Psychology as a career

Psychology is an academic and applied discipline involving the systematic, and often scientific, study of human/animal mental functions and behavior. Occasionally, in addition or opposition to employing the scientific method, it also relies on symbolic interpretation and critical analysis, although it often does so less prominently than other social sciences such as sociology. Psychologists study such phenomena as perception,cognition, attention, emotion, motivation, personality, behavior and interpersonal relationships. Some, especially depth psychologists, also study the unconscious mind.

Psychology is a branch of science that deals with mental processes and behavior. It is the systematic study of human and animal behavior, mind and thought. To pursue the career of a psychologist, one should have a genuine desire to help other human beings.

Psychology is mainly concerned with the way the mind works. Psychologists study the processes, motives, reactions, feelings and nature of the human mind. Their treatment is based on changing the behavioral patterns of the patients without medication. They do counseling and help people by bringing about changes in their thought process, thus improving their quality of life.

Psychologists need not have a medical degree. But they have to study several years to specialize in various aspects of psychology. One can pursue Psychology at the plus two level, graduate, post graduate and doctorate level. There are specializations in many fields of psychology such as social psychology, child psychology, occupational psychology, clinical psychology, educational psychology, experimental psychology, etc

Psychologists teach, practice and do research or work in one of the many branches of applied psychology. They apply their knowledge and techniques to a wide range of endeavors, including human services, management, education, law and sports.

Psychological knowledge is applied to various spheres of human activity, including issues related to everyday life—such as family, education and employment—and to the treatment of mental health problems. Psychologists attempt to understand the role of mental functions in individual and social behavior, while also exploring the underlying physiological and neurological processes. Psychology includes many sub-fields of study and applications concerned with such areas as human development, sports, health, industry, media and law. Psychology incorporates research from the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. A professional theorist or practitioner of psychology is called a psychologist.

Subfields in psychology:

• Abnormal
• Biological
• Clinical
• Cognitive
• Comparative
• Counseling
• Critical
• Developmental
• Educational
• Evolutionary
• Forensic
• Global
• Health
• Industrial/organizational
• Legal
• Occupational health
• Personality
• Quantitative
• Social
• School

Eligibility & Course Areas: Psychology is offered as a subject at the Plus Two or equivalent level with a combination of other social sciences and statistics. At the graduate level, one can study psychology as an Honors subject in most universities. After graduation, one can opt for an MA or MSc in Psychology, Social work or Counseling. Specializations in the subject can be pursued at the post graduate level or at the doctoral level- M.Phil or Ph.D, after post graduation. At the master's and doctoral level, education becomes increasingly specialized.

Post graduate courses in psychology are offered only to students who have graduated with psychology. Post graduate and doctoral degrees in Psychology puts emphasis on research. If your interest is in practice, i.e. helping people with problems (counseling) you could opt for Psychology-related graduate programs such as education and social work

For those who do not wish to put in too many years of study, there are one year Diploma courses in Special Education or Mental Retardation.

Educational:

• For Bachelor program in psychology - 10+2
• For Post graduate courses in psychology - Bachelor degree in psychology
• For Ph.D. / M.Phil - PG or Diploma in psychology

Duration:

• Graduation in psychology is a 3 year program.
• Post graduation is of 2 years duration and during the course, specialization in a special branch of psychology is possible.
• M.Phil or Ph.D. is of 2 year duration.

Personal Skills: Good communication skills, patience, ability to work with all kinds of social/ cultural and age groups are the essential qualities of a psychologist. They should have a genuine interest in people, their behavior and have empathy for their problems. They have to be sensitive and caring and also have the ability to understand people of very different backgrounds and upbringing.

Course area: Study of psychology includes a diverse range of activities such as the processes of thinking, learning and perceiving, remembering, forgetting, physiology of the nervous system, development of children, social relationships and their effect on personality development, mental disorders, applications of psychology to the study of society, industry, education etc., techniques of experimenting and testing, and statistics. There is a wide variety of topics in the professional study of psychology and some overlapping occurs between the different specialized branches. Good at science, math, critical reading and writing.

