Amman, May 4 (Petra) – The University of Jordan's School of Arts officially launched a new master’s program in clinical psychology on Sunday, during its Scientific Day event inaugurated under the patronage of University President Nathir Obeidat. The program is the first of its kind at a public university and the second nationwide.

The new program, described as one of the university’s pioneering initiatives, aims to prepare highly qualified professionals capable of delivering high-quality psychological services. It combines rigorous academic knowledge with intensive practical training, aligned with the latest global standards in the field.

Speaking on behalf of the university president, Dean of the School of Arts Dr. Mohammad Qudah said the launch marks the culmination of years of academic planning aimed at aligning graduate programs with real-world needs. He stressed the school's commitment to innovation, international partnerships, and responsiveness to labor market demands.

Qudah emphasized that the program is designed to mirror international standards in training clinical psychologists and researchers. He underscored the school's mission to graduate students who are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the skills needed to navigate and contribute to society.

The dean also noted the school's steady progress in accreditation and curriculum development, with six out of seven undergraduate programs, five of nine master’s programs, and two of five doctoral programs already accredited or under review.

Head of the Psychology Department Marwan Zoubi described the master’s program as a vital step in professionalizing psychological services in Jordan. He said the program offers practical, evidence-based training to prepare students for diagnosing and treating psychological disorders, addressing a long-standing gap in the field that has often been left to unqualified practitioners.

Ahmad Al Sheikh, a psychology department member and the program’s academic coordinator, highlighted that this initiative reflects years of dedicated effort. The curriculum balances theory and practice, including more than 300 supervised training hours in the second year. For the first time in the humanities faculty, credit hours for theoretical courses will include practical components, similar to programs in health and medical sciences.

Consultant psychiatrist Walid Sarhan called the launch an embodiment of His Majesty King Abdullah II’s vision of high-quality services for citizens. He stressed the importance of integrating coursework taught by psychiatrists to help students understand how to collaborate in multidisciplinary teams.

Ahmad Bawaneh, country director for the International Medical Corps (IMC), hailed the launch as a long-awaited milestone, noting a strong and growing demand for qualified clinical psychologists in the job market.

The event also featured a video chronicling the history of the Psychology Department and several academic sessions covering diverse topics in literature, mental health, sociology, and family studies including cultural perspectives on disagreement, Orientalism during the Ottoman period, and the psychological dimensions of rehabilitation and addiction treatment.

//Petra// AF

04/05/2025 23:03:25