FAQ
1. Where can I see the list of courses offered?
You can view the list of courses for your department and other departments of the university for the relevant semester by entering the "schedule" on the Registrar's Office website at https://registration.boun.edu.tr/. When you click on "Psychology," you will see a list of all the courses offered by the department for that semester. In this list, you can find the course codes, credits, days and times, and when you click on "Descr.," you can view the course program (syllabus).
2. How can I read the course schedules on the "Schedule" page?
The course days are indicated as M(onday), T(uesday), etc., and the course hours are marked as 1st, 2nd, and so on. "1st" means the first hour, which is 9:00-9:50, and "2nd" means 10:00-10:50. For example, if a course is listed as MWW 134, it means that the course is on Monday from 9:00 to 9:50 and on Wednesday from 11:00 to 13:00.
3. What kind of courses are included in the undergraduate education?
We categorize courses into four types. "Departmental core courses" are the courses that are compulsory for your graduation. "Non-departmental must courses" are courses that are outside the department but are still mandatory. The "Department electives" (or "general area requirements") are divided into three areas, and you need to take the specified number of courses from each area. "Electives" (or "unrestricted electives") cover all other courses outside the department or within the department that interest you and you need to take up to a total of 45 credits. Be sure to take "departmental core courses" and "non-departmental must courses" on time. Courses are not always offered every semester, so make sure to take these courses when they are offered during the semester you need them.
4. What is the course schedule I should follow during my undergraduate education?
When you click on "Academic Program" on the department's website, you will find a four-year course schedule distributed over the semesters. This program can be flexible for reasons such as Erasmus/Exchange. For example, the mandatory course for the 3rd year, PSY304, is offered in both semesters and can be taken in either the 1st or 2nd semester, or in very specific exceptional cases, it can be postponed to the 4th year. Or department electives and unrestricted electives may change based on the courses offered that semester. The important thing is to complete the credits for all mandatory and elective areas in general by the end of the four years. In addition, for department electives, you should take a certain number of courses from different area courses.
5. What is the importance of area courses for graduation?
You will see on the Area Courses page what types of courses you need to graduate from the department and how many of each. Carefully read the "Psychology Departmental Program" templates at the end of the page and determine which group your selected courses fit into. It is extremely important to print this template and record the courses you have taken and the grades at the end of each semester, check the courses you have taken to prevent any problems that may cause you to graduate late, and consult your advisor if necessary.
6. How are area courses divided?
Under the heading "General Area Requirement," we have three different areas (we often colloquially refer to these areas as "bohça"). The courses in Area 1 primarily focus on developmental, social, and personality psychology. The courses in Area 2 are related to biopsychology, learning, and cognitive psychology. The courses in Area 3 are related to the applied aspects of psychology.
Here's a summary of the areas and the courses within them:
- Area 1 (at least three):
PSY 233 / PSY 234 / PSY 241 / PSY 242 / PSY 251 / PSY 338 / PSY 443 / PSY 48A / PSY 48C / PSY 48F
- Area 2 (at least three):
PSY 222 / PSY 228 / PSY 271 / PSY 326 / PSY 327 / PSY 377 / PSY 428 / PSY 484 / PSY 48B / PSY 48D / PSY 48E / PSY48L / PSY48R
- Area 2 (at least two):
PSY 362 / PSY 363 / PSY 364 / PSY 464 / PSY 466 / PSY 48G / PSY 48H / PSY48M / PSY482 / PSY 48T
7. Can I repeat area courses with each other?
Area courses cannot be repeated with each other; if you receive an F in a course, it can only be repeated itself.
8. If I pass the preparatory year with which grade, which English courses should I take?
For students who pass BUEPT with an A:
- There is NO OBLIGATION to take any mandatory additional English courses. However, taking a HUM course or any course with the code AE 200 as an unrestricted elective is RECOMMENDED.
For students who pass BUEPT with a B:
- You MUST take either a HUM course or an AE 2xx course. You cannot start learning a foreign language before completing this English course requirement.
For students who pass BUEPT with a C+:
- In the first year, you MUST take the courses AE 111-112. Starting from the second year, you MUST take either a course with the code AE 2xx OR ONE of the courses HUM 101-102. You cannot start learning a foreign language before completing this English course requirement.
For students who pass BUEPT with a C:
- In the first year, you MUST take the courses AE 101-102. Starting from the second year, you MUST take either a course with the code AE 2xx OR ONE of the courses HUM 101-102. You cannot start learning a foreign language before completing this English course requirement.
Important Note: As of the Fall semester of 2021, the language obligation rule has been changed as follows:
- Students who pass BUEPT with a B can take a foreign language course simultaneously with AE 2XX. However, students who pass with a C cannot take a foreign language course simultaneously with AE 101 and AE 102 in their first year. These students will not be allowed to take language courses without credit before completing their AE requirements. (Current rule)
9. Is the credit value of unrestricted electives important?
In the "Unrestricted Electives" category, what matters is that you complete a total of 134 graduation credits with the courses you take there. For students who take the PSY 100 course, the required graduation credit is 135. Therefore, the total number of courses in that category may vary depending on whether the elective courses you take are 2, 3, or 4 credits and depending on your English proficiency, which determines the number of mandatory English reinforcement courses you need to take in the "non-departmental must courses" category. As mentioned earlier, these courses encompass a wide range of subjects.
10. Which unrestricted electives can I take related to foreign languages?
You can find languages courses like French (FR), Spanish (SPA) as well as courses in languages such as Italian under the Foreign Language Education (FLED) department. Additionally you can take Latin, Greek, Chinese, Russian, and more under the Western Languages & Literatures department.
11. Which unrestricted electives can I take related to cultural history?
You can find courses such as "Cultural Encounters" with the code HUM, or courses like jazz history, film analysis, screenplay writing, documentary filmmaking, Anatolian art, and modern dance analysis with the code FA under the Western Languages & Literatures department
12. Which unrestricted electives can I take related to natural sciences?
Students from outside the field of natural sciences can take courses like SCI 101 under the Physics department and SCI 102 under the Chemistry department. Since psychology increasingly requires an understanding of natural sciences, we strongly recommend taking at least one of these courses, as they provide a general "science literacy."
13. Which unrestricted electives can I take related to art?
You can choose courses like ceramics and similar courses with the code PA under the Department of Fine Arts (but you can take a maximum of 4 of these courses until your graduation).
14. Which other unrestricted electives can I take?
Courses from other departments with codes in the 100s, and sometimes in the 200s, can be open to all students. As these courses are open to all students, it's a good idea to register for them early.
15. How many PA coded courses can I take at most?
PA coded courses come in two types: 2-credit, pass/fail (P/F) courses and 3-credit, P/F, or letter-graded (AA, BA, etc.) courses. Regardless of the type, you can take up to a total of 4 of these courses for credit until your graduation. If you complete four PA courses and wish to take another one, you should enroll in them as NC (noncredit), similar to PE courses.
16. Do PE coded courses count toward my graduation credits?
PE coded courses (such as yoga, sports, etc.) may appear as 1 credit in the system, but these credits are not counted toward your total graduation credits in our department. You can take these courses, but do not include them in your credit count. In the coming semesters, make sure to add PE courses to your program as NC (noncredit) when you take them so you don't miscalculate your total credits.
17. How can I take the "Readings and Research (R&R)" courses with code 49?
All "Readings and research in..." PSY courses are practical courses given on a pass/fail basis. To take these courses, you need to speak with the faculty member who is offering the course. You don't need to be in your fourth year to take these courses, but each course may have different prerequisites.
18. How many 49 coded R&R courses can I take at most?
You can count the credits of a maximum of 4 of these courses towards your graduation credits. Therefore, keep this in mind when making your course selections. If you want to take more than 4 of these courses, you need to take them as noncredit (NC).
19. We have the right to take 4 PA and 49 coded courses; do I get 4 of each or a total of 4 for both?
You can take up to 4 courses from each, 49 and PA coded courses.
