The Department of Psychology at Wollega University is one of the departments within the College of Behavioral and Educational Sciences. The department initially launched an undergraduate program in Psychology and subsequently expanded its academic offerings by introducing three master’s degree programs.

Psychology is a broad and versatile discipline with applications across various professional and service sectors. The department’s academic programs aim to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to contribute effectively to research, behavioral analysis, education, mental health, and community services. Psychological knowledge and skills are essential in a wide range of institutions, including educational institutions, healthcare facilities, courts, rehabilitation centers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), public and private service organizations, and profit-oriented enterprises.

Currently, the Department of Psychology offers one undergraduate program in Psychology and three master’s degree programs: Health Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Educational Measurement and Evaluation. The department is supported by a team of 14 academic staff members representing different academic ranks and areas of specialization within psychology.

Through its academic programs, the department is committed to advancing psychological knowledge, developing professional competence, promoting research, and preparing graduates to address individual and societal challenges in diverse professional settings.

Education is the foundation of every community, and the Department of Education at Wollega University works to strengthen it. Part of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, the department trains people to lead schools, guide learning, and support the growth of the communities around them.

Students can choose between two undergraduate programs. Educational Planning and Management focuses on the practical side of running educational institutions, including guiding teachers, managing resources, and building well-organized, effective schools. Lifelong Learning and Community Development looks beyond the classroom. It prepares graduates to create learning opportunities for youth and adults, and to work with communities on practical solutions to local development challenges.

For those who wish to go further, the department offers two Master of Arts programs: School Leadership and Educational Planning and Management (EdPM). Both programs help experienced professionals build advanced skills in decision-making, policy, planning, and research, so they can take on greater responsibility in schools, education offices, and other organizations.

Whether in the classroom, the school office, or the community, the department’s graduates are prepared to make learning more accessible, relevant, and effective.

The department has the following program:

1. Name of the Degree to be awarded: Bachelor of Art Degree in Special Needs and Inclusive Education የአርት ባችለር ዲግሪ በልዩፍላጎት እና አካቶ ትምህርት

Total Credit Hours: credit point of 143 or total ECTC of 239

Degree to be awarded by: Wollega University, subjected to the approval of              University Senate

Standard Period of Study: 4 Academic Years with 8 Semesters

Year of Commencement of the Program: 2007 E.C/ 2014 G.C

Free/Charges: As per Registration of University.

2. Name of the Degree to be awarded: Masters of Arts Degree in Special Needs and Inclusive Education የማስተርስ ዲግሪ በልዩ ፍላጎት እና አካቶ ትምህርት

Total Credit Hours: credit point of 36.

Degree to be awarded by: Wollega University, subjected to the approval of              University Senate

Standard Period of Study: 2 Academic Years with 4 Semesters

Year of Commencement of the Program: 2015 E.C/ 2022G.C

Free/Charges: As per Registration of University.

The following are list of students available in the Department of Special Needs and Inclusive Education.

The Department of Special Needs and Inclusive Education at Wollega University was established in 2007 E.C. with a commitment to promoting equitable access to quality education for learners with disabilities and diverse educational needs.

The department strives to produce competent, ethical, and committed professionals who can identify and address barriers to learning and participation. Through quality teaching, practical training, research, and community service, the department contributes to the development of an inclusive education system in which every learner is valued and supported.

The department emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies. Students develop essential communication skills through sign language and Braille courses and gain practical experience through a two-phase practicum program consisting of baseline practicum and intervention practicum.

In addition, academic staff conducts research and community service activities in accordance with Wollega University's programs and priorities, contributing to educational improvement, disability awareness, and inclusive community development.

Vision

To become a leading, community-oriented, top-ranked center of excellence in education, recognized across Ethiopia for innovative, technology-driven teaching, impactful research, and transformative community engagement by 2042.

Mission

CEBS is committed to educational excellence by:

• Producing competent, ethical, and innovative graduates
• Conducting impactful, community-based research
• Providing relevant and transformative community services
• Building a diverse global network and fostering partnerships that enhance the visibility and recognition of Wollega University
• Developing effective governance and diversified income sources to support institutional transformation

Dear prospective students, researchers, alumni, partners, and visitors,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (CEBS) at Wollega University. We are delighted by your interest in our College and invite you to explore our academic programs, research activities, community engagement initiatives, and institutional partnerships.

The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is committed to excellence in teaching and learning, research, and community service. Guided by the vision, mission, and core values of Wollega University, we strive to contribute to the advancement of education and behavioral sciences by producing knowledgeable, competent, innovative, and ethically responsible graduates who make meaningful contributions to society. We believe that quality education, evidence-based research, and strong partnerships with communities and stakeholders are essential to sustainable social and educational development.

Our College provides an academic environment that promotes critical thinking, creativity, professional competence, inclusiveness, and lifelong learning. Through our academic departments and programs, we aim to respond to the evolving needs of educational institutions, communities, and the wider society. We are committed to strengthening teacher education, educational leadership and management, psychological and behavioral services, inclusive education, and other relevant areas of education and human development.

In addition to our academic responsibilities, we place strong emphasis on research and community engagement. We encourage our academic staff and students to undertake relevant, innovative, and problem-solving research that addresses contemporary educational and behavioral challenges. We also work to strengthen collaboration with schools, education offices, governmental and nongovernmental organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that our knowledge and expertise contribute to practical improvements in educational quality, human development, and community well-being.

We recognize that the success of our College depends on the collective commitment of our academic staff, administrative personnel, students, alumni, and partners. Our alumni are valued ambassadors of the College, and their professional achievements, feedback, and continued engagement are important to our institutional growth and improvement. We welcome their contributions, alongside those of our partners and stakeholders, in strengthening our academic programs, expanding research opportunities, and enhancing the relevance and impact of our services.

As we move forward, the College remains committed to continuous improvement, academic quality assurance, innovation, digital transformation, inclusive learning, and the development of responsive academic programs. We aspire to create a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment in which students and staff can realize their potential and contribute to the development of Wollega University, our communities, and the country at large.

To our prospective students, we welcome you to become part of our academic community. To our researchers and academic colleagues, we invite you to collaborate in advancing knowledge and addressing societal challenges. To our alumni, partners, and stakeholders, we look forward to strengthening our shared commitment to educational excellence and sustainable development.

For further information about our College, academic programs, research activities, and community engagement initiatives, please explore the Wollega University website or contact the Dean’s Office. We welcome your inquiries, constructive feedback, and suggestions for continuous improvement.

Together, let us advance quality education, innovative research, and meaningful community service for a better future.

The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences (CEBS) is one of the academic colleges of Wollega University, based at the Main Campus in Nekemte, Western Oromia, Ethiopia. Through teaching, research, and community service, CEBS advances teacher education, educational leadership, psychology, behavioral sciences, and community development.

Our goal is to produce competent, innovative, and ethically responsible professionals who improve the quality of education, promote human development, address behavioral and psychosocial challenges, and support the socioeconomic transformation of society. We strengthen the capacity of teachers, educational leaders, behavioral science professionals, and development practitioners through our academic programs and community engagement.

What we value: quality education, research-based practice, inclusive learning, professional ethics, innovation, and collaboration with schools, government institutions, and communities. We respond to emerging educational and societal needs with evidence-based solutions, lifelong learning, and sustainable community development.