involved in psychological research, clinical practice, and consultation in their areas of expertise.

The psychology major consists of about 10 upper-level courses. After the introductory course, students select from each of five “core” areas of psychology: developmental, social/personality, learning/physiological, clinical, and philosophical/religious issues. In addition, all students must complete three required courses: Statistics, Experimental Methods, and Senior Seminar. The curriculum is intentionally designed so that students get a well-rounded education and graduates have the courses necessary immediately to pursue a career or seek graduate training in psychology. At the same time, students (working with their advisors) have the freedom to select courses from the five core areas plus a wide range of electives that advance the students’ specific interests and career direction. In sum, a major consists of 31 credit hours and a minor of 12 credit hours (above the introductory level).

Our purpose is to provide students with a strong grasp of the fundamental facts, concepts, theories, and research current in psychology. Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental life. More specifically, it is a systematic inquiry into the nature of animal and human behavior, both normal and abnormal, including cognitive, emotional, and volitional processes. We seek to prepare students to think carefully and to understand life’s events and people from a psychological perspective that is informed by Christian faith and the Biblical record. We bring to this task a holistic, Christian view of the nature of persons and creation.

Houghton’s psychology students can expect to read widely, experience powerful presentations, join in group discussions, make presentations, and have considerable opportunity for one-on-one interaction with professors. In addition, our program offers the following special features:

A computerized research laboratory equipped for studies in learning, perception, physiological psychology, social psychology, development, education, and personality.

Research group. Student research is strongly encouraged, and is an essential element of some courses. Optional honors projects permit outstanding students to do concentrated study on a single topic.

Optional practicum courses and semester-long internship placements provide upper-level students with field experience in school settings, clinical settings, substance abuse centers, forensic services, mental health agencies, industrial/personnel settings, etc., according to the interest of the student.

An extensive library of educational and psychological tests is maintained for supervised student use.

A co-curricular Psychology Club hosts informational seminars, discussions, guest lecturers, and social opportunities for all interested students.

Campus chapter of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology, established for the purposes of encouraging and maintaining excellence in scholarship and advancing the science of psychology. Psi Chi acts as a springboard for professional growth. There are opportunities to: meet and share with chapter members, have research funded, meet and interact with leaders in the field, and meet members of other chapters.