20. How many 48 coded "Selected Topics" courses can I take at most?
All "Selected Topics in..." PSY courses are content-based courses and are graded with letter grades. There is no numerical restriction for these courses.
21. What does the credit count "+ XX" in the transcript mean?
All pass/fail type courses (including PA coded courses) will appear as "credit count + XX" in your completed credit section, but they are counted as normal credits. For example, when your completed credits are shown as 25+6, it means you have completed a total of 31 credits, with 6 of them coming from P/F type courses. (Credits for courses graded as P/F are counted, but they naturally do not affect your grade point average (GPA)).
22. Will it be a problem if I take extra credits? Can I graduate with extra credits?
No, taking extra credits will not be a problem and will not hinder your graduation.
23. I want to extend my student status. Can I continue taking courses as a student after completing my course/credit requirements?
Extending your student status can be a reasonable decision only under specific conditions. If you've decided to extend your student status after discussing it with your advisor, remember that you will automatically graduate once you fulfill your course and credit requirements. The easiest and least risky way to extend your student status, especially if you want to extend for just one term, is to leave a credit deficit from the elective courses category. You can also extend your student status by not taking a required psychology course.
24. Can I take fewer than 15 credits?
If the system classifies you as a "SENIOR" and your advisor approves, you can take fewer than 15 credits.
25. Would having an F or W (Withdrawal) on my transcript, even if I have the required GPA, affect my eligibility for Honor and High Honor Certificates when I graduate?
If your GPA is on track, having an F or W on your transcript won't affect your eligibility for Honor or High Honor Certificates. To be an Honor or High Honor student, you need to meet two conditions: your overall GPA and completing school within 8 terms*. You need to satisfy both of these conditions to be an Honor/High Honor student.
*The 8-term completion condition does not apply to students who have gone on Exchange and have completed a minor program.
26. I passed a course with a grade (e.g., DD) and then repeated it and received a W. Will my old grade still count?
Yes, if you previously passed the course with a grade, the course will be counted with the last grade you received when you repeated it as a W.
27. I want to graduate, but I still have courses with F on my transcript. Will this be a problem for my graduation?
If you have a course with an F on your transcript, you cannot graduate. Whether you took the course for credit or non-credit, it does not change this situation. To graduate, you must repeat the courses with an F grade.
1. What happens if my GPA (Grade Point Average) is low?
Your GPA is important; keep in mind that if you graduate with a GPA below 2.50, your door to pursuing a master's degree, or further studies, will be closed for the rest of your life (for a doctoral degree, the minimum GPA will likely be higher). To not lose this opportunity, try not to fall behind in your courses from your first year. Considering the course repeat restrictions mentioned in the next item, it can be quite challenging to raise a low GNO from the 3rd or 4th semester onwards.
2. Can I repeat courses with "DD/DC" grades to improve my GPA?
Starting with 200, 300, and 400 coded PSY courses, repeating DD and DC grades is no longer allowed (this rule does not apply to students under the "repeating" or "on probation" status). The right to repeat DD and DC courses is only valid for first-year courses and non-departmental electives. For the courses in which you have the right to repeat DD/DC grades:
(1) You can retake a maximum of 1 DD/DC course during a single semester.
(2) You need to complete the courses you want to repeat within a maximum of 3 semesters.
(3) The last grade you received will be counted, but your previous grade will still appear on the transcript.
3. Can I repeat compulsory courses with an "F" grade with another course?
No, you must repeat compulsory courses in which you received an "F" grade with the exact same course (e.g., PSY 101 with PSY 101, or MATH 105 with MATH 105).
4. Can I repeat department electives ("F" grades) with another course?
You must repeat a department elective course in which you received an "F" with the same course; you cannot repeat it with a different PSY course from the same area. For example, you cannot repeat PSY 228 with PSY 326. (However, there is an exception: if you receive an "F" in PSY 363, you can repeat it with any department elective from areas A, B, or C.)
5. Can I withdraw from a course after the Add/Drop period?
You've selected a course and decided to continue taking that course after the records close, but later in the semester, you realize that you can't meet the course requirements. In this case, you can withdraw from the course with advisor approval during the Withdrawal period, which starts about 8 weeks after the semester begins.
