Hi,

Hey Tajar,

Very intersting.

But my question is why do you wish to shift to Humanities from the Science background.
And if Humanities is what you wish to pursue, why did you join Science then.

Anyways please do think on your option of studying further. Once chosen, you can backout but can lead to waste of time and years.

In general, Psychology is available as BA and a B.Sc course
BA will completely focus on Humanities related subjects, whereas B.Sc comprises more of Science related subjects. Physiology and Psychology in combination.
Rather seeing your background of Science, I think you should choose a B.Sc program, rather than a BA program.

Please note that to work as a Counselor, you need to complete your Masters degree.

Some of the specializations, you could opt for at the masters level includes:
Clinical psychology: These are Psychologists, who generally are seen working in clinics opr hospitals mainly under a Psychitrists. They are well versed with Psychometric assessments and therapies. They generally deal with Psychotics and neurotuic cases. But can work with mild level diagnostic cases too
Counseling Psychologists: These are copuinselor general;ly associated with Schools. But due to their knowledge regarding test and therapies, they can also get opportunity to work in clinics or hospitals under a Psychiatrists.
Industrial Psychologist: These are counselors who work hand-in-hand with the HR department in corporate world. They are the ones who conduct employee selection tests, stress and anxiety tests for employees.
Social Psychologists: They are counselors who are mainly involved with societal causes and closely work with NGO
Guidance and Counseling Psychologists: These are counselors who are mainly helping students choose a career with the help of Aptitude tests. Knowledge regarding careers courses is essential.

Another 2 specializations that only a B.Sc graduate can opt for:
Criminal Psychology: These are psychologists who generally work in close sync with criminals and their issues.
Forensic Psychology: These are Psychologists who help detecting crime and cues towards solving criminal cases.

As far as scope abroad is concerned, please note that Abroad people are very open minded and understand Mental health issues and are not stigmatized as much as in India. They would be more than ready to approach a counselor with their issues in hand. So definitely scope is much more abroad than in India. But never-the-less you may face racial or communal issues.

As far as India is concerned, guidance and counseling is doing very well, as students are very confused due to new courses being introduced.

Also with the right experience and hardwork opportunity can be created.

Also please note that, apart from the degree, additional certificates if pursued would be good for you:

• NLP
• EMDR
• Hypnosis
• Play Therapy

Hope this helps.

Wish you good luck...........

Dear Aspirant,

Thanks for writing to www.careerguide.com!

I appreciate your interest to pursue psychology as career. Well, you are a science student and there are two options for you. One, you can become psychologist; and second, you can become psychiatrist.

Becoming a psychologist:
Psychologists study the mind and behavior. Psychologists help to ensure the health and well-being of all people: individuals, families, groups, and society as a whole. There are different specialization within psychology such as counseling, educational, industrial, clinical, experimental, cognitive etc.

You can pursue psychology from Social Science field and become a psychologist in your prefered branch of psychology. My colleagues have explained this option very well. Many thanks to @meghnamukherjee and @rahul2.

Career Pathways:
BA in Psychology
MA/MSc in Psychology (any one specialization such as counseling psychology, industrial psychology)
MPhil (in any specialization such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology etc.)
PhD (in any specialization)

Scope of Psychologist:
Psychologists find work in academia (as teacher/assistant professor), social work/development sector (program coordinator/counselor/manager), hospitals (as clinical psychologist/counselor) and corporates (in HR division).

Psychologists start private practice (as per their specialization) as consultant or psychotherapist or counselor.

There is lack of awareness among people about psychologists.

Becoming a psychiatrist:
Psychiatrists are medical professionals, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. They evaluate patients to determine psychiatric symptoms and prescribe psychotropic drugs for treatment.

Career pathway:
MBBS
MD in Psychiatry

Scope of psychiatrist:
Psychiatrist can work with hospitals and can start own practice. There is high demand of psychiatrists and psychiatrists are accepted as profession. Psychiatrists, usually earn more than psychologists. However, important point to note that there are many psychologists who too are earning well and have well established private practice or doing excellent at work.

If you have inclination towards medicine and treating mental health illness, then Psychiatric profession would be better.

If you are interested in studying human behavior, prevention of mental health illnesses, psychotherapy and so then psychology profession would be better. Now you need to choose between two fields: Social Science or Medicine.

I hope this information is useful for you to take informed decision about pursuing psychology as career.
If you still have doubts, feel free to revert back.

Best WIshes,
Apurva Kumar Pandya, PhD