Psychology Studies in Israel

 

 

Psychology is one of the most popular academic fields in Israel. Studying human behavior, motivations, memories, social interactions and other interesting subjects made psychology one of the most sought after degrees in Israel.

 

All Israeli universities and many private colleges offer B.A. in Psychology. In the past, it was common to study psychology as part of a degree in social sciences together with sociology and anthropology. However, in recent years more students are interested in combining their psychology studies together with other fields such as computer sciences and economics. Keep in mind that you do not have to combine your psychology studies with any other field, it is merely an option.

 

B.A. in Psychology could open the door to many fields such as education and Human Resources. However, in Israel clinicians must have master's degree (M.A.) in psychology and complete a yearlong practical training (internship).

 

 

Psychology studies include theoretical courses as well as practical experience. Students learn of the different fields of psychology including: cognitive sciences, social psychology, developmental psychology etc. Students also attend workshops and seminars in which they will hold experiments. At the third year students get the chance to practice their studies in a field of their choosing: psychology of education, cognitive behavioral therapy, group dynamics etc.

 

 

B.A. in psychology will familiarize you with the history and major theories of the field. Here are some of the subjects included in the program:

 

* Introduction to Psychology

* Statistics

* Social Psych

* Abnormal Behavior

* Cognitive Psych

* Psychology and Biology

 

 

The requirements are high due to the fact psychology is one of the most popular areas of study in Israel. In case English was not the primary language taught at the applicants' high school, they must pass an English test, such as TOEFL.

 

In addition, in most institutions candidates must also pass the Israeli psychometric exam (you can take it in English) or its international equivalents such as the SAT, with the score of 700 or above for the psychometric test or 1470 at the SATs. All institutions will include your high school average in their consideration. The IDC has lower requirements and mainly focuses on the applicants' high school grades.

 

 

Do be aware that while the tuition fees at the universities are approx. 12,000 NIS per year, each private college requires different fees. At some colleges the tuition fees are more than 20,000 NIS per year.

 

 

Reichman University (Herzliya) - offers a full B.A. program in Psychology. The track also includes courses in a complementary field: communications, government, business administration or social thought. This program lets you practice what you learn by attending seminars and workshops in which you could acquire skills in organizational psychology as well as other areas.

 

Yeshiva University (Jerusalem and New York): Yeshiva university allows students to study for a YU undergraduate degree in psychology and multidisciplinary Jewish studies, in partnership with Bar Ilan University. Studies span 4 years and include Torah classes, internships, and more.

 

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem - offers a special program in which the students take the first year classes in English in addition to learning several classes at the Ulpan (Hebrew language school). The psychology courses the students will attend in the following years will be in Hebrew.

 

Bar Ilan University (Ramat Gan) - offers B.A. in Micro Social Sciences. The three year track incorporates psychology, criminology and sociology. The program aims at investigating the ways in which institutions and organizations affect society as well as individual thinking and behavior.

 

University of Haifa– Holds the International Perspectives on Psychological Science (IPPS) program. Honors students from all around the world take part at this semesterial program. Only undergraduate honors students that finished all introductory courses as well as several advanced courses may apply for this program. The track incorporates academic theoretical courses and mentored independent lab research.

 

Tel Aviv University – offers the Psychology, Psychoanalysis and Culture track for B.A. in Liberal Arts. The track focuses on the ways in which psychology was absorbed in various fields including philosophy, gender studies, literature and scientific thought.