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BA in Psychology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University)
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Psychology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University) Chengalpattu?
This B.A. Psychology program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on understanding human behavior, cognition, and emotion through a scientific lens. It delves into various sub-fields, providing a comprehensive foundation relevant to mental health, organizational dynamics, and societal well-being in the Indian context. The program emphasizes theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students for diverse roles in a growing field.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a keen interest in human behavior, mental processes, and societal interactions, aspiring to careers in counseling, clinical, or organizational psychology. It also suits individuals seeking a strong academic foundation for postgraduate studies in India or abroad, and those looking to contribute to mental health awareness and research in the subcontinent.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India as counselors, school psychologists, HR specialists, market researchers, or social workers. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5-4 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program equips students with critical thinking, empathy, and analytical skills, valuable for various roles in NGOs, corporate HR, and educational institutions across the country.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Psychological Vocabulary- (Semester 1-2)
Consistently define and understand core psychological terms from textbooks and lectures. Create flashcards or a personal glossary to ensure accurate comprehension of fundamental concepts and theories.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks (e.g., Baron''''s General Psychology), Online psychology dictionaries, Course material glossaries
Career Connection
Essential for clear communication in professional psychological settings, understanding advanced concepts, and forming the basis for specialized knowledge in any psychological field.
Develop Critical Thinking and Research Aptitude- (Semester 1-2)
Actively question theories, analyze research methodologies discussed in class, and engage in basic data interpretation exercises. Participate in departmental seminars and discussions to sharpen analytical skills.
Tools & Resources
Academic journals (Psychological Bulletin), Research methods textbooks, Online academic databases (JSTOR, PubMed)
Career Connection
Fundamental for evidence-based practice, pursuing research roles, and effective problem-solving in any psychological domain, crucial for academic and professional growth.
Engage in Peer Learning and Study Groups- (Semester 1-2)
Form small study groups to discuss complex topics, prepare for exams, and explain concepts to each other. Collaborative learning reinforces understanding and provides diverse perspectives on psychological phenomena.
Tools & Resources
University library group study rooms, Online collaboration tools (Google Docs, Microsoft Teams), WhatsApp groups for quick discussions
Career Connection
Enhances teamwork, communication skills, and the ability to articulate ideas clearly, which are crucial for collaborative professional environments in India''''s diverse workforce.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Early Internship or Volunteer Opportunities- (Semester 3-5 (during breaks or part-time))
Actively look for short-term internships or volunteer roles in NGOs, counseling centers, hospitals, or HR departments to gain practical exposure. Even observation roles offer valuable insights into real-world applications.
Tools & Resources
University career services portal, Online internship platforms (Internshala, Naukri), Networking with faculty and alumni
Career Connection
Provides real-world experience, helps identify specific career interests within psychology, and builds a professional network, vital for future placements and career progression.
Master Statistical Software and Data Analysis- (Semester 3-4 (alongside statistics courses))
Gain proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, R, or even advanced Excel for data analysis. Practice regularly with diverse datasets to become adept at interpreting and presenting psychological data.
Tools & Resources
SPSS tutorials (official IBM resources, YouTube), Online courses on R programming for beginners, University computer labs with licensed software
Career Connection
A highly valued skill in research, market analysis, HR analytics, and any role requiring data-driven decision-making, significantly boosting employability in scientific and corporate sectors.
Participate in Workshops on Specific Psychological Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Attend university-organized or external workshops focusing on practical skills like basic counseling techniques, psychometric test administration, or qualitative research interviewing to build specialized competencies.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notices for workshops, Local psychology associations (e.g., IAAP), Online workshop platforms (Coursera, Udemy for specialized skills)
Career Connection
Develops specialized, hands-on skills directly applicable to entry-level roles in clinical, counseling, or organizational psychology, making graduates more job-ready for the Indian market.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Focus diligently on the final year project or dissertation, ensuring a robust methodology, thorough data analysis, and clear, structured reporting. This showcases independent research and critical thinking capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Faculty mentors and advisors, University library databases and research portals, Citation management software (Mendeley, Zotero)
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research skills, analytical ability, and academic rigor, crucial for higher studies (MA/MSc Psychology) and research-oriented roles in academic or private institutions.
