The Master of Arts Program in Guidance and Psychological Counseling (with Thesis) is an academic process aimed at advancing undergraduate-level competencies to an expert level, providing students with the ability to conduct independent scientific research and master advanced psychological intervention skills. The curriculum encompasses theoretical courses in individual and group counseling, advanced statistics, research methods, and specialized fields, alongside an intensive thesis preparation process based on ethical standards. Aligned with the Turkish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (TQF-HE) Level 7, the program aims for students to analyze professional paradigms in depth and provide original contributions to the literature. Graduates can serve as expert psychological counselors in both public and private sectors and pursue their scientific careers by continuing their academic studies at the doctoral level.
The mission of the Master of Arts Program in Guidance and Psychological Counseling (with Thesis) is to train expert psychological counselors who will provide specialized services in fields such as education, mental health, family counseling, and social services, while mastering scientific research methodology and internalizing professional ethical values at the highest level. In alignment with our institutional mission, our primary goal is to educate individuals who prioritize individual and social well-being, comprehend professional paradigms on an analytical basis, and transform advanced practical skills into academic outputs. Our program adopts a scientific educational approach based on ensuring that candidates achieve defined advanced professional competencies, demonstrate output-oriented success in interdisciplinary working processes, and provide original scientific contributions to the development of the field as active members of the information society.
The vision of the Master of Arts Program in Guidance and Psychological Counseling (with Thesis) is to become a nationally and internationally recognized graduate program that shapes the field through scientific research and serves as a reference point with its academic excellence. Our strategic goal is to ensure that our graduates rank in the highest success percentiles in national expertise exams and academic recruitment processes, and to systematically increase the participation rate of our faculty and students in international projects (Erasmus+, Horizon, etc.) each year. By integrating advanced digital intervention tools and contemporary psychotherapy approaches into its research processes, our program aims to rank among the top five graduate GPC programs in Türkiye with the highest preference and scientific output capacity (publications, projects, patents).
Students who successfully complete all the requirements in the program and fulfill the graduation conditions are awarded a "Master's Degree in Guidance and Psychological Counseling". Within the framework of the relevant legislation, graduates are entitled to use the title of "Expert Psychological Counselor" to provide professional services in their field of expertise and to conduct academic studies.
The Master of Arts Program in Guidance and Psychological Counseling (with Thesis) is positioned within the Turkish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (TQF-HE) Level 7 and the Qualifications Framework of the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA) Level 2 (Second Cycle). The program also maintains compatibility with the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF-LLL) at Level 7.
Admission to the Master of Arts Program in Guidance and Psychological Counseling (with Thesis) is conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Düzce University Graduate Education and Training Regulations. To apply for the program, candidates must be graduates of a 4-year undergraduate program in Guidance and Psychological Counseling (GPC). The overall evaluation score of the candidates is calculated by summing 50% of the ALES Equally Weighted (EA) score, 20% of the undergraduate graduation grade point average, and 30% of the written science exam conducted by the relevant Department. In order to gain the right for final enrollment, candidates must rank within the announced quota based on this evaluation. International student admissions and lateral transfer procedures are carried out within the framework of the relevant senate decisions and current directives of the university on the dates specified in the academic calendar.
To obtain a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Psychological Counseling (with Thesis), students must successfully complete all obligations totaling 120 ECTS (60 ECTS for coursework, 60 ECTS for thesis) and comply with the academic discipline rules of the university. During the coursework stage, attendance is mandatory for 70% of theoretical hours and 80% of practical hours; students who exceed the absence limit are considered unsuccessful with a failing grade (DVZ). Within the scope of the academic process, following the completion of courses, the master's thesis must be finalized within the specified period and successfully defended before a jury. Additionally, it is a prerequisite for graduation that the student must have completed at least one academic publication (article, conference paper, etc.) related to the thesis topic prior to the thesis defense. Throughout the educational process, students are subject to the provisions of the "Student Disciplinary Regulations of Higher Education Institutions" and the "Düzce University Graduate Education and Training Regulations."
The Guidance and Psychological Counseling program offers a comprehensive education aimed at equipping students with a solid foundation in psychological counseling and guidance. The program is designed to help students gain theoretical knowledge in the field, as well as develop practical skills in individual and group counseling. Our curriculum, enriched with both theoretical courses and hands-on training, not only enhances students' professional competencies but also instills values such as ethics, empathy, and social responsibility. The program aims to enable students to effectively apply their knowledge and skills in both their academic pursuits and professional environments, including education, healthcare, and social services. Our graduates are prepared to enter professional life as competent psychological counselors who are responsive to the changing psychological needs of society, committed to ethical principles, and equipped with the necessary expertise.
