Course Plan and Course Description

*: Compulsory Courses

*: Compulsory Courses

**: Elective courses

AP 570 Academic Practice*

This course aims to contribute to the preparation of graduate students for academic studies, research, and teaching. It includes practical classroom teaching and running recitations, practical lab assistance and teaching, practice in conducting exams and grading assignments, and/or conducting tasks in various research steps.

PSY 601 Advanced Statistical Methods and Ethics*

This course, which primarily focuses on multivariate statistical methods, aims to develop competencies such as determining the appropriate statistical model for analysis, organizing data and creating predictor variables, constructing models to estimate explained variance, and interpreting and presenting empirical findings. Throughout this process, students will gain knowledge on testing the fit of data to proposed statistical models to address research questions and will learn how to interpret analysis results and apply model revision techniques.

PSY 602 Structural Equation Modeling*

This course is designed to introduce students to the techniques of path analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling with an emphasis on the set-up and interpretation of different models using modern software. Special consideration will be given to issues related to model testing and evaluation, goodness-of-fit indices, violations of assumptions, specification and identification of models, and power analyses.

PSY 603 Advanced Measurement Techniques and Evaluation in Psychology*

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the fundamental principles of psychological measurement, including norm development, validity, reliability, and the statistical techniques relevant to test construction and evaluation. A primary focus will be placed on the theoretical and methodological aspects of measurement tool development, encompassing item generation, scaling, and validation procedures. Throughout the course, students will gain hands-on experience with test development and validation processes, apply psychometric principles to real-world psychological assessments, and critically evaluate existing psychological instruments.

PSY 611 Advanced Topics in Social Psychology*

This course surveys the very large field of social psychology.  It covers a range of topics focusing on both intrapersonal and interpersonal dimensions. The course will discuss classic and contemporary work with an emphasis on theoretical foundations. A particular importance will be placed on the application of social psychology in researching human behavior.  

PSY 612 Advanced Topics in Lifespan Developmental Psychology*

This course delves into the intricate processes of human growth and development in different contexts from a lifespan perspective. Students explore contemporary theories and research methodologies that underpin developmental psychology, examining cognitive and socioemotional development across the lifespan. This course encourages critical thinking through discussions of contemporary issues in lifespan developmental psychology. Students gain comprehensive knowledge, preparing them for advanced research. 

PSY 613 History of Psychology*

This course explores the development of psychology as a scientific discipline with a critical approach. The students will first study the emergence of the concept of ‘psychology’ and the multiple revisions concerning what psychology is and/or must be concerned with. The students will then follow the ideas and methods of psychology from the 19th century to the present day in a manner that will be conducive to going beyond what is sometimes labeled the official history of psychology. 

PSY 690 Seminar*

This doctoral-level seminar offers students an exploration of contemporary psychology's diverse and evolving landscape. Each week features a guest presentation by a leading academic or expert practitioner from a different subfield or sector where psychological expertise is central. Presenters will share cutting-edge research, innovative methodologies, or applied knowledge in domains ranging from clinical, cognitive, and developmental psychology to neuroscience, artificial intelligence, public policy, and organizational consulting among others. Students will engage critically with each presentation through structured discussions and written response essays, fostering a deeper understanding of the state-of-the-art across psychological science and its real-world applications.

PSY 616 Psychology and Social Policy**

This course focuses on the interface between the science of psychology and social policy, specifically focusing on policies for children and families. In this course, the role of psychology in social policy-making is discussed, and social policies from Turkey and worldwide that have been implemented to promote the well-being of families and optimal child development are examined. In this course, students learn the interface between science, policy, and practice, the ways state policies impact family life and child development, state of the art in the national and international scene, the role of and examples of NGO's engagement in policy-making, and evaluate the current child and family problems from a policy-making perspective.

PSY 618 Self and Memory**

This course explores the dynamic interplay between memory and the self, exploring how identity is constructed, maintained, and transformed through autobiographical, episodic, and semantic memory processes. Drawing from social, cognitive, and developmental psychology, students will examine how we come to understand ourselves and others, and how this understanding is shaped by memory systems across the lifespan. Each week centers around critical readings, class discussions, and student-led seminars. In addition to weekly reaction papers and discussion preparation, students will develop a final research proposal aimed at investigating a novel question within the self-memory framework. By the end of the course, students will have acquired both theoretical insight and practical tools for conducting psychological research on the self in memory.

