Addis Ababa University Department of Psychology

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Addis Ababa University Department of Psychology

Addis Ababa University Department of Psychology – Check Below:

Overview in Psychology

Prior to its establishment as a fully-fledged department, courses were offered in the areas of measurement and evaluation, educational psychology, developmental psychology, and counseling psychology to students of various departments under the former Haile Sellassie I University. In 1962, following the establishment of the Faculty of Education, the “Department of Psychology” was officially established with emphasis on Guidance and Counseling and with the aim to train counselors. In 1966, a minor program was initiated in Psychology and owing to the emphasis given to counseling at the time, the name of the Department was changed to “Department of Educational Psychology”. In 1974, the Department started its first (four-year) UG degree program, with Psychology as the major field of study with the understanding that the country at the time demanded trained human power and qualified professionals in guidance and counseling. In 1977, in recognition of the fact that the field of Psychology is too diverse and broad, the Department was renamed as “Department of Psychology’ and was placed within the College of Social Sciences. In 1984, the name of the Department was again changed to the Department of Educational Psychology and was put under the Faculty of Education. In 1999, the name of the Department was changed yet again to the Department of Psychology as a result of consensus reached with stakeholders and inline with the recommendations of a review committee organized for the purpose. In 2010, the Business Process Reengineering Implementation Steering Committee formed by the Addis Ababa University administration upgraded the Department to an Institute level after a thorough examination of the status of the Department and in recognition of the breadth of the program, the number of students served, and the number of faculty. Operating as an Institute for nearly two years, there appeared in the University a general revisit of the BPR structure, as a result of which the Institute came to be known as “the School of Psychology,” which is its current name.
The School of Psychology is now housed under the College of Education and Behavioral Studies. It is one of the largest academic units in Addis  Ababa University in terms of the number of faculty, student population, and programs. With regard to faculty, it has 3 full Professors, 5 Associate Professors, 9 Assistant Professors, and 20 Lecturers, including those on study leave.It boastsa population of 885students. In terms of programs, it has one undergraduate (both regular and evening extension)program, six MA programs (four of which are also offered in the evening extension modality), and two PhD programs.
The School is in the process of opening additional doctoral programs particularly in psychometrics and counseling psychology.
Vision of the School of psychology
Developing Psychology as a discipline with professional and ethical excellence to build a healthy and vibrant society; improving quality of education; transforming the society, and improving the overall development of Ethiopia.
Mission of the School of Psychology
Offering quality education supported by state-of-the- art educational support; conducting applied research to solve societal problems; offering professional and community services whereby the academic community of the School could effectively translate the principles of psychology as catalyst towards the overall development of Ethiopia.
Goals of the School of Psychology

