BA Psychology vs Applied Psychology - Differences, Career Scope, Fees, Best Choice

Abhik Das

Updated On: July 21, 2022 04:35 pm IST

People frequently mix up Psychology and Applied Psychology because the terms sound similar. The following article will distinguish between the two courses and their undergraduate programmes.

Difference Between B.A Psychology and Applied Psychology

Basic psychology differs from applied psychology in that it prioritises theory and fundamental understanding over practical problem-solving solutions. Applied psychology focuses on the practical application of these theories in order to better serve the community. Psychology courses have always been popular among students, and top universities compete for them every year. For example, Delhi University and Mumbai University have higher cutoffs for Psychology courses, indicating a high demand. Psychology, Applied Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and other types of courses are available in India. There is a broad range of differences between these courses. The major differences between BA Psychology vs Applied Psychology have been examined in this article. You can also look at the career opportunities for both courses here.

What is the Difference Between Psychology and Applied Psychology?

According to Wikipedia, psychology is the study of conscious and unconscious phenomena, as well as feelings and thoughts. Psychology is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as the study of behaviour and the mind. It is divided into several subfields of study, including cognitive processes, social behaviour, clinical, health, sports, and human development.

Similarly, Wikipedia defines Applied Psychology as "the application of scientific psychology findings and psychological methods to the solution of practical problems of animal and human experience and behaviour." Evolutionary psychology, counselling psychology, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, sports psychology, and other areas of applied psychology are well-known.

Also Read:Who should opt for Psychology studies?

BA Psychology vs Applied Psychology - Detailed Comparison

The two degrees can be distinguished from each other in the following aspects -

Name of the Degree

BA Psychology

BA Applied Psychology

Duration                

03 Years

03 Years

Eligibility

Class XIIth qualified students with a minimum of 55% aggregate

Class XIIth qualified students with a minimum of 50% aggregate

List of Entrance Exams

  • NIMSEE

  • LPU NEST

  • MRNAT

  • SAT India

  • MRNAT

Admission Process

Both entrance based and merit-based admission process

Both entrance based and merit-based admission process

Average Fee

INR 20,000/- to INR 3,00,000/- per year

INR 40,000/- to INR 2,00,000 per year

Top Job Roles after Graduating

Social Worker, Recruiter, Career Counsellor, Teacher etc

Development Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Educational Counsellor, Forensic Psychologist etc

Top Recruiting Organisations

  • Edushine Advisory Pvt Ltd

  • Evelyn Learning Systems Pvt Ltd

  • Stratagyn

N/A

Career Growth

Psychology jobs are growing every day due to the emergence of various organizations or NGOs where a psychology degree holder can easily make an upward movement

An Applied Psychology degree can easily land a graduate in an opportunity to work with psychologists in business, treatment centres, clinics, hospitals etc

Highest Salary

INR 7 LPA

INR 10 LPA to INR 20 LPA

Average Salary

INR 4.84 LPA

INR 6.42 LPA

Top Colleges

  • Parul University

  • SGT University, Gurgaon

  • Ambedkar University

  • NIMS University

  • Calicut University

  • Gautam Buddha University

  • Ramanujan College

  • The Neotia University

  • Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College

  • GITAM University, Visakhapatnam

List of Government Jobs

  • National Institute For Empowerment Of Persons With Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) jobs

  • National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) jobs

  • Government Rehabilitation Institute Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID) jobs

  • Health Psychologist jobs

  • Substance Abuse Counsellor jobs

  • Forensic Counsellor

  • Educational Psychologist

Also Read: Not sure about what to do after BA in Philosophy? Click here to read

BA Psychology & BA Applied Psychology - Universities Fee Structure 

With the help of the table provided below, the students can find out those universities or Institutions that offer BA in Psychology and Applied Psychology along with their average fee structure:

Universities Offering BA Psychology Fee Structure

University/Institution Name

Average Fee (In INR)

Lovely Professional University

2,49,000/-

University of Delhi

53,670/-

Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

7,200/-

Parul University

60,000/-

Sikkim University

9,540/-

Also Read: Check out the list of 10 top DU colleges offering Psychology

Universities Offering BA Applied Psychology Fee Structure

University/Institution Name

Average Fee (In INR)

University of Delhi

44,200/-

Amity University

1,95,000/-

Galgotias University, Greater Noida

1,80,000/-

Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Kochi

87,000/-

Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Lucknow

1,01,000/-

Also Read:What after BA Sociology - Career, Higher Education scopes

Admission Process for BA Psychology & BA Applied Psychology

Candidates aspiring for admission in any of these courses must note that there are no entrance exams conducted by various universities or colleges for admission. In most cases, the admission is based on merit where Class 12th marks of the candidates will be considered for admission. However, some universities like DU and Mumbai University may release cutoffs for these courses, and the candidates clearing the cutoff will be granted admission.

BA Psychology v/s BA Applied Psychology Career Scopes

In this section we will talk about various career scopes that open up for Psychology graduates and Applied Psychology graduates:

Career Scopes for BA Psychology Students

Career Scopes for BA Applied Psychology Students

  • Social Psychologist
  • Psychiatric Assistant
  • Counselling Psychologist
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Child Support Psychologist
  • Career Counsellor
  • Developmental Psychologist
  • Career Employment Psychologist
  • Social Worker
  • Social Psychologist
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Psychiatric Assistant
  • Health Educator
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Child Support Specialist

From the analysis made above, it is evident that BA Psychology & BA Applied Psychology have good career prospects. Graduates of any of these courses have ample score for higher studies or jobs. Therefore, it is up to you on which course to choose for admission.

List of BA Psychology Colleges in India (Region Wise)

Here is the list of region-wise BA Psychology Colleges in India -

B.A. Psychology Colleges in IndiaB.A. Psychology Colleges in Andhra Pradesh
BA Psychology Colleges in TelanganaBA Psychology Colleges in Delhi
BA Psychology Colleges in Tamil NaduBA Psychology Colleges in Kerala
BA Psychology Colleges in OrissaBA Psychology Colleges in Uttar Pradesh

List of BA Applied Psychology Colleges in India (Region Wise)

Here is the list of region wise BA Applied Psychology colleges in India -

BA Applied Psychology Colleges in IndiaBA Applied Psychology Colleges in Andhra Pradesh
BA Applied Psychology Colleges in TelanganaBA Applied Psychology Colleges in Delhi
BA Applied Psychology Colleges in Tamil NaduBA Applied Psychology Colleges in Kerala

If you are looking for admission-related assistance, you can fill out the Common Application Form on our website.

Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?

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