If you’re drawn to the human mind, behavior, and emotions while making your university choices, you’re probably considering Psychology, Psychiatry, or Guidance and Psychological Counseling (PDR). Although these three fields may appear similar at first glance, they differ significantly in terms of education pathways and professional practices.
Psychology: The Scientific Path to Understanding Human Behavior
Psychology is a social science that studies individuals’ thoughts, emotions, and behaviors using scientific methods. Psychologists aim to understand why people behave the way they do and uncover the mental processes behind those behaviors.
Education Pathway
- Faculties: Arts & Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences, and occasionally Psychology Faculties
- Curriculum: Developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, experimental psychology, statistics, neuropsychology, and psychopathology
- Admission Track (in Türkiye): Equally Weighted (EA)
- A master’s degree is required to become a clinical psychologist
Career Opportunities After Graduation
- Clinical psychology (with graduate studies)
- Human resources, user experience (UX), marketing research, forensic psychology, sports psychology
- Academic career
Who Is It Best For?
- Students with a strong interest in science and research
- Those fascinated by human behavior
- Individuals eager to read, analyze, and reflect deeply
* Watch our interview with Defne Müstecaplıoğlu, Psychology student at Heidelberg University (Germany):
Psychiatry: Medical Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health
Psychiatry is a medical specialization pursued after completing a degree in medicine. Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental disorders and are licensed to prescribe medication. Psychiatry bridges the mental and physical aspects of health through biology, chemistry, and neuroscience.
Education Pathway
- Medical School + specialization in psychiatry (TUS EXAM)
- Admission via Sayısal (Quantitative) score in Türkiye
- Includes medical training, therapy techniques, neurobiology, and pharmacology
Career Opportunities After Graduation
- Work as a psychiatrist in public or private hospitals
- Open a private practice
- Subspecialties include neuropsychiatry, forensic psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry
Who Is It Best For?
- Strong academic background in biology and chemistry
- Comfortable with long and demanding medical education
- Interested in both mental and physical health
🎥 Watch our interviews with medical students:
Guidance and Psychological Counseling (PDR): A Support-Oriented Career Path
PDR is an education-focused field that supports individuals’ personal, academic, and career development. Psychological counselors often work in schools, youth centers, or private institutions.
Education Pathway
- Faculties: Education Faculties
- Curriculum: Counseling theories, individual counseling techniques, group counseling, assessment and evaluation, developmental psychology, career guidance
- Admission Track (in Türkiye): Equally Weighted (EA)
Career Opportunities After Graduation
- School counselor (under the Ministry of Education)
- Student counseling services at universities
- Private counseling centers offering career and personal development support
Who Is It Best For?
- Strong empathy and communication skills
- Enjoys working closely with students or individuals
- Motivated to support and guide others
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Psychology | Psychiatry | PDR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field | Social Science | Medical Specialty | Educational Science |
| License to Prescribe Medication | No | Yes | No |
| Therapy Qualification | Requires master’s degree | Yes | Limited and context-dependent |
| Work Environment | Clinics, companies, research | Hospitals, private practices | Schools, counseling centers |
| Common Roles | Clinical psychologist, UX specialist | Psychiatrist | School counselor, career advisor |
Which Path Is Better for You?
Ask yourself the following when choosing between these three:
- Am I more inclined toward natural sciences or social sciences?
- How do I want to help people: through guidance, scientific analysis, or medical treatment?
- What kind of work environment do I envision: hospital, school, or research/corporate setting?
- Am I willing to pursue further education if I want to do therapy?
Psychology, Psychiatry, and PDR are all respected fields centered around understanding and supporting human well-being. While they share some overlapping goals, each offers a distinct path and lifestyle. Make sure your choice aligns not only with your interests but also with your long-term goals, strengths, and preferred working environment.
