Sophia Dicks, a senior psychology major at Houston Christian University (HCU), came to campus looking for a faith-based education close to home. She found a psychology program where she could study the mind through the lens of faith, hands-on research experience and student leadership roles that are shaping her plans for graduate school.
Why She Chose Houston Christian University
A League City native, Sophia wanted a university near home in the Houston area. HCU’s small campus appealed to her, but the deciding factor was being able to earn her degree without compromising her faith.
“I didn’t realize at the time how much HCU would become a place where I would grow personally, spiritually and relationally,” she says.
She knew she had made the right choice after Welcome Days, HCU’s new student orientation. Upperclassmen and staff helped her settle in, and many of her closest friends today are people she met that first week of classes.
What It’s Like to Major in Psychology at HCU
Sophia has always been fascinated by the way people think, feel and interact. At HCU, she loves studying the brain through the lens of faith and seeing the human mind as something God created both complexly and intentionally.
“The more I study psychology and grow in my relationship with the Lord, the more intertwined I feel like both are, and it’s so cool,” she shares.
Her reason for choosing the major is simple: “I chose psychology because I want to understand people better so that I can love and serve them better.”
Hands-On Research Experience
Her favorite class, Experimental Psychology, let her design her own research study on campus pride and campus involvement. She surveyed fellow students to test whether more pride leads to more involvement.
“Finishing it was the most successful I have probably ever felt,” she says.
Leadership Opportunities in Student Life
Outside the classroom, Sophia invests in other students. She is the Student Involvement Intern in Student Life and President of the Student Programming Board, and she has served as a Peer Mentor, Welcome Days Pack Leader and Summer RA.
“I know what it feels like to be the student looking for community and trying to figure out where you fit, and now I get to help create those opportunities for other students,” she says.
These roles changed how she understands leadership: “It’s about serving your team, listening to people, bringing out the best in others and creating an environment where everyone feels like they have something valuable to contribute.”
Growing in Faith on a Christian Campus
Through church, her college ministry and Bible studies, Sophia’s faith has grown alongside her confidence. Her biggest lesson from HCU: “people really do need people.”
Away from campus, you’ll likely find her cooking, baking or catching up with friends over coffee.
Next Steps: Graduate School in Psychology
After graduation, Sophia plans to pursue grad school in psychology. She hopes to keep working with college students, helping them find community and feel seen.
Advice for Future HCU Students
Sophia’s advice to future Huskies: say yes. Say yes to meeting new people, joining the organization, going to the event, starting the Bible study and showing up even when it feels uncomfortable.
She hopes to be remembered for the people she invested in and for being the reason someone feels at home at HCU.
