The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) has introduced a four-year Bachelor of Science in Psychology program, featuring unique aspects, in response to the growing global demand for psychologists.
As highlighted by the Global Career Counsellor, mental health professionals are currently among the top 10 most sought-after careers worldwide. The increasing emphasis on mental health and well-being has elevated the significance of psychologists, therapists, and counselors.
AURAK’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program offers a comprehensive education in psychological theories, research methodologies, and practical applications. It also provides students with hands-on experience through internships and research projects, enabling them to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.
Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, says: “In a world assailed by turmoil, psychologists play a vital role in addressing human behavior and mental processes, influencing various aspects of mental health, counseling, and research. With this goal in mind, we at AURAK have crafted a program that will mould new-age psychologists equipped to render services to affected people. This one-of-its-kind program in the region has been created by our expert faculty who understand the complexities of human relationships”.
Prof. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success and Provost at AURAK, adds: “Plenty of thought and research went into the development of this program. We were driven by the fact that economic difficulties, societal shifts, and other changes have increased the need for psychological expertise across many employment sectors. Therefore, we have included lab components in several courses to help develop in our students skills in research, critical thinking, and communication that young men and women graduating from this program will need in taking on important roles in a variety of employment settings”.
Graduates of the program can pursue careers in business, human resources, education, healthcare settings, and beyond. They can work in clinical settings, research institutions, or corporate or non-profit organizations. Graduates will also be well prepared to apply for graduate study in psychology in the United States.
Prof. Hariclea Zengos, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at AURAK, added: “This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of psychology as a scholarly discipline, scientific field of study, and applied profession. Through integrated coursework, research experiences, and field-based opportunities, our program provides significant learning experiences within a diverse academic community. It will empower graduates to make meaningful contributions to individual and societal well‐being by applying psychological principles and practices.”
The four-year Psychology program at AURAK has three distinct features.
It has been explicitly designed to conform to the guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA) for undergraduate majors in Psychology.
It is one of only three Psychology programs in the UAE requiring a summer internship that gives students the opportunity to work full‐time in a work setting that affords supervised application of knowledge and skills developed in the program to day-to‐day issues encountered in the workplace.
The UAE's Psychology program offers the largest number of required courses, including five essential ones with a co-requisite laboratory course. This structure ensures that students who complete the program develop strong skills in written and oral communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These skills enable them to effectively articulate psychological concepts and confidently engage in discussions about the science of human behavior.
Globally, the employment of psychologists is expected to grow by more than 7% from 2023 to 2033, surpassing the average growth rate for all occupations. Some psychology roles are projected to see an increase of up to 18% between 2022 and 2032.
In terms of earnings, psychologists in the UAE enjoy competitive salaries. According to SalaryExpert, the average gross salary for a psychologist in the UAE is AED 20,900 per month, with bonuses. Another consulting firm, Indeed, estimates the average salary for psychologists in the UAE to range between AED 14,000 and 29,000, plus bonuses.