Job Prospects & Career Options: The nature of work of a psychologist is influenced most by the areas of specialization in the subject. They work in a number of different settings, including universities and colleges, primary and secondary schools, government agencies, private industry, hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They are also employed in social welfare organizations, research establishments, rehabilitation centers, prisons, child/ youth guidance centers, advertising industry and in a variety of other set-ups.

Psychologist with master's degree, work under the supervision of one or more doctoral level psychologists. Those with bachelor's degree are eligible for jobs in community health centers and vocational rehabilitations and as administrative assistants.

Career Options: Career prospects in Psychology depend on the area of specialization. There are varieties of options for psychologists. They can specialize in various areas such as

Clinical Psychologists - Clinical Psychologists work in counseling centers, independent or group practices, hospitals, community health centers or clinics. They help mentally and emotionally disturbed clients adjust to life and may help medical and surgical patients deal with illnesses or injuries. Areas of specialization within clinical psychology include health psychology, neuro psychology, and gero psychology.

Counseling Psychologists - Counseling is the skill of helping normal people, through discussion, to decide how best to cope in specific situations. Counseling psychologists deals with people who have serious emotional and personal problems. They use various techniques, including interviewing and testing, to advise people on how to deal with problems of everyday living.

Social Psychologists - Social psychologists work with social organizations and institutions in research, systems design or other applied psychology fields. They seek to understand the nature and causes of individual behavior with others and with the social environment.

Educational Psychologists - They work in schools and colleges with teachers, students, parents and administrators to resolve students learning and behavior problems. They may evaluate the effectiveness of academic programs, behavior management procedures, and other services provided in the school setting.

Industrial Psychologists - Industrial psychologists work for business, industry or government. They apply psychological principles and research methods to the workplace to improve the working conditions and productivity of employees. They also advise companies on ways of getting consumers interested in products and services.

Research psychologists -As researchers, psychologists proceed like scientists. They investigate the physical, cognitive, motional, or social aspects of human behavior. They use laboratory experiments and various kinds of tests, interviews, questionnaires and surveys. Prominent areas of study in experimental research include motivation, thought, attention, learning and memory, sensory and perceptual processes, effects of substance abuse, and genetic and neurological factors affecting behavior.

Developmental psychologists - They study the physiological, cognitive, and social development that takes place throughout life. Some specialize in behavior during infancy, childhood, and adolescence, or changes that occur during maturity or old age.

Remuneration: The work of a professional psychologist is challenging and highly remunerative. Earnings depend on qualification, area of specialization and experience.

The highest- paying position is for psychologists having M.Phil and Ph.D degree. Remunerations in the corporate sector are the highest, though salaries vary according to the level of involvement and the job profile. At the entry level the remuneration varies approximately from Rs. 5000/- to Rs.8000/-. Established consultants in any of the fields of specialization can earn at an average between Rs.8000 to Rs.10, 000 or even more. Those are in private practice have much more earnings.

Career in Psychology and psychiatry:

Introduction:

Opportunities in psychology and psychiatry will continue to grow over the next decade. Employment in health care will grow fastest in outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment clinics. Numerous job opportunities will also arise in schools, public and private social service agencies, and management consulting services. Companies will use psychologists' expertise in survey design, analysis and research to provide marketing evaluation and statistical analysis. The increase in employee assistance programs, which offer employees help with personal problems, should also source job growth.

Though this estimate cannot be blindly applied to the Indian context, the fact is, today, Indians are also waking up to the need for good, balanced mental health. The rapid pace of urbanization and the resulting effects on individuals have led to an increase in the number of mental health problems. As a results the demand for mental health professionals, that is, psychologists and psychiatrists has also increased manifold. The increase in metal health problems among people has led to tremendous scope and demand for mental health professionals in India. Indians are now realizing the importance of mental well-being. Hence, there is a possibility of better opportunities for mental health professionals in general.

A million forays have been made in the mental health care profession and the entire mental health care scenario is bubbling with enthusiasm.

Psychiatry Vs Psychology:

The fundamental difference between psychology and psychiatry is that while psychiatry is a medical degree, psychology is not. Psychologists primarily aid patients through counseling and psychotherapy. A psychiatrist, on the other hand, can prescribe medication and perform ECT (electroconvulsive therapy), in addition to performing psychotherapy. While a psychiatrist treats chemical causes of emotional disturbances through medication and ECTs, a psychotherapist treats attitudinal causes of disturbances. Everyone, who is disturbed, is not necessarily chemically imbalanced, and vice versa.