6. What are the conditions for withdrawing from a course?
You do not have the right to withdraw from compulsory first-year courses and courses you have to retake because of an "F". You can withdraw from all other courses as long as you do not drop your semester credit count below 15. Otherwise, you'll need to write a petition. Throughout your undergraduate education, you have the right to withdraw from a maximum of 3 courses.
7. What are the consequences of withdrawing from a course, and how does it appear on the transcript?
When you withdraw from a course, a "W" mark will be placed next to the course. This mark does not indicate anything negative on your future applications; it only shows that you withdrew from the course.
8. Can I suspend my education for a semester?
If you have a serious health issue or any other significant problem that makes it impossible to continue your studies for a semester, you can apply for "Semester Leave."
9. Will taking a semester leave affect my total education duration?
If you take a semester leave due to reasons like illness, it will not count toward your normal education duration. However, if you take semester leave due to certain personal or family difficulties*, it will be counted toward the 14 semesters of your total education duration (i.e., you lose one semester out of the maximum 14).
10. Under what circumstances should I take a semester leave?
Sometimes, students realize they won't be able to complete a semester properly for various reasons (family, personal, etc.), which might lead to an empty transcript full of F's at the end of the semester. There's no need for that. If you suspend a semester (provided that your petition is approved by both the department and faculty), all your courses for that semester will have the letter "L" next to them. In other words, your GPA won't be affected needlessly.
11. How does taking a semester leave affect my GPA?
Sometimes, we observe that students, for various reasons, abandon all their courses, which results in a transcript filled with unnecessary F grades at the end of the semester. There's no need for this. If you suspend a semester (provided that your petition is approved by both the department and faculty), all your courses for that semester will have the letter "L" next to them. That's all it means; your GPA won't drop unnecessarily.
12. What is the deadline for applying for a semester leave?
There is no specific deadline for applying for a semester leave; you have this right throughout the semester, even in the 3rd month.
1. I am a student of PSY 101 / PSY 111 / PSY 241. I was told that I can participate in experiments conducted in the department and earn extra credits. Where can I sign up for these experiments?
To participate in experiments conducted in the department, you can log in to rps.boun.edu.tr with your Boğaziçi University email address and password. You need to take note of the experiment numbers, locations, timings, and the contact information (phone number and email address) of the experiment conductor.
2. How can I check the number of credits I've earned from experiments during the semester?
You can check the credits you've earned through the Research Participation System. Some experiment conductors prefer to grant credits after participation, while others prefer to do it at the end of the semester. Therefore, you'll get the most accurate information about the credits you've earned at the end of the semester. An email will be sent to you at the end of the semester regarding the credits you've earned from experiments, and you will have a chance to appeal if there are any errors.
3. I had signed up for an experiment but forgot to note down the experiment number / researcher's name / location of the experiment. What can I do?
You are responsible for taking note of this information for the experiments you sign up for. In situations like this, research assistants may not be able to help you.
4. If I participate in all the experiments, will my grade definitely increase by one letter grade?
Participating in all experiments may not necessarily increase your letter grade. For example, PSY 101 students can earn a maximum of 5 credits. The credits you've earned are added to your final grade at the end of the semester, and your letter grade is determined according to the ranges set by the course instructor.
1. Does your department offer a minor program?
Our department does not offer a minor program.
2. I want to do a double major in your department. Which department students are eligible to apply to your double major program?
Students studying at Boğaziçi University in the departments of Sociology, Western Languages & Literatures, Political Science and International Relations, Economics, Business Administration, Philosophy, and History are eligible to apply for a double major program in our department.
3. In which semester can I apply for a double major program?
Applications for a double major program can be made at the earliest at the end of the 3rd semester and at the latest at the end of the 5th semester.
4. Who will be my advisor as a double major student? Will I have one advisor or advisors from both departments?
Since Spring 2013, double major students are assigned one advisor from each of the two departments in which they are registered. One of these advisors will be determined as the main advisor. The main advisor is responsible for approving the program, among other things.
