Health & Wellness

Develop the knowledge, practical skills and compassion needed to extend the healing work of God to those in need.

Share the love of Christ as your develop your unique talents, gifts and passions to serve others. At Houghton, you’ll find a holistic approach to teaching, training, mentoring that equips you for professional work in health care, sports ministry, recreation and wellness fields.

Calling all healers, problem solvers, curious minds and nurturers… we have a major for you.

Take a look.

Undergraduate MajorsPre-Health Professions

Undergraduate Majors & Areas of Study

Student wearing boxing gloves doing martial arts with another student.

Sport, Recreation and Wellness Management

Undergraduate Major – BS
Houghton equestrian student Cassidy Kuhlmann standing with horse in front of equestrian center.

Equestrian Studies

Concentration – Sport, Recreation and Wellness Management Major – BS
Houghton biology student working in biology lab dissecting specimen.

Biology

Undergraduate Major & Minor – BA, BS
Two Houghton students working on biochemistry problems in a classroom.

Biochemistry

Undergraduate Major – BA, BS
Students working in Biology lab

Biomedical Sciences

Undergraduate Major – BS
Student using pipette and test tubes during chemistry lab.

Chemistry

Undergraduate Major – BA, BS
Student wrapping another students wrist with tape.

Exercise Science

Undergraduate Major – BS
Houghton students and professor working with BioPac equipment in lab.

Neuroscience

Undergraduate Major – BS

Health & Wellness at Houghton

Faculty Mentoring

All pre-health, equestrian studies, wellness and recreation faculty bring significant experience and professionalism to the learning environment. Faculty work closely with you to understand your unique gifting, equipping you for lifelong success in the field as you cultivate Christ-like character. Be mentored, supported and cared for by invested faculty members who care about your academic success as well as your spiritual, emotional, and professional growth.

Christ-Centered Education

Houghton University’s Christian environment and faculty help you clarify your vocational calling. You’ll receive excellent academic preparation for your chosen field whether you pursue medical school, sports ministry, or equine assisted therapy. Belong to a thriving community of Christians who are living, learning and experiencing life together.

Experiential Learning

At Houghton you’ll prepare for your future career through a variety of hands-on experience whether that’s in the lab, clinic, training facilities or in the local community. Here is a snapshot of the opportunities available to you in health and wellness:

  • Volunteering at a local clinic or as an EMT
  • Study abroad or travel to a developing country to study and serve
  • Conduct, publish and present real research with faculty members
  • Shadow local practitioners, take an internship, or complete a practicum
  • Train, coach, teach and or mentor in the local community
  • Earn relevant certifications prior to graduation
Houghton student wearing biopac sensors in biology lab.

Actively participate in studies and research using professional research equipment and facilities. In addition to the 15,000 square feet of lab facilities on the third floor of the Paine Center for Science, you’ll have access to the Margaret Bush greenhouse and animal facilities.

Explore Biology Facilities
Front of the Houghton's Equestrian Center.

Located on 386 acres of farmland on a scenic ridge, Houghton’s Equestrian Center features an event center, five barns, pastures, and indoor, outdoor and dressage arenas. In addition to the 30+ on site lesson horses, you also have the opportunity to board your own horse.

Explore Equestrian Facilities
Two students in canoe paddling on lake during sunset.

Participate in outdoor activities such as backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, wilderness camping through EPIC Adventures. In addition, you’ll have access to EPIC’s outdoor ropes course and zipline and outdoor rentals like camping gear, kayaks, canoes, and ski equipment.

Explore EPIC Adventures
Houghton student Katie sitting on her horse in the Equestrian Center.

A Heart to Help Others

Katie Widmer ’24 chose Houghton for the outstanding opportunities for training, equestrian performance, and internships. Being surrounded by so many people growing in their Christian faith has helped her to realize that God is always by her side and inspired her to fully pursue her God-given potential. It has empowered Katie to make plans to one day open an inclusive barn offering lessons and equine assisted therapy.

Explore Houghton's Equestrian Studies Program

Faculty & Staff

Andrea Boon

Assistant Professor of Recreation and Equestrian Studies
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Bill Galipault

Adjunct Instructor for Sport, Recreation & Wellness – Sports Ministry
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Kathie Hilsher

Adjunct Instructor for Equestrian Studies
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Amy Long-Mount

Adjunct Instructor for Equestrian Studies
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Paul Martino

Professor of Biochemistry
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Shera Moyer

Adjunct Instructor for Equestrian Studies
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Jamie Potter

Professor of Biology; Director of Pre-Health Professions
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Ransom Poythress

Associate Professor of Biology
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Larissa Ries

Equestrian Program Director and Assistant Professor of Equestrian Studies
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Molly Spear

Academic Departments Coordinator
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Laura Alexeichik Thayer

Associate Professor of Recreation, Director of Epic Adventures
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Hannah Williamson

Equestrian Events Program Coordinator and Program Assistant
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