Food science, zoology, psychology, economics, commerce, geography

Food Science

Duration: 4 years Eligibility: 10+2 (science) Job Profiles: Food Scientist (Rs. 15-20 K as a fresher), Quality Assurance Officer, Production Executive

Food science is simply the study, production and distribution of food. Improvement, preservation, packaging and distribution of food is the focus of a food scientist.  Of late, people have become acutely conscious about content and quality plus nutritional values of food, giving a much needed boost to this field.  

Course overview
All aspects of food will be taught as well as soil, plants and biotechnology and ecology and the environment, blending theory and practicals. You must also  study global warming and population growth as part of the course. 

Job opportunities
You can work as a food technologist or a biotechnologist.  Food scientists are hired by  government offices as well as laboratories, to check quality of food.  R & D also hires. Food technologists are mainly required in hotels, food, and packaging industries. A PG degree qualifies you for lectureship. A fresher can expect between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000, initially. 

Philosophy

Duration: 3 years Eligibility: 10+2, cut-offs to apply vary from college to college.  Some hold entrance exams Job Profiles: Researcher, School teacher

The term philosophy was introduced by the Greek thinker Pythagoras.  Philosophy is a subject that delves deep into general and fundamental issues related to existence, knowledge, reason, mind and language.  You will study both Indian and Western and  understand the relation between reality and experience.  An interesting subject for ‘thinkers’.

Course overview:
You will be required to study philosophy in depth from all parts of the world.  Ethics and aesthetics will also be part of the course.  Logic is another core part of the course along with religion.  Indian and Western philosophy will be delved into deeply.  Social and political philosophy also need to be mastered.

Job prospects
After the completion of BA in Philosophy, most continue to do higher education in a related field like linguistics, sociology, psychology or even history.  You can apply for a job in publication or in school as a teacher.  You can also apply for jobs in private firms or in government sectors.  Many find work in an unrelated area unless they go into research.  Your graduate degree gives you the ability to apply to various sectors.

Economics

Duration: 3 years Eligibility:  You need to have completed your 10+2.
Job Profiles: Junior Researcher (Rs. 12,000 to Rs.15,000 as a fresher), Bank PO, Project Officer, Research Economist

A social science, economics studies the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services.  You must  understand various resources like raw materials, land, capital, technology and labour, as well as relation between demand and supply, exchange rates, taxation and inflation.

Course overview
You will study economics and its impact on society, business, finance and the government.  You must understand health, politics, religion, science and education.  Statistics and analysis is also a core part of your study.

Job opportunities
Work in banking, finance, insurance, stock markets and consulting firms. Explore the National Council of Applied Economic Research and Institute of Applied Manpower Research, Delhi for research.  Department of Economic Analysis and Policy and Reserve Bank of India recruit research economists

Commerce

Duration:  3 years  Eligibility: 10+2, some colleges hold entrance exams as well Job Profiles: Accounts  Executive (fresher gets Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 plus incentives to begin). Finance Officer, Cost Accountant, Administrative Officer, Business Development Officer

Commerce is a subject that has great applicability in the real world.  If numbers excite you, this is a great option that is always in demand.  You will acquire knowledge about business and trade, nature and fluctuations in market, economics basics, fiscal policies and industrial policies as well.  The interdisciplinary range includes Accountancy, Business Administration, E-Commerce, Finance, Economics and Marketing.

Course overview
The coursework is similar to a BBA but the focus on theory and business principles is more intense in the B.Com course.  Mathematics and calculations is a large part of the course as well. A clear understanding of economics, accountancy, finance and marketing will be developed in the three years.       

Job opportunities
Some available avenues are Banking & Finance, Auditing & Cost Accounting, Company Secretarial Practice and also Foreign Trade Practice & procedures.  Salaries vary largely, dependent on the company and area of work.
 