| No | Program Requirements |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gaining in-depth knowledge of psychological counseling theories, models, and approaches. |
| 2 | Analyzing and critically interpreting and synthesizing the theoretical knowledge base in the field of psychological counseling and guidance. |
| 3 | Possessing cognitive competence, affective qualities, and behavioral skills in scientific methods and techniques; designing and conducting independent research; and reporting results. |
| 4 | Demonstrating commitment to ethical principles and legal requirements in psychological counseling. |
| 5 | Initiating, maintaining, and concluding individual and group counseling skills at a professional level. |
| 6 | Formulating client issues and selecting appropriate counseling skills and interventions. |
| 7 | Conducting individual assessment and psychological evaluation processes effectively |
| 8 | Developing and implementing counseling and guidance programs suited to the local conditions of the institution and community served. |
| 9 | Collaborating with other mental health fields and stakeholders to improve the living conditions of individuals served. |
| 10 | Working effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and being sensitive to cultural diversity. |
| 11 | Exhibiting a positive attitude toward lifelong learning in both personal and professional life and keeping professional knowledge and skills current. |
| 12 | Demonstrating leadership in the administration of counseling and guidance services and developing competencies in project management. |
| 13 | Designing and supporting projects and activities related to the field within a framework of social responsibility. |
| 14 | Examining and enhancing social relationships in the professional environment, along with the norms that govern these relationships, from multiple perspectives. |
| 15 | Developing and implementing research projects that address, identify, and solve current needs and problems in the field of psychological counseling and guidance and reporting the results. |
| SKILLS | COMPETENCIES | ||||||||
Theoretical | Practical | Conceptual / Cognitive | Practical | Competence to Work Independently and Take Responsibility | Learning Competence | Communication and Social Competence | Field-Specific Competence | |||
PA-1 | X | X | X | |||||||
PA-2 | X | X | X | X | ||||||
PA-3 | X | X | X | |||||||
PA-4 | X | X | X | |||||||
PA-5 | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||||
PA-6 | X | X | X | X | ||||||
PA-7 | X | X | X | |||||||
PA-8 | X | X | X | |||||||
PA-9 | X | X | ||||||||
PA-10 | X | X | X | X | ||||||
PA-11 | X | X | X | X | ||||||
PA-12 | X | X | X | X | X | |||||
PA-13 | X | X | X | |||||||
PA-14 | X | X | X | |||||||
PA-15 | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||||
Graduates of the Master of Arts Program in Guidance and Psychological Counseling (with Thesis) possess a wide range of academic and professional employment opportunities, thanks to the advanced theoretical depth and independent research competencies they have acquired. With the title of "Expert" obtained upon graduation, graduates gain professional advantages in institutions affiliated with the Ministry of National Education; they can also embark on an academic career as research or teaching assistants in relevant university departments and pursue their studies at the doctoral (PhD) level. In the public sector, graduates can be employed in expert positions within the family and juvenile courts of the Ministry of Justice, as well as the guidance units of the Turkish Armed Forces and the General Directorate of Security. In the private sector, they can provide professional services as expert consultants in family counseling centers, private psychological counseling offices, and within the human resources departments or employee assistance programs (EAP) of corporate organizations.
Candidates who successfully complete their Master’s education may apply to national and international doctoral programs in their field or related fields.
The Master of Arts Program in Guidance and Psychological Counseling (with Thesis) has an academic structure spread over four semesters (2 years), consisting of a total of 120 ECTS. The curriculum comprises a coursework stage, including at least 7 courses (incorporating 3 compulsory and 4 elective modules) and a Seminar course, followed by the Master's Thesis stage. While the first year of the program is dedicated to the coursework period, where theoretical preparation and methodological competencies are acquired, the second year focuses on the completion of an original scientific research (Thesis) conducted under the supervision of an advisor. The normal duration of the program is 2 years (4 semesters), and students may be granted a maximum of 1 year (2 semesters) of additional time within the framework of the relevant regulations. In accordance with TQF-HE Level 7 standards, the requirements for success include achieving a minimum grade of CB in courses and successfully defending the master's thesis.
Student success in the Master of Arts Program in Guidance and Psychological Counseling (with Thesis) is measured through midterm exams, final exams, research projects, seminar presentations, and comprehensive literature reviews. Within the scope of the general evaluation policy, the contribution of the midterm exam and midterm-equivalent assignments to the final grade is determined as 40%, while the final exam contributes 60%. To be considered successful in graduate-level courses, students must achieve a minimum letter grade of CB (2.50). Specialization field courses, seminar work, and thesis stages are not included in the grade point average and are evaluated as "Successful" (G) or "Unsuccessful" (K). In accordance with academic integrity principles, the similarity index (Turnitin/iThenticate) for all assignments, reports, and theses must be below the threshold determined by the institute. The conversion of scores into letter grades is based on the provisions of the "Düzce University Graduate Education and Training Regulations." Click here for the regulations.
To graduate from the Master of Arts Program in Guidance and Psychological Counseling (with Thesis), students must successfully complete a total of 120 ECTS credits. This credit load consists of the coursework stage valued at 60 ECTS(comprising at least 7 courses and a seminar) and the thesis stage valued at 60 ECTS. For graduation, a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.50 out of 4.00 is required, and there must be no failed courses. Furthermore, candidates are required to successfully defend their master's thesis before a jury and must have completed an academic publication (article, conference paper, or scientific output accepted by the institute) related to the thesis topic, in accordance with the minimum publication requirements for graduation, prior to the defense. Students who fulfill all obligations are entitled to receive their master's degree (specialization) upon the decision of the relevant institute administrative board.
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