1. I want to transfer to Boğaziçi University's Psychology department. In which year should I be?
To be eligible for evaluation of your transfer application, you should have completed the 1st or 2nd year.
2. What are the necessary conditions (GPA, English, etc.) to apply for a transfer?
You can find the necessary documents and requirements for the application through the following links:
b. Boğaziçi University Transfer Regulations
3. Can I apply for transfer starting in the spring semester?
No, in our department, transfers to start in the fall semester are accepted.
1. Should we go on Erasmus/exchange, and will it provide an advantage in our future postgraduate applications?
The answer to this question is both straightforward and complex. Every experience, especially one gained abroad (in terms of experiencing different cultures and lifestyles), is beneficial. On the other hand, not going on exchange during your undergraduate studies is not a disadvantage in your future postgraduate applications. In fact, sometimes, staying and deepening your studies within your chosen subfield can be an advantage in your postgraduate applications. This is because, when you've spent more time in a particular subfield of psychology, you might have the opportunity to work closely with a professor in that field, and your application can benefit more from a detailed reference letter than from just stating that you took a particular course and got a certain grade.
2. Will I lose a semester/year if I go on Erasmus/exchange?
In general, or mostly, we can say no to this. This is because the last year of the Psychology Department does not have an overwhelming number of required courses/credits. So, even if you take fewer courses than you would have taken here, you can easily make up for it by taking a few more courses (or taking courses in summer school) in your last year. In general, students who go on exchange do not delay their graduation. Those who do delay, whether they went on exchange or not, do it because they want to.
3. When can I apply for the Erasmus program?
You can apply for the exchange program for the 5th, 6th, and 7th semesters. Applications start approximately one year before the semester you plan to go. For more detailed information, please check the International Relations Office's website and the Department's website.
4. When is the best time to go on Erasmus/exchange?
The only thing to keep in mind is which mandatory courses are in your curriculum during the semester you are planning to go. If you cannot find a corresponding course during your exchange, it means that you will have to make up for it retroactively, either by taking more courses from your non-exchange friends or by taking it in summer school.
5. Which courses can I count?
Our curriculum has plenty of "unrestricted elective" courses, so you can count any course that you take successfully (i.e., a grade equivalent to CC or higher in BÜ notation and, for example, D or according to the American grading system). If the content of the course matches a specific psychology course we offer, you can count the course with our course code (for example, if you have taken a course called "Psychopathology," and its content is equivalent to our "Abnormal Psychology"). The equivalence is decided by our faculty members' opinions. If you want to count a specific course, you can simply upload its syllabus to your online "learning agreement" e-petition. Your academic advisor will approve the syllabus or change your course listing to "UNRESTRICTED ELECT." after consulting with relevant instructors. If you want to take a course that doesn't match any specific psychology course but is similar in content and scope to courses in our departments, your academic advisor can count it as "DEPT. ELECT. 1, 2, or 3". Our department's courses are mainly designed to provide a solid foundation in a certain area and offer a bit more in-depth information in that area in 300-400 level courses. For example, PSY 271 Neuroscience is such a course. On the other hand, if you plan to take a course like "The Neuroscience of Vision," it would not be such a course because it will most likely be a highly specific and narrowly focused course like our special topics courses. Therefore, that type of course can only be counted as "UNRESTR. ELECT."
6. Can extending my graduation for a semester affect my future applications?
No, sometimes, it can give you additional time to understand what you really want to do.
7. Where do I apply for Erasmus/Exchange? What should I pay attention to when applying?
Applications are made through BUIS by clicking on the Erasmus Application section. It is recommended to check the previous year's placement results on the website and rank your choices accordingly. You can also check how University Points are calculated, which is used to rank students in Erasmus/Exchange applications, and see how your GPA and BUEPT score compare to it.
8. Are the quotas I see in the Partner list yearly or per semester?
The quotas seen in the partner list are annual quotas. For example, if a school's quota is 1 person, it means that school will only accept one student for a semester, and it will not accept any students in the other semester.