  • Offer undergraduate training in psychology to students whowill subsequently become practitioners in educational, developmental, social, organizational and other settings;
  • Offer graduate training in Measurement and Evaluation and Educational Psychology to students whowill subsequently become instructors and researchers in Universities and Teacher Training Colleges across the  country;
  • Offer graduate training in Clinical, Counseling and Health Psychology to students who will subsequently become instructors and researchers in Universities and also practitioners in various health and health-related establishments;
  • Provide state-of-the-art instructional and research materials/ services and invigorate the intellectual climate to enable instructors, students, and collaborators to fulfill their potential as excellent academicians, researchers, and practitioners through the promotion of excellence in experiential learning;
  • Have a well-equipped psychological laboratory in different fields of psychology that provides support in the preparation of competent academics, researchers and practitioners in the area of psychology;
  • Ensure quality of instruction/ education through the use of standardized tests for selection, placement, formative, and summative purposes;
  • Develop, acquire, and adapt standardized tests for assessing different learning needs of Ethiopian children and to use them for the purposes of identification, intervention and research;
  • Promote collaborative and quality (basic, applied, and action) research in psychology that would help customize existing knowledge and/ or discovering new psychological knowledge, use this knowledge as a base to offering professional  support to individuals, organizations, groups, communities, and institutions through consultancy services;
  • Set standards to provide psychological services through the provision of high quality, customized and tailored short-term training to individuals, private companies, government institutions, international and local nongovernmental organizations and business communities;
  • Create forums for the exchange of knowledge in psychology, influence the direction of psychology in Ethiopia, and make psychological literature available to scholars and students in Ethiopia;
  •  Ensure the integrity and credibility of psychology (as a profession) and protect human subjects from harm unleashed by unethical research, and enable psychology to extend its services to the wider community;
  • Assist students, faculty/staff and alumni to establish their short and long term career goals by offering a variety of services like career exploration, organizing/facilitation of venues for students to meet potential employers, internships, job search skills and availing themselves of career information resources;
  • Confer awards, prizes, grants, medals, scholarships, gifts, and bestow honors on deserving professional achievements which include excellence in teaching, distinction in academic achievement, merit in research outputs and / or worth in community contribution;
  • Develop and implement a corporate communication strategy that guarantees a smooth flow of information among the community of the Institute and to provide valid and up-to-date information to stakeholders and external parties through print and electronic /digital media with amenities for systematic recording, methodical archiving, and effortless retrieval.
  • The general objectives of the program are to:
    • Produce qualified psychologists who will work in various governmental, nongovernmental, and private agencies;
    • Carry out surveys on various psychological, educational and, social issues, and
    • Offer community services to individuals, institutions, and groups regarding problems and issues pertaining to the field of psychology.

    The specific objectives of the training program are to produce professionals who can:

    • Provide psychological services in governmental, nongovernmental, and private institutions;
    • Work in various educational settings as general psychologists;
    • Initiate, organize, and evaluate various educational and social development programs;
    • Render  rehabilitation services;
    • Prepare psychologists that can plan & conduct seminars, workshops and trainings in psychological and related issues for stakeholders;
    • Conduct investigations on various psychological, educational and social issues; and
    • Provide demand-based consultation and technical advice to individuals, groups, and institutions.

    Addis Ababa University Department of Psychology Graduate profile
    Upon successful completion of the training program, graduate students would be able to:

    • Provide professional assistance to individuals with personal, social, family , and educational problems;
    • Offer guidance and counseling services to students and other special groups such as street children, people living with HIV/AIDS, displaced individuals, orphans etc.;
    • Provide professional assistance on psychosocial and educational issues to school teachers, managers, administrators, workers in the judicial system, health professionals and relevant others;
    • Act as a resource person in test development and statistical techniques at academic and non-academic institutions;
    • Identify, assess and develop early intervention programs for persons with special needs;
    • Give various psychological trainings in academic and non-academic settings;
    • Help individuals with disabilities to gain optimum vocational adjustment to rehabilitate themselves to fullest physical, mental, social, vocational, and economic usefulness;
    • Offer courses in various educational settings (junior colleges, institutes etc);
    • Optimize human potential in residential, community, and institutional settings;
    • Conduct scientific research in psychology such as: cognition and perception, principles of learning, and therapies at clinical and non-clinical level;
    • Provide psychological services to individuals with different kinds of needs: reproductive health, marital issues, career development etc.;
    • Develop critical thinking in solving problems;
    • Develop effective communication skills; and
    • Adapt and use appropriate technologies.

    Admission requirements
    Applicants have to meet the admission requirements set by the Ministry of Education for the period application is sought.

