Master of Arts Counselling Psychology Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope and Salary

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Sounak Banerjee

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Master of Arts [MA] (Counselling Psychology) is a three year course. Eligibility for the course is bachelor’s degree in psychology and intermediate cleared.

Admissions for such course are on the basis of the scores of entrance test conducted by University of Delhi are accepted by Daulat Ram College, Indraprastha College for Women and Zakir Husain College. Students have to go through personal interviews also after clearing the entrance test to get admission into respective course.

Know More About Psychology Course

Some of the top institutes offering Master of Arts [MA] (Counselling Psychology) are as follows:

Average fee for MA Counselling Psychology comes between INR 5,000 to 2 Lakh for the span of two years.

Major Job profile and designations for these graduates are Career and School Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Substance Abuse and Behavioral Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, Health Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Professor in Clinical Psychology and Clinical Social Worker etc.

Graduates with this degree have opportunity for the industries like Educational institution (schools & colleges), hospitals, health, rehabilitation and social welfare departments of the Central and State Government, Corporate Sectors, training Industry, Non-Governmental Organizations, and National & State Level Commission for Women & Children.

The average salary for MA Counselling Psychology degree holders is around INR 2 Lakh to 6 Lakh but this can be higher on the basis of experience and other factors.

Top Colleges for Master of Arts [MA] (Counselling Psychology)

MA Counselling Psychology: Course Highlights

Course Level

Post - Graduate

Duration

3 years

Examination Type

Semester System

Eligibility

Bachelors in Psychology

Admission Process

Based on counselling after clearing Entrance Tests for different colleges.

Course Fee

INR 5,000 to 2 Lakh for two years

Average Starting Salary

INR 2 to 6 lacs per annum

Top Recruiting Companies

Educational institution (schools & colleges), hospitals, health, rehabilitation and social welfare departments of the Central and State Government, Corporate Sectors, training Industry, Non-Governmental Organizations, and National & State Level Commission for Women & Children

Job Positions

Career and School Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Substance Abuse and Behavioral Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, Health Psychologist, Neuropsychologist, Professor in Clinical Psychology, Clinical Social Worker

MA Counselling Psychology: What is it about?

MA Counseling Psychology program often focus on human development theories, research methodologies, and ethical standards.

Securing MA in Counselling Psychology is a great option for students who have successfully earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a similar field.

Counselling psychology involves working with individuals and groups to help develop diagnose, set goals, and treat emotional disorders. Most programs help students learn about multicultural sensitivity, clients as individuals, and personality theories. Some programs offer students the option of following a specialized track, such as family therapy, adult clinical counselling, or adolescent counselling.

Programme Educational Objectives

  • To deal with problems, development issues and implement effective interventions, programs that promote and facilitate healthy cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional growth of individuals.
  • Develop Competencies in using- problem solving practices leading to data-based decision making and evidence-based interventions at the individual, group, systems etc.
  • Actively contribute towards social community by promoting sound cognitive, behavioral, and social-emotional, and educational growth of individuals.

Those who successfully complete an MA in Counseling Psychology program are well suited to work in a wide variety of positions, and they are likely to find employment as school counsellors, mental health counsellors, marriage and family counsellors, career counsellors or substance abuse counsellors. Licensing for these positions varies by geographic region, so students interested in these career paths should conduct a thorough review of the licensing regulations that exist in their particular area.

The study of psychology at a Master of Arts level is dedicated to recognizing and understanding the nature and behavioral characteristics of human beings. Ultimately, combining relevant information with usable techniques, skills, and experiences provides a comprehensive program that can help one work with people who need help mastering mental capacities and emotional abilities.

 MA in Counseling Psychology: Top Institutes

Name of Institute

City

 Fees

Fergusson College

Pune

INR 12,430

Modern College of Arts Science and Commerce

Pune

INR 60,000

Indraprastha College for Women

New Delhi

INR 25,000

National Post Graduate College

Lucknow

INR 5,500

Mithibai College of Arts

Mumbai

INR 40,000

Shri HK Arts College

Ahmedabad

INR 1 Lakh

Banasthali University

Jaipur

INR 60,000

Amity University (AUUP), Lucknow

Lucknow

INR 1,00,000

Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHIATS), Allahabad

Allahabad

INR 1,00,760

VMOU Kota (VMOU Kota), Kota

Kota

INR 10,100

Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara

Phagwara

INR 1 lakh

MA in Counselling Psychology: Eligibility

A candidate must have passed BA or equivalent examination in any stream with 50% marks in aggregate from recognized Board/ University.

Final year appearing candidate can also apply on provisional basis. The basic eligibility criteria for pursuing a course in M.A. Counselling Psychology is a Graduation pass degree with a minimum of 55% marks in the subjects concerned from a recognized college or university.

