Department of Psychology

Chair: Fatma Alev YALÇINKAYA

The discipline of psychology studies human mental processes and behavior both at the individual and group levels. It has many subfields, each focusing on a different aspect of the complex organism, ranging from the study of child development to the study of cognitive processes in aging, from the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior to the study of productivity in industry. The aim of the department is to give the student a liberal education while introducing the basic theoretical perspectives and empirical research in the different areas of the field. The program is designed to give the students a scientific outlook, a solid background in psychology and basic research skills that will enable them to pursue further study, or work in a variety of contexts. The students are also required to take part in "social projects" to develop a sense of social responsibility and contribute to the welfare of the community.

In addition to the required set of core courses, the program provides the option for 7 departmental electives and 8-10 unrestricted electives, thereby giving the students considerable freedom to structure their programs to fit their particular interests as well as to form a multidisciplinary approach. A total of 144 credits are required for graduation.

The specialization of the department is in the areas of Cognitive-Developmental Psychology, Neuropsychology, and Clinical and Health Psychology. There is a psychology laboratory where faculty and students carry out research on the acquisition and loss basic cognitive, affective and behavioral skills.

The Department also has Double Major Programs with the Departments of Political Science and International Relations, Business Administration and Economics, Philosophy and Anthropology.

Graduates of the program with a B.A. can utilize their research skills in academic environments, consultancy firms or other organizations doing qualitative and quantitative research. They can find employment in the fields of public relations and media, human resources, advertising, marketing, and nongovernmental organizations engaged in community and social work, in preschool or school settings, or in special education, to name a few. For work in the clinical and counseling areas an M.A or further degree is required.