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BA in Psychology at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College
Mayurbhanj, Odisha
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About the Specialization
What is Psychology at Maharaja Purna Chandra (Autonomous) College Mayurbhanj?
This Psychology program at Maharaja Purna Chandra Autonomous College, Mayurbhanj, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, cognition, and emotion. It integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students for diverse roles in mental health, human resources, and social services. In the Indian context, there is a growing awareness and demand for mental health professionals and psychological insights in various sectors, making this program highly relevant and impactful for addressing societal needs.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from any stream (Arts, Science, Commerce) who possess a keen interest in understanding the human mind and societal interactions. It caters to individuals aspiring to pursue higher education in psychology, counseling, clinical psychology, or social work. It also benefits those looking for foundational knowledge to enter roles requiring strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and analytical abilities in fields like education, human resource management, and community development within India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue various India-specific career paths, including junior counselor roles, assistant psychologists, HR assistants, market research analysts, or social workers in NGOs. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 2.5 LPA to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential upon acquiring advanced degrees or specialized certifications. The program lays a strong foundation for higher studies like M.A./M.Sc. in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling, or Industrial-Organizational Psychology, leading to more specialized and lucrative roles in both private and public sectors.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core concepts in Introduction to Psychology, Biopsychology, Cognitive, and Social Psychology. Focus on understanding theories and key terminologies. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and clarify doubts.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Recommended textbooks, NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning)
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for excelling in advanced courses, performing well in postgraduate entrance exams, and for any future specialization in psychology, whether clinical, industrial, or counseling.
Develop Academic Reading and Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice critical reading of psychological research papers and articulate ideas clearly in assignments. Focus on structuring arguments and citing sources accurately. Seek regular feedback from professors on written work to refine communication abilities.
Tools & Resources
Online academic writing guides, University''''s English Communication course, Peer review sessions
Career Connection
Essential for higher studies, research roles, and professional communication in any psychology-related field, enhancing employability in roles requiring report writing or documentation.
Engage in Early Observation and Awareness- (Semester 1-2)
Pay attention to psychological principles in everyday life, news, and media. Discuss real-world examples in class. Seek opportunities to observe human behavior in controlled or natural settings, if the college facilitates basic lab visits or community interactions.
Tools & Resources
Psychology documentaries, Ethical case studies, Relevant newspaper articles and research blogs
Career Connection
Develops a critical and observant mind, key for understanding practical applications of psychology and for identifying potential career interests and areas of specialization early on.
Intermediate Stage
Master Research and Statistical Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Thoroughly understand research methodologies and statistical analysis (CC-VI). Practice data collection, analysis, and interpretation using relevant software. Apply these skills in mini-projects or assignments, seeking faculty guidance for practical implementation.
Tools & Resources
SPSS, R (basic level), Microsoft Excel for data management, Online tutorials for statistical software, Psychology journals
Career Connection
Indispensable for any research-oriented role, market research, data analysis, and for conducting independent research in higher education, making graduates valuable in evidence-based professions.
Seek Practical Exposure and Internships- (Semester 4-5)
Actively look for short-term internships or volunteer opportunities in local NGOs, schools, hospitals, or counseling centers. This provides hands-on experience in applying theoretical knowledge and understanding professional ethics in real-world settings.
Tools & Resources
College career services, Local NGO listings, Professional networking events, online platforms like LinkedIn
Career Connection
Builds a professional network, provides real-world experience, clarifies career interests, and significantly boosts a resume for placements or competitive postgraduate admissions.
Specialize through Electives and Skill Courses- (Semester 3-5)
Carefully choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) and Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs) based on emerging career interests. Deep dive into topics like Abnormal Psychology, Organizational Psychology, or Positive Psychology to gain focused expertise.
Tools & Resources
Course catalogs, Departmental faculty for guidance, Specialized psychology textbooks and research papers
Career Connection
Allows for early specialization, making students more attractive to employers in niche areas and informing decisions about postgraduate studies in specific branches of psychology.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Capstone Project or Dissertation- (Semester 6)
If offered as part of the curriculum or independently, engage in an independent research project under faculty supervision. This demonstrates mastery of research skills, analytical thinking, and a deep understanding of a chosen area within psychology.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors, University library databases, Statistical software, Academic databases like PubMed or Google Scholar
Career Connection
Showcases the ability to conduct independent work, critical for research roles, academic pursuits, and adds significant weight to postgraduate applications for master''''s and doctoral programs.
Prepare for Higher Education and Entrance Exams- (Semester 5-6)
Identify target postgraduate programs (M.A./M.Sc. Psychology, Clinical, Counseling, HR) and universities. Begin preparing for entrance examinations (e.g., NET, university-specific exams) by practicing previous year papers and engaging in mock tests rigorously.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms, Previous year question papers, University websites for admission criteria and syllabi, Study groups
Career Connection
Directly facilitates admission into desired postgraduate programs, which are often essential for specialized roles, licensing, and higher earning potential in the field of psychology in India.
