Ph.D from St. Xavier's University, Kolkata, West Bengal, Introduction, Admission, Registration, Eligibility, Duration, Fees, Syllabus 2024

Introduction about Ph.D from St. Xavier’s University:

St. Xavier's University offers a Ph.D. program focused on the basic sciences of psychology, preparing students intellectually, morally, and spiritually for service-oriented careers. Rooted in the University's strong commitment to serving others, the psychology program aims to develop professionals equipped to make a difference in various settings, including mental health centers, forensic or correctional agencies, medical centers, college counseling centers, and private practices.

To gain entry to the Ph.D. program, applicants should display a genuine passion for pursuing graduate studies in clinical psychology and explain why Xavier University is an ideal fit for their aspirations. The selection process involves evaluating the candidate's overall academic performance, particularly their GPA in the psychology courses and general subjects. Furthermore, research and work experience, letters of recommendation, responses to a writing prompt provided on interview day, and scores from the General Test and GRE Subject Test (if applicable) factor into the decision.

The Ph.D. program at St. Xavier's University emphasizes the significance of a scientific foundation in psychology, challenging students to think critically and expand their knowledge base continually. Through close collaboration with faculty members involved in research projects, students enhance their ability to contribute meaningfully to psychological literature and practice. Moreover, the program encourages active involvement in the broader academic community, facilitating interaction with peers and professionals at conferences and workshops.

Fee structure for the Ph.D from St. Xavier’s University:

Category	Tuition Fees (per year)	Registration Fees	Total Fee
Indian Student - General	INR 4,50,000	INR 10,000	INR 14,00,000
International Student	USD 6,000	USD 200	USD 19,200

Admission process for Ph.D from St. Xavier’s University:

1. Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for admission to the Ph.D. program, candidates must have a Master’s degree with a minimum of 55% marks or equivalent grade point average in a relevant discipline. Relaxation of up to 5% marks is provided to reserved categories as per the rules of the Government of India.

2. Application Process: Interested candidates can submit their applications online or offline. The application forms can be downloaded from the official website of or obtained from the Admissions Office. The completed application form must be submitted along with all the necessary documents and the application fee.

3. Entrance Test: All eligible candidates are required to appear for the National Level Test (UGC-NET/JRF/CSIR-NET/DBT-BET/ICMR-JRF) or the Entrance Test conducted by University. The entrance test comprises objective type questions covering the candidate’s subject of interest and general aptitude.

4. Personal Interview: Based on the performance in the written test, selected candidates will be invited for an interview. The interview panel evaluates the candidate’s motivation, communication skills, research interests, and potential for successful completion of the doctoral program.

5. Selection: The final selection is based on the candidate’s overall academic record, performance in the entrance test, and interview. Meritorious candidates securing fellowships from funding agencies like UGC, CSIR, DBT, DST, ICAR, ICMR, etc., are preferred.

6. Document Verification: Selected candidates are required to produce the original certificates and mark sheets at the time of document verification.

7. Provisional Admission: Once the document verification process is completed, candidates are granted provisional admission to the Ph.D. program.

Documents required for Ph.D from St. Xavier’s University:

1. Completed application form with recent photograph and signature.

2. Mark sheets and degrees of all qualifying examinations starting from class X onwards.

3. Certificate of proof of date of birth (Matriculation certificate or Birth Certificate issued by competent authority).

4. Valid scorecard of any one of the National Level Tests (UGC-NET/JRF/CSIR-NET/DBT-BET/ICMR-JRF) or the Entrance Test conducted by A P Goyal Shimla University.

5. Caste certificate (if applicable) issued by competent authority.

6. Disability certificate (if applicable) issued by competent authority.

7. Migration certificate from previous university.

8. Experience certificate(s), if applicable.

9. Any other relevant documents supporting the candidature.

Ph.D Syllabus of Course work in St. Xavier’s University:

Research Methodology:

Unit-I Introduction

Meaning, Concept, Nature, Steps, Types and Characteristics of research. Scientific Inquiry, Philosophical and Sociological foundations of research Interdisciplinary approach and its implications in various research area.

Unit-II Methods of Research

Qualitative and quantitative methods of research like Historical, case study, ethnography, exposit facto, documentary and content analysis, survey (Normative, descriptive, evaluative etc.) field and laboratory experimental studies. Characteristics of methods and their implications in research area.

Unit-III Development of research proposal

Research proposal and its elements, Formulation of research problem-criteria of sources and definition Development of objectives and characteristics of objectives. Development hypotheses and applications.

