JSPC offers students breadth of knowledge and skills, coupled with experiential learning, says Deputy Director-Admission

Malini Gulati, the programme director at the Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling, speaks in-depth about the genesis of the institution in an interview with Shiksha.com. She goes into great length when discussing the available programmes, the application procedure, and numerous criteria used to choose candidates. Nowadays, preparing students for the workforce is a key component of the curricula at educational institutions. Gulati discussed a number of measures that support this goal.

Malini Ash Gulati is associated with O P Jindal Global University, Haryana as a Deputy Director for Admissions and Outreach. She has been in the education sector for more than 20 years now. And prior to this she had worked in the hospitality and the media industry also with well-known organizations

Read the complete interview below.

Q: Tell us a brief about Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling:

A: Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling offers students breadth of knowledge and skills, coupled with experiential learning. Uniquely, our students are able to tailor coursework during their final year of study based on the selection of one of three tracks-of-study: Experimental / Forensic; Counselling / Education; and Industrial / Organization. Further, the school emphasizes the importance of research, with a new Psychology Research Lab for training in experimental design and analysis. Students may also choose to work with university research centres or individual faculty members.

Q: About the inception of Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling, various courses/specializations offered

A: Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling students take 18 core psychology courses during their first two years. This includes theory-based courses such as Development across the Lifespan, Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology, Educational Psychology, Brain and Behaviour, and many more. Skill-based courses include Critical Thinking and Academic Writing, Statistics, and Research Methodology. All told, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles and findings across its many sub disciplines.

Teaching methodology

Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling emphasizes the importance of grounding theoretical knowledge in real world scenarios and situations. Each semester, students take practicum courses designed to demonstrate various assessment and testing techniques related to concurrent course work. Internships also provide a valuable opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience working with professional psychologists in disparate areas of employment, including hospitals, mental health centres, business, NGOs, and more.

Q: What is the admission process? How does the format make sure that the right students get selected/shortlisted?

A: Applicants are selected through a holistic admissions process conducted over three rounds based on a personal statement, supplemental questions, 10th and 12th grade marks, faculty interview and JSAT score or equivalent (SAT, ACT, LSAT- India).

Q: Apart from academics what other aspects of a student are checked while selection.

A: Other than academics, we also look into a student’s participation and achievements in competitions of repute that include extracurricular activities, sports, projects of significance or work with an NGO.

Q: What are some initiatives being taken/planned by you school to make its student’s industry ready?

A: Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling students gain experience and exposure in theoretical instruction, hands-on experiential learning, and professional internship opportunities. At graduation, students can be confident they have the knowledge and skills to directly enter the job market or pursue postgraduate education.

Q: As a School, How does Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling ensure that students gets extra exposure apart from academics?

A: Beyond the points enumerated above, Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling students will be part of an intellectually vibrant school, encompassing both undergraduate and graduate students. Jindal Global University is a modern campus with lots of opportunities to engage in various sports, musical, and social events. The university is also host to dozens of student societies, including the new Psychological Society Initiative (PSI), developed and run by the students of Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling.