Psychology Professor

Instructor, Professor, Psychology Instructor, Psychology Professor
Job Description

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.

Typical Preparation

Education: Doctoral or professional degree

Years in related career: None

On-the-job training: None

Outlook

Projected Growth: 5.2% (above average)

Annual job openings: 4 000

Direct AI exposure: 16% of tasks

Potential AI exposure: 62% of tasks

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2025 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is College and Other Vocational Instructors. According to the wage tables, average income is $94K per year.
Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$50K
per year
$68K
per year
$94K
per year
$113K
per year
$153K
per year
Compared to other careers: Median is $29K above the national average.

What does a Psychology Professor do?

Intro video

(less than 2 minutes)

Duties

  • 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.

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.

Typical Schedule

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

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

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:

  • Volunteer in community service or mental health awareness programs.
  • Participate in debate or public speaking clubs to enhance communication skills.
  • Engage 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

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.