    MA Program in Clinical Psychology

    Objectives
    The general objective of the Graduate Programs in Clinical Psychology is to create the necessary human power, structural, functional and professional capacity to rectify the existing weak readiness in addressing mental health problems in Ethiopia.
    The goals and objectives include the following:
    Goal 1:   To produce graduates who are skilled in the interface between science (theories & methods), culture, and practice.
    Goal 2:   To produce gradates with knowledge and skill to enter and contribute in the professional practice of Clinical Psychology in diverse sections of the population.
    Goal 3:   To produce graduates who can contribute to knowledge and practice in psychology through research.
    Objective 1:     critically evaluate the professional literature for scientific validity and cultural relevance of clinical experiences to diverse clientele; apply the professional literature to clinical practice.
    Objective 2:     identify opportunities for further research into best-practices models for serving difficult-to-treat patient populations.
    Objective 3:     attain knowledge of psychology as a scientific and applied discipline; as area of professional practice, and as a field which embraces an understanding of the individual in the context of his/her socio- cultural value systems.
    Objective 4:     develop an understanding of, and commitment to, ethical codes and laws, regulations and standards governing the professional practice of psychology, in general and Clinical Psychology in particular.
    Objective 5:     develop professional competence as a researcher in Clinical Psychology.
    Graduate Profile
    Graduates of the MA Program in Clinical Psychology are expected to carry out the following:
    Knowledge

    • Establish the link  between  theory and practice in Clinical Psychology;
    • Describe the major categories and classification (including DSM IV, ICD 10) of mental disorders;
    • Distinguish between various types of psychological disorders;
    • Identify common psychological disorders across the various stages of human development;
    • Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the various intervention strategies to be used with various types of psychological disorders and individuals or groups;
    • Identify the main principles of various modalities of psychological therapies and  interventions;
    • Identify a range of resources and social support available for people with psychological disorders in the community;
    • Identify the best method of exploring and knowing about behavioral disorders and the methods of treating the disorders;
    • Identify strategies of scholarly inquiry in research;
    • Develop analytical skill that helps in integrating and analyzing data on psychological disorders;
    • Understand the impact of patient-specific factors and the family/ecological context in which therapy occurs in the application of theory to practice;
    • Explain and demonstrate knowledge of the roles, duties and functions that psychologists serve in the clinical field;
    • Conceptualize factors, causes and maintenance of behavior disorder of the individual within the socio-cultural system.

    Skills  

    • Develop appropriate tools for diagnosing psychological disorders and mental health problems that would be used in various settings;
    • Perform psychological assessments, utilizing culture-sensitive standardized instruments and clinical interviews, in a manner that yields both valid test results and what?;
    • Carry out individual psychotherapy with children and adolescents in both inpatient and outpatient settings;
    • Conduct group psychotherapy with children, adolescents and adults;
    • Conduct family therapy and parent child management training with child and adolescent in inpatient and outpatient settings;
    • Offer psychological consultation to professionals and agencies that are involved in the continuum of care for children and adolescents;
    • Apply the basic principles of communication while interacting with persons with psychological disorders;
    • Collect, organize, integrate and synthesize relevant information so as to better understand a person with psychological disorders and enhance the treatment process;
    • Take into account individual and cultural diversity pertaining to the professional practice of psychology;
    • Organize interdisciplinary team approach for the treatment of psychological disorders whenever necessary.

    Attitudes

    • Demonstrate a warm, empathic and respectful approach to patients and families and successfully establish rapport;
    • Foster good working relationships with all health care colleagues and other individuals involved in the delivery of care;
    • Demonstrate an enduring commitment to maximize the function and well being of persons with psychological disorders

    Admission requirements:

    • Satisfy the general admission requirements of the SGS.
    • B.A. or B. Sc. degree in Psychology or Social Work; B. Sc. Degree in Nursing; and MD in Medicine.
    • Pass entrance examination.
     MA Program in Health Psychology