9. Does my placement at that school become certain when I am nominated?
As a procedural matter, no. When you are nominated, you apply to the school you will attend and proceed with your procedures directly with that school. However, almost always, your application is accepted.
10. Is it difficult to get a grant for Erasmus?
The GPA of students applying from the Psychology Department is generally high. Especially for highly competitive English-speaking destinations, getting a grant can be more challenging.
11. What can I do if I don't get a grant for Erasmus? Can I change the school I will go to?
If you don't want to go without a grant, you can cancel your application and try your luck again in the next application period.
1. Do you accept applications for the spring semester for master's or doctoral programs?
No, we only offer master's and doctoral programs for the fall semester.
2. My undergraduate degree is not in psychology. Can I still apply for a master's degree?
There is no fixed policy regarding this situation. Some years, applicants with non-psychology undergraduate degrees are accepted, while in other years, it may not be possible. Therefore, individuals should check the current master's program announcement on our university's application website for the relevant field.
If accepted, applicants with non-psychology undergraduate degrees are required to complete a Scientific Preparation program in psychology for one year. Successful completion of this program allows them to proceed to master's level courses.
3. My master's degree is not in psychology. Can I still apply for a Ph.D.?
To apply for the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program, you need to have a master's degree in Clinical Psychology. The Psychological Sciences Ph.D. program is open to candidates with master's degrees in fields related to psychology, such as linguistics, cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science, and more.
4. What are the weightings of factors in the applications? If my undergraduate GPA or ALES score is low, do I have no chance of being accepted?
Your undergraduate GPA and ALES score are not the sole determining factors. What matters most is the entirety of your application package. In other words, your overall GPA, exam scores, statement of purpose, performance in the science exam and interview, research experience, and other elements collectively influence the admission process.
5. Are master's and doctoral programs offered every year?
Not all of our graduate programs are available every year. Announcements for graduate program applications for the upcoming academic year, which starts in September, are typically made in February and March. To stay updated, check our website during these months.
6. I have taken a required exam for graduate applications (e.g., ALES) but believe I can achieve a higher score if I retake it after the application deadline. Can I send a new score after applications are complete?
If you don't provide your ALES/GRE/GMAT score during the application process, your acceptance will be conditional. You'll need to submit the relevant score to the Registrar's Office by the final registration date.
7. I've heard rumors that the Boğaziçi University Psychology Department only admits students from its own department to graduate programs. I come from a different department/university; do I have no chance?
We evaluate graduate applications based on the applicant's academic potential. Over the years, we have admitted many students from various departments and universities, which indicates that the mentioned rumor does not accurately reflect the reality.
8. After being accepted into one of your graduate programs, can I study English preparatory courses?
The availability of English preparatory courses for our graduate programs may vary from year to year. For the most accurate information, follow announcements during the application period.
To be accepted into our graduate programs, you are expected to prove your English proficiency through a language exam (such as BÜEPT or TOEFL). Additionally, the science exam and interview are conducted in English.
9. What does the science exam cover? How can I prepare for it? Do you have any book recommendations?
The science exam consists of two parts. One part requires you to answer questions that use research methods and statistics. The other part includes domain-specific questions related to the field you applied for (e.g., developmental psychology, social psychology, etc.). We do not provide specific book recommendations, but you can prepare for the exam using introductory-level textbooks.
10. What should I pay attention to when writing the research proposal for a Ph.D. application?
The research proposal should be in English and the topic should be chosen by the applicant. The proposal should be independently developed by the applicant. It should have a maximum of 3000 words, excluding references. The proposal is expected to have high originality, theoretical significance, and feasibility. It should include a detailed literature review, the purpose of the proposed project(s), the method, and the approach to data analysis. The proposal should also contain a 150-200-word summary and follow APA guidelines. It is recommended that applicants contact psy@boun.edu.tr to inquire about the format of the research proposal.
11. I graduated from a university with English as the language of instruction. Do I still need to take one of the specified language exams?
Even if you graduated from a university where the language of instruction is English, you are still required to submit a valid score from one of the specified exams according to the application conditions.
