Psychology Major | Houghton University

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.

Degree Snapshot

Undergraduate - Bachelor's - Houghton, NY

Degree Types: BA

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

Related Minor: Criminal Justice

Program Credits: 124

Explore Courses & Degree Requirements Careers Meet the Faculty

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 BA w/ Criminal Justice Minor

Meet a Faculty Member

My faith in God and Christian beliefs is at the center of my life. I am devoted to relating my faith in God and Christ Jesus with my teaching and working with students. To this end, I endeavor to seek ways to combine the principles of psychological science and the theological doctrines of Christianity in my courses. In specific, I am much interested in designing and teaching my developmental courses from Christian perspectives, such as, the creation of human life (we are fearfully and wonderfully created in God’s image), moving across the different life stages, the old ages until death, and for each life stage, how we can better understand and achieve a variety of developmental outcomes for ourselves to become the persons God created us to be.

Hannah H. Kim

Assistant Professor of Psychology

Career Opportunities

Students earning a BA/BS degree in Psychology from Houghton University are prepared for careers as:

Clinical Psychologist

Marriage and Family Therapist

Mediator

Neuropsychologist

Psychologist

Psychology Teacher

Social Science Research Assistant

Social Worker

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselor

Required further education.

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 2022 to 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Houghton psychology graduate Tess standing on sea shore.

What Graduates Say

Not only was I able to learn how to conduct research on various psychological topics, but I was able to learn under a seasoned researcher who showed immense support and encouragement. At the conclusion of our research, our team was given the opportunity to present our findings at a local conference held at the University of Buffalo. The professors brought practical real-life examples into class that enhanced the theoretical learning with real life applications. Their commitment to their faith was evident in their classes and interactions which cultivated a unique experience to learn in.

My undergraduate psychology degree prepared me for further academic study through the solid and comprehensive psychological foundation. The program offers a broad selection of coursework and concentrations which allows for a well round approach to learning. As a future clinician, having a foundation grounded in a Christian perspective will impact the way I view and approach psychological care to each individual client.

Tess Pettit ’22

Learn more about Alumni Success and Career Outcomes