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M-A in Psychology at Swami Dayanand College, Pariya
Gaya, Bihar
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About the Specialization
What is Psychology at Swami Dayanand College, Pariya Gaya?
This M.A. Psychology program at Swami Dayanand College, Gaya, affiliated with Magadh University, focuses on developing an in-depth understanding of human behavior, cognition, and emotion. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students for diverse roles in mental health, research, and organizational settings. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled psychology professionals in India, addressing both individual and societal psychological needs.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for psychology graduates seeking to deepen their understanding of the field and embark on a professional journey. It caters to individuals passionate about human behavior, mental health, and research. Aspiring counselors, clinical psychologists, human resource specialists, and academics will find this program beneficial. Prerequisites typically include a Bachelor''''s degree with Psychology as a major or honors subject.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue various career paths in India, including counseling psychologists, clinical psychologists (after further supervised practice/M.Phil.), HR specialists, academic researchers, and social workers. Entry-level salaries in India typically range from INR 2.5 Lakhs to 5 Lakhs annually, with significant growth potential for experienced professionals. The program also aligns with requirements for pursuing advanced degrees like M.Phil. or Ph.D.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Psychological Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to understanding fundamental theories in cognitive psychology, social psychology, and psychopathology. Engage actively in classes, seek clarifications, and use recommended textbooks and academic journals to build a strong conceptual base.
Tools & Resources
University library, Recommended textbooks, Online learning platforms like NPTEL for supplemental content, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A robust foundation is critical for advanced studies, ethical practice, and intelligent application of psychological principles in any professional context.
Develop Foundational Research & Statistical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering research methodologies, experimental design, and statistical analysis (descriptive and inferential). Practice problem-solving using statistical software and critique published research papers to understand scientific rigor.
Tools & Resources
SPSS software, Statistical handbooks, Online tutorials, Research articles, Guidance from faculty
Career Connection
These skills are indispensable for conducting research, evaluating data, and implementing evidence-based practices in academia, clinical, and organizational settings.
Cultivate Effective Academic Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Refine your academic writing, presentation, and critical thinking abilities. Practice constructing well-structured arguments, citing sources correctly (e.g., APA style), and presenting research findings clearly. Participate in departmental seminars.
Tools & Resources
APA publication manual, Academic writing workshops, Feedback from professors, Presentation tools
Career Connection
Strong communication is vital for publishing research, presenting findings to colleagues or clients, and excelling in professional roles.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Practical & Applied Experience- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek out internships or volunteer roles in mental health centers, counseling units, NGOs, or HR departments. Engage in supervised practical work, psychological testing, and counseling simulations to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Local hospitals, Counseling centers, HR departments, Professional psychology networks
Career Connection
Hands-on experience is crucial for bridging the gap between theory and practice, enhancing employability, and building a professional portfolio for future roles.
Specialize and Network Proactively- (Semester 3-4)
Identify your area of interest (e.g., clinical, I/O, counseling) and pursue electives or dissertation topics in that domain. Attend conferences, webinars, and workshops to network with professionals, gain insights into specific fields, and explore career opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Professional psychology associations in India (e.g., IACP, IAAP), LinkedIn, Industry seminars, Alumni mentoring programs
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, job opportunities, and staying updated with industry trends, leading to a more focused and successful career path.
Master Dissertation & Professional Preparation- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to your dissertation, ensuring it''''s a high-quality, original research contribution. Simultaneously, focus on interview preparation, resume building, and developing a strong professional online presence (e.g., LinkedIn profile).
Tools & Resources
Dissertation supervisor, Academic databases, University career counseling cell, Online professional development resources
Career Connection
A strong dissertation demonstrates advanced research skills, while robust professional preparation directly enhances placement success and career launch in the competitive Indian job market.