12. I graduated from a university abroad. What should I do for equivalence?
To obtain equivalence, you need to apply to the Higher Education Council (YÖK) and include the equivalence certificate among your application documents once it is approved. You can find detailed information on the process here.
13- Does studying abroad for a clinical master's degree create problems in terms of returning to Turkey in the future?
No, it does not. Yet, it should be confirmed whether the program has equivalence in Turkey and whether YÖK accepts the diploma received as a clinical psychology degree.
14- Which universities would you recommend for a clinical master's degree in Turkey?
Bilgi University, METU, Istanbul University, Hacettepe, Ege University...
15- What are the most desired criteria to be accepted from universities abroad?
There is no easy answer to this. The most important thing, e.g. for the USA, is to have a professor who wants to work with you, if the program you are applying for is a PhD program. Again, if the program you are applying for is specifically a PhD program, they look for the fact that you have chosen this program with something to think about and that you are a person who can make this long-term commitment.
Master's degrees in the US and the UK are generally expensive (few programs/universities offer scholarships) and may not sufficiently develop potential researcher and faculty member identity for the future.
On the other hand, master's programs in continental Europe are more valuable but scholarships are hard to find. In these master's programs, they usually look at things like the courses you have taken, of course your achievements in the courses, your research experience. In Europe, especially at the master's level, letters of reference are not as important as in the US (and UK).
16- Which countries or universities abroad would you recommend for a clinical master's degree?
The Netherlands would probably be the most recommended place for a master's degree. On the other hand, if you are interested in psychodynamic approaches, the Netherlands may not be the right address because its clinical programs predominantly involve cognitive-behavioral approaches.
It is important whether the programs you apply for are accredited/have equivalence or not. 1-year clinical programs (without internship and supervision) are not equivalent to programs in Turkey but are pre-doctoral preparation programs. It is ethically problematic to graduate from these programs and return to Turkey to see clients.
17- How is the USA an option for a PhD in clinical medicine? What are the chances of getting admission without doing a master's degree in Turkey?
There are very good clinical PhD programs in the USA. According to the professional license and law in the USA, you can only become a clinical psychologist if you do a PhD in a clinical field. On the other hand, it is not very easy to get accepted to those programs.
18- Do you need to graduate from a master's program with a thesis to work as a clinical psychologist? Does it change whether this program is a 1-year (60 credits) or 2-year program to graduate as a clinical psychologist?
It is not necessary to graduate from a thesis program to become a clinical psychologist, a non-thesis (but of course accredited) clinical master's degree is also sufficient. A one-year clinical master's program is by no means enough. What makes a clinical master's program good is the quality of the internships and supervision offered by that program. In the current situation (according to the regulation of YÖK), non-thesis MA graduates cannot apply to doctoral programs.
19- In 1-year programs, it is said that the thesis will be written in 1 semester, is 1 semester enough for thesis work, what will be the value of this thesis?
We think it is not enough.
20- Is it necessary to first complete a clinical master's program to become a competent art therapist or dance-movement therapist?
Programs such as art therapy or dance-movement therapy, which are called therapy but do not actually provide their graduates with the competence to do real psychotherapy, should be evaluated carefully. In our opinion, the person who will do therapy should graduate from a clinical psychology program. These programs do not provide training on psychopathology and its treatment. As you say, these can be methods that can be used as tools in therapy. Or these methods can be applied by people who have received this training as support methods for psychotherapy, but a person who has received only these trainings cannot and should not do therapy.
21- How important is the Ales score for the clinical psychology program, how high should it be?
There are clinical programs that attach importance to Ales (most likely Hacettepe University) as well as programs that do not (most likely Bilgi University).
22- What are the Cognitive Sciences graduate programs in Turkey or abroad that you recommend and what are the general European graduate scholarship opportunities, if any?
METU CogSci, Bogazici CogSci; Abroad: Trente CogSci, Indiana Univ CogSci, Rutgers CogSci. (You can ask CogIST about this, it is a very good cognitive science student community; see also https://cognitivesciencesociety.org/programs-in-cognitive-sciences/)
23- Does having a dissertation instead of a thesis in the framework of the program limit PhD opportunities? I see that UK universities usually have a dissertation while other EU universities usually have a thesis, but I couldn't find any good information about the difference.
