Psychology Major

Understanding one of God’s most complex creations: human beings.

As a Psychology major at Houghton, understand psychological principles from a Christian mindset. Gain perspective on your own experiences and develop an empathic understanding of others. You'll learn techniques to help people in need and gain practical skills for a career in human services. Your degree will also prepare you for further graduate study in psychological research, clinical or counseling psychology.

Also available fully online

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's - Houghton, NY

Degree Types: BA

Concentrations: General Psychology, Clinical/Counseling, Developmental, Diversity Science, Neuroscience, Restorative Justice, Social

Program Credits: 124

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What will I learn?

Two Houghton students sitting at lab table during class, one wearing a Houghton sweatshirt.

Through Houghton’s Psychology, you will:

  • Discover how people think and act and how to help and motivate them
  • Develop conflict management, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking skills
  • Hone your written, communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences
  • Design and conduct collaborative psychological research with faculty and peers
  • Have access to a dedicated psychology lab whether you are on campus or a remote learner
  • Use state-of-the-art equipment to collect data related to lie-detection, emotional expression, and brain activity during sleep
  • Gain hands-on field experience through robust internship opportunities

Why study Psychology at Houghton?

Undergraduate Research

As a psychology major, you'll engage will various research opportunities. Refine your analytical skills by designing and conducting experiments, and writing scientific reports.

Share your discoveries through writing, public presentations and professional service.

Invested Mentors

Houghton's small classes allow for one-on-one attention from psychology faculty. Houghton's faculty invest in your education and your spiritual growth. Stop by their offices, schedule Zoom sessions, attend events, and work with faculty on collaborative research projects.

Hands-on Field Experience

Put real-world work experience on your resume through Houghton’s many internship opportunities. Placements include a wide variety of career interests including social work, geropsychology, developmental psychology, applied/pre-therapy/clinical, addiction recovery, school psychology, marriage and family, and many others.

Courses & Degree Requirements

Popular Courses


PSY 354 Brain & Behavior

Learn the relationship between the brain, nervous system, and physiology. How do these systems impact behavior? Discover how the brain influences sensation, emotion, aggression, learning, communication, and mental disorders.

PSY 342 Social Neuroscience

The growing field of social neuroscience addresses social psychological questions using the methods of neuroscience. Gain an overview of some influential findings in this exciting area of research. Also learn how to use a critical lens when reviewing research claims. Topics include self-regulation, social pain, altruism, morality, and prejudice.

PSY 306 Psychology of Religion

Integrate psychology and Christianity. Study religious and spiritual experiences and behaviors from a psychological perspective. Topics covered include conversion, faith, mysticism, and spiritual development. You will also examine the origin and nature of religion according to thinkers such as Kierkegaard, Freud, Jung, Maslow, Tillich, and Frankl.

Degree Options


BA - 124 credits

39 credits
Required Courses

85 credits
Elective courses + general education

BA Degree Requirements

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What can I do with a degree in psychology?

Graduate School

Here are some common Master's degrees our Studio Art majors have pursued:

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Counseling
  • Criminal Justice
  • Law
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Social Work

18%

Career growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors

From 2020 to 2030 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Houghton students throwing their graduation caps in the air on the steps of the Chapel.

97%

of Houghton students are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

Class of 2022

View Alumni Success and Career Outcomes

Related Majors

Houghton student on laptop working on their Criminal Justice degree.

Criminal Justice

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Student attaching a testing device to another student's head.

Behavioral Neuroscience

Undergraduate - BA
Houghton students and professor working with BioPac equipment in lab.

Neuroscience

Undergraduate - BS

Ready for what's next?

Discover if earning your degree in Psychology from Houghton University is right for you.


Questions?