Candidates should have passed the qualifying examination with the following combinations of subjects – English, Regional Language and any two of the following subjects:  History, Geography, Economics, Political Science and Sociology.

MA in Counselling Psychology: Admission Process

When the results of bachelor exam are out then the admission for MA in Counselling Psychology program begins.

The process for admission can be best explained through the figure below:

  • Universities release Application Form  (Online/Offline)
  • Cut off Percentage/CGPA Announcement
  • Admission Formalities begin

Universities offering undergraduate courses, ideally, announce the beginning of application process in the month of May and June. After the first phase is over where interested candidates fill the application forms, universities announce cut-offs required for admission to the program. There are other universities like Banaras Hindu University, which apart from a certain weightage to marks scored in 10+2, also conduct entrance test for admission to the program. Hence candidates are required to have a look at the requirements by the respective universities they wish to apply in.

MA in Counselling Psychology: Syllabus and Course Description

Semester I

Semester II

Applied Psychometry

Statistics and Experimental Design

Qualitative Methods I

Qualitative Method II

Cognitive Processes

Social Psychology

Neuropsychology

Basic Organizational Processes

An Experiential Inquiry into Selfhood

Planning, Recruitment and Selection

Emotions in Everyday Life

Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Paradigms of Psychology

Preparing for Insight Oriented Clinical Work

Counselling Psychology and Personal Growth

Applied Developmental Psychology

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Evolution of Indian Psychology

MA in Counselling Psychology: Career Prospects

Graduates have advanced knowledge of counselling principles and the practical experience to qualify for counseling positions in both private and public practices.

Graduates may find positions as:

  • Addiction and substance abuse counselors
  • Mental health counselors
  • Marriage and family therapists
  • Rehabilitation counselors

A career in counseling psychology will allow students to utilize their knowledge in the field of psychology in the service of helping others with various psychological and emotional disorders. Students with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field can pursue this end with an M.A. degree in counseling psychology.

It is a modern and progressive area of study and, despite having a 150-year history, is currently experiencing unprecedented growth and development nationally and internationally. 

Master of Arts [MA] (Counselling Psychology) annual salary

Job Position

Job Description

Average Annual Pay Scale in INR

Career and School Counsellor

Career counsellors’ help individuals find occupations that fit their needs and interests and guide them in getting the training they need. School counsellor’s work with students and their families to solve problems that interfere with academic success. State licensing may be required for some jobs, with requirements varying by state for school counsellors.

295,493

Mental Health Counsellor

Mental health counselors work with clients of all ages to manage psychological, behavioral and emotional issues and devise coping mechanisms and treatment programs. Issues they deal with include depression, grief and low self-esteem. Mental health counselors generally need to be licensed by the state.

367,000

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Counselor

Substance abuse counsellors work with people to overcome addiction to alcohol or drugs, or to stop harmful behaviors, such as eating disorders. The education requirements vary greatly for these jobs, but counselors who wish to become licensed need a master's degree.

360,500

Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists, the largest specialty within psychology, are mainly focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and personality disorders. Clinical psychologists are trained in a wide variety of therapies and diagnostic techniques aimed at helping individuals with a wide variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, phobias and irrational beliefs. 

355,286

Health Psychologist

Health psychology is a specialty area within psychology which focuses on how psychological, social and genetic factors influence health and illness. Since health psychology is a very research and treatment intensive field, health psychologists commonly work in a clinical or research setting. The BLS predicted that all psychologists should see a 19% job growth from 2014-2024.

 261,669

Neuropsychologist

A neuropsychologist is a special type of clinical psychologist who has additional training and experience in understanding brain-behavior relationships. Neuropsychologists are typically called on for their expertise by neurosurgeons and neurologists to assess brain functioning in order to document how normal brain processes have been altered, as well as helping to predict how this alteration will affect a patient's life. 

543,264

Professor in Clinical Psychology

With a graduate degree in clinical psychology, some graduates will choose to stay in an academic setting, teaching others.

3-5 Lakh

Clinical Social Worker

Like those who study counseling psychology, clinical psychologist may enjoy becoming social workers, providing community outreach. There are a number of non-profit and government organizations that are in dire need of qualified clinical psychology graduates to work with their clients.

3-4 lakh

Master of Arts [MA] (Counselling Psychology) : 13 answered questions

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Ques. How is the MA in psychology distance course at IGNOU? What are the job prospects of it compared to a regular distance course?

