Exploring Psychology in College: Flexibility and Opportunities for STEM Majors

With the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the traditional streams like Science (PCM/PCB), Commerce, Accountancy, Economics, Business Studies, and Humanities are set to be redefined. Gone are the days when students were confined to rigid streams; now, schools are allowing students to explore subjects based on their interests. This shift presents exciting new opportunities for students who may have chosen a STEM track in high school but are curious about psychology. In this article, we explore the flexibility of taking psychology in college and the various paths available to STEM students.

NEP 2020 and Subject Flexibility

As per the NEP 2020, students are now free to explore subjects outside the traditional confines of their high school streams. This has opened up numerous possibilities for students who were previously restricted in their subject choices. While few schools in Dehradun currently allow students to opt for psychology as an additional subject with PCB or PCM, it is important to note that the trend is evolving. Schools like Kasiga International School, Welham Boys School, Welham Girls School, Ecole Globale International Girls School, The Asian School, Doon International School Riverside Campus, The TonsBridge School, Vantage Hall Girls School, Hope Town, and Selaqui International School offer flexible options for students to include psychology in their curriculum if they wish.

Psychology and STEM Majors

STEM majors often have a heavy workload, particularly with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. But if psychology interests you, it is still completely feasible to take it as a fifth or sixth subject. If you have chosen biology in class 11th, you can even go for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to become a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists prescribe medication to patients with mental illnesses and also provide therapy. Alternatively, you can pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, which will make you a psychology counsellor. A psychology counsellor provides consultation and therapy, but is not authorized to prescribe medication.

STEM and Psychology Synergies

As a neuroscientist, I can confirm that psychology is closely linked to STEM. It is not uncommon for psychology to be included as part of the curriculum in STEM programs. Psychology can be an excellent choice for students interested in neuroscience, as it offers valuable insights into the mental processes that underlie behavior. Psychology can also be beneficial for those pursuing careers in economics, video game design, and other fields both within and outside of STEM.

However, if you are considering psychology as an elective, you might want to think about your high school stream. For students in the Science stream, taking psychology as a fifth or sixth subject can be challenging due to the demanding nature of the STEM subjects. Students in the Humanities stream, on the other hand, may find it more feasible to manage both psychology and their core subjects as they typically require less time commitment. Therefore, if psychology is a subject that truly interests you, it might be best to consider it alongside Humanities subjects.

In conclusion, NEP 2020 has opened up new avenues for students to explore interdisciplinary interests. Whether you are a STEM major seeking to broaden your understanding of human behavior or someone with a passion for psychology, this shift in the education system provides the flexibility you need to pursue your goals further in college. Whether you end up as a psychiatrist, a psychology counsellor, or a neuroscientist, taking psychology in college can be a rewarding and enriching academic experience.