History
With the restructuring of universities and the transformation of Higher Teacher Schools into Faculties of Education, the Department of Educational Sciences was established on October 15, 1982. Until 1990, the Department conducted the Professional Teaching Courses that were offered across other departments of the Faculty of Education. Beginning with the 1990–1991 academic year, the undergraduate program in “Guidance and Psychological Counseling” was launched and started offering education in both daytime and evening programs. Admissions to the evening program continued until 2016. Approximately 450 students are currently enrolled in the daytime program.
Mission
To train Psychological Counselors who are open to change in response to cultural, social, economic, and technological transformations; who are productive, adhere to ethical principles, respect universal values, and are culturally sensitive; and to lead high-quality scientific research, development activities, and community service practices.
Vision
To educate psychological counselors who are sensitive to humanity, society, and global changes and challenges; who have embraced the new paradigms of their profession in the 21st century; who adopt a humanistic and existential philosophy of life; who have attained professional competence and ethical responsibility; who use information and communication technologies effectively; and who can deliver high-quality psychological services in institutions such as education, health, justice, social services, and industry.
Values
Respect, Scientific Integrity, Justice, Honesty, Transparency, Cultural Sensitivity, Autonomy, Social Responsibility, Creativity, Civilization, Efficiency, and Teamwork
Educational Objectives
1. To possess advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of Guidance and Psychological Counseling and to continuously improve this expertise.
2. To use and further develop the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in the field at an advanced professional level.
3. To be sensitive to global changes, developments, cultural diversity, and individual needs that are fundamental to the field.
4. To propose solutions to problems requiring expertise in the field by employing scientific research methods and processes.
5. To take responsibility and develop new strategies when encountering unexpected situations in professional practice.
6. To sustain professional activities within the framework of lifelong learning.
7. To learn and use up-to-date information and communication technologies essential to the field.
8. To be aware of the sub-disciplines that constitute the field and the interactions among disciplines.
9. To critically evaluate field-related knowledge with professional ethical awareness and responsibility.
10. To functionally integrate knowledge in the field of Guidance and Psychological Counseling.
11. To evaluate current developments in the field in accordance with professional values.
12. To work collaboratively and fulfill responsibilities effectively in situations requiring teamwork.
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Follows test development processes in line with intended learning outcomes and uses valid and reliable measurement tools in educational settings.
2. Explains topics related to the physiological and environmental bases of human behavior, normal and atypical behaviors across developmental stages, learning processes, and crisis situations.
3. Designs and implements instructional processes based on different educational principles and approaches, adapting to various factors within learning environments.
4. Provides counseling assistance using counseling theories, models, techniques, and skills.
5. Applies theoretical knowledge related to different specialization areas in psychological counseling and guidance (career, marriage and family, school, mental health, rehabilitation).
6. Conducts inclusive psychological counseling and guidance services in schools by using principles and processes related to physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development.
7. Conducts psychological counseling and guidance research and programs using scientific research methods and techniques.
8. Engages in self-evaluation regarding personal development and lifelong learning throughout learning and teaching processes.
9. Implements projects and activities for the community with a sense of social responsibility.
10. Adapts up-to-date information technologies effectively to instructional processes based on field-specific needs.
11. Uses educational and administrative processes effectively at various class and school levels by considering different philosophical views and sociological and historical backgrounds in educational institutions.
12. Applies acquired knowledge, skills, and competencies in school settings in accordance with professional requirements and national, moral, and universal values.
13. Applies appropriate counseling principles, skills, interventions, strategies, tests, and non-test techniques when working with individuals, groups, and families, considering client characteristics as well as ethical rules and legal requirements.