HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY

“Urartu” University of Practical Psychology and Sociology was founded in 1991. The establishment of the university was a response to the catastrophic earthquake of 1988, as well as to the distorted destinies of the Armenians displaced during the Artsakh war. The problems faced by the country had their irreversible impact on the physical, material and, to a greater extent, the spiritual life of society. The difficult economic situation had a negative impact on science and education. As a result of professional activity, it became evident that there was no experience in practical psychological work, which became the driving force behind the idea of founding “Urartu” University. “Urartu” University of Practical Psychology and Sociology is today one of the leading institutions having the state accreditation of the Republic of Armenia, the only institution specializing in the field of psychology, sociology and social work.

The university has been operating in the field of education more than thirty years. Here well-known and experienced specialists teach in accordance with the modern criteria of higher education and state standards.

The University collaborates with Fordham and Hofstra Universities of New York, the University of La Verne in California, Ivanovo State University of the Russian Federation, Dimitri Uznadze Institute of Psychology of the Academy of Sciences of Georgia (now incorporated into Ilia State University), other international scientific centers and universities. Leading lecturers from the USA, Canada, and France have taught under the Fulbright program at the university. University lecturers and students have made numerous reports at conferences in Armenia, the United States, Israel, Greece, Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, and China. Numerous books, magazines, methodological manuals, and articles have been published by the lecturers and students of the University. Various training are held at the University Psychological Service Centre. The university provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to do educational and pre-diploma internships at foreign universities and organizations (USA, Greece, France).

The university has a library equipped with professional books, teaching manuals, electronic materials. The professional literature of the library is used not only by the lecturers and students of the University but also by the lecturers and students of other higher educational institutions.

As a result of the popular vote and expert evaluation, “Urartu” University was recognized as the best in 2011 and was awarded the title of International Standards Quality. From September 2022, the University will start the process of obtaining ISO 9001 certification.