Psychology

Undergraduate Program

Psychology is a scientific discipline that investigates human behavior and mental processes through scientific methods. The scope of psychology encompasses individuals’ biological, cognitive, emotional, developmental, and social processes, as well as the interactions among these processes and environmental conditions. In this respect, psychology is an interdisciplinary field that interacts with biology, neuroscience, sociology, education, philosophy, and other social and health sciences.

The Undergraduate Program in Psychology aims to provide students with knowledge of the fundamental concepts, theories, and research findings in psychology, as well as foundational knowledge and skills in scientific research methods, measurement and assessment, statistics, and data analysis. The program offers courses in various subfields of psychology, such as developmental, social, cognitive, clinical, health, and industrial and organizational psychology, as well as elective courses that allow students to pursue their academic interests.

The primary aim of the program is to educate individuals who have a strong foundation in the fundamental knowledge and theories of psychology, developed scientific thinking and research skills, critical and analytical thinking abilities, sensitivity to ethical principles, and the capacity to apply their knowledge in scientific and professional contexts. Accordingly, the objectives of the program are as follows:

• To develop students’ ability to follow and evaluate current knowledge and developments in psychology at national and international levels,
• To develop theoretical knowledge in the fundamental and various subfields of psychology, together with scientific thinking, research, and problem-solving skills,
• To provide students with knowledge, skills, and competencies in the history of psychology, ethical principles and practices, research methods, measurement and assessment, statistics, and data analysis,
• To support students’ participation in research and applied processes in collaboration with different disciplines and to foster an interdisciplinary perspective,
• To develop students’ ability to evaluate psychological phenomena from scientific and critical perspectives across different contexts and to develop scientifically grounded solutions to current psychological issues,
• To enable students to apply their knowledge of psychology in scientific and applied settings within the framework of ethical principles, human rights, and professional responsibilities,
• To support the development of scientific and professional communication skills, enabling students to effectively share their knowledge and experience in psychology with different stakeholders,
• To encourage students to follow current developments in psychology and sustain their professional development in accordance with a lifelong learning approach.

Upon completion of the four-year undergraduate education, graduates are expected to possess foundational theoretical and applied knowledge in psychology, as well as competencies in scientific research, data evaluation, critical thinking, and problem solving. The Undergraduate Program in Psychology will be conducted within the framework of the Higher Education Law No. 2547, the relevant higher education legislation, and the regulations, directives, procedures, and principles of Kütahya Dumlupınar University concerning associate and undergraduate education. Graduates who obtain the professional title of “Psychologist” upon completion of the program may apply their knowledge and skills in public and private sector organizations, healthcare and social service institutions, educational institutions, human resources and corporate settings, research centers, non-governmental organizations, and various professional settings where psychological knowledge and services are utilized. They may also pursue postgraduate education in different subfields of psychology, specialize in their areas of interest, and continue an academic career. Employment in specific areas of psychological practice is subject to relevant legislation and applicable postgraduate education and specialization requirements.

The Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences of Kütahya Dumlupınar University was established during the summer term of the 2021–2022 academic year. Since its establishment, the Department has continued its efforts to develop its academic structure and has aimed to strengthen its academic staff by recruiting faculty members specialized in different subfields of psychology. The Department has academic divisions in social psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, experimental psychology, and spirituality psychology. The Department currently has two faculty members working in the fields of developmental psychology and social psychology. Admission of undergraduate students is planned to commence once the physical facilities and academic structure have reached an adequate level of development.