Network Actively and Attend Career Fairs- (Semester 5-6)
Connect with alumni, faculty, and professionals in the field through platforms like LinkedIn, professional events, and university career fairs. Practice creating an effective professional narrative and elevator pitches.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn professional networking platform, University alumni network events, Career fair events organized by SRMIST or external bodies
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship and job opportunities, provides insights into industry trends, and helps in building a professional brand, essential for navigating the competitive Indian job market.
Prepare a Strong Portfolio and Practice Interview Skills- (Semester 6)
Compile academic achievements, project reports, internship certificates, and skill certifications into a professional portfolio. Practice common interview questions and mock counseling sessions to refine presentation and interpersonal skills.
Tools & Resources
Resume building workshops (university career services), Mock interview sessions with faculty or mentors, Online interview preparation guides and resources
Career Connection
Essential for successful placements, showcasing abilities to potential employers in various psychological roles, and demonstrating readiness for professional responsibilities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Higher Secondary Examination (10+2 pattern) or its equivalent.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 110 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22LEH101T | English I | Core | 3 | Communication Skills, Grammar and Usage, Reading Comprehension, Writing Paragraphs and Essays, Public Speaking |
| 22LEH102T | Tamil / Hindi / French / German / Sanskrit | Core | 3 | Basic Grammar, Reading and Writing, Spoken Language, Cultural Aspects, Literary Appreciation |
| 22LEH103T | Social and Cultural History of India | Core | 3 | Ancient Indian Civilizations, Medieval Indian Dynasties, Colonial Rule and Nationalism, Socio-Religious Reform Movements, Cultural Heritage and Diversity |
| 22LPY101T | General Psychology I | Core | 3 | Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods, Biological Bases of Behavior, Sensation and Perception, States of Consciousness |
| 22LPY102T | Psychological Statistics I | Core | 3 | Introduction to Statistics, Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Variability, Correlation, Probability Concepts |
| 22LEL101P | Environmental Science and Sustainability | Elective | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources Management, Climate Change, Sustainable Development Goals |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22LEH201T | English II | Core | 3 | Advanced Reading Skills, Critical Analysis of Texts, Report and Proposal Writing, Presentation Skills, Interview Techniques |
| 22LEH202T | Tamil / Hindi / French / German / Sanskrit | Core | 3 | Advanced Grammar, Literary Forms, Translation Skills, Cultural Understanding, Creative Writing |
| 22LEH203T | Indian Constitution and Human Rights | Core | 3 | Constitutional Framework of India, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Human Rights in India, Role of Judiciary |
| 22LPY201T | General Psychology II | Core | 3 | Learning Theories, Memory Processes, Cognition and Thinking, Language Development, Intelligence and Creativity, Motivation and Emotion |
| 22LPY202T | Psychological Statistics II | Core | 3 | Inferential Statistics, Hypothesis Testing, T-Tests, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Chi-Square Test, Regression Analysis |
| 22LEL201P | Entrepreneurship | Elective | 2 | Entrepreneurial Mindset, Business Idea Generation, Market Analysis, Business Plan Development, Funding and Finance, Legal Aspects of Business |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22LPY301T | Developmental Psychology | Core | 4 | Theories of Development, Prenatal and Infancy Development, Childhood and Adolescence, Adulthood and Aging, Cognitive and Socioemotional Development |
| 22LPY302T | Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Social Cognition and Perception, Attitudes and Persuasion, Social Influence and Conformity, Group Dynamics and Leadership, Interpersonal Attraction and Aggression |
| 22LPY303T | Industrial and Organizational Psychology | Core | 4 | Personnel Psychology, Employee Selection and Training, Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction, Leadership and Management, Organizational Culture and Development |