Specializations:

There are several fields within psychology and psychiatry – some which both psychologists and psychiatrists can pursue.

Clinical psychology / psychiatry:

Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists diagnose and treat various mental, emotional and behavioral disorders, including cases of schizophrenia and depression. Clinical psychology is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders.
Distinguishing the means by which clinical psychiatrists and psychologists function:
Clinical psychiatry generally uses drug treatment to manage mental health problems while a clinical psychologist uses psychological testing for diagnosis, and subsequently applies psychological methods of treatment, popularly known as psychotherapy. A clinical psychologist has nothing to do with drugs.

Counseling psychology:

Counseling psychologist helps people cope with personal problems including those related to their career or work. Counseling psychologist conducts counseling / psychotherapy, teaching and scientific research with individuals of varied backgrounds and ages. They use interviewing and testing techniques to advise people on how to deal with problems of everyday living.

Child and adolescent psychiatry / psychology:

A clinical and counseling psychologist who takes counseling sessions for schools children in St. Xavier's High school, Mumbai reveals, the demand for child psychologists in educational institutes is on the rise. In fact, a number of schools even employ psychiatrists to deal with problems, such as study related stress, adolescent problems, low self esteem etc that their students might be facing. Moreover, unlike in the past, when a friendly teacher would be substituted as a counselor, new schools now have a separate counselor's room or resource rooms, where students can merely walk in and express themselves openly to the counselor.

Industrial / organizational psychology:

Industrial psychologists handle organizational development training environmental control and improvement, quality control, motivation and productivity and can be hired by corporate to either conduct employee training or can even be hired as HR personnel. In the current economic crisis, companies are expected to hire more industrial psychologists. Knowledge and experience, shared by an industrial psychologist during recession, would help organizations cut down on unnecessary expenditure, non-productive frills, and control quality aspects in the firm, which are essential for growth even during hard times…

Drug abuse and psychiatry/addiction psychology:

This area deals with addictive and substance abuse behavior. With the rise in alcohol and drug addiction among people of various ages, this field has become very popular.

Forensic psychiatry /psychology:

Forensic psychiatrists / psychologists offer their expertise in a court of law. For instance, they might help a judge decide which parent should have custody of a child, or evaluate a defendant's mental competence to stand trial.

Poised to Practice:

Mental health professionals can opt to practice at private or public hospitals and clinics. Some may even work with NGOs or support groups. Private practice is financially remunerative, but mental health practice anywhere is challenging and fulfilling. Research and teaching interest can be pursued in teaching hospital departments. A psychiatrist can earn at least Rs 12 lakh a year in a private practice, and Rs four to six lakh in public hospitals. In corporate hospitals, the sky is the limit.

Psychologists earn about Rs two lakh a year. It takes a very long time to establish oneself in practice and even when one does so; therapy is expected to be cheap.

However, experts agree that a hospital setting provides a more challenging work environment because one gets to deal with varied problems, whereas private practice may be restricted to handling only specific kinds of difficulties.

M.A (Psychology) Colleges in India

Following is the list of colleges in India with address, eligibility criteria and course duration which provides M.A (Psychology) degree. Please note that this list of colleges is created dynamically based on the keyword 'M.A (Psychology)'.

