Page 63 - EducationWorld September 2020

SPECIAL ESSAY
Studying Psychology in Times of Crises &

Beyond—Here’s How JGU is Prepared to Change
the Narrative
T he deep impact of human problem-solving, logical reasoning, good

psychology has become more
communication and empathy, that can
relevant during the Covid-19
help you enter domains as far and wide as
pandemic. Today, as people
count the days in lockdown abiding by social marketing or advertising, to politics, journalism
and more.
distancing norms, the signs of struggle are Beyond its professional scope, the study of
telling on mental health and wellbeing. As psychology brings you closer to understanding
we adapt to the “new normal”, some have yourself, and making sense of the world
spent this time to grow constructively, and around you. For students who are curious to
many others have faced the harsh slew of explore this fascinating field, JSPC offers a
adversities brought on by the pandemic. distinctive edge. Here’s why.
Loss of jobs, economic hardships, stress, Interdisciplinary exposure to support holistic
anxiety, depression, and so on, have added learning
to concerns regarding the psychological An education in psychology can lend a Professor Arjya B. Majumdar
wellbeing of people across the globe. deeper understanding of various phenomena
At home in India, the scenario has long- across disciplines. At the same time, exposure
since needed urgent support. According to to other subjects can further enrich the prism The opportunity for international exposure
the World Health Organisation (WHO), there of learning. For instance, interpreting voter is a mainstay at JGU. Extensive mobility
are merely seven psychologists for every 10 behaviour in politics, understanding patterns options are attractive to students who wish to
million Indians. For a country of over 1.3 billion of racial or gender discrimination in the broaden their horizons. Students can choose
people, there is a major dearth of mental workplace, developing marketing strategies by from a wide basket of short-term study abroad,
health professionals. A massive boost of evaluating consumer psychology and so much semester exchange programmes, and dual
qualified professionals is needed to bridge this more—exploring such connections through degrees with leading international institutions
gap and contribute to human wellbeing. a multidisciplinary curriculum can open one’s as JSPC fosters global collaborations.
While many students are opting to study eyes to a host of perspectives. They can make use of JSPC’s tie-ups
psychology now, many more must be inspired. Students of JSPC can choose from with the Academic Council on the United
A degree in psychology can equip young 100+ electives listed across 10 schools Nations System, World Wide Fund for Nature,
people to make a difference. It can also be a at JGU. Blurring the boundaries between International Society of Criminology, Tilburg
gateway for personal growth, and a ticket to a disciplines, holistic learning takes place at University and University of Melbourne,
host of promising careers beyond psychology. the intersection of perspectives from schools among others. The final year will give options
In this backdrop, O.P. Jindal Global of Law, Liberal Arts, Business, International for a semester abroad, hands-on research
University, Sonipat has established its Affairs, Government & Public Policy, Banking projects, a dissertation and skill-based
tenth and new school, Jindal School of & Finance, Journalism & Communication, training.
Psychology & Counseling (JSPC) as India’s Art & Architecture, and Environment & World-class faculty & a global curriculum
first transdisciplinary psychology school. Sustainability. set the gold-standard in India
JSPC will introduce a four-year B.A. (Hons.) in Opportunity to learn & innovate at research The chance to learn from leaders in the
Psychology in 2021. centres & well-equipped labs domain is a major reason for students to
What can you do with a degree in Psychology is as much a science as it is choose top universities like Harvard, Stanford,
psychology? an art. The seeds of this scientific temper Oxford, Cambridge or Yale. As JGU makes
Understanding our thoughts, feelings, were sown at JGU with the establishment of history as the youngest university in the
actions and behaviours is intrinsic to the Jindal Institute of Behavioural Sciences world to break into the QS World University
human nature. The multidisciplinary (JIBS) in 2014, where eminent faculty and Rankings 2020 and the QS Young University
curriculum at JSPC will explore the human internationally-acclaimed researchers have Rankings 2020 (under 50 years of age)—JGU
mind and behaviour through courses like engaged in rigorous research and innovation. lives up to its global counterparts. Students
Psychology and Mental Health, Human This vibrant culture is an inspiring learning can learn from a diverse pool of faculty
Cognition, Biopsychology, Psychology at environment for young students. They can drawn from leading national and international
Work, Psychology of Individual Differences, partake in activities across four research universities with extensive expertise and
Cultural and Indigenous Psychology, Social centres, contribute to various publications, and professional experience, and an industry-
Psychology, and more. attend psychology conferences, seminars, informed curriculum crafted at par with global
Careers as clinical psychologists, talks and workshops. Access to cutting-edge standards.
psychotherapists, counselors, human equipment and techniques at the Brain The B.A. (Hons.) in Psychology at JSPC
resource professionals specialised in Behaviour Laboratory featuring digital and is a future-oriented programme carefully
industrial-organisational psychology, to manual human performance assessments, designed for the needs of today’s students,
roles in education, research, social work, and Forensic Science Laboratory, will further and the opportunities and challenges of
and beyond can be very challenging and help students gain a strong scientific footing. tomorrow’s world.
rewarding. In fact, a degree in psychology They will also be taught statistical methods
doesn’t limit graduates to careers in used in psychological research. Professor Arjya B. Majumdar
psychology. This versatile subject International & national collaborations for Dean, Admissions & Outreach
builds dynamic, transferable skills like study, research, internships & placements O.P. Jindal Global University

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