Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology is a 2-year postgraduate program that focuses on the study of causes and treatment modalities of psychological disorders. It focuses on biological, social, and psychological factors to further understand human behaviour.
Those who hold a bachelor's degree in psychology or have studied psychology as a subject in their bachelor's program with a minimum aggregate of 45-50% are eligible to apply for the course. The course fees range from INR 90,000 to 3.3 Lakhs.
Clinical psychology graduates can find job opportunities in a variety of sectors, including hospitals,schools, management, NGOs, the Social Welfare Sector, and rehabilitation. Some of the job roles available to them include Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Counsellor, Therapist, Teacher, Child Psychologist, and others. The average salary they can expect as a fresher is INR 2 - 5.7 LPA.
- MA in Clinical Psychology Highlights
- What is an MA in Clinical Psychology?
- Why Study MA in Clinical Psychology?
- Who Should Pursue an MA in Clinical Psychology?
- MA in Clinical Psychology Eligibility
- MA in Clinical Psychology Entrance Exam
- MA Clinical Psychology Colleges in India
- MA in Clinical Psychology Admission Process
- MA in Clinical Psychology Syllabus
- MA in Clinical Psychology Job Opportunities
- MA in Clinical Psychology Vs MSc Clinical Psychology
- MA in Clinical Psychology FAQs
MA in Clinical Psychology Highlights
Here are the key details of the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology course:
What is an MA in Clinical Psychology?
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology is an integration of science, theory, and clinical knowledge for understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically based distress or dysfunction to promote subjective well-being and personal development.
The program combines psychological theory with clinical training, equipping students with the skills needed for assessment, psychotherapy, and mental health interventions. It covers areas such as psychopathology, counseling techniques, developmental psychology, and research methods.
Why Study MA in Clinical Psychology?
MA Clinical Psychology can provide a significant and fulfilling professional career to assist individuals in enhancing their mental state and emotional health. Some of the advantages of pursuing this course for specialization are:
- The course gives an insight into human behavior and gives a chance to assist individuals in overcoming their psychological challenges.
- There is an increasing need for trained psychology experts in hospitals, schools, counselling centers, and NGO, as the awareness of mental health is increasing.
- The program offers a basis for higher specializations or certification as a clinical psychologist.
Who Should Pursue an MA in Clinical Psychology?
An MA in Clinical Psychology is ideal for individuals who are genuinely interested in understanding human behavior and mental health and want to work professionally as a psychologist. If you have an interest in any of these, then this course is for you:
- If you have a graduate degree in fields like psychology, social work, or related disciplines, then clinical psychology can be a great major to choose.
- Those already working in counselling, education, or social services can pursue this course to deepen their clinical skills and knowledge.
- Those who are planning to build a career as a therapist, counselor, or clinical psychologist.
- Those who want to pursue research and academic roles in mental health.
MA in Clinical Psychology Eligibility
To apply for the MA in Clinical Psychology, one needs to fulfill the eligibility criteria of the institution. Here is the eligibility criteria of MA Clinical Psychology portrayed by most of the institutions:
- Should have a BA/ BSc in Psychology or in any discipline with Psychology as one of the subjects.
- Should have secured at least 45 - 50% marks or equivalent CGPA in graduation.
- A relaxation of 5% will be given to the SC/ ST/ PwBD/ D-OBC (NCL)/ Defence/ KM candidates.
MA in Clinical Psychology Entrance Exam
The institutes either accept CUET-PG or conduct their entrance examination for admission into the MA in Clinical Psychology. Here are some of the entrance exams that are considered for an MA in Clinical Psychology:
MA Clinical Psychology Colleges in India
Many universities in India offer a MA in clinical psychology. Here is the list of some of the top NIRF-ranked universities that offer an MA in Clinical Psychology:
MA in Clinical Psychology Admission Process
The admission into the Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology course is based on a national-level entrance examination, like CUET-PG, or an institute-level entrance examination, or based on merit. Here is the detailed admission procedure for the MA in Clinical Psychology offered by MGM University:
Step 1: Registration - Interested and eligible candidates will have to visit the official website of MGM University and register themselves at www.admissions.mgmu.ac.in.
Step 2: Online Application - After receiving the login credentials for the admission portal, the candidate can start filling out the application form with all the required information and documents, and pay the application fees.
Step 3: Entrance Exam - The candidates will receive the details for MGMU-CET, and they will have to appear for the exam.
Step 4: Merit-List - MGM University will release the list of selected candidates on their admission dashboard, based on their MGMU-CET.
Step 5: Document Verification - The selected candidates will have to upload their original documents for document verification and will have to pay the admission fee to confirm their admission.
MA in Clinical Psychology Syllabus
The masters in clinical psychology course is usually a 2-year course, divided into 4 semesters. The course includes core courses, electives, seminar/ workshop courses, practicals, and fieldwork. Here is the syllabus of the MA Clinical Psychology offered by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi:
MA in Clinical Psychology Job Opportunities
The MA in clinical psychology opens up various job opportunities in areas such as hospitals, schools, management, NGOs, Social Welfare Sectors, Rehabilitation, etc. Some of the job roles available after completion of the MA Clinical Psychology course are mentioned below, along with the average salary as per PayScale:
MA in Clinical Psychology Vs MSc Clinical Psychology
The MSc Clinical Psychology specializes in scientific research, neuropsychology, and advanced empirical skills, whereas the MA Clinical Psychology usually focuses on counseling, therapy, and actual work with clients from a liberal arts perspective.
MA in Clinical Psychology FAQs
What are the higher study options after an MA in Clinical Psychology?
After completing an MA in Clinical Psychology, one can pursue an M.Phil/ PhD in Clinical Psychology. The course will also open up job opportunities as a counsellor, industrial-organizational psychologist, clinical psychologist, military psychologist, etc.
What is the difference between an MA and an MSc in Clinical Psychology?
Both MSc and MA courses in Clinical Psychology may look like the same course, but their focus is different. The MA Clinical Psychology focuses on qualitative methods, theory, and humanistic approaches, whereas the MSc Clinical Psychology focuses more on scientific research, statistics, and experimental methods.
What is the salary after MA in clinical psychology?
In India, the MA Clinical Psychology salary is between INR 20,000 to 35,000 per month in hospitals, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), or clinics. Once professionals are licensed by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), have additional qualifications, eg, M.Phil in Clinical Psychology, experienced ones get INR 6 to 12 LPA.
How can I become a clinical psychologist?
In India, the candidates are required to do a bachelor's degree in psychology, an MA or MSc degree in clinical psychology, and then M.Phil in Clinical Psychology with an RCI-recognized institute, and afterwards be registered with RCI to be a clinical psychologist.
Is M.Phil. or PsyD required after an MA in Clinical Psychology to practice as a clinical psychologist in India?
Yes. To become a licensed Clinical Psychologist in India, one must complete an M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology from an RCI-recognized institute or a PsyD (Doctorate in Psychology) approved by RCI. The MA alone qualifies you for roles like counselor or therapist, but not for full clinical practice under RCI.
Can I opt for the IGNOU MA Clinical Psychology course?
IGNOU does not offer the MA Clinical Psychology course, but it offers the MA Psychology course. It contains emphases in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, and Industrial/Organizational Psychology. The clinical track is focusing on issues like psychopathology, psychological tests and assessment, psychotherapeutic techniques, practicum, and practicum training.
Can I practice independently after completing an MA in Clinical Psychology?
Yes, after completing an MA in Clinical Psychology, the graduates can work independently as a counselor or therapist in schools, colleges, NGOs, or clinics. But for diagnosis and treatment, one may need a license from an RCI-approved institution.