| 22LPY304P | Psychological Practicals I | Lab | 2 | Introduction to Psychological Testing, Experiment Design and Setup, Data Collection Methods, Basic Statistical Analysis, Report Writing |
| 22LPY311E | Positive Psychology | Elective | 3 | Concepts of Well-being and Happiness, Character Strengths and Virtues, Flow and Optimal Experience, Resilience and Post-traumatic Growth, Mindfulness and Gratitude |
| 22LEL301P | Human Values and Professional Ethics | Core | 2 | Concepts of Ethics and Morality, Human Values and Virtues, Professional Ethics in Various Fields, Ethical Dilemmas, Social Responsibility |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22LPY401T | Abnormal Psychology | Core | 4 | Concepts of Abnormality and Mental Disorders, Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders, Personality Disorders, Therapeutic Approaches |
| 22LPY402T | Cognitive Psychology | Core | 4 | Attention and Perception, Memory Models and Processes, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Language and Thought, Cognitive Development |
| 22LPY403T | Health Psychology | Core | 4 | Stress and Coping Mechanisms, Health Belief Models, Chronic Illness and Pain Management, Health Promotion and Prevention, Behavioral Change Interventions |
| 22LPY404P | Psychological Practicals II | Lab | 2 | Advanced Psychological Assessment, Qualitative Research Methods, Interviewing and Observation Techniques, Interpretation of Psychological Data, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| 22LPY411E | Counselling Psychology | Elective | 3 | Fundamentals of Counselling, Therapeutic Relationship, Counselling Process and Skills, Ethical Issues in Counselling, Crisis Intervention |
| 22LEL401P | Professional Communication | Core | 2 | Business Communication Strategies, Email and Report Writing, Effective Presentation Skills, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Cross-Cultural Communication |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22LPY501T | Research Methods in Psychology | Core | 4 | Scientific Method in Psychology, Research Design and Hypothesis Formulation, Sampling Techniques, Data Collection Methods (Surveys, Experiments), Qualitative Research Approaches |
| 22LPY502T | Biopsychology | Core | 4 | Nervous System Structure and Function, Endocrine System and Hormones, Neurotransmitters and Brain Chemistry, Sensory Systems and Perception, Biological Basis of Emotions and Memory |
| 22LPY503T | Educational Psychology | Core | 4 | Theories of Learning in Education, Motivation and Classroom Management, Individual Differences in Learning, Assessment and Evaluation in Education, Teaching Strategies for Diverse Learners |
| 22LPY504P | Internship / Project | Project | 2 | Field Placement Experience, Application of Psychological Principles, Research Project Development, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation |
| 22LPY511E | Consumer Psychology | Elective | 3 | Consumer Behavior Theories, Decision-Making Processes, Influence of Advertising and Marketing, Brand Loyalty and Perception, Market Research in Psychology |
| 22LPY531S | Communication Skills for Psychologists | Elective | 2 | Active Listening and Empathy, Interviewing and Assessment Skills, Therapeutic Communication, Report Writing in Psychology, Public Speaking and Presentation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22LPY601T | Personality Theories | Core | 4 | Psychodynamic Theories (Freud, Jung), Humanistic Theories (Rogers, Maslow), Trait Theories (Allport, Cattell), Social-Cognitive Theories (Bandura), Personality Assessment Methods |
| 22LPY602T | Forensic Psychology | Core | 4 | Psychology of Criminal Behavior, Eyewitness Testimony and Memory, Offender Profiling, Psychology in the Legal System, Correctional Psychology and Rehabilitation |
| 22LPY603T | Counselling and Psychotherapy | Core | 4 | Major Schools of Psychotherapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family and Group Therapy, Ethical and Professional Issues |
| 22LPY604P | Viva Voce / Project Dissertation | Project | 2 | Dissertation Writing and Structure, Research Presentation and Defense, Comprehensive Knowledge Assessment, Scholarly Communication, Critical Evaluation of Research |
| 22LPY611E | Organizational Development | Elective | 3 | Foundations of Organizational Development, Change Management Strategies, OD Interventions (e.g., Team Building), Leadership Development, Organizational Culture and Climate |
| 22LPY631S | Life Skills and Well-being | Elective | 2 | Stress Management Techniques, Emotional Intelligence Development, Time Management and Goal Setting, Interpersonal Skills and Conflict Resolution, Self-Awareness and Personal Growth |
