It is crucial to realise the difference in Psychology vs Sociology. Psychology is the science of human mind and behaviour, shaped by the individual thought processes. Sociology is a study of the relationship between man and society.
Psychology vs Sociology: Psychology deals with the inner thoughts and layers of the human ‘psyche’ or mind. Psychology is a science that studies the human mind and behaviour, shaped by a number of factors. Sociology is the study about the relationships involving the human mind and the society, how the two shape each other.
The human mind is shaped by the society at large, and vice versa. Sociology studies the relationship between the human mind and its surroundings. Psychology vs Sociology difference ought to be understood well. There is a very thin line of difference between the two subjects.
Psychology vs Sociology: Differences
Psychology and Sociology are two subjects that are interrelated to a small extent, as both are concerned with the workings of the human mind. However, there are differences in the subjects and the way they study the human mind. The perspectives from which the human mind is studied by both the subjects are different too.
A close look at the traits and area of study of both the subjects will shed light on the differences between Psychology and Sociology:
| Parameters of Difference | Psychology | Sociology |
| Behavioural Aspect | The focus area is individual behaviour and thinking. | The focus area is behaviour of the individual towards and within the society, and the relationship between man and society. |
| What the Subject Deals With | Psychology deals with the inner thoughts and emotions of the human mind such as happiness, rage, anguish, etc. | Sociology deals with culture, religion, class, gender, etc., and human response toward these. |
| Deduction | Psychology is primarily based on experiments. | Sociology is built on questions. |
| Career Options | Careers in Psychology include Counsellor, Psychologist, Family Therapist, School Psychologist, etc. | Careers in Sociology Include Public Relations Officer, Administrator, Surveyor, Social Researcher, Community Organizer, etc. |
| Licence | Psychologists require a licence to practise. | Sociologists do not require a licence to practise. |
| Diagnosis and Healing | Psychology is a medical science that includes diagnosis and healing of mental ailments. | Sociology is not a medical science. Instead, it deals with public relations and social theory. |
| Work Sphere | Psychologists mostly work in health clinics, and other areas related to mental health. | The field of work for Sociologists is society, social justice, public relations, etc. |
Psychology vs Sociology: Courses
The number of courses in Psychology and Sociology might seem restricted. However, the scope of syllabus for both the subjects is extensive and therefore the career options emerging from those are also varied.
Taking a look at the courses and career options for both subjects is important before taking up any of the subjects.
Here is a list of Psychology courses that can be taken up after the 12th boards examination:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Psychology
- BA (Honours) in Psychology
- BA (General) in Psychology
- BSc in Psychology
- Diploma in Counselling
- Diploma in Clinical Psychology
- Diploma In Criminal Psychology
- Diploma in Sports Psychology
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology
Also Check: Psychology Courses After 12th 2023: Eligibility, Scope, Fee
Mentioned below is a list of courses in Sociology for the students after the 12th boards examination:
- BA (Honours) in Liberal Arts
- BA (Sociology, Economics, Psychology)
- BA in Criminology and Police Administration
- MSc in Criminology and Forensic Science
- Post Graduate Diploma in Gender Studies
- Applied Sociology
- Resource Management
Also Check: Top 12 Sociology Courses After 12th
Psychology vs Sociology: Jobs, Scopes, and Salary
While choosing a course, it is important to understand the career options available for the same. Both Psychology and Sociology have a bunch of career options. Jobs are available in both the fields within the country as well as abroad.
Listed below are few of the mostly opted-for career options available for the candidates taking up Psychology as a course.
| Profession | Annual Salary Range |
| Clinical Psychologist | 4 LPA - 8 LPA |
| Counselling Psychologist | 5.5 LPA - 6 LPA |
| Psychologist | 1 LPA - 7 LPA |
| School Psychologist | 1.5 LPA - 9 LPA |
| Forensic Psychologist | 4 LPA - 8 LPA |
| Industrial Psychologist | 15 LPA - 25 LPA |
| Family Therapist | 2 LPA - 6 LPA |
Some of the career options available for the students taking up Sociology can be found in the section below:
| Profession | Annual Salary Range |
| Public Relations Officer | 0.5 LPA - 7.5 LPA |
| Social Worker | 0.5 LPA - 7.5 LPA |
| Social Researcher | 5 LPA - 11 LPA |
| Urban Planner | 3 LPA - 10 LPA |
| Life Coach | 1.5 LPA - 30 LPA |
| Policy Analyst | 10 LPA - 15 LPA |
| Surveyor | 0.5 LPA - 6.5 LPA |
Psychology vs Sociology: Top Colleges
The students can check out the list of top 10 colleges for psychology and sociology in the country from the table mentioned below.
Psychology vs Sociology: Which One to Choose?
While both the subjects - Sociology and Psychology- deal with the study of the human mind, it is important to understand which subject is more viable for a given career option. Both subjects have a huge scope when it comes to career paths. A student will find it more viable to choose Psychology as a career course, if he/she wants to explore the inner workings of the human mind.
However, for a student who wants to study human behaviour against the backdrop of society, Sociology will be a more practical choice. The career options for both are huge, so the students can take up any of the two.
