Psychology and Counseling Program

The Psychology and Psychological Counseling Program at the University of Science and Technology (UST) is designed to provide high-quality academic, training, and consultative education that meets national and regional labor market needs in accordance with total quality standards. The program offers an integrated curriculum that combines solid theoretical foundations in core areas of psychology with applied and clinical training in counseling, assessment, and intervention. It emphasizes scientific research, ethical professional practice, and the use of modern educational and technological tools, while addressing contemporary psychological and social issues relevant to the community. Through its focus on critical thinking, research skills, effective communication, and continuous professional development, the program prepares qualified graduates capable of working efficiently in educational, clinical, research, and community-based institutions, and of contributing effectively to individual well-being and societal development.

Key Achievements in Teaching the Bachelor’s Program in Psychology

First: Academic and Educational Achievements
  • Development of study plans in accordance with national and international standards, with courses aligned to clear and measurable learning outcomes.
  • Formulation of progressive learning outcomes (knowledge-based, skills-based, and values-based) consistent with the National Qualifications Framework.
  • Updating course content in line with contemporary schools and theories in psychology.
  • Adoption of modern teaching strategies such as active learning, problem-based learning, and case studies.
  • Design of diverse assessment tools, including objective tests, applied cases, performance-based tasks, and research projects.
Second: Teaching-Related Research Achievements
  • Involving students in field-based and applied research projects.
  • Training students in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
  • Supervision of applied graduation research projects.
  • Linking course content to local community issues such as addiction, violence, mental health, and family counseling.
Third: Applied and Professional Achievements
  • Implementation of field training programs in mental health institutions, schools, and counseling centers.
  • Development of counseling interview skills and psychological diagnosis competencies.
  • Training students in the application of selected psychological scales and analysis of their results.
  • Organization of workshops on communication skills, emotional intelligence, and stress management.
Fourth: Quality Assurance and Academic Accreditation Achievements
  • Preparation of course specification files and semester reports.
  • Measurement, analysis, and continuous improvement of learning outcomes based on assessment results.
  • Participation in program development and quality assurance committees.
  • Documentation of academic performance in support of institutional and program accreditation.
Fifth: Student Development Achievements
  • Enhancement of critical thinking and scientific psychological analysis skills.
  • Promotion of commitment to professional ethics in accordance with recognized standards such as those of the American Psychological Association.
  • Preparation of graduates qualified to work in the following fields:
    • Psychological counseling
    • Psychological and social support
    • Educational institutions
    • Rehabilitation and treatment centers
Sixth: Technological and Digital Achievements
  • Use of e-learning platforms in teaching and assessment.
  • Utilization of electronic examinations and question banks.
  • Development of interactive digital content, including presentations, instructional videos, and simulation-based cases.
Graduate Attributes of the Psychology Program
Upon completion of the program requirements, the graduate will be able to:
  • Interpret human behavior using classical and contemporary psychological theories.
  • Design a basic research study and demonstrate familiarity with statistical methods for analyzing psychological data.
  • Apply professional ethical standards in dealing with others and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Communicate effectively with individuals and groups, demonstrating active listening and empathy skills.
  • Analyze current social and psychological issues from a critical scientific perspective.
  • Work effectively within multidisciplinary teams to address complex problems.
  • Recognize the importance of lifelong learning and continuous professional and personal development.
The Psychology and Psychological Counseling Program seeks to provide distinguished educational, training, and consultative services, and to utilize modern technological tools that contribute to community development and meet the needs of the local and regional labor market, in accordance with total quality management systems, while upholding accuracy in performance and integrity in professional practice.

The program aims to:

  1. Improve the quality of education provided to students and enhance teaching methods in a manner that achieves qualitative excellence and secures local and regional academic accreditation.
  2. Develop students’ scientific and practical competencies, benefit from recent advances in science and knowledge and their applications, and focus on community-related issues.
  3. Prepare qualified leaders and specialized cadres in the fields of psychology and psychological counseling.
  4. Contribute to aligning labor market requirements with the competencies of program graduates by integrating market needs and demands into curriculum content and providing practical training for students.

A. Knowledge and Understanding Skills

The student will be able to:
  • A1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the theoretical foundations and core concepts of psychology and psychological counseling, as well as the principles and laws of human growth and behavior.
  • A2. Comprehend the foundations and principles of constructing psychological scales and their applications in diagnosis, counseling, and therapy.
  • A3. Classify behavioral, emotional, and mental problems, disorders, and illnesses.
  • A4. Identify the steps of scientific research, information literacy skills, and effective communication with research teams within the community.
  • A5. Explain concepts of general culture and linguistic communication skills.

