Psychology as a career in India
STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY IN INDIA
Psychology is the science of human and animal behavior, including the application of the science to human problems.
Psychologists gather information through controlled laboratory experiments, personality, performance, aptitude and intelligence tests; observation, interviews and questionnaires, clinical studies and surveys. In addition to the variety of work settings, psychologists specialize in many different areas.
To become a psychologist one must have a doctoral degree in psychology (PhD, PsyD, or, sometimes, an EdD) because the nature of the work that psychologists do requires much more extensive education and training.
*Study psychology:
Many schools provide psychology in +2. Even if your school doesn’t offer the subject, fret not, you can still take psychology in college.
Cut of percentage in colleges is normally 80% and above.
Courses in Psychology – BA (Hon) Psychology/ Applied Psychology (India)
If your percentage is low you can still opt for BA Pass/ Program with psychology as one of the subject. And you can later go for MA Psychology. There is an entrance test and the eligibility criteria for MA have been 55% marks in aggregate and 60% marks in psychology for BA (P) with Psychology and 50% marks for BA (Hon) in Psychology.The selection is based on merit and the number of seats available.
*Skills required:
Interest in human behavior, a patient listener, empathy, interest in studying science, ability to identify problem, sound judgments, organizing ideas, writing reports, compiling and evaluating data, strong written and verbal communication, creativity, perceptiveness
*Avenues:
• Psychology
o Teaching and Research
o Applied Work
-Clinical Psychology
-Counseling Psychology
-Forensic Psychology
-Health Psychology
-Industrial/Organizational Psychology
-Sports Psychology
• Education
o Agency/Community Counseling
o Educational Psychology
o School Counseling
o School Psychology
• Social Work
• Art Therapy
• Music Therapy
*Subjects/ Topics:
1 History
2 Major nineteenth and twentieth century schools of thought
3 Modern psychology
3.1 Cognitive psychology
3.2 Clinical and counseling psychology
3.3 Developmental and educational psychology
3.4 Forensic psychology
3.5 Health psychology
3.6 Industrial and organizational psychology
3.7 Neuropsychology
3.8 Social psychology
4 Personality
5 Guidance and counseling
6 Vocational Psychology
7 Ecology Psychology
8 Population Psychology
9 Statistical Psychology
10 Research Methods
11 Consumer psychology
12 Comparative psychology
13 Psychology and Law
14 Developmental Psychology
15 Practical
*Follow your dream:
Choose a program that offers the level of education you want (master’s, doctorate), that is compatible with your orientation (scientific, practical; behavioral, cognitive, etc.;), and that offers the coursework and training to prepare you to do what you want to do (individual, family, group therapy; testing; working with adults, children, etc.).
Get the degree that meets your needs.
There are so many areas in psychology and related fields for you. You can be a school counselor, human resources officer, public relation officer, advertising manager, animal trainer, alcohol and drug abuse counselor, etc.
Clinical Psychologist – a graduate in psychology who has successfully undergone a post graduate training course in clinical psychology.They concern themselves with mental health programmes ranging from normal psychological crisis to extreme conditions. They work in psychiatric hospitals and clinics, with patients in the community and even in old people’s homes, children’s homes and remand centers.
Counselor – a person who performs counseling. He/she helps people to overcome some of the problem of the client. Counseling is meant for milder problems/ crises, like developmental or adjustment problems of a normal person.
When there are major problems then a psychologist and/or a psychiatrist is consulted.
Psychiatrist – A medical graduate (MBBS) who has successfully undergone a postgraduate course (of 2 to 3 year) in psychiatry.
Psychiatric Social Worker – A graduate in sociology who has successfully undergone a post graduate training course of 2 year in social case work.
Psychiatric Nurse – a nurse who has received special training in the care and management of psychiatric patients.
Psychotherapist – a person with special training in psychotherapy. (Medical graduation is not must)
Occupational therapist – a graduate who is trained in observing and treating the patients through crafts and recreational activities.
Research psychologists investigate the physical, cognitive, emotional or social aspects of human behavior.
Applied Psychologists- are involved in counseling, training programs, market research, mental health services in hospitals, clinics, or private settings.
Counseling psychologists- help people on how to deal with problems of every day living – personal, social, educational or vocational.
Developmental psychologists- study the patterns and causes of behavioral change from infancy to adulthood.
Educational psychologists- design, develop and evaluate educational programs. They deal with learning, behavior and emotional problems as well as with handicapped children.
Experimental psychologists- conduct experimental research on various aspects of human behavior.
Industrial, organizational and marketing psychologists- apply psychological principles to personnel administration, management and marketing problems.
Occupational psychologists- advise companies on improving training, job satisfaction and productivity. They specialize in industrial relations, vocational guidance and counseling, selection and recruitment, organizational structure, worker productivity, job satisfaction, consumer behavior, personnel training and development and the interaction between humans and machines.
Consumer psychologists- are concerned with consumer reactions to products or services. Market research requires their evaluation to assess consumer preferences.
Psychometrics- study methods and techniques used to acquire and evaluate psychological data.
Social psychologists- study group behavior, leadership, attitudes and interpersonal perception.
Cognitive psychologists- study the brain’s role in memory, thinking and perceptions and involve themselves with research related to artificial intelligence.
Neuro psychologists -study the relation between human physical systems and behavior. These psychologists work in stroke and head injury programs, oncology programs, and medical practices specializing in neurology.
Criminology and legal psychologists- work in prisons, juvenile centers and special hospitals. They provide a range of rehabilitative programmes through individual as well as group ther