● Top Answer By Arijit Pathak on 13 Oct 22

Ans. Admission is available in two sessions: July and January. The university supplies the study material, which is fine. It follows a year system, with 7 courses (6 theory and 1 practical) in the first year and 6 in the second year (3 theory, 1 practical, 1 internship requiring at least 240 hours total, and 1 project/research (can only be done if you pass the Research Methodology and Statistics subjects in the first year)). There are three optional courses to choose from in the second year of IGNOU's MA in Psychology. Clinical psychiatry Psychology of counseling Psychology in the workplace Each has different job prospects, and it is believed you will be familiar with them because it is clear from their names what fields they represent. The procedure is extremely simple. Obtain admission, complete assignments, and register for the exam at the desired exam center. After passing the exams, which can take between three and six years. Following that, you will be given a mark sheet and a provisional certificate. To obtain an original degree, you must wait at least six to twelve months for the convocation to be held by IGNOU, and you must pay a nominal fee of Rs 600-900 for registration and certificate. If you are unable to attend the convocation, your certificate will be mailed to your home address. However, the practicals and viva-voce are an exception because some of the exams were conducted recently (depending on the Regional/Study center). It is acceptable in the first year, but if it occurs in the second year, it may cause a hindrance for higher education because the certificates may not be available at the right time for seeking admission, (seems IGNOU is nowadays quickly distributing the provisional and statement of marks. The good news is that you will receive it directly to your home via post after completing the course). The learner must submit assignments for all theory papers, and writing them will take a lot of time, but it will be beneficial for a passionate learner of psychology. If you want to pursue this MA in Psychology from IGNOU, you must fully commit to this course because the field of psychology is vast. So working while pursuing this course may not be the best option because it may require 3 months of internship, pure research work, and an ocean of writing work.  Regarding the job prospects, as a student of the specific course, you hope to win the UGC NET/JRF and continue your education to become a lecturer. If I get the JRF, I plan to pursue an M Phil in Clinical Psychology and become a licensed clinical practitioner in the mental health field.Read more
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Ques. IGNOU: Has anyone over here done a MAPC master's in psychology or a Ph.D. in psychology via distance learning?

● Top Answer By Raj Yadav on 18 Oct 22

Ans. It is a well-planned course that includes a required internship, research project, and term-end examinations (TEE). According to some practicing psychologists, the study material appears to be on par with regular university courses. The main difference is that you can complete the course over a 5-year period, with exams held twice a year. As a result, you can write exams for 2-3 subjects each term and finish the course while working full-time. IGNOU has two points of contact for you: SC Study Centre: This is where lectures and practicals will be held, assignments must be submitted, and course-related questions will be answered. There are two in Mumbai: Hansraj College in Khar and Seva Sadan in Ulhasnagar. Regional Centre RC: This is your administrative point for receiving books, issuing ID cards, making changes to exam centers, and so on. This is the IGNOU's general office in Mulund West, Mumbai, for all courses. IGNOU PROBLEMS The RC is sometimes unresponsive, and with a low student-to-administrative representative ratio (IGNOU has no upper limit on the number of students it can admit), it is difficult to get questions answered. To receive a response, students must send emails in bulk. IGNOU (or RC) appoints teachers to give IGNOU lectures in addition to their regular teaching duties. IGNOU urgently needs to address these concerns in order to maintain and improve students' trust in the system.Read more
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Ques. Which is better for an MA/MSc in psychology through distance learning, IGNOU or Annamalai University?

● Top Answer By Singdha Bnerjee on 05 Mar 22

Ans. One of my friends completed his MA in Industrial Psychology through IGNOU. According to him, it is a well-thought-out course with a term-end examination, compulsory internship, and research projects. My friend also consulted with some practicing Psychologists regarding the study material. According to them, the course is at par with the regular university courses.  The advantage of this course is that you can complete the course over a period of 5 years and examinations are taken twice each year. So, you can take examinations for 2-3 subjects each term and complete the course easily along with a full-time course or job. Study Center and Regional Center are two points of contact for IGNOU.  Lately, there have been some issues regarding RCs and teachers in IGNOU. Going forward they need to address these issues. Read more
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Ques. Does NIMHANS in Bengaluru have an M.A. in psychology?

● Top Answer By Tezal Dahiya on 03 Oct 23

Ans. No, NIMHANS Bangalore does not offer an M.A. or MSc in Psychology. The Department of Clinical Psychology was started in 1954. Currently, it offers a two-year full-time M. Phil. program and a three-year doctoral program in Clinical Psychology. Additionally, the department also offers certificate programs in  Child and Family Therapy (6 months) Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (6 months) Positive Psychology Perspective (1 month).  Additionally, NIMHANS also conducts workshops and conferences regularly.Read more
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Ques. Which is better for pursuing MA psychology course, Chandigarh, Chitkara or Lovely Professional University?