B. Cognitive (Intellectual) Skills

The student will be able to:
  • B1. Integrate general cultural knowledge with the theoretical and practical aspects of psychology and psychological counseling.
  • B2. Design counseling programs, psychological scales, and scientific research, and employ linguistic skills effectively in this process.
  • B3. Analyze and interpret the results of counseling studies and psychological assessments.
  • B4. Evaluate and diagnose psychological and behavioral problems.
  • B5. Present opinions and proposals regarding the nature of psychological and counseling practice and ways to enhance and develop it.

C. Scientific and Applied Skills

The student will be able to:
  • C1. Practice the applied aspects of psychology and psychological counseling.
  • C2. Utilize research and information skills in the fields of psychology and psychological counseling.
  • C3. Apply general cultural concepts and linguistic communication skills in academic and professional contexts.
  • C4. Manage counseling sessions, interviews, and counseling techniques efficiently.
  • C5. Continuously develop professional competencies related to the field of specialization.

D. General Skills

The student will be able to:
  • D1. Communicate effectively with target individuals to establish professional relationships.
  • D2. Assume responsibility in making appropriate decisions and adhere to professional ethics.
  • D3. Keep up to date with recent developments in the field of specialization and enhance general culture and self-learning skills.
  • D4. Manage and work effectively within teams.
  • D5. Possess research skills and apply counseling techniques within the field of specialization.

Graduates of the Bachelor’s Program in Psychology possess the following core attributes:

  1. Scientific Knowledge: They demonstrate a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts, theories, and principles of psychology and their practical applications.
  2. Critical Thinking: They are capable of analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and forming logical judgments to solve problems effectively.
  3. Research Skills: They are proficient in designing and conducting psychological research, collecting data, and analyzing it using appropriate statistical methods.
  4. Effective Communication: They have the ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing, and to listen actively and effectively.
  5. Professional Ethics: They adhere to ethical principles in the practice of psychology and demonstrate respect for cultural diversity.
  6. Collaboration and Professional Development: They work effectively within teams and are committed to continuous learning and keeping pace with developments in the field.

1. Credit Hours

To obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, students are required to successfully complete a specified number of credit hours in accordance with the approved study plan.
Coursework
The curriculum typically consists of a combination of general university requirements, college requirements, and major requirements in psychology. Major courses usually include:
  • Core Psychology Courses: Covering the main branches of psychology such as General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Physiological Psychology.
  • Research and Statistical Courses: Focusing on scientific research methods, psychological statistics, and experimental design.
  • Advanced and Specialized Courses: May include Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology, Organizational Psychology, and others, depending on the program’s focus.
2. Field Training (Internship / Practical Application)
Field training is considered an essential component of graduation requirements in many psychology programs. It aims to provide students with practical experience in real professional settings such as hospitals, psychological centers, or educational institutions. The training may be accompanied by academic credit hours.
3. Graduation Project or Research
Some universities require students to complete a graduation project or scientific research in their field of specialization. This project aims to apply the knowledge and research skills acquired during the study period and may be a requirement for obtaining honors.
4. Additional Requirements
Some programs may include additional requirements such as:
  • Passing proficiency examinations in English language or computer skills.
  • Participation in relevant community service or volunteer activities.

Knowledge Domains of the Psychology Program

  • Core Theoretical Knowledge Domains:
    These domains provide the scientific foundations for understanding human behavior and mental processes. They include general psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, physiological and neuropsychology, and social psychology, focusing on behavior, cognition, development across the lifespan, brain–behavior relationships, and social influences.
  • Applied and Clinical Knowledge Domains:
    These domains emphasize the practical application of psychological knowledge in real-life settings. They include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychology of special populations, and educational and industrial psychology, with a focus on assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and psychotherapy in clinical, educational, and occupational contexts.
  • Professional and Research Knowledge Domains:
    These domains develop professional competence and ethical practice. They include psychological assessment and measurement, research methods and evidence-based practice, and adherence to ethical and professional standards, enabling graduates to conduct scientific research and deliver responsible psychological services.
These integrated knowledge domains collectively prepare graduates for effective professional practice, research engagement, and contribution to individual and community mental health.

Graduates of the Psychology and Psychological Counseling specialization are qualified for employment in the following fields:

  • Psychological guidance and counseling in schools, universities, and educational, social, and training institutions.
  • Vocational guidance and psychological counseling in public and private factories and companies.
  • Psychological counseling in social care institutions (juvenile care institutions) and social reform institutions (prisons).
  • Employment in psychological studies and research.
  • Employment in various official and governmental institutions (such as the military, media, health sector, judiciary, and police).
  • Work in civil society organizations.
  • Employment in psychological counseling and consultation centers.
  • Work in hospitals and clinics specializing in psychological and mental disorders.
  • Teaching in universities, institutes, colleges, and schools.