Develop Professional Networking and Soft Skills- (Semester 5-6)
Attend psychology conferences, workshops, and seminars. Network with professionals and alumni through college events or online platforms. Focus on enhancing crucial soft skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork, which are highly valued in any professional setting.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn profiles and groups, College alumni network, Professional psychology associations in India (e.g., Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists), Public speaking workshops
Career Connection
Opens doors to hidden job opportunities, mentorship, and broadens career horizons beyond traditional pathways. Essential for long-term career growth, professional visibility, and industry insights.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 pass in any stream (based on SAMS Odisha general admission guidelines for BA courses, not explicitly detailed on the college''''s direct website or syllabus PDF)
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20% (Mid Semester Examination), External: 80% (End Semester Examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-C-101 | Introduction to Psychology | Core | 6 | Nature and Scope of Psychology, Methods in Psychology, Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness |
| PSY-C-102 | Biopsychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Biopsychology, Neural Communication and Conduction, Structure and Functions of Nervous System, Brain and Behavior, Endocrine System and Behavior |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - 1 | Elective | 6 | Student chooses from a list of generic elective courses offered by other departments (e.g., English, History, Economics, etc.) |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies / MIL (Modern Indian Language) | Compulsory | 2 | Fundamentals of Environmental Studies, Language skills as per chosen MIL (Odia/Hindi/Bengali/Urdu/Sanskrit) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-C-203 | Cognitive Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Cognitive Psychology, Attention, Perception, Memory, Language, Problem Solving and Reasoning |
| PSY-C-204 | Social Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Social Psychology, Social Perception and Cognition, Social Influence, Attitudes and Prejudice, Intergroup Relations, Aggression and Prosocial Behavior |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - 2 | Elective | 6 | Student chooses from a list of generic elective courses offered by other departments (e.g., English, History, Economics, etc.) |
| AECC-2 | English Communication | Compulsory | 2 | Fundamentals of Communication, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Presentation Skills |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-C-305 | Developmental Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Developmental Psychology, Theories of Development, Prenatal Development and Infancy, Childhood Development, Adolescence |
| PSY-C-306 | Research Methodology & Statistics | Core | 6 | Introduction to Psychological Research, Research Designs, Sampling and Data Collection, Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics |
| PSY-C-307 | Psychological Testing | Core | 6 | Introduction to Psychological Testing, Principles of Psychological Measurement, Test Construction, Reliability and Validity, Applications of Psychological Tests, Ethical Issues |
| SEC-1 | Stress Management / Emotional Intelligence | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Nature of Stress, Sources, Coping Strategies, Relaxation Techniques (Stress Management), Understanding Emotions, Components of Emotional Intelligence, Application of EI (Emotional Intelligence) |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-C-408 | Health Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Health Psychology, Stress and Coping, Health Enhancing Behaviors, Chronic Illness, Pain and its Management |
| PSY-C-409 | Organizational Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Organizational Psychology, Work Motivation, Leadership, Group Dynamics, Job Satisfaction and Morale, Work-Life Balance |
| PSY-C-410 | Counseling Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Counseling, Counseling Process, Theories of Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Counseling Diverse Populations, Ethical Issues |
| SEC-2 | Life Skills / Communication Skills | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Self-awareness, Empathy, Decision Making, Problem Solving (Life Skills), Verbal/Non-Verbal Communication, Active Listening, Presentation (Communication Skills) |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-C-511 | Abnormal Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology, Classification and Assessment of Disorders, Anxiety and Trauma-Related Disorders, Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia and other Psychotic Disorders, Personality Disorders |
| PSY-C-512 | Industrial Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Industrial Psychology, Personnel Selection, Training and Development, Performance Management, Career Development, Work-Life Issues |
| PSY-DSE-1 | Positive Psychology / Psychology of Well-being | Elective | 6 | Foundations, Strengths, Well-being, Positive Emotions (Positive Psychology), Models of Well-being, Resilience, Happiness (Psychology of Well-being) |
| PSY-DSE-2 | Forensic Psychology / Sports Psychology | Elective | 6 | Criminal Behavior, Eyewitness Testimony, Psychological Assessment in Legal Settings (Forensic Psychology), Motivation, Anxiety, Team Cohesion, Mental Toughness (Sports Psychology) |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSY-C-613 | Consumer Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Consumer Psychology, Consumer Decision Making, Motivation and Emotion, Perception and Learning, Attitudes and Advertising, Brand Loyalty |
| PSY-C-614 | Educational Psychology | Core | 6 | Introduction to Educational Psychology, Theories of Learning, Motivation in Education, Intelligence and Creativity, Classroom Management, Guidance and Counseling |
| PSY-DSE-3 | Health Psychology: Application / Child Development & Mental Health | Elective | 6 | Health Behavior Change, Stress Management, Illness Prevention (Health Psychology: Application), Developmental Milestones, Childhood Disorders, Interventions (Child Development & Mental Health) |
| PSY-DSE-4 | Introduction to Neuropsychology / Psychology of Peace | Elective | 6 | Brain Structure, Cognitive Functions, Neurological Disorders (Introduction to Neuropsychology), Conflict Resolution, Non-violence, Peace Education (Psychology of Peace) |
