Psychology is a branch of science dealing with the
ways in which human mind works and deals with its mental processes and
behavior. This subject covers behavior of humans and animals along with
their thoughts and mindset to study its motives, reactions, feelings and
nature of mind. As the word implies this branch is a united study of
animal and human behavior.In no way psychology deals with the study of
nervous system and brain but is related to study of phenomenological and
information processing theories of these systems. A recent psychological
career option is extended to Indian counterparts with deeper
understanding of brain functions relevant to psychological theory and
practice. In addition, it is important to make specialized career in
Cognitive Neuroscience, Neuropsychology and Artificial Intelligence.
Courses available in India to pursue career in
Psychology
It is interesting to note that number of Government, deemed and
private Universities as well colleges in India offer graduation courses
in psychology right from 10+2 level. Within these universities and
colleges, Psychology is available as Honors subject for three-year
duration graduation degree. Same Universities and some selected colleges
offer higher study courses of master's and doctorate level with highly
specialized education in certain fields of applied psychology. These
specialized courses are in social psychology, child psychology, clinical
psychology and educational psychology. To choose a career as psychologist you need to have
genuine interest in helping people, empathy for their problems,
sensitivity, caring attitude, lot of patience and effective communication
skills.
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Institutes in India offering courses in
Psychology
India has a hierarchical education system wherein Universities control
educational programs offered in colleges. This leads to colleges offering
courses that are approved by the relevant universities controlling them.
Thus in almost every Indian university Honors or graduation course in
psychology is a mainstream study course as Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) or
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). Usually higher studies in the same subject are
offered by some of the acclaimed colleges present in the university or
else within the university under guidance of specialized staff. These
specialized courses lead to degrees such as Masters, M.phil., Ph.D. and
other equivalent courses in applied psychology.
Some of the International institutes warmly greeting Indian students
are University of California, Berkeley, Connecticut, University of
Chicago, Columbia University, Princeton University, Yale University in
New Haven and many such universities.
Career Prospects for Psychologists in India
Usually career prospects in Psychology depend on the area of
specialization, as there are varieties of specializations to pursue as
per the interest of candidate. However, some of the most appealing career
opportunities as a psychologist are
Clinical Psychologists:These positions are available
in counseling centers, hospitals, community health centers and clinics
either independently or in groups. To pursue career in this field you
need to have area of specialization like Health psychology,
Neuropsychology and Geropsychology.
Counseling Psychologists:Â these specialists have to
deal with normal people to understand them if they have some serious or
personal psychological problems. These professionals help such people
through discussions, interviews and other techniques assisting them in
deciding about specific ways to cope up with certain situations in their
life.
Social Psychologists:Â These professionals usually
work with different social organizations to analyze and formulate plans
in researching; system designing and other applied psychology fields
wherever there expertise is required.
Educational Psychologists:Â Often work in schools and
colleges in accordance with parents, children, teachers and
administrators to resolve problems related to students learning and
behavior.
Industrial Psychologists:Â Opportunities are
available to work for government, industries and business houses for
understanding and analyzing psychological principles of workers. With
further understanding these professionals provide suggestions to
governments and organisations for improving workplace environment like
working conditions and productivity of employees.
Research Psychologists:Jobs are available in research
activities to study and illustrate physical, cognitive, social, or
emotional aspects of human behavior. Duties involve activities that are
known and unknown techniques like surveys, interviews and questionnaires
to gather relevant data for studies.