PSY 620 Memory Processes**

This course introduces students to the main findings, methods and theories of episodic memory. It focuses on the processes involved in construction, representation and retrieval of episodic memories.  Overarching themes include constructive nature of human memory, individual differences as well as its interaction with social factors. 

PSY 621 Selected Topics in Cognitive Psychology**

The main objective of the course is to equip students with historically informed and up-to-date knowledge of fundamental phenomenon and theories regarding cognitive processes (e.g., attention, perception, memory, imagery, metacognition and decision making). The course also aims to instill a solid understanding of commonly used research methodologies from across relevant fields. 

PSY 651 Selected Topics in Work Psychology**

This doctoral-level course offers an advanced exploration of key topics in work and organizational psychology, focusing on talent acquisition, development, and management. Areas of emphasis include job analysis, competency modeling, recruitment and selection, training, performance management, and career development. The course also examines psychological and organizational factors affecting talent retention. Through critical engagement with interdisciplinary research and applied projects, students will deepen their methodological expertise and consider practical strategies for addressing complex organizational challenges.

PSY 652 Selected Topics in Organizational Psychology**

The course provides a comprehensive approach to organizational psychology and focuses on the psychological processes that shape behavior in organizations. Students explore major and contemporary theories by examining key topics such as motivation, communication, emotions, stress, attitudes, and group dynamics. These topics are analyzed at multiple levels, including employees, groups, and the organizational system. This course allows students to critically approach theoretical and empirical research and develop a deep understanding of organizational processes. It provides a strong conceptual foundation in the field and develops the analytical skills necessary to evaluate and synthesize various research approaches. Designed to support the generation of original research ideas, the course prepares students to make meaningful contributions to the field.

PSY 900 Doctoral Qualification*

The Doctoral Qualification course represents a key milestone in a doctoral student’s academic journey. It is designed as a comprehensive assessment of students’ academic preparation and research readiness. The course includes an in-depth written and/or oral qualification examination based on core and advanced knowledge in psychology, as well as the evaluation of a dissertation proposal. Students are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, scholarly writing, research competence, and ethical awareness in psychology. Successful completion of this course is required to proceed to the dissertation stage of the doctoral program.

PSY 901 Dissertation Proposal*

PSY 901 Dissertation Proposal is designed to guide doctoral students through conceptualizing and structuring their dissertation research. Under the supervision of their academic advisor, students conduct an extensive literature review, develop research questions and hypotheses, and build a coherent theoretical and methodological framework. At the end of the course, students are required to submit a written dissertation proposal and defend it in front of an academic committee. A successful proposal defense is a prerequisite for commencing dissertation research.

PSY 902 Dissertation I*

Dissertation I focuses on the early stages of the dissertation research process. Under the supervision of their academic advisor, doctoral students work on finalizing their research design, developing data collection tools, and securing ethical approvals. This course serves as a foundation for the implementation phase in the following term.

PSY 903 Dissertation II*

Dissertation II involves the active implementation of the doctoral research plan. Students conduct data collection procedures, organize and manage research data, and begin preliminary data analysis. Progress is monitored through regular meetings with advisors and interim reporting. This course prepares students for full-scale data analysis and interpretation in the next stage.

PSY 904 Dissertation III*

Dissertation III represents the final stage of doctoral research. In this course, students complete the analysis of their collected data, interpret findings in relation to their research questions and theoretical framework, and write the dissertation manuscript. Students are expected to revise their work based on the advisor's feedback and prepare for the dissertation defense.

PSY 905 Dissertation Defence*

PSY 905 Dissertation Defence is the final stage of the doctoral program, during which candidates publicly defend their completed dissertation before an academic jury. The course evaluates the quality and originality of the research, the candidate’s ability to articulate and justify their theoretical and methodological choices, and their contribution to the field of psychology. The defense includes a formal oral presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. A successful defense signifies the completion of the doctoral requirements.