    The general objective of the Graduate Program in Health Psychology is to create the necessary human power, structural, functional and professional capacity to rectify the existing weak readiness in addressing health problems in Ethiopia.
    Consistent with this general objective, the Institute of Psychology shall open this graduate program to train competent experts in the area of Health Psychology who willhave the professional capacity to make a momentous contribution towards the national attempt to improve the overall health care service network.
    The training goals, objectives, and profiles of the graduates of the Health Psychology program are given below.
    Objectives
    Goal 1:   To produce graduates who are skilled in the interface between science, theory, practice and culture in the field of Health Psychology.
    Goal 2:   To produce health psychologists with knowledge and skill to enter and contribute in the professional practice of Health Psychology.
    Goal 3:   To produce graduates who can contribute to knowledge and practice in the field of Health Psychology through research.
    Objective 1:   critically evaluate the professional literature in health psychology and related fields for scientific validity, pertinence, and relevance to diverse clientele and use it in health, educational, community, rehabilitative, industrial, organizational, etc. settings;
    Objective 2:   identify opportunities for further research into how the community affects the overall health of an individual member of the society and critically think about models for effective interventions for behavioral change outcomes;
    Objective 3:   attain knowledge of health psychology as a scientific and applied discipline; as area of professional practice, and as a field which embraces an understanding of community characteristics, services, programs and activities and their impact on the health of the developing individual in various contexts;
    Objective 4:   develop an understanding of, and commitment to, ethical codes and laws, regulations and standards governing the professional practice of psychology, in general and health psychology in particular.
    Objective 5:  develop professional competence as a researcher in health psychology.
    Graduate Profile
    Knowledge

    • Explain the relationship between behavior and health-related problems;
    • Understand the elements of effective community health programs;
    • Discuss preventive/rehabilitative strategies for chronic illness and community/ public health related problems;
    • Understand the use of test or assessment results in helping individuals, groups, family and the community at large in the treatment of health-related problems;
    • Explain health education programs applicable in different developmental stages, diverse socio-cultural and environmental situations;
    • Identify the theory and practical use of major neuro psychological assessment devices for the purpose of diagnosing and treating chronic health problems with neurological bases;
    • Discuss general and specific ethical, professional, administrative principles;
    • Recognizing cultural and religious diversities pertaining to the practice of health psychology.

    Skill

    • Conduct individual, group, and family psychotherapy with individuals who have health-related problems in different settings;
    • Design and conduct research so as to diagnose and treat psychological health-related problems;
    • Design and conduct program evaluation in different settings so as to establish the effectiveness of community health programs;
    • Design and conduct preventive/rehabilitative strategies for chronic illness and community/ public health related problems;
    • Design and implement effective strategies for helping health professionals in their health care activities;
    • Design and implement effective strategies for helping patients to develop adherence to treatment programs;
    • Design and implement effective health education programs in different developmental stages; diverse socio-cultural, and environmental situations;
    • Provide psychological consultation to professionals and agencies that are involved in public health related issues;
    • Function as workplace therapists, counselors and educators.

    Attitudes

    • Appreciate the relationship between behavior and health-related problems.
    • Value the role and contribution of communities in program design, implementation and evaluation;
    • Appreciate the significance of preventive/rehabilitative strategies parallel to curative measures;
    • Appreciate needs across the developmental stages and diversities in religious, socio-cultural and environmental settings;
    • Value ethical principles, professional standards, and administrative accountability;
    • Work for patient satisfaction in all professional practices;
    • Respect professional and ethical codes of conduct;
    • Appreciate the professional breadth and boundary of health psychology and respect the breadth and boundary of other professional fields.

    Admission Requirements     

    • Satisfy the general admission requirements of the SGS;
    • Have B.A. or B. Sc. Degree in Psychology, Sociology, or Social work; B. Sc. Degree in Nursing; and MD in Medicine;
    • Pass entrance examination (at a satisfactory level).
    MA Program in Counseling Psychology

    Objectives
    The MA Program in Counseling Psychology shall enable the graduates to:

    • Develop knowledge of various counseling theories, systems, and their related techniques;
    • Develop skill in the application of counseling theory and techniques (individual, group, and specialized areas such as career, family and school counseling) that are appropriate for the counseling setting;
    • Work in a variety of settings where educational, career, personal, and family counseling is offered;
    • Understand the ethical, legal and regulatory aspects of counseling and apply this knowledge;
    • Interpret tests and other appraisal results appropriately in the counseling environment;
    • Develop knowledge of individual differences with respect to gender, race, ethnicity, culture and age and understand the importance of these characteristics in counseling relationships;
    • Plan and conduct basic and applied research in counseling psychology.

