The objectives of the department then were:

1. The teaching of psychological sciences which enable students to understand the complexity of human behavior.

2. Training in basic psychological skills that enable psychologists to develop expertise as researchers and/or practitioners in the areas of human behavior and sciences.

Particularly, the Department of Psychology aimed at preparing students in the study and practice of psychology to serve the Emirati society after further training in the following contexts:

a. The academic and research context.

b. Psychological and educational context: Students are trained in schools to acquire the necessary skills in counseling.

c. Vocational and industrial/organizational context: Students are trained in the following: personnel selection, vocational guidance, development of leadership behavior, creative thinking, personnel effectiveness programs, increasing productivity and promoting job satisfaction.

d. Clinical and forensic context: Early detection and diagnosis of abnormal behavior and disorders, participation in psychotherapy teams, working with the mentally retarded individuals, and the treatment of psychological and social problems.

The Department of Psychology was moved to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in the academic year 1995/96. Previously, the department was located in the College of Education since it was established in 1976/77. The department began as a service department, then, gradually, became a minor requirement, and finally a major area of specialization. The B.A. degree in psychology was developed within the scientist-practitioner model following its counterparts in similar higher education institutions.