XIX. Psychology

Introduction to Psychology

1. Introduction to the Major

• Psychology is a core social and biological science field that studies human behavior, thought, emotion, and cognitive processes. It is not just the understanding of psychological nature, but also the art of applying scientific principles to improve quality of life, solve behavioral problems, and foster individual and community development. It serves as an essential bridge between Behavior Analysis – Intervention Design – and Evidence-Based Practice.
• At Bodhisastra University, the Applied Psychology program (for Master's and Doctoral levels) is designed with a professional-practice (PsyD) orientation, aiming to train high-level professionals capable of psychological diagnosis, designing effective intervention programs, and leading in complex contexts such as education, organizations, community, and consumer behavior.
• This is the ideal choice for those who aspire to explore and decipher human behavior – utilize psychological science to create positive change – and become an influential therapist/consultant.

2. Duration of Training

• Bachelor's: 9 - 12 months (including 9 months of coursework + 3 months Capstone Thesis).
• Master's (Applied Psychology): 12 months (including 9 months of coursework + 3 months thesis).
• Doctoral (Applied Psychology - PsyD): 12 months (including 9 months of coursework + 3 months dissertation & defense).
• The path is streamlined, helping working professionals or therapists quickly upgrade their qualifications and intervention skills.
• Especially at Bodhisastra University, you will overcome limitations: Flexible learning - International degree - Applied Psychology expert breakthrough.
• Work experience in therapy, education, or Human Resources can be converted into credits, helping to complete the program in an optimized timeframe.

3. Training Format

• Blended Learning Mode: The program is delivered via a Blended Learning (Online + Local Tutorial/Workshops in Vietnam) method, flexible for all individuals.
• Language of Instruction: English – Vietnamese Bilingual Mode, ensuring learners fully grasp specialized theories and models.

Outstanding Benefits:

• Degrees are widely recognized globally, opening the door to boundary-less career and research collaboration opportunities.
• The program emphasizes Evidence-Based Practice and adheres to international academic standards (such as APA 7th Edition).
• No entrance English certificate required due to the bilingual instruction format and interpreter support team.

4. Levels of Training

• Bachelor of Psychology – Foundation in Theory and Basic Behavior
• Highlights: Provides a strong foundational knowledge across core branches of psychology such as Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, along with basic Research Methods. Students can choose one of the following specializations: Educational Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Consumer Behavior, Lifespan Development, or Community Psychology.
• Career Opportunities: Psychological Support Specialist, Career Counselor, Community Development Officer, Research Assistant.
• Master in Applied Psychology – Intervention Design and Advanced Practice
• Highlights: Focuses on mastery of advanced theory, the ability to critically analyze complex behavioral problems, and the design and implementation of evidence-based interventions. Core modules include Advanced Research Methods, Ethics in Research and Practice, Advanced Behavior Analysis, and Crisis Intervention.
• Career Opportunities: Applied Psychologist, Specialist in Intervention Design in Education/Organizations, Mental Health Program Manager, Psychology Lecturer.
• Doctor in Applied Psychology (PsyD) – Leadership, Diagnosis, and Advanced Intervention
• Highlights: With a professional-practice orientation (PsyD), the program trains high-level experts with capabilities in psychological diagnosis, specialized clinical/organizational intervention, and professional leadership. The curriculum focuses on Applied Research Project Management, Advanced Leadership Theories, and a Doctoral Dissertation that makes practical contributions to complex professional settings.
• Career Opportunities: Lead Psychologist, Director of Intervention and Diagnosis, Senior Consultant in Organizational Behavior, Senior Lecturer/Researcher.

5. Advantages of studying at Bodhisastra University

• Bodhisastra University offers a Psychology program with a deep focus on applicability and evidence-based practice, especially through the PsyD orientation for the Doctoral level.
• The program strongly develops research skills (Research Tasks account for 30% at the Doctoral level), ensuring learners are not just practitioners but also practical scientists capable of generating new knowledge.
• Students are committed to developing into ethical psychology professionals, capable of solving complex behavioral problems and leading change within the professional community.