How to Become a Psychology Professor: Is It the Right Career for You?

Psychology Professor Career Video

Are you passionate about human behavior, mental processes, and academic research? Do you dream of mentoring future psychologists and conducting groundbreaking studies? Becoming a psychology professor could be the ideal path for you. This career combines teaching, research, and clinical expertise, offering a unique opportunity to shape minds and advance the field of psychological science. tst

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a psychology professor—from the duties and work environment to the required education, salary expectations, and how to determine if it's the right career for you.

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What Does a Psychology Professor Do?

Psychology professors are experts in the study of the human mind and behavior, sharing their knowledge through teaching, research, and mentorship. They typically work in colleges, universities, and professional schools where they prepare and deliver coursework on topics such as mental health, cognitive processes, developmental psychology, neuroscience, social behavior, and experimental methods. Beyond classroom teaching, they also contribute to the field by conducting original research and disseminating findings through publications and conferences.

Core Responsibilities

  • Develop and teach undergraduate and graduate-level psychology courses
  • Supervise student research, including theses, dissertations, and independent studies
  • Conduct experimental and theoretical research in areas such as clinical psychology, cognitive science, developmental psychology, or behavioral neuroscience
  • Publish findings in peer-reviewed academic journals and contribute to scholarly books
  • Serve on departmental and university committees (e.g., admissions, curriculum, or ethics boards)
  • Stay current on developments in psychological theory and applied practices
  • Mentor students in academic, research, and professional development
  • Apply for and manage research grants from public and private institutions
  • Present research at academic and professional conferences

Psychology professors often balance the responsibilities of being both educators and researchers. Their dual role allows them to not only shape the future of psychology through their students but also advance the discipline by contributing to the broader academic and scientific community. Many also engage in collaborative research across disciplines and institutions to expand the impact of their work with clinical institutions, governmental bodies, and private organizations on applied psychological research.

What Is the Working Environment for a Psychology Professor?

Academic Settings

Most psychology professors work in higher education institutions such as universities, liberal arts colleges, and community colleges. The environment is intellectually stimulating, offering access to research labs, libraries, and conferences.

Work Hours

Work hours can vary depending on teaching loads, administrative responsibilities, and research obligations. During the academic year, professors may work 40-60 hours a week, including evenings and weekends, on tasks such as grading, research, or class preparation.

Collaboration and Networking

Professors often collaborate with colleagues across departments or institutions. They also work closely with graduate students and researchers on scholarly projects, contributing to a vibrant academic community.

How Do You Become a Psychology Professor?

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Start with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. Take foundational courses in research methods, statistics, and various psychological disciplines.

Step 2: Pursue a Master’s Degree (Optional)

Some professors begin with a master's degree, especially if they plan to teach at community colleges. However, a Ph.D. is typically required for tenure-track positions.

Step 3: Obtain a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)

A Ph.D. in Psychology is usually required for academic research and university teaching. A Ph.D. may be suitable for those interested in pursuing a career in clinical instruction. Doctoral programs include coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation based on original research.

Explore graduate programs via the APA Graduate Study Tool.

Step 4: Gain Teaching and Research Experience

While earning your doctorate, you’ll likely have opportunities to teach introductory courses, assist professors, or lead labs. Publishing research and presenting at conferences will strengthen your academic resume.

Step 5: Apply for Postdoctoral Fellowships (Optional)

Postdoctoral fellowships provide additional research opportunities and can make you more competitive for faculty positions.

Step 6: Secure a Faculty Position

Look for assistant professor openings at universities or colleges. These are typically tenure-track roles that involve a mix of teaching, research, and service.

What Is the Salary of a Psychology Professor?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for postsecondary psychology teachers is approximately $88,470 as of 2023.

Salary can vary based on factors such as:

  • Type of institution (public vs. private)
  • Geographic location
  • Academic rank (assistant, associate, full professor)
  • Years of experience

What Is the Labor Market for a Psychology Professor?

The BLS projects employment for postsecondary teachers, including psychology professors, to grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Factors contributing to job growth include:

  • Increasing college enrollment
  • Demand for mental health education
  • Expansion of online and hybrid learning models

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Psychology Professor?

