Psychology examines human behavior and cognitive processes. Contrary to popular perceptions, it does not consist of only psychotherapy, which is a sub-field involving treating clients via counseling sessions. To put it in another way, psychology in general is much broader. Psychologists do not receive medical training; hence they do not write prescriptions as physicians do. Instead, whether they work at a university, at a research center or in a clinical set- ting. they basically try to understand human behavior. Psychology studies a wide array of topics ranging from functions of the brain to social movements, from child development to the treatment of mental disorders. This extended horizon means that psychology has many different but interconnected sub-fields other than psycho- therapy. They include clinical psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology and psychometrics. More specific study areas include psychologies of law, sport, art, religion, industry, health, and education.
At Ibn Haldun University, the Department of Psychology seeks to deliver both quality instruction and advanced research at the national and international level. The mission of the Department is to educate students who are thoughtful, constructive, creative, and self-critical; who are rationally and scientifically oriented, and committed to life-long learning; who embrace democratic values, and uphold human rights and liberties; who avoid prejudices based on race, gender or faith; and who are motivated to make original contributions to the field of psychology without being alienated from their own society.
Those who graduate from the Department of Psychology will be well placed, depending on their individual ability and skills, to apply for jobs as psychologists in education, health or industry, through numerous private or state organizations as well security institutions. Some of our students will be pursuing graduate education and academic careers. Others who find employment as psychologists will have important roles to play in the personal development and rehabilitation of their clients; in screening candidates for jobs in human resources; in over- seeing the mental health and well-being of employees in their workplace, maintaining morale via tests, interviews or counseling; in preventing or dealing with personal problems and inter-personal conflicts; and in school and student guidance.
Ibn Haldun University, Department of Psychology envisions itself as being among the top 10 in Turkey and the top 100 globally in the field of psychology by creating a unique school of thought on both national and international levels, through quality education and qualified research. The department's goal is to train students who are virtuous, constructive, and creative thinkers; capable of self-criticism when necessary; who value democratic principles in their lives; respect rights and freedoms; are free from prejudices regarding social issues such as race, gender, and religion; are eager for lifelong learning; motivated to make original contributions to the science of psychology without becoming alienated from the values of the society they live in; rational and scientifically oriented; hardworking; possess a strong sense of respectable citizenship; and are dedicated to making a high-level contribution to the psychological, moral, and spiritual well-being, and quality of life, of the individuals in society.