Unit-IV Methods of data collection

Concept of sampling and other concepts related to sampling. Probability and non-probability samples, their characteristics and implications. Tools of data collections, their types, attributes and uses. Redesigning, research tools-like, questionnaire, opinionnaire, observation, interviews, scales and tests etc.

Unit-V Methods of data analysis

Analysis of qualitative data based on various tools. Analysis of quantitative data and it presentation with tables, graphs etc. Statistical tools and techniques of data analysis-measures of central tendency, dispersion.

Decision making with hypothesis testing through parametric and non-parametric tests. Validity and delimitations of research findings.

Unit-VI Report writing and evaluations

Principles of report writing and guide lines according to style manuals. Writing and presentation of preliminary, main body and reference section of report. Picture and Graphs. Introduction to SPSS. Evaluation of research report.

References:

1. Wilkinson & Bhandarkar: Methodology and Techniques of Social Research.
2. Pauline Vyoung: Scientific Social Surveys and Research.
3. Panneerselvam,R., Research Methodology, Prentice Hall Of India,New Delhi,2004
4. Kothari: Research Methodology.
5. Festinger. L & D. Katz: Research Methods in Behavioral Science.
6. Sellitz, Et Al: Research Methods in Social Relations

(For Non Computer Background)

Computer Application

Unit 1: Basics of Computer

Characteristics of Computers, Evolution of computers, computer memory, computer generations, Basic computer organization; System software, Application software, introduction to operating system, single user, multi-user, multi-tasking single tasking, application of computer for business and research, MS-windows, Linux.

Unit 2: Data Communication and Networks

Data communication concepts, local area network, wide area network, internet, intranet, extranet, website. E-mail, search engines-enterprise E-communication and E-collaboration

Unit 3: Using Internet for Research

The Internet: quick look, what is internet, Use of Internet, major internet services, electronic mail, www, downloading super tools for better computing Internet and the society, Use of E-Journals, Use of E-library, searching the keyword search engines, News and multimedia, governments, archives and statistics.

Unit 4: Introduction to Research Related Software’s

Introduction to Data analysis software-SPSS: Definition, objectives and features, data analysis using SPSS: Data entry creating variables, switching to data labels, data analysis: Frequencies, recording into different variables, cross tabulations and layers. Core calculation software, developing utility programs for research, Introduction to C programming.

Unit 5: Research Related Tools and Utilities

MS-Office and its application, File handing in window, various versions of MS- Office, Research publishing tool- MS-Word, Adobe acrobat, Graphics tool- MS- Excel, MS-Power Point: Creating presentations and adding effects, Subject/field specific tools.

(For the students in Engineering & Computer background)

Advanced Computer Application

Unit 1: Basics of Computer Organization

System software compilation and interpretation, phases of compilation process, Lexical analysis, Lex packages on Linux system, Parsing Techniques, code generation and optimization. Application software, software development models, requirement analysis and specification for software design, Programming techniques and tools, software validation and quality assurance techniques, software maintenances and advance concepts, software management. Operating system, functions of OS. Multiprogramming, multiprocessing and multitasking, memory management, Concurrent programming. Scheduling, study of Linux operating system.

Unit 2: Data Communication and Networks

Data communication concepts, local area network, wide area network, internet, intranet, extranet, website. E-mail, search engines-enterprise E-communication and E-collaboration

Unit 3: Working with Internet

Introduction to internet, INFLIBNET, sights (DOAJ), searching on the internet, using graphics on internet, E-mail. The use of multimedia on the internet, Security on the internet, exploring e-mail facilities. Web design, creating web pages, themes and graphics, linking web pages, Navigation and testing, Making the website interactive, Internet and the society, study of search engines, Use of EBSCO HOST online database of Academic Libraries.

Unit 4: Programming Fundamentals

Object oriented programming concepts, Classes, Objects, Installations, Inheritance, Polymorphism and Overloading, Elements of C++ tokens, identifiers, variables and constants, Data types, Operators, Control statements, Function parameter passing. Class and objects, Constructors and destructors, overloading inheritance templates, exception handling Relational database design and SQL: E-R diagrams, transformation and normalization, SQL, DDL, DML, DCL command database objects.

Unit 5: Research Related Tools and Utilities

MS-Office and its application, File handing in window, various versions of MS- Office, Research publishing tool- MS-word, Adobe acrobat, Graphics tool- MS- excel. MS-Power Point: Creating presentations and adding effects. Subject/Field specific tools.

