Psychology

Student

Learn the fundamentals of psychology in a dynamic environment at Wharton County Junior College. Understanding human behavior and mental processes is crucial in fields from marketing to healthcare. Whether you want to work in psychology or another field, you'll gain the tools you need to succeed. 

Program Details

Learn more about our psychology program and find course descriptions in the WCJC Catalog.

The Associate of Arts in Behavioral Science program can be completed in two years and is offered on the Richmond, Sugar Land, and Wharton campuses. Classes are also offered online. The program aims to:

  • Provide you with the basic tenets of the theoretical, scientific, and applied study of psychology.
  • Help you learn about psychology and its importance in life.
  • Provide learning opportunities that help you think critically.
  • Teach you proper ways to conduct research.
  • Prepare you for employment or more schooling.

Our psychology program is designed for students who want to transfer to a four-year college or university. With a bachelor’s degree, you have a wide range of career opportunities, including: 

  • Social and Human Services Assistance
  • Child, Family, and School Social Work
  • Music Therapy

Find more information, including wages and education requirements, on Career Coach!

psychologist

Plan Your Classes & Transfer Smoothly

Your Launchpad to Success

The Psychology Department’s mission is to provide a dynamic and enriching educational experience. Learn the latest in psychology research and understand how the body, genetics, experiences, environment, and social factors influence behavior. Broaden your perspective and your career opportunities through the WCJC psychology program.
This program is where my love of psychology began. The professors were incredibly supportive and their classes did a thorough job of not only furthering my knowledge and level of self-awareness but also opened my mind to the possibility of pursuing a career in this field.
Rachel Chovanec
WCJC Alumni, 2013
WCJC was just the first step in Chovanec’s journey. After graduation, Chovanec earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology. Today, she works as a licensed professional counselor.
Holding hands

Meet the Faculty

Jodie Hutchinson received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Houston. She earned her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Houston Baptist University. Hutchinson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). She began teaching full-time at WCJC in 2008. Hutchinson teaches General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Learning Framework, Social Psychology, and Human Sexuality, and she is the Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology Department Head.

Office: Wharton Campus, Science Building 214
Phone: (979) 532-6451
Email: hutchinsonj@wcjc.edu  

Dawn Aldana received her B.S. degree from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. She earned her M.A. in Psychology from the University of Houston-Victoria. Aldana is a licensed professional counselor (LPC). She currently teaches Introduction to General Psychology, Life Span Growth and Development, and Learning Framework as an online instructor.

Email: aldanad@wcjc.edu  

Ophelia Binkley-Webb received her B.S. in Psychology and Social Work from Houston Baptist University. She earned her M.A. in Psychology at Texas Southern University and her M.L.A. from Houston Baptist University. She became a full-time instructor at WCJC in August 2012. She teaches General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Learning Framework, Social Psychology, and Human Sexuality.

Office: Richmond Campus, 240E
Phone: (281) 239-1572
Email: webbO@wcjc.edu  

Dr. Derek de la Peña received his M.A. in Psychology from Stephen F. Austin University and his Ph.D. in Sport/Exercise Psychology from the University of Florida. He began teaching full-time at Wharton County Junior College in Fall 2015. Dr. de la Peña teaches General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and Learning Framework. 

Office: Sugar Land Campus, Brazos Hall 224
Phone: (281) 243-8571
Email: delapenad@wcjc.edu     

Kelly Eldridge received her B.S. and her M.A. in Psychology from Sam Houston State University. She began teaching full-time at WCJC in 2005. Eldridge teaches General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Learning Framework, Social Psychology, and Human Sexuality.

Office: Wharton Campus, Science Building 208
Phone: (979) 532-6463
Email: eldridgek@wcjc.edu  

Judy Ogle received her B.A. in Psychology from Southern University in New Orleans. She earned her M.S. in Psychology from the University of Missouri – Columbia. She has taught at WCJC full-time since 2009. Ogle teaches General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Learning Framework, Social Psychology, and Human Sexuality.

Office: Richmond Campus, 240E
Phone: (281) 239-1528
Email: oglej@wcjc.edu  

Arthur Vallejo received his B.A. in Psychology from the University of Houston, Downtown, and his M.A. in Psychology from the University of Houston, Clear Lake. He began teaching full-time at WCJC in 2018. Vallejo teaches General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Learning Framework, Social Psychology, and Human Sexuality.

Office: Richmond Campus, 140G
Phone: (281) 239-1523
Email: vallejoa@wcjc.edu  

Candi Hollier earned her B.A. and M.A. from the University of Houston Clear Lake.  She teaches Learning Framework online and is also the Instructional Technologist in WCJC’s Distance Education Department.

Office: Richmond Campus, 126
Phone: (281) 239-1522
Email: hollierc@wcjc.edu  

Additional Program Information