Psychology Professor

Your Fit

Income

$80K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

5.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Psychology Professor?

A Psychology Professor is an educator and researcher specializing in the science of behavior and mental processes. They are responsible for teaching psychology courses, conducting research, and publishing their findings in the field of psychology.

Sample job titles:

Instructor, Professor, Psychology Instructor, Psychology Professor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Psychology Professor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Psychology Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$62K per year	$80K per year	$107K per year	$159K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $31K above the national average.

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What does a Psychology Professor do?

Work environment

Psychology Professors typically work in colleges and universities, teaching in classrooms and laboratories. They may also spend time in research facilities, conducting studies, and occasionally work in clinical settings if their specialization requires. Additionally, they attend academic conferences and may be involved in community outreach.

Quick task list

Designs and teaches undergraduate and graduate psychology courses.
Conducts research and experiments to advance psychological science.
Publishes research findings in academic journals.
Supervises and mentors graduate and undergraduate students.
Participates in academic committees and contributes to departmental administration.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Clinical Psychology: Focusing on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
Cognitive Psychology: Studying mental processes such as memory, perception, and problem-solving.
Developmental Psychology: Exploring psychological development throughout the lifespan.
Social Psychology: Examining how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by others.
Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Applying psychological principles to workplace challenges.

Description

Psychology Professors play a crucial role in educating future psychologists and advancing the field through research. They develop and teach courses that cover various aspects of psychology, from basic principles to specialized topics. Their teaching methods include lectures, laboratory work, and sometimes clinical supervision, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Their research can range from experimental studies to clinical trials, depending on their area of expertise. This research not only contributes to academic knowledge but can also have practical applications, influencing therapy techniques, educational practices, or organizational policies. Publishing in academic journals and presenting at conferences are key aspects of their professional responsibilities.

In addition to teaching and research, Psychology Professors are involved in various service activities such as advising students, serving on academic and institutional committees, and participating in professional psychology organizations. They may also engage in public speaking and community service, applying their expertise to societal issues.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the advancement of psychological knowledge and practice.
Mentoring and shaping the next generation of psychologists.
Engaging in diverse research that can have real-world applications and impacts.

You might make a good Psychology Professor if you are...

Fascinated by the workings of the human mind and behavior.
Skilled in research and statistical analysis.
A strong communicator, capable of conveying complex concepts in an accessible way.
Patient and empathetic, with a passion for teaching and mentoring.
Committed to ongoing learning and staying abreast of developments in the field of psychology.

Pros:

Intellectual fulfillment from exploring the complexities of human psychology.
Opportunities for diverse research topics and specializations.
Making a significant impact on students' lives and future careers.

Cons:

The academic job market can be competitive and demanding.
Balancing teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities can be challenging.
Pressure to publish and secure research funding.

How to become a Psychology Professor

Typical education

Becoming a Psychology Professor usually requires a Ph.D. in Psychology, which typically involves around 8-10 years of post-secondary education, including undergraduate and graduate studies.

High school preparation

Courses:

Psychology, if available, to gain a foundational understanding.
Biology and Science courses to understand the physiological aspects of psychology.
Mathematics, especially statistics, for research methodology and analysis.
Social Studies and English to develop critical thinking and communication skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering in community service or mental health awareness programs.
Participating in debate or public speaking clubs to enhance communication skills.
Engaging in student-led psychology or science clubs.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field.
Engage in undergraduate research opportunities and internships.
Obtain a master's degree and a Ph.D. in Psychology, specializing in an area of interest.
Gain teaching experience through graduate teaching assistantships or similar roles.

More resources

American Psychological Association (APA) - Offers resources, guidelines, and networking opportunities for psychology professionals.
Association for Psychological Science (APS) - Provides access to psychological research and educational resources.
Psychology Today - Features a wide range of articles on different psychology topics and trends.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Offers extensive resources on mental health research and education.

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