Are you thinking about pursuing arts, but cannot decide whether to choose psychology or behavioral science? You're not alone! People have always been confused between the two fields of study. They are distinct in their own way and have diverse career paths. In this blog, we will dive into the debate of psychology degree vs behavioral science. Let us break it down.
Core Focus
To differentiate between the two fields of study, we have to analyze what each degree focuses on. Although they sound similar, they focus on specific aspects of human behavior.
Psychology Degree
The study of the human mind and behavior refers to psychology according to the American Psychological Association (APA). This includes understanding thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive processes such as perception, information retention, attention and memory fall under this umbrella. Psychology goes in-depth into the universal pattern of behavior and its challenges. If you want to pursue a degree in psychology, Amity Online University provides an extensive online MA program.
Behavioral Sciences
As the name suggests, behavioral sciences study human behavior. In layman's terms, this means why and how people execute a certain behavior. Although it sounds similar to psychology, behavioral sciences is a broad discipline. It overlaps with anthropology, sociology, consumer behavior, behavioral economics, etc. Behavioral scientists examine social causes such as social influences, motivation and contextual effects to understand behavior.
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Course Details
Moving further into the psychology degree vs behavioral science debate, let us see how these courses differ.
Psychology
A degree in psychology may include the following:
- Developmental psychology
- Cognitive psychology
- Social psychology
- Behavioural psychology
- Clinical psychology
- Psychometrics
- Psychopathy
- Psychotherapy
Additionally, there are different types of psychology degrees in India, each focusing on different aspects of human behaviour. Let us explore them below:
- BA in Psychology: This is a three-year Bachelor of Arts program providing basic foundational knowledge in the field.
- BSc in Psychology: This is also a three-year program; however, it takes a more scientific approach. It focuses on neuroscience and methodologies.
- MA in Psychology: It focuses on industrial, counselling and clinical psychology. It is a two-year program.
- MSc in Psychology: This degree focuses on the neurological aspect of psychology.
- MPhil in Psychology: A two-year program focusing on the research aspect. It is ideal for people pursuing an academic career.
Behavioral Sciences
While there isn't a dedicated behavioral science degree widely available in India, you can still study it. The discipline is often included with psychology and lets you study it through a multi-disciplinary lens. When applying for a degree, check the course curriculum to ensure behavior science is included.
Career Opportunities
Are you wondering where your degree will take you? As a country with growing mental health problems and a lack of skilled professionals, India is actively looking for young talents in this field. This degree grants you access to several industries including healthcare, educational, industrial and non-profit organizations. Here are the career paths you can take with a psychology and behavioral science degree.
- Clinical Psychologist: This is the traditional career path for many students after they complete their bachelor's and master's. In this profession, you will deal with patients with a variety of illnesses.
- Industrial Psychologists: They ensure a positive work environment in the office. They are generally hired in human resources.
- Child Psychologists: They deal with children and assist them in learning, disabilities, bullying, loss of a close one, etc.
- Forensic Psychologist: Their job involves evaluating criminal minds and uncovering psychological concepts. They bridge the gap between law and psychology.
- Consumer Psychologists: They analyze consumers' behavior and patterns to predict market trends. They usually work in marketing firms.
- Psychology Professor/Teacher: People who want to pursue academics often opt for this line.
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Psychology Degree vs Behavioral Science: What To Choose?
When thinking about a psychology degree vs behavioral science in India, choosing the right degree is crucial for everyone. It largely depends on what your career goals are. However, students often face dilemmas due to the various career options available. Don't worry, we have got you covered.
Both fields offer diverse career options. If you are interested in exploring the complexities of the mind, then psychology is the right degree for you. However, if your focus is on understanding human behavior and what influences it, behavioral science is the right path for you. Since India doesn't have a wide range of individual behavioral science degrees, you can learn about it as part of psychology.
Conclusion
Students often debate on psychology degree vs behavioral science due to its close connection. However, through this blog you must have gained clarity in both fields. Both fields provide rich career options and are in demand in the Indian sector.
Amity Online University offers India's first UGC-approved online MA in psychology. As the world moves towards the digital era with diverse education opportunities, why should you be left behind? Enroll today and start your career the right way!
