Mind and Behavior Studies: Psychology vs. Sociology

Education is an ever-evolving sector and the current generation is privileged to witness the varied specialisations and newly explored niches of every other subject. Psychology and sociology are often quoted as mind and behaviour studies, their earlier and recent findings were nothing less than an incredible achievement for mankind. The field of psychology explores the different layers of the very existence of humans. In contrast to it, the subject of sociology studies the different cultural settings, its underlying historical reflection and the evolutionary journey. Psychology and sociology courses are available for students at both bachelor’s and master’s levels and in this article, we shall look into the admission criteria, core area of study and more.

Psychology Vs Sociology: Course Duration and Eligibility

The ultimate mind and behaviour studies of psychology and sociology can be pursued at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The course duration of each of these courses depends on the ranking of your chosen education. However, the course duration details are as follows:

1. BA. Psychology: 3 years
2. MA. Psychology: 2 years
3. BA. Sociology: 3 years
4. MA. Sociology: 2 years

The eligibility criteria for enrolling in for BA. Psychology and BA. Sociology is completing 12th or equivalent studies with an aggregate accepted by the university.

The eligibility criteria for enrolling in MA. Psychology and MA. Sociology is completing a bachelor’s programme in respective course fields with an aggregate accepted by the university.

Psychology Vs Sociology: Course Curriculum

These vast fields are strongly backed by numerous theories, concepts, case studies and practical tests. The curricula for the mentioned subjects were drafted after multiple revisions upon gaining a clearer understanding of the demanding industrial skillset. The core areas of study in psychology and sociology are diverse and elaborate.

The core subjects of Psychology includes Social psychology, Clinical Psychology, Developmental psychology, Forensic psychology, Cognitive psychology, Experimental psychology, Health psychology, Organisational Psychology, Counselling, Educational psychology, School Psychology, Behaviorism, Personality psychology, Sports Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Biological psychology, Biopsychology, Child psychology, Military psychology, Neuropsychology, Neuroscience, Physiological psychology.

The major areas of study in Sociology are Demography, Social organisation, Gender, Social Change, Social stratification, Applied Sociology, Economic sociology, Environment, Human ecology, Political Sociology, Sociology of family, Urban sociology, Criminology, Globalisation, Race and ethnicity, Social networks, Sociology of criminology, Sociology of health and illness.

Psychology Vs Sociology: Career Opportunities

Psychology and sociology are two major and broader fields in the world of humanities. The significant importance of the subject has led to the popularity of this science spread across the globe. Psychology and sociology graduates play a pivotal role in the normal and rightful functioning of the world and the same has led to ample amount of work opportunities in the respective fields.

Career options for students after opting for Psychology:

1. Counsellor: Engaged in one-on-one counselling sessions and helps people recognise their strengths and weaknesses and cope with their struggles effectively.
2. Psychotherapist: Engaged in intrapersonal communication and takes therapy sessions to help people recover from their mental illness and emotional problems.
3. Educational Psychologist: Helps in discovering the learning problems in students and guides them with coping strategies.
4. Forensic psychologists: They help with criminal investigations by analysing the psychological concerns related to criminal behaviour.
5. Social Worker: Works with people of different communities, and helps them discover and overcome the concerning problems.
6. Industrial and organisational Psychologist: They work in organisations and helps employers identify the right skills for performing the designated job skillfully.

Career options for students after opting for Sociology:

1. Social Worker: Works with people of different communities, and helps them discover and overcome the concerning problems.
2. Journalist: Works by collecting news and presenting them to the outer world through broadcast and print media.
3. Administrative Support: Works by ensuring timely and efficient support that is required for the smooth functioning of the organisation.
4. Survey Researcher: Involves in the gathering of data, analysis, and interpretation of results.
5. Policy Analyst: They are involved in assessing the efficiency of existing policies and identifying the need for new ones.
6. Media Planner: They work by assessing the advertising needs and cross-examining the marketing strategies to acquire the desirable outreach and conversion rates.

In Short

There is no doubt that psychology and sociology are mend of complex concepts and theories. Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes equip the students with a unique lens to understand and analyse the different variations of these strong pillars. Both the subject disciplines educate students into the inner realms of human minds and the journey of mankind from ancient times to the 21st century. Psychology and sociology are career-promising and fruitful if the subjects are wisely chosen by the individual’s interest. A closer look at the subject curriculum can be helpful for the candidate to discover his/her area of interest and choose the suitable course for undergraduate and postgraduation.