Political Science

Duration: 3 years Eligibility: 10+2 in Arts stream Job Profiles: Political Researcher (a fresh graduate would receive Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 15,000 per month), Political Scientist, Civil Servants, Politicians, School Teacher, Political Advisor

Politics and its understanding is shaped by recorded history of the world. This social science is defined as ‘the theory and practice of politics and the description and analysis of political systems and political behaviour.’ Understanding various subfields such as political theory, public policy, national politics, international relations and comparative politics is part of the discipline. It is also a study of human behaviour of sorts. Various social science think-tanks use it as a tool to analyse the current trends in the society.

Course overview
Theory is a major part of the course.  You will delve deep into classical political philosophy, positivism, structuralism, post-structuralism, behaviouralism, realism and institutionalism.  Research from primary sources such as historical documents and official records is required.  In addition, secondary sources such as journal articles, survey research, statistical analysis and case study is a must.

Job opportunities
Political scientists can work as advisors to politicians or political parties. Working in government organisations or as a civil servants is a preferred choice.  Some work in NGOs or political movements. Teaching is another possibility.  

History and Archaeology

Duration: 3 years Eligibility: 10+2 with science or geography or history, cutoffs and eligibility vary from college to college Job Profiles: Surveyor: About Rs. 35,000 in hand in The Archaeological Survey of India. Researcher, Museum Curator, Records Officer, Epigraphist Numismatist

A unique combination, this area helps in understanding the past, dealing with the present and the future.  Delve into the world of history and archaeology together.

Course overview
Your course will be a detailed study of the past. Pre-existing monuments and tracing the past will be part of the curriculum. Research programmes will be part of the programme which will include re-visiting historical scripts.  In addition you will delve into the world of fossils and history of evolution.

Job opportunities:
There are plenty of jobs available for this combination.  You can join a range of research projects or work with the government. The Archaeological Survey of India or the National Museum is another option to explore. Since the number of students pursuing this course is less than other graduate course, you have a better chance of making a mark in the field.  Many pursue further education, too.

Psychology

Duration: 3 years Eligibility: 10+2 in arts, cut off percentages vary from college to college. Job Profiles Counsellor – Rs. 10,000 per month as a fresh graduate Psychologist, HR Assistant, Junior Project Fellow

Calcutta University was the first in India to set up department of psychology in 1915. This discipline, defined as ‘the study of human and animal behaviour’, teaches about yourself, others and about human psyche in general. Be prepared to be surprised many times as you get deeper into the subject.

Course overview
The course is a combination of theory and practicals throughout. The range of subjects include general psychology, statistics, systems, abnormal psychology and physiological psychology.  In your third year, you would opt for a specialization such as industrial psychology, child psychology or applied psychology.

Job opportunities
This depends on your area of specialization. A student having done organizational behaviour can find jobs in industry and private companies. The other avenues include schools, NGOs, hospitals, HR companies etc. Pay is usually low for a fresher, if you’re lucky your first salary would be Rs. 10,000. Just remember it is an extremely rewarding experience in the long run.

Geography

Duration: 3 years Eligibility: 10+2, some colleges require a science/arts background Job Profiles: Geographer - Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 15,000 monthly for a fresher in government departments and research institutes. Geography teacher: Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 a month. Regional Planner, Urban Planner, Cartographer and Travel Counsellor

Presidency College of Kolkata, established in 1949-50, is still known as the best college for Geography. This field has growing opportunities. For instance, there’s a growing need for geography specialist in today’s world.

Course overview
You will learn the art of Cartography, which relates to making maps, charts, globes and models.  You will learn how to  survey i.e., mapping the surface of the earth through mathematical observations.  Alongside fieldwork, theory teaches you about varied aspects of the geography of the world.  Remote sensing is also part of the curriculum, which entails studying phenomena like floods, draught and forest fires for example.  Some of the branches you will study include Urban Geography, Regional Geography, Economic Geography, Political Geography, Physical Geography and Medical Geography. 

Job opportunities
Your area of specialisation will help decide your area of work.  Geographers find employment as forest managers, working  at agricultural/economic institutes, demographers in government and research organisations.  Travel and tourism is another option as is travel journalism, provided you have a flair for writing.  Geography as a subject is very scoring if you plan to appear for the UPSC or other competitive exams.