Advanced Stage
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor''''s degree with Psychology as a Major/Honours subject or B.A./B.Sc. in Psychology with 55% marks from a recognized University.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 84 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30% (for each paper), External: 70% (for each paper)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSYCC101 | Cognitive Psychology | Core | 4 | Nature of Cognition, Attention and Perception, Memory Processes and Models, Language Acquisition and Production, Problem Solving and Reasoning |
| PSYCC102 | Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology - I | Core | 4 | Nature of Scientific Research, Research Design and Types, Sampling Techniques, Descriptive Statistics, Correlation and Regression |
| PSYCC103 | Advanced Social Psychology | Core | 4 | Social Cognition and Perception, Attitudes and Persuasion, Group Dynamics and Leadership, Intergroup Relations and Conflict, Aggression and Prosocial Behavior |
| PSYCC104 | Psychopathology and Mental Health - I | Core | 4 | Concepts of Abnormality, Classification Systems (DSM-5), Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSYCC201 | Human Development | Core | 4 | Theories of Human Development, Infancy and Early Childhood, Adolescence Development, Adulthood and Aging, Social and Emotional Development Across Lifespan |
| PSYCC202 | Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology - II | Core | 4 | Inferential Statistics, Parametric Tests (t-test, ANOVA), Non-Parametric Tests, Qualitative Research Methods, Report Writing and Ethics |
| PSYCC203 | Personality | Core | 4 | Theories of Personality (Psychodynamic, Humanistic), Trait and Social-Cognitive Theories, Personality Assessment Techniques, Self-Concept and Identity, Cultural Influences on Personality |
| PSYCC204 | Psychopathology and Mental Health - II | Core | 4 | Personality Disorders, Eating and Sleep Disorders, Substance Related and Addictive Disorders, Stress and Coping Mechanisms, Introduction to Therapeutic Approaches |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSYCC301 | Organizational Behavior | Core | 4 | Foundations of Organizational Behavior, Motivation in Organizations, Leadership Theories and Styles, Group Dynamics and Teamwork, Organizational Culture and Climate |
| PSYCC302 | Psychometrics | Core | 4 | Principles of Psychological Testing, Reliability and Validity of Tests, Test Construction and Standardization, Intelligence Testing, Personality Assessment Techniques |
| PSYCC303 | Counseling Psychology | Core | 4 | Foundations of Counseling, The Counseling Process, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Ethical Issues in Counseling |
| PSYCC304 | Health Psychology | Core | 4 | Biopsychosocial Model of Health, Stress, Illness and Coping, Health Behaviors and Promotion, Chronic Illness and Pain Management, Psychology of Lifestyle Diseases |
| PSYDS301 | Positive Psychology | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Foundations of Positive Psychology, Well-being and Happiness, Strengths and Virtues, Gratitude and Mindfulness, Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth |
| PSYCCP305 | Psychological Testing Practical | Core Practical | 4 | Administration of Intelligence Tests, Personality Inventories and Projective Techniques, Aptitude and Interest Tests, Attitude Scales and Rating Scales, Report Writing and Interpretation of Test Results |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSYCC401 | Clinical Psychology | Core | 4 | Assessment in Clinical Psychology, Psychodiagnosis and Treatment Planning, Psychoanalytic and Humanistic Therapies, Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Group Therapy and Family Therapy |
| PSYCC402 | Industrial and Organizational Psychology | Core | 4 | Personnel Selection and Recruitment, Training and Development, Performance Appraisal and Management, Work Motivation and Job Satisfaction, Occupational Health Psychology |
| PSYCC403 | Psychology of Learning and Memory | Core | 4 | Classical and Operant Conditioning, Observational Learning and Cognitive Learning, Models of Memory (Sensory, STM, LTM), Forgetting Theories and Eyewitness Testimony, Memory Enhancement Techniques |
| PSYDS401 | Sports Psychology | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Psychological Factors in Sport Performance, Motivation and Arousal in Sport, Stress Management and Coping in Athletes, Team Cohesion and Leadership, Mental Training Techniques |
| PSYCCP405 | Experimentation and Statistics Practical | Core Practical | 4 | Design and Conduct of Psychological Experiments, Data Collection and Measurement Techniques, Data Analysis using Statistical Software (SPSS/R), Interpretation of Statistical Results, Preparation of Research Reports |
| PSYDIS406 | Dissertation / Project Work | Dissertation | 8 | Literature Review and Research Question Formulation, Research Proposal Development, Data Collection and Ethical Considerations, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Thesis Writing and Viva Voce |
