PSYCHOLOGY
Introduction
I think, therefore I exist,” so said a famous philosopher. Nothing could illustrate
better that the mind (or psyche) is indeed the central point of human existence.
If we were to reflect thoughtfully we would realize that all the happenings, events
and incidents that take place in this world, ultimately boils down to the interplay
of human minds. It would be no exaggeration to say that if there were no mind the
human being would cease to exist.
Not surprisingly, nothing can be more interesting and enthralling than psychology,
which involves a study of the human mind. This subject covers the entire gamut of
human actions and reactions, beliefs and faith, thoughts and feelings, emotions
and sentiments. It explores in-depth on the interaction between and interpersonal
relationships of myriads of people inhabiting this big, wide world of ours and how
this interaction affects the home, the community, the society and ultimately the
human civilization in its total perspective. Thus, none can deny that human psyche
is the pivot point of all the happenings in this world!
ELIGIBILITY
Under the Indian system of education, for taking up psychology as a major subject
while studying for a degree course, a candidate needs to successfully complete his
10+2 or intermediate or equivalent with a moderately high percentage of marks.
For pursuing a master’s degree in psychology from a reputed university a candidate
needs to have an excellent bachelor’s degree preferably in arts/ humanities etc.
After post graduation an individual may proceed for research in any particular branch
of psychology as yet unexplored.
JOB PROSPECTS
Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychologists assess and treat people with psychological problems. They
may act as therapists for people who are experiencing normal psychological crises
(e.g., grief) or for individuals suffering from chronic psychiatric disorders. Some
clinical psychologists are generalists who work with a wide variety of populations,
while others work with specific groups such as children, the elderly, or those with
specific disorders.
Counseling Psychology
Counseling psychologists focus more on persons with adjustment problems rather than
on persons suffering from severe psychological disorders. They may be trained in
psychology departments or in education departments. Counseling psychologists are
employed in academic settings, college counseling centers, community mental health
centers.
Health Psychology
Health psychologists are concerned with psychology’s contributions to the promotion
and maintenance of good health and the prevention and treatment of illness. They
may design and conduct programs to help individuals stop smoking, lose weight, shed
alcoholism, manage stress, and stay physically fit. They are employed in hospitals,
medical schools, rehabilitation centers, public health agencies, academic settings,
and private practice.
Teaching and Research
If you’re interested in teaching undergraduate, mas t e r ’ s - l e v e l , or doctoral-level
students, you will probably work in a university setting, where you will probably
also do research. If an individual is not interested in teaching and wants to focus
on research, he/ she can work for government agencies (for example, the Centers
for Disease Control) or for private research organizations. To work as a psychologist
in these settings, one would need a Ph.D. in psychology.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
I/O psychologists (as they are usually called) are concerned with the relationships
between people and their work environments. They may develop new ways to increase
workplace productivity or be involved in personnel selection. They are employed
in business, government agencies, factories, industrial set-ups corporate houses
and academic establishments.
Sports Psychology
Sports psychologists are concerned with the psychological factors that improve athletic
performance. They also look at the effects of exercise and physical activity on
psychological adjustment and health. Sports psychologists typically work in academic
settings and/or as consultants for sports teams.
Agency/Community Counseling
Graduate programs in agency or community counseling train you to do counseling in
human service agencies in the local community--for example, in community mental
health centers. They may also train you to administer a limited number of psychological
tests (vocational interest tests, for example). The work is similar to that done
by a person with a master’s or doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology:
psychotherapy and, perhaps, limited psychological testing.
Educational Psychology
Educational psychologists attempt to understand the basic aspects of human learning
and to develop materials and strategies for enhancing the learning process. For
example, an educational psychologist might study reading and then develop a new
technique for teaching reading. Educational psychologists are typically trained
in departments of education (known as departments of psychology) and employed in
colleges and universities.
School Counseling
School counselors work with children who are troubled, helping such children function
more effectively with their peers and teachers, deal with family problems, etc.
They work at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.
School Psychology
School psychologists do a lot of testing--mostly of children who are encountering
difficulties in school- -to try to diagnose the problem and, sometimes, to suggest
ways of dealing with the problem. School psychologists are typically trained in
departments of education (vs. departments of psychology) and work in public school
systems.
Social Work
Another career option to consider if you’re interested in counseling is social work.
As is true with other disciplines, there are a variety of allied fields in social
work. Social workers who practice psychotherapy are usually called either clinical
social workers or psychiatric social workers.
Clinical social workers are trained to diagnose and treat psychological problems.
Psychiatric social workers provide services to individuals, married couples, families,
and small groups. They work in mental health centers, counseling centers, sheltered
workshops, hospitals, and schools. They may also have their own private practice.
WHERE TO APPLY
- Delhi University
- Jamia Millia Islamia University
- Rajasthan University
- Punjab University