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Department Introduction
Background of the Department
Over the past half-century, the establishment of psychology-related departments in the country, along with the addition of degree levels (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs) in existing ones, has experienced rapid growth. During the same period, the number of universities with psychology-related departments increased from one to 24. At the same time, existing departments continuously expanded upward (adding master's and doctoral programs) or downward (adding bachelor's programs), with their growth matching the momentum of newly established departments. This ongoing expansion reflects the increasing importance of psychology as a discipline and highlights the academic and educational significance, as well as the market demand, for psychology education.
The growing importance of psychology can be attributed to two main reasons. First, following the rapid advancements in physical sciences and biotechnology, more and more scholars have turned their attention to one of the universe's final mysteries: the human mind. So far, humanity has used its unique mental abilities to develop advanced technologies, dazzling arts, profound religious ideas, and complex political and economic systems. Yet, the mechanisms behind these mental abilities remain an immense mystery. Such an enigma naturally draws the curiosity of many, inspiring a desire to explore and understand it.
Second, many societal problems require a deeper understanding of human psychology and behaviour for effective solutions. These include issues related to crime and morality, war and peace, suicide, family and marriage, education, and more. In today’s era of advanced technology, humanity enjoys unprecedented material wealth while simultaneously facing novel challenges and dilemmas. True improvement in the quality of life depends on further psychological research. This is a social responsibility that universities are inherently obligated to fulfil.
Mission of the Department
During its planning stage, the Department of Psychology at Fo Guang University carefully considered the "mission of psychology research in the modern era" and the "societal challenges of psychology education." The goal of academic research is to open minds and seek truth, while its practical significance lies in addressing issues related to human existence and enhancing well-being. Therefore, the tasks of psychological research include, at a minimum: satisfying human curiosity about the mind, solving societal problems, improving quality of life, and promoting the holistic development of human mental capacities.
Educational Objectives
The Department of Psychology at Fo Guang University aims to:
- Cultivate foundational knowledge in psychology, equipping students with the skills needed for further study in specialized areas.
- Develop students' ability to analyze and explore psychological issues.
- Encourage a broad understanding of psychology and related disciplines, enabling students to approach psychological topics from a macro perspective and generate innovative insights.
Through these objectives, the Department of Psychology is committed to nurturing professionals with expertise and practical skills in psychology, contributing to the betterment of society.