In the UK, a "dissertation" is a project written at the end of a bachelor's or master's degree; a PhD is a "thesis". In the US it is the other way around (Germany, Netherlands etc. also use the US terminology).
24- What alternatives can one with a bachelor's degree in psychology and master's degree in other fields pursue?
Social service-oriented "preventive intervention programs" would be important. It would be valuable to be educated in social policies, educational sciences, developmental psychology or clinical fields and to be involved in and develop these programs. They can work in cooperation with NGOs or other institutions. Or people who know good statistics can do very important work in all areas of psychology and society.
1. How can I send a petition to the department/dean's office?
Petitions are now prepared as e-petitions. When you log in to OBİKAS, you can see how the e-petition system works.
2. For what reasons can I send a petition?
For example, if you have been on an exchange and want to count your courses, you should submit a request through the e-petition. You can find information about the exchange process at this link: /en/pages/exchange-erasmus/5230.
3. Is an internship mandatory?
There is no mandatory internship in our department, but doing internships during breaks, especially after the 1st and 2nd years, can be very beneficial for you.
4. In which fields can I do an internship?
Doing an internship in Human Resources in the private sector can provide you with valuable insights into HR, which can be beneficial for shaping your future career. Interning at Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as TOG, AÇEV, KADER, etc., can also be highly enriching and beneficial. We recommend that you consider clinical internships (hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, etc.) after the 3rd year.
5. Where can I get detailed information about internships?
You can find information about clinical and other internships on our department's website at /en/pages/voluntary-internship/5232 (e.g., Clinical Internship Principles file). For questions related to clinical internships, be sure to consult with faculty members who work in the clinical area.
6. Where can I find the internship application form?
You can find the internship application form at /en/pages/voluntary-internship/5232.
7. Can I do my internship during the semester?
The department does not approve of students doing internships during the semester in any way. Internships can only be done during the summer and winter breaks. The only exception is for students who have reached their final year and have 11-12 credits left, and even this must be done with the knowledge and approval of the academic advisor.
8. What is the Student Representation Council (ÖTK)?
We have a Student Representation Council (ÖTK) that represents all of our university's students. This council is composed of elected student representatives, and it plays an essential role in ensuring that student requests and feedback reach the administration. The ÖTK has an effective decision-making role, and its views are taken into consideration by the school administration. The council's members are students elected by their peers and attend the board of directors' meetings of their respective department/faculty/university.
9. How is the ÖTK formed?
Each department selects one representative from among its students every year, and students who enter the ÖTK are elected from among these department representatives. We attach great importance to such councils because they provide students with experience in organization and democratic participation, and having a representative from your department in the ÖTK can make it easier to convey your concerns to the relevant institutions.
1. In what situations is plagiarism considered?
It is crucial to adhere to academic ethical principles. Plagiarism is a behavior that our department and our university have zero tolerance for. You are committing plagiarism when you:
- Copy and paste information from another person's work without proper citation.
- Translate another person's work without proper attribution.
- Present someone else's ideas without attribution, even if you rephrase them.
- Use several consecutive or reordered words from a sentence within quotation marks without citing the source. In all these cases, you are committing plagiarism.
2. How should I paraphrase?
For detailed information, see http://www.buowl.boun.edu.tr/students/avoidingplagiarism.htm and /en/pages/academic-integrity/5227.
3. What are the consequences if my assignment contains plagiarism?
The moment we detect plagiarism in any assignment, the student in question (or the entire group if it's a group project):
- Will receive an "F" grade for the assignment.
- Will not be able to take any Readings & Research courses.
- Will not be able to request reference letters from any faculty member in the department.
- Will lose the right to apply for exchange and double major programs.
- Will never be able to apply to the department as a research assistant/specialist or graduate student.
4. What are other ethical principles in university life?
Please read the information on non-academic ethical principles and rules on the https://bogazici.edu.tr/tr/pages/etik-ilkeler-ve-degerler/188website carefully.
