Distance mode to have a degree up your sleeve

Gauri Chhabra

Can you guess which college major is among the most popular ones for undergraduate students all over the world? Do you know which subject you can dovetail in almost any career you get into whether it is being a doctor, engineer or a lawyer? 

The answer is psychology. 

The knowledge of this subject would not only land you with a job in the same field, but will also help you if you are already settled in your career and wish  to add a valuable skill to your resume.

Psychology has many practical applications outside of academic research. These include uses in therapy, education, business and many other fields. Some psychologists work with legal professionals to understand and predict criminal behaviour; others help businesses to run more effectively by studying employee interactions with each other and their work environment. In case you do not have the time for a regular course or wish to better your career graph by going in for a full-time course, distance education is a good option. 

Today, psychology courses in distant mode are commonly available through undergraduate and graduate degree and diploma programmes. These courses allow students to explore concepts and theories in a wide variety of subjects, such as developmental, forensic and social psychology, and they also prepare students to be able to conduct research on their own. Aspiring psychology students can find a wide range of coursework available through online learning. Course topics running the gamut from cognitive and child psychology to biopsychology and theories of personality can help you explore your interest in the field.

Who should go for a distance learning degree in psychology?

Getting a degree in this subject can help one prepare for a range of professions. The skills such as analysing data, communicating complex information and understanding human behaviour that this subject offers, are the abilities that are highly prized by employers.

According to Complete Psychology by Graham Davey (2007), only about 15 to 20 per cent of psychology majors go on to become professional psychologists or counselors. So what do the estimated three-quarters of psychology majors end up doing with their degrees? Many put their knowledge of psychology to work in various professions including marketing, business, advertising, criminal justice, education, sales, public affairs, health services, human resources, and numerous other areas.

Career pathways

Earning a degree in Psychology is an excellent way to gain a greater understanding of people. In addition to satisfying your own interest in human nature, having a solid understanding of what makes people do certain things can be a very marketable skill in a wide variety of job settings, including social services, advertising, marketing, education, health care, and politics. Psychology is certainly not a one-size-fits-all career choice. In fact, one of the greatest strengths of this degree is its application in almost every field. You can tailor your education and degree to focus on specialty areas that fit into your career or job. 

The road ahead

According to a research, the employment of psychologists is expected to grow at a rate of about 19 per cent by 2024. This is good news for those interested in the subject. The demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, and social services agencies is expected to fuel the demand for trained professionals. Three job areas in high demand are in clinical psychology, school psychology, and industrial-organisational psychology.

Therefore, if you wish to pursue a career in psychology or wish to dovetail your skills in understanding human behaviour in your current career, tune in for a distance learning programme in psychology.

Where to study

For those with significant work or family commitments an online psychology degree programme makes sense. Most online degrees are designed with working adults in mind, allowing far more flexibility than a traditional degree programme. Most of the best online psychology schools allow students to complete any required internships or practicums in their hometown.

• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University
• Karnataka State Open University
• Tamil Nadu Open University
• Nalanda Open University
• University of Mumbai
• Annamalai University
• Osmania University
• Madras University
• Andhra University

Course cursor

Undergraduate courses

• Bachelor of Arts Honors in Applied Psychology
• Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology

Post graduate courses

• Master of Arts in Applied Psychology
• MA in Counseling 
• MArts in Psychology
• MSc in Psychology
• Sc in Psychological Counseling (Self Financing Course)

Diploma courses

• PG Diploma in Psychological Counseling (PGDPC)
• PG and advanced diploma in psychology