REVIEW WRITING & SEMINAR ON THE PUBLISHED RESEARCH WORK IN THE RELEVANT FIELD

Each student will submit a review report on any general topic of subject or area of interest in subject which will carry 50 marks and student will also give a presentation/seminar of the same which will also carry 50 marks.

Eligibility for Ph.D from St. Xavier’s University:

1. Master's Degree: Applicants must hold a master's degree or an equivalent postgraduate qualification in a related field from a recognized institute. Some universities might accept candidates with a bachelor's degree if they meet specific conditions or requirements.
2. Minimum Qualifying Marks: Universities require a minimum percentage or grade point average (CGPA). For instance, at least 55% marks or equivalent grades in previous degrees are common eligibility thresholds. However, certain prestigious universities may ask for higher scores.
3. Entrance Test: Most universities demand aspirants to appear for an entrance exam specifically designed for Ph.D. admissions. These tests assess critical thinking, reasoning, general aptitude, language proficiency, and domain expertise. Examples of such exams include Joint Entrance Screening Test (JEST), Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), National Eligibility Test (NET), etc.
4. Interview: Shortlisted candidates usually go through a selection interview where they demonstrate their motivation, research interests, communication skills, and readiness to undertake independent study. Interviews could be held face-to-face, via video conferencing, or telephonically.
5. Letter of Recommendation (LOR): Many universities seek references from individuals familiar with the candidate's academic background and potential. Typically, two LORs from former professors or industry experts are mandatory.
6. Statement of Purpose (SOP): An SOP serves as an introduction to the candidate's academic journey, career goals, and reasons behind selecting the particular Ph.D. program. Candidates highlight their strengths, achievements, and suitability for the course.

St. Xavier’s University Highlights:

Category	Description
Established	1840 as a men's college; became co-educational in 1969 and adopted its current name in 2017
Location	Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Affiliation	Roman Catholic (Jesuit)
Enrollment	Approximately 7,000 students
Academics	Offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as graduate programs in business, education, nursing, and theology
Faculty	Over 300 full-time faculty members, with a student-faculty ratio of 12:1
Athletics	Competes at the NCAA Division I level as part of the Atlantic 10 Conference
Notable Alumni	Includes several notable figures such as Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of New York; William Henry Harrison, former President of the United States; and Bob Huggins, head basketball coach at West Virginia University.
Campus	Located on a 195-acre campus in Evanston, a neighborhood of Cincinnati. The campus features numerous academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and green spaces.

How to apply for Ph.D from St. Xavier’s University:

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Visit the official website of University and navigate to the “Admissions” section. Look for the link to the Ph.D. program and click on it.

Step 2: Read the Instructions Carefully

Read the instructions carefully before filling out the application form. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before proceeding.

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form

Fill out the online application form accurately and completely. You will be asked to enter your personal details, educational background, work experience, and other relevant information. Be prepared to upload scanned copies of your photograph, identity proof, and academic transcripts.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the application fee through the payment gateway provided on the website. Keep the transaction ID as proof of payment. The application fee amount may vary every year, so confirm the current fee on the official website.

Step 5: Submit the Application Form

After double-checking all the entered data and attachments, submit the application form. Take a printout of the confirmation page and the application form for future reference.

Step 6: Wait for the Entrance Exam Date and Time

Once your application is processed and accepted, you will receive an email notification containing the date, time, and venue of the entrance exam. Ensure you reach the venue on time and bring all necessary documents, including photo identification.

Step 7: Appear for the Entrance Exam

Appear for the entrance exam and perform to the best of your abilities. Your performance in the entrance exam will play a crucial role in determining whether you get admitted to the Ph.D. program.

Step 8: Attend the Counselling Session

If you qualify in the entrance exam, attend the counselling session, where you will be interviewed and asked about your research interests. Depending on your performance in the interview and entrance exam, you may be offered admission to the Ph.D. program.

Step 9: Accept the Offer Letter

If you are offered admission, accept the offer letter promptly and make the required initial deposit to secure your seat in the program. Follow the enrolment procedures outlined in the offer letter, including submitting original documents and paying the remaining fees.

Courses after Ph.D from St. Xavier’s University:

1. Academic Positions: With a Ph.D. degree, you can pursue a career in higher education as a professor, associate professor, assistant professor, or dean in top universities or research institutions. In addition to teaching responsibilities, you will be expected to publish research papers and guide graduate students in their research projects.

2. Industry Roles: Many companies value Ph.D. holders for their analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and deep understanding of a particular domain. Therefore, you can explore roles such as senior manager, director, consultant, or head of department in various industries, including IT, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and consulting firms.