● Top Answer By Aditi Banerjee on 23 Mar 23

Ans. My friend is an MA Psychology student at Chandigarh University. In her opinion, it is one of the best MA courses offered in India. She justified her opinion through a number of reasons some of which I have listed below The university offers not one but two courses in psychology - MA in Psychology and MA in Clinical Psychology. The university offers necessary practical exposure to prepare students to excel in the field of psychology. The teachers are fully experienced and also experienced in the area of research studies and publications.  All the electives are distributed throughout the semesters with adequate practical knowledge. Additional exposure is offered in the form of field visits, expert talks, experiments, and field training. Another major highlight is the foreign exchange program wherein students are sent to foreign universities and get certified for the respective section from the respective country. The gap between theoretical knowledge and practical approach is filled through internship opportunities. Overall, the quality of teaching is a major USP that students consider while choosing this university.Read more
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Ques. Which one is better correspondence course MA psychology from from IGNOU or MSc Psychology from University of Madras?

● Top Answer By Ritabhari Dasgupta on 13 Jul 22

Ans. IGNOU is better recognized for distance courses. So, pursuing a correspondence course in MA Psychology will be better. However, if possible try to do a regular course in counseling, clinical or industrial psychology. Psychology is practical oriented subject, and you will need to do dissertations, practicals, and internships as a part of coursework. Being a practical-based course, the career outcomes of correspondence degrees in Psychology are somewhat limited.Read more
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Ques. Which one is the best: an M.Sc in Applied Psychology from Annamalai University’s distance education or an M.A in Applied Psychology from Chandigarh University’s distance education?

● Top Answer By Niraj Thakur on 19 Nov 22

Ans. It will be difficult to choose between Annamalai University and Chandigarh University, just as it is difficult to choose where to study when there are so many options. I recommend that you look into Chandigarh University's distance learning program. Chandigarh University's distance education department is relatively new, but it is very promising. The Institute of Distance & Online Learning at Chandigarh University is UGC-DEB accredited, making it an approved distance learning program. Moving on, the facilities and support in distance programs are very helpful and student-friendly. First and foremost, you will receive all study materials and have free access to their online content, which includes videos, e-courses, SLM, and quizzes. Aside from multimedia and course materials, the CU LMS (Learning Management System for distance learners) includes features such as rubrics, teacher and instructor-facilitated learning, a discussion board, a course tracker, download and submit assignments, interact with faculty, and a virtual programming environment and e-library. Furthermore, despite being a distance learner, you will be able to visit the campus, participate in numerous workshops and seminars, and gain first-hand experience with industry tools. With a curriculum that meets international and industry standards, you will also have access to the university's placement drive, which means you can even be placed via distance education.Read more
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Ques. Is someone with an MA in psychology from IGNOU, eligible for RCI registration?

● Top Answer By Raneeta Banerjee on 24 May 22

Ans. No, but you are eligible to get admission at RCI recognized institutes. If you have done an MA in Psychology from IGNOU, you will need to do an M.Phil or a Ph.D. from an RCI affiliated University or hospital, to get RCI registration. You can apply for RCI registration after completing the M.Phil or Ph.D. Read more
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Ques. I have completed my BE in Computer Science this year I like to pursue an MA in Psychology in distance education in Madras University or any other college if possible. Am I eligible to apply?

● Top Answer By Ambalika Das on 30 Nov 21

Ans. Yes, Under the limitations of UGC, every college can regulate and formulate a different set of requirements that they think is appropriate for admissions. It is difficult to tell that about Madras University, but in IGNOU you cannot pursue an MA in Psychology without a BA or B.Sc degree in Psychology. If you are only interested in the course and do not mind what the degree provides, then you can download the IGNOU books for free and read and learn from them. But if you are interested in a Masters degree in Psychology (or any other applied courses) for making a career, then it is suggested you do the course which is full-time. If you want to add another degree to your calibre but do not want to make a career, then you can opt for any other average University that accepts BE or B.Tech.Read more
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Ques. What are the career opportunities after MA psychology from IGNOU?

● Top Answer By Malabika Dasgupta on 11 Feb 22

Ans. The career opportunities are similar to that of doing an MA in Psychology from any other university. You can become a Psychology teacher or Counselor in clinics, schools, or colleges. You can start your own therapy clinic. You can take NET if you want to become a degree college lecturer.  The video speaks of the various career opportunities in the field of Psychology Additonally, you can also go for higher studies and pursue M.Phil or P.hD. Read more
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Master of Arts [MA] (Counselling Psychology) Colleges IN INDIA

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Amity University
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
1.44 L first year fees
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Amity University
Gurgaon, Haryana
66 K first year fees
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8.36 K first year fees
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Amity University
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
89 K first year fees
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Parul University
Vadodara, Gujarat
72 K first year fees
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6.52 K Total fees
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