    Graduate Profile

    • Provide professional assistance to individuals with personal, family, social, career and educational problems;
    • Teach courses in counseling psychology in educational institutions and in other settings;
    • Conduct research in psychological, educational and social issues;
    •  Design, administer and interpret various psychological, aptitude and other personality tests;
    •  Design, run, and conduct evaluation research on counseling, educational and social service programs;
    • Provide technical assistance in psycho social and educational issues to school teachers, managers, administrators and relevant others; and
    • Organize and run workshops, seminars and other training programs in counseling.

    Admission Requirements
    For the M.A. Degree in Counseling Psychology applicants have to satisfy the general admission requirements of the SGS:

    • B.A. or B.Sc. Degree in Psychology or related areas, or equivalent;
    • B.A. Degree from Teacher Training Colleges (with adequate courses in Developmental, Educational and Counseling Psychology);
    • Pass the entrance examination (at a satisfactory level).
    MA Program in Measurement and Evaluation

    Objectives
    The main objectives of the MA program in Measurement and Evaluation are the following:

    • Produce high level manpower in the area of measurement and evaluation;
    • Train instructors of measurement and evaluation for Teacher Education Colleges (TECs) and universities or Higher Education Institutions (HEIs);
    • Prepare individuals who can conduct research on various psychological, educational and social problems;
    • Train resource persons in test development for elementary, secondary and TEC levels as well as for non-academic institutions;
    • Train individuals to develop, administer and interpret various tests including achievement, aptitude, vocational, attitude, interest and personality tests;
    • Promote understanding, skills, and attitudes related to measurement and evaluation.

    Graduate Profile
    MA graduates in Measurement and Evaluation are expected to be able to:

    • Develop, adapt, administer, score and interpret achievement, aptitude, vocational, attitude, interest and other tests for personnel selection forbeneficiaries;
    • Design and develop standardized tests that can be used at different educational levels including preschools;
    • Select and evaluate various achievement, vocational, aptitude and other type of tests;
    • Act as resource persons in test development and statistical techniques at the primary, secondary, and TEC levels as well as in non-academic institutions;
    • Conduct training in measurement and evaluation as well as in intermediate statistical skills for staff in TECs, undergraduates and primary and secondary school teachers and for those in non-academic institutions;
    • Conduct research on various psychological, educational and social issues.
    • Conduct research to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of curricula, programs and projects; and
    • Organize and run workshops, seminars and other training programs in measurement and evaluation.

    Admission Requirements
    For the M.A. Degree in Measurement and Evaluation, applicants should:

    • Satisfy the general admission requirements of the SGS;
    • Hold B.A. or B. Sc. Degree in Psychology or related fields, or equivalent and
    • Pass the entrance examination (at a satisfactory level).

    MA Program in Developmental Psychology

    Objectives
    The Modular MA Program in Developmental Psychology shall enable the graduates to:

    • Develop knowledge of the major developmental milestones throughout the life-span, factors affecting these milestones, and strategies for making psychosocial care and support to promote them;
    • Contribute towards an understanding of the problems of Ethiopian children, adolescents, youth, adults and the elderly;
    • Conduct developmental psychological research on infants, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly;
    • Understand the policy, educational, social, economic… implications of the developmental needs of the growing persons in Ethiopia.

    Graduate Profile
    The graduates should be able to:

    • Teach courses in human development and learning in institutes of higher learning and in other settings;
    • Test and screen children of various intellectual abilities;
    • Coordinate various intervention programs catering for different groups (street children, youth, etc.);
    • Provide professional assistance to children in especially difficult circumstances; and caregivers;
    • Conduct research on psychological and educational problems;
    • Evaluate various rehabilitation centers and other educational programs;
    • Assist in the design of programs and curricula for early childhood education and beyond;
    • Prepare reports, materials, manuals, guidelines and related other documents concerning children, adolescents, youth and adults in Ethiopia;
    • Organize and conduct workshops, seminars and training programs in the area.