3. Entrepreneurship: Starting your own venture or start up is another exciting option post-Ph.D. Leveraging your research insights, networking skills, and entrepreneurial mind-set, you can build innovative products, services, or technologies that address real-world problems and challenges.

4. Postdoctoral Fellowships: Postdoctoral fellowships are temporary research positions aimed at helping new PhD holders gain additional training, skills, and publications needed to become competitive for tenure-track faculty positions. There are many postdoc opportunities available globally in prestigious universities, research centres, and think tanks.

5. Policy Making and Advocacy: With a Ph.D. degree, you can influence public policy by working as a research analyst, policy maker, lobbyist, or advocate in government agencies, regulatory bodies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

6. Research Institutions: Joining a research organization or laboratory focused on your domain expertise is another excellent opportunity post-Ph.D. Such institutions often engage in cutting-edge research and innovation, leading to breakthrough discoveries and inventions.

7. Think Tanks: Working at a think tank allows you to leverage your research skills to analyse complex issues, generate ideas, and propose solutions for policymakers, businesses, and society at large.

Job profile after Ph.D from St. Xavier’s University:

1. Professor/Asistant Professor/Associate Professor: Higher education institutions hire Ph.D. holders as professors or researchers. Professors teach classes, design curricula, mentor students, advise student groups, serve on committees, write letters of recommendation, and engage in scholarly activity such as conducting research, presenting findings at conferences, and publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals.

2. Scientific Researcher: Research institutions, corporations, and government entities employ Ph.D. graduates to work on advanced research projects. Research scientists design experiments, collect data, analyse results, present findings, and publish reports. They also develop new methodologies, tools, and software to solve technical challenges.

3. Consultant: Organizations hire consultants to provide expert advice on strategic planning, project implementation, operational efficiency, market analysis, technology assessment, and organizational transformation. As a consultant, you might work independently or as part of a consulting firm.

4. Project Manager: Project managers lead cross-functional teams responsible for delivering projects on schedule and within budget constraints. They plan projects, allocate tasks, manage timelines, monitor progress, mitigate risks, communicate effectively, and report status to stakeholders.

5. Product Developer: Companies developing high-tech products or platforms hire Ph.D. graduates to drive product strategy, user experience design, feature prioritization, prototyping, testing, and launch. As a product developer, you might collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and sales personnel.

6. Technical Writer: Technical writers create documentation such as manuals, guides, whitepapers, FAQs, and release notes for hardware and software products. They translate technical jargon into accessible content for end users, developers, and internal audiences.

Scholarship available for the Ph.D from St. Xavier’s University:

St. Xavier's University offers various scholarships for PhD students, including:

• Graduate Assistantships: These are competitive awards given to highly qualified PhD students who assist faculty members with teaching, research, and administrative duties. In exchange, recipients receive partial tuition remission and a stipend.
• Research Grants: The university provides funding for PhD students to conduct original research in their field of study. Students may apply for grants through their department or school.
• Endowed Scholarships: Some donors have established endowments specifically for PhD students based on merit, need, or other criteria. Interested applicants should contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
• Tuition Remission Programs: Full-time employees of the university and their dependents may be eligible for reduced tuition rates.

It's important to note that scholarship availability varies by program and year, so prospective PhD students should check with their specific department or school for up-to-date information. Additionally, there may be external sources of funding for which PhD students can apply, such as federal loans and private scholarships. It's always a good idea to explore all options when seeking financial aid for graduate studies.

Ph.D from St. Xavier’s University, FAQ’s :

Q: What are the admission requirements for a PhD program at St. Xavier's University?
A: Admission requirements vary by program, but generally include a master's degree from an accredited institution, a minimum GPA of 3.0, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and scores from entrance exams like the GRE or GMAT. Check with the specific department or school for detailed admissions information.

Q: How long does it take to complete a PhD program at St. Xavier's University?
A: Most PhD programs take between four and six years to complete, depending on factors like coursework load, dissertation progress, and individual circumstances.

Q: Can international students pursue a PhD at St. Xavier's University?
A: Yes, international students are welcome to apply for PhD programs at St. Xavier's University. However, they must meet additional requirements, such as demonstrating English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Conclusion:

St. Xavier's University offers a range of PhD programs across different fields of study. With dedicated faculty, rigorous academics, and abundant resources, the university prepares students for successful careers and lifelong learning. Prospective PhD students should carefully review admissions requirements and consider financing options before applying. Once admitted, they will join a vibrant community of scholars committed to excellence and innovation.