Pros

  • Opportunity to shape future psychologists and mental health professionals
  • Intellectual stimulation through research and teaching
  • Access to academic resources and professional conferences
  • Flexible schedule during non-teaching months
  • Job satisfaction from mentorship and academic contributions

Cons

  • Long educational and credentialing pathway
  • Intense competition for tenure-track positions
  • Pressure to publish and secure research funding
  • Balancing teaching, research, and administrative duties

What Are the Careers Related to Being a Psychology Professor?

  • Clinical Psychologists – Diagnose and treat mental disorders, often collaborating with academics and contributing to clinical training programs.
  • Postsecondary Education Administrators – Oversee academic departments, student services, and faculty development in colleges and universities.
  • School Psychologists – Work in K-12 schools to support student mental health and learning strategies.
  • Sociologists – Study social behavior and often collaborate with psychology departments on interdisciplinary research.
  • Industrial-Organizational Psychologists – Apply psychological principles in workplace settings to improve productivity and employee well-being.

Psychology Professor - A Social Career Path

A Psychology Professor typically aligns with the Social–Investigative–Artistic personality types in the Holland Code (RIASEC) system. This combination is ideal for individuals who enjoy teaching, conducting research, and exploring human behavior in creative and meaningful ways. You can discover your personal Holland Code by taking the Free Career Fit Test™, which includes a career test, an aptitude assessment, and a personality trait quiz.

  • Social types are drawn to helping and mentoring others, core aspects of being a professor. Psychology Professors guide students, advise on research, and foster academic growth.
  • Investigative personalities enjoy solving complex problems and conducting in-depth research. In psychology, this could mean studying cognition, behavior, or emotional processes.
  • Artistic traits show up in the creative delivery of lectures, curriculum design, and innovative approaches to teaching abstract psychological theories.

As a social career path, becoming a Psychology Professor allows you to inspire future professionals, expand knowledge in the field, and make a lasting impact through education and research.

List of Holland Social Careers

Below are many more social careers. Also, see our article, Finding the Right Career for Your Social Personality.

To explore which ones match your passions and skills, take the Career Fit Test™.

What Types of Jobs Can a Psychology Professor Pursue?

While many psychology professors work in academia, others branch into:

  • Department Chair or Dean roles
  • Researcher at think tanks or nonprofit organizations
  • Curriculum developers for educational publishers
  • Public policy advisors
  • Corporate consultants on behavioral science

Professors also frequently publish books, serve as journal editors, or appear as expert commentators in media outlets.

What Websites Are Best for Finding Psychology Professor Jobs?

These platforms list tenure-track, adjunct, and administrative positions, often with filters for location, experience level, and specialty.

How Do I Know If I Should Be a Psychology Professor?

Take a Career Aptitude Test

To assess if this academic path aligns with your strengths and passions, consider taking a career aptitude test. We recommend the Free Career Fit Test™.

How the Career Fit Test™ Works

This comprehensive tool includes three assessments:

The Career Fit Test™ Premium Report helps you:

  • Discover your natural strengths
  • Find your best-fit career path
  • Align your work with your calling

Try Informational Interviewing

Another useful approach is to conduct informational interviews with psychology professors. You can find contacts through:

  • University faculty directories
  • Academic conferences and webinars
  • LinkedIn and APA membership directories

Ask them about:

  • Their academic journey
  • A typical workweek
  • Pros and challenges of the profession
  • Recommendations for aspiring professors

How Can I Learn More About a Career as a Psychology Professor?

These resources offer insight into current research, professional development opportunities, and best practices in teaching.

Conclusion

Becoming a psychology professor is a fulfilling career path for those passionate about human behavior, research, and shaping the minds of future generations. This career offers a unique blend of intellectual challenge, academic freedom, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact through teaching and scholarship. However, it also demands years of advanced education, dedication to research, and a genuine commitment to student mentorship.

Before embarking on this academic journey, it's wise to assess your compatibility with the profession by taking a career test, such as the Free Career Fit Test.

By making an informed decision based on self-awareness and preparation, you can pursue a meaningful career that contributes to both personal fulfillment and the greater good of society.