Degree / Course	College / Institute	State
M.A (Psychology)	North Eastern hill University, Shillong 793001	Meghalaya
M.A (Psychology)	University of Bihar, Muzaffarpur 842001	Bihar
M.A (Psychology)	Lalit Narayan Mithila University, Kameshwarnagar, Darbhanga 840004	Bihar
M.A (Psychology)	Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, Bihar 824234	Bihar
M.A (Psychology)	Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur 812007	Bihar
M.A (Psychology)	Ranchi University, Ranchi 812007	Bihar
M.A (Psychology)	Patna University, Patna	Bihar
M.A (Psychology)	Sambalpur University, Burla 768019	Orissa
M.A (Psychology)	Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar 751004	Orissa
M.A (Psychology)	Bhopal Vishwavidyalaya, Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal 462006	Madhya Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Vikram University, Ujjain 456010	Madhya Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Rani Durgawati Vishwavidyalaya, Rachpedi, Jabulpur 482001	Madhya Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Doctor Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar 470002	Madhya Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Jiwaji University, Vidyavihar, Gwalior 474002	Madhya Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Avadesh Pratap Singh University, Rewa 492010	Madhya Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Ravishankar University, Raipur 492010	Madhya Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Barakatullah Vishwavidyalaya, Hoshangabad Road, Bhopal 462026	Madhya Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, 162, Rabindra Nath Tagore Marg, Indore 452001	Madhya Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Agra University, Agra 282004	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202001	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Avadh University, Faizabad 224001	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Dayalbagh Educational Institute Dayalbagh, Agra 282005	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, P.O. Gurukul Kangri, Hardwar 249404	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Garhwal University, Srinagar 246174	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	University of Gorakhpur, Gorakhpur 276174	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Kanpur University, Kalyanpur, Kanpur 208084	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi 221002	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	University of Lucknow 226007	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Meerut University, Meerut 250001	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Kumaun University, Nainital 263001	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Purvanchal University, Zafarabad Road, Jaunpur 222002	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Rohilkhand University, Bareilly 243123	Uttar Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	University of Delhi	Delhi
M.A (Psychology)	Jamia Milia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025	Delhi
M.A (Psychology)	Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak 124001	Haryana
M.A (Psychology)	Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra 132119	Haryana
M.A (Psychology)	Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab 430005	Punjab
M.A (Psychology)	Punjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh 160014	Punjab
M.A (Psychology)	Punjab University, Patiala 147002	Punjab
M.A (Psychology)	Himachal Pradesh University, Summer Hill, Shimla 171005	Himachal Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Jodhpur University, Jodhpur 313001	Rajasthan
M.A (Psychology)	Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur 313001	Rajasthan
M.A (Psychology)	University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004	Rajasthan
M.A (Psychology)	M.S. University, Baroda, Vadodara 302004	Gujarat
M.A (Psychology)	Gujarat University, Navarangpura, Ahmedabad 380009	Gujarat
M.A (Psychology)	Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar 388120	Gujarat
M.A (Psychology)	Saurashtra University, Rajkot 360005	Gujarat
M.A (Psychology)	South Gujarat University, Post Box No.49, Surat 395007	Gujarat
M.A (Psychology)	Amaravati University, Aurangabad 431004	Maharashtra
M.A (Psychology)	Marathwada University, Aurangabad 431004	Maharashtra
M.A (Psychology)	Nagpur University, Rabindranath Tagore Marg, Nagpur 440001	Maharashtra
M.A (Psychology)	University of Pune, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007	Maharashtra
M.A (Psychology)	Shivaji University, Vidyanagar, Kolhapur 416004	Maharashtra
M.A (Psychology)	University of Bombay, MG Road, Fort, Mumbai 400032	Maharashtra
M.A (Psychology)	Bangalore University, Jnana Bharathi, Bangalore 560056	Karnataka
M.A (Psychology)	University of Mysore, Mysore Viswavidyalaya Karya Soudha, Crawford Hall, P.B. No. 17, Mysore 570005	Karnataka
M.A (Psychology)	Karnataka University, Dharwad 580003	Karnataka
M.A (Psychology)	Andhra University, Waltair 530003	Andhra Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Osmania University, Administrative Building, Hyderabad 500007	Andhra Pradesh
M.A (Psychology)	Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608002	Tamil Nadu
M.A (Psychology)	Bharatiar University, Coimbatore 641046	Tamil Nadu
M.A (Psychology)	University of Madras, Centemary Building, Chepauk, Chennai 600005	Chennai
M.A (Psychology)	University of Calicut, P.O. Malapuram, Dist. Calicut 673635	Kerala
M.A (Psychology)	University of Kerala, University P.O., Thiruvananthapuram 695034	Thiruvananthapuram

Please note that the list of M.A (Psychology) degree colleges in India above is correct from our best knowledge. If you see any error in M.A (Psychology) degree or the address of the college or institute, please do let us know. This list is provided only for personal use.