    Admission Requirements
    For the M.A. Degree in Developmental Psychology applicants have to:

    • Satisfy the General graduate admission requirements of AAU;
    • Have B.A. Degree in Psychology from a recognized university or equivalent;
    • Have B.Ed. Degree from Teacher Training Colleges (with adequate courses in Developmental, Educational   and  Counseling Psychology).
    MA Program in Social Psychology

    Objectives
    The main objectives of Social Psychology Program are the following:

    • Produce high level human power in the area of Social Psychology;
    • Train professionals who can conduct research on various social, psychological and educational problems;
    • Produce professionals who can design, implement and evaluate various community-based intervention programs;
    • Prepare personnel who can serve as coordinators and leaders of social service programs;
    • Train instructors in the broad area of psychology;
    • Prepare professionals for further (PhD) studies; and
    • Contribute towards the understanding of social problems in Ethiopia in general and families, children, and the youth in particular.

    Graduate Profile
    The graduates will be able to:

    • Design and implement various social intervention and community-based programs;
    • Design, conduct and analyze studies on various social, psychological and educational problems;
    • Conduct evaluation research about various social service programs and projects;
    • Coordinate various social service programs;
    • Teach various psychology courses in higher education and teacher training institutions;
    • Organize and run workshops and seminars in various social-psychological issues;

    Admission Requirements
    Applicants to the MA Program in Social Psychology should fulfill the following criteria:

    • Satisfy the general admission requirements of the AAU Graduate Programs;
    • Have BA/BSC in Psychology, Sociology or related fields;
    • Pass the entrance examination.
    PhD Program in Applied Developmental Psychology

    Applied developmental psychology is an emerging specialty with a new domain of research questions and methods, and with the implications to train a new brand of professional specialists. Some of the themes of this new approach include the dynamic interaction between context and physical, psychosocial and cognitive development; the multidimensionality of tasks confronting children and caregivers in rearing practices, care, development and protection; the various circumstances that have raised widespread public concern, such as child abuse and/or neglect, “streetism”, teenage parenthood, education, care, nutrition, health, etc.; and the mutual challenge of meeting the developmental needs of childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age in a socio-cultural context by integrating theoretical analysis with the practical demands of assessment and intervention. Hence, the Program recognizes the need for a multidisciplinary focus and the possible contribution of indigenous knowledge and practices in developmental psychology on real-world, substantive problems and of firsthand familiarity with the tasks children, adolescents and adults face as they strive to meet their developmental needs in their socio-cultural environments and the practicalities of intervention in the real socio-cultural “worlds”. The implication means the organic link of theories and practices that address a wide range of human developmental issues from educational and psychosocial perspectives.
    Objectives
    The general objective of the PhDProgram is to produce high-level professionals in the area of Applied Developmental Psychology, with skills in quantitative and qualitative research, assessment, and intervention, and with the capacity to explore issues for research and practical applications that are relevant to a wide range of problems in human development and education in Ethiopia.
    The specific objectives of the Program are to produce:

    • Highly qualified teaching faculty in the area of Applied Developmental  Psychology;
    • Human power that can carry out research on various developmental, educational, psychosocial, and other issues of human development in Ethiopia;
    • Scholars who can develop and integrate applicable theories/models of Developmental Psychology in research, assessment, and intervention practices, particularly  in   issues of human development and education in Ethiopia;
    • Resource persons who can organize workshops, seminars and other training programs in developmental and educational issues;
    • Professionals who are able to conduct developmental, educational and psychosocial  interventions;
    • Scholars who can assist in the preparation of diagnostic and training programs in developmental and educational issues at national and regional levels of the country;
    • Scholars who can assume leadership positions in managing, organizing and successfully running regional and national organizationsworking on developmental and educational issues.

