So, do you enjoy understanding the complexity and dynamics of human Behavior, emotions and mental processes? Are you interested in using this understanding to treat the recurrent behavioral issues and problems? Do you have a genuine desire to help make a positive difference in someone’s life and achieve his/her full potential? If the answer is yes, then you might want to consider pursuing a career in Psychology. A Psychologist uses several diagnostic tools, including interviews, tests and medical records to identify problem issues and/or behaviour, personality disorders and design an individualized treatment plan.  

How to become a Psychologist?

In India, one is usually required to:

1. Pass the 10+2 exam with Psychology as one of the subjects

2. Followed by a B.A. with Psychology as the main subject

3. M.A. or Post graduate degree in Psychology is mostly a specialization in any of its several branches, including Cognitive, Clinical, Educational, Forensic, Applied, and industrial/Organizational Psychology.

4. Further Specialization at the M.Phil or doctoral level.

Apart from the Postgraduate degree, one can also do diploma courses/further studies in other areas of growing interest, i.e., Sports Psychology, School, Counselling, Special Education etc.

There are certain qualities and traits that are important to have or cultivate if you want to become a psychologist:

• Good communication skills and empathy as you need to establish a connect with the client/patient to identify and diagnose the issues/problems involved

• Ability to connect with new people on a regular basis as a psychologist you will work with new people from all walks of life and backgrounds and help a large variety of people overcome mental and emotion obstacles.

• An analytical mind to make sense of case history of the patient and the resultant dynamics leading to behavioral issues.

• The job of a Psychologist can be stressful and emotionally draining since it deals with peoples’ problems on a daily basis. Emotional maturity is required to help clients find effective and productive methods and to separate one’s work life and personal life.

Which branch of Psychology interests you?

Psychology is a vast subject and has many sub fields that are increasingly being used to be effective in the complex world that we live and compete in. Since there are many options to choose from, one needs to carefully consider one's interest, aptitude and current opportunities, along with job market to make a career choice in this high demand field.

Fastest growing careers in Psychology

As per the available data at both national and international level, some of the Psychology-related occupations that are expected to grow faster than the other streams of Psychology, are mentioned below:

Industrial- Organizational Psychologist

Believed to be one of the highest paid streams currently, I-O Psychologists specialize in maximizing work efficiency and productivity. They are also responsible for helping select employees that are best suited to perform specific functions, evaluate new job candidates and train employee groups. Most positions in this field require a doctoral degree in industrial organizational psychology as they are in greatest demand by employers. 

Family marriage counselor

Counselors are much sought after as professionals to help people struggling with various issues relating to family relationships, marriage, education, emotional disorder etc. With increasing urbanization, and new social and family norms offering little traditional support, more and more people are seeking professional help in dealing with relationship problems. Many Counselors work in a health care setting but this concept is not very well established in India and private practice remains a more widely prevalent option. 

Forensic Psychologist

This is one of the newest and most exciting branches of psychology. Forensic psychology is the application of psychology in the aid of legal investigation. Psychologists apply their knowledge of the mid and human behaviour to assist in law enforcement and criminal investigations. This is a highly specialized field and a master’s degree in criminology or doctorate degree in Forensic psychology is usually required. Opportunities exist in criminal justice set-ups, insurance claims, criminals profiling, resolving child-custody disputes, investigating child abuse allegations etc. In India IFS is providing Forensic Education as well as training and though not widely known remains an interesting option for those who are willing to tread this path.

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychology remains one of the most well-known and versatile branches of psychology. It is most definitely the largest employment in Psychology. A doctoral or M.Phil degree in clinical psychology or equivalent , is the minimum requirement for becoming a clinical psychologist as a licensed practitioner. 

Sports Psychology

This branch has seen dramatic growth in recent years and involves the study of how psychological factors affect performance in sports and athletics. 

Sports psychologist focus on helping athletes to 1. Improve their mental and physical health and 2. Improve their athletic performance. A Master of Arts in Sports Psychology degree program is offered at National Sports University (NSU), under the Ministry of Youth affairs & Sports by Govt. of India Opportunities for them exist in high end hospitals, colleges, athletic centres and private consulting. 

School Psychologist

Due to increased awareness, school psychology is now one of the fastest growing fields within psychology. School psychologists work in elementary, middle and high schools helping kids work through the academic, social and emotional challenges they face. It can be specially rewarding for those who want to work with children in a professional setting.

What factors to consider before choosing a college for a degree in Psychology?

• Location: It can be an important consideration for those who are not living in metros/cities having premium colleges or have the option of going abroad for a degree in psychology. Needs careful consideration. 

• Faculty: can be the deciding factor between a real learning or/and just getting a degree

• Amenities: Access to a good library, lab, infrastructure to support audio-visual, Contemporary research and group activities

• Campus life: especially important for those who are away from home and want to engage in social and extracurricular activities of the univ

• Fees: another important factor to consider before making a choice

• Exposure to International practice trends/research in Psychology as well as exchange programs that offer a study/work program abroad

Best colleges for studying Psychology in India 

While this is largely dependent on the specialization one wants to do at a graduate/post-graduate level, there are some premium institutes that are well known for their overall excellence in the field of psychology. Some are listed below, not in any particular order: 

• Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi offering B.A. (Honours) Psychology is well known for its focus on the applicability of Psychology rather than just theoretical understanding.

• Sophia College, Bombay

• Christ University, Bangalore

• Department of Psychology, University of Allahabad, was made the Centre of Advanced Study in Psychology in 1984, as a recognition of the pioneering work done by the department in the field of psychology.

• Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi offers Master’s in applied psychology with specialization in Clinical, organizational, Counseling.

• Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai: with both classroom study and practical exposure through field work settings is an important Centre of excellence

• University of Calcutta: one of the oldest to set up a department in Psychology and reputed for its scholarly and research-oriented work. 

 The list is only indicative and not exhaustive. You must do more research in your area of interest or specialization. 

Want to Study Psychology abroad?

The top 3 universities offering a degree in psychology are in the USA. Stanford, Harvard and University of California offer courses in Psychology that are known to be the best in the world. There is no doubt about the number of opportunities available in the Western world due to an increased level of awareness and acceptance of mental health issues and need for professional expertise. 

While studying psychology abroad is a matter of personal choice, available resources and an ability to compete internationally, one must keep in mind the scope for job opportunities in a given context. For example, a Post-graduate degree in Psychology in USA may not amount to much unless one has a post-doctoral and/or a diploma from an approved university apart from passing an approved accreditation before one can get a license to practice. Similarly, different countries would have different requirements for a psychologist to practice. Hence it is important to narrow down your choice to the country you wish to practice in before deciding to pursue a degree in Psychology abroad.

Scope in India

In India, M.Phil in any sub-field of psychology would usually have job opportunities in several settings depending on the specialization, i.e., hospitals, special education centres, schools, NGOs, Corporate world, private practice, mental health/educational institutes etc. 

Things are likely to get more competitive going forward and hence it is important to have an edge in your qualification in a rapidly shrinking job market. 

Also, it is worth remembering that most art and social service fields in India are severely underfunded/underpaid. Though the situation is changing slowly, it is best to equip oneself with current information on the job scene and compensation to avoid disappointments later on. Having said that, a genuine interest in the subject, and a desire to make a career choice which is fulfilling despite monetary limitation, is imperative.