Modern Career Options in Psychology | Psychology Career Options in India
Psychology is an emerging field with diverse career opportunities, but many students struggle to find the right path. With recent changes in regulations, including RCI guidelines and NEP 2020, it’s become important to have updated and accurate information related to career options in psychology.
UPS Education is always available to help psychology students with their confusion and doubts. This article will help you understand different career paths and the qualifications or courses required to achieve one of the suitable career options in Psychology and mental health.
Understanding Career Options in Psychology
A career in psychology offers multiple opportunities in the field of mental health, counseling, research, and academics. However, career options vary based on the type of degree or course you pursue. For better understanding or available courses, we can divide psychology degrees into two categories:
- Non-Licensed Courses (General psychology degrees that do not require professional registration)
- Licensed Courses (Professional degrees that provide legal authority to practice)
Non-Licensed Courses in Psychology
Non-licensed Psychology courses are the traditional courses that do not require registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) or other licensing bodies. However, these courses provide the required knowledge that allows students to work in various fields such as education, corporate sectors, counseling, research, and social work on a large scale.
Let’s understand these courses in detail.
1. BA/BSc in Psychology
A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology can be considered as an entry-level course in the field of psychology career. The undergraduate psychology course (BA/BSc) introduces students to various branches of psychology, including Clinical, Counseling, and Applied Psychology. After completing a BA/BSc in Psychology, students can opt for a Master’s degree in different specializations of Psychology.
2. MA/MSc in Psychology (Multiple Specializations)
A Master’s degree allows students to specialize in different fields. Some common specializations include:
- MA/MSc in Clinical Psychology:
A Master’s degree in Psychology or Clinical Psychology opens doors to research, teaching, and mental health support roles in different settings (but does not grant an RCI license to practice as a Clinical Psychologist).
- MA/MSc in Counseling Psychology:
A Master’s degree in Psychology or Counselling Psychology allows graduates to work as counselors in schools, NGOs, or private practice. Someone who is not interested in the Clinical field (The MA/MSc in Counselling Psychology is enough)
- MA/MSc in Forensic Psychology:
If you want to make a career in forensic settings, police departments, and crime investigation then you can choose MA/MSc in Forensic Psychology at your Postgraduate level.
- MA/MSc in Neuropsychology:
Neuropsychology focuses on brain-behavior relationships and is useful in research and rehabilitation settings.
- MA/MSc in Sports Psychology:
With emerging trends of sports and games in India, the MA/MSc Sports Psychology prepares students for roles in sports teams as a sports psychologist, coaching, and athlete mental health support.
3. PhD in Psychology
A PhD is ideal for those interested in research and academics in the field of Psychology. The PhD degree allow individuals to work as university lecturer, researchers, and consultants. PhD holders can also contribute to policy-making and psychological research.
Career Options with Non-Licensed Courses:
- Psychologist (General practice)
- Counselor (in NGOs, schools, and corporate sectors)
- Researcher or Academic
- Human Resource Specialist
- Mental Health Promotors
Licensed Courses in Psychology
Licensed courses are the advanced degree that provide both theoretical and practical training, allowing graduates to work independently as professionals in the related fields. These courses are regulated by RCI and provide a specific CRR upon completion.
1. BSc in Clinical Psychology (Hons.) (RCI Registered, New Course – 2024)
- The BSc in Clinical Psychology (Hons.) or B.Sc. Cl.Psy. (Hons) is a new 4-year undergraduate course introduced in 2024 by RCI. The course allows students to register as a Clinical Assistant (Clinical Psychology) under RCI.
- Graduates can work under supervision in hospitals, clinics, and mental health settings.
- Click here to know more about B.Sc Cl. Psy. (Hons)
2. M.Phil in Clinical Psychology (RCI Licensed Clinical Psychologist)
- M.Phil in Clinical Psychology is a well-established and popular course that provides RCI registration as a Clinical Psychologist.
- Students receive rigorous practical training in assessment, therapy, and rehabilitation in this 2-year RCI-registered course.
- Important Update: From 2026 onwards, this course will be replaced by the MA in Clinical Psychology (RCI Licensed).
3. MA in Clinical Psychology (RCI Licensed, New Course from 2026)
- This course will be the replacement for M.Phil Clinical Psychology.
- This is important to understand that this RCI-regulated MA Clinical Psychology is different from general MA Psychology or Clinical Psychology courses available that is available in many universities and colleges.
- To know more about RCI-regulated MA Clinical Psychology & its eligibility, click here!
4. PsyD in Clinical Psychology (Doctor of Psychology)
- PsyD in Clinical Psychology is a professional doctorate in psychology that focuses on clinical practice rather than research.
- Graduates of this course become licensed Clinical Psychologists with advanced expertise in psychotherapy and assessment. The benefit of the course is, it allows a candidate to get the doctorate degree along with RCI registration.
5. Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP)
- The PDCP is a one-year diploma course that allows RCI registration as a Clinical Psychologist Associate.
- The course is suitable for those who wish to work in clinical settings but do not want to invest long time to pursue M.Phil/M.A. Cl.Psy. or PsyD.
6. Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counseling (RCI Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor)
- The ADCGC is a specialized program that enables an individual to work with children and families in educational and mental health settings.
- The diploma holders can obtain RCI registration as Rehabilitation Counselors.
Career Options with Licensed Courses:
- Clinical Psychologist (M.Phil/PsyD/MA in Clinical Psychology – RCI Licensed)
- Clinical Assistant (Clinical Psychology) (BSc Clinical Psychology – RCI Registered)
- Counselor or Rehabilitation Counselor (Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counseling – RCI Licensed)
Other work areas where a psychology degree would be useful include:
- Careers adviser
- Counsellor in different fields other than mental health
- Crime scene investigator or Criminology
- Motivation Management
- Human resources officer
- Intelligence analyst
- Learning mentor
- Life coach
- Media Psychology
- Neuroscientist
- Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner
- Allied Medical professions
- Social researcher
- Social workers