    Graduate Profile
    Graduates of PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology are expected to:

    • Conduct research on issues of child, adolescent, adult and old age development and education;
    • Design diagnostic tools for assessing and screening developmental disorders;
    • Provide treatment services to persons with developmental disorders;
    • Conduct, publish, and present scholarly research articles, and research findings at national and international fora;
    • Teach graduate courses in Developmental/Educational Psychology at institutions of higher learning;
    • Provide consultancy services as well as a range of program evaluation functions;
    • Develop and apply relevant developmental theories, practices and techniques in the curricula of infant, child, adolescent, adult and old age developmental and educational policies at national and regional levels.

    Admission Requirements
    Within the framework of the general requirements of admission of the School of Graduate Studies of AAU, applicants are expected to fulfill the requirements as here in below:

    • Produce MA, M. Phil. or equivalent qualifications in Developmental Psychology, or related fields;
    • Present evidences of his or her research background;
    • Submit three letters of reference from university professors who know the applicant’s current scholarship and/or professional work;
    • Score a minimum grade-point average of 3.40 (based on a 4.00 point scale system) on graduate course work and/or a minimum of one publication in a reputable journal;
    • Submit sound research proposal for the doctoral thesis;
    • Pass the entrance examination of the Program; and
    • Pass an  interview that the Department may conduct for PhD applicants
     PhD Program in Social Psychology

    The rationale for the PhD program in Social Psychology stems from the need for high level human power for teaching, research and intervention in the higher education institutions and the social services sector in Ethiopia. It will contribute towards the staff development efforts of the AAU and other universities in the country.
    Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural country with about 80 million people. Poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, crime, intergroup conflicts, violence, street children, prostitution and HIV/AIDS are some of the social problems that the present Ethiopia is facing. Some aspects of these problems are the concerns of Social Psychology. Hence, there is a need for high-level human resources that can identify the root causes, strategies to tackle the problems, design policies and programs, and assess the effectiveness of various intervention programs.
    It is also obvious that there is a great need for research and the creation of knowledge. The doctoral program envisages conducting original research in these areas. It has been about seven years, since the Institute launched the Master’s degree program in Social Psychology, a program which has been most popular in the School. Though, priority will be given to the training of professionals for the AAU and the younger universities (in the short-run), the prospects for employment of the graduates with PhD degrees in social psychology looks very promising.
    Objectives
    The general objectives of the PhD program in Social Psychology is to produce highly qualified professionals in the field who could play a leading role in quality teaching, research, consultancy and intervention activities.
    The main objectives of the program are to produce educators, researchers and professionals who can:

    • work as educators and researchers in the field;
    • design, implement and evaluate various social service programs;
    • serve as coordinators and leaders of various community and social service programs;
    • Apply social psychology constructs, principles, theories and findings to deal with issues and problems of the Ethiopian society;
    • Communicate research findings to policymakers and other stakeholders; and
    • Contribute towards the understanding of and dealing with social problems in Ethiopia.

    Graduate Profile
    The graduates of the PhD program in Social Psychology will be able to:

    • Teach various psychology courses at the undergraduate level and social psychology courses at the graduate level;
    • Design and conduct research on various social, educational and psychological problems;
    • Conduct evaluation research about various social service programs and projects;
    • Coordinate, lead and organize various social services and intervention programs;
    • Develop various social policies and programs that contribute towards the socio-economic development of the society;
    • Demonstrate the attitude and the skills to deal with cultural, ethnic, gender and other social diversities;
    • Offer consultancy services (in the areas of competence) to various stakeholders.

    Admission Requirements
    Admission into the Social Psychology PhD program follows the general guidelines set by the AAU School of Graduate Studies. However, the following are the specific criteria that the applicants should fulfill:

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