Developmental Psychology Jobs

Search thousands of developmental psychology jobs across the country Developmental psychology jobs

What’s in this guide?

By PsychologyJobs.com Staff Writer

Our career guides are produced by staff writers in conjunction with our expert career coaches.

What is a Developmental Psychologists?

Developmental Psychologists study the cognitive, social and physiological development that occurs throughout a lifetime. Developmental psychology focuses on the interaction between psychological processes and physical development. Developmental Psychologists can specialize in behavior during infancy, childhood, adolescence, or in the older adult.  Some Developmental Psychologists study specific developmental disabilities, their effects and treatment.

Where does a Developmental Psychologist work?

Developmental Psychologists work in many settings. They work directly with patients and indirectly in research settings.

  1. Universities and research institutions: Many developmental psychologists work in academic settings, conducting research, teaching courses, and mentoring students.
  2. Hospitals and healthcare organizations (inc. senior care facilities): Developmental psychologists may work in hospitals or other healthcare organizations, where they provide diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients with developmental disorders.
  3. Schools and educational institutions: Developmental psychologists may work in schools or educational institutions, where they help teachers and administrators understand the developmental needs of children and develop interventions to support their learning.
  4. Government agencies: Developmental psychologists may work for government agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where they conduct research on developmental issues and provide guidance on policy decisions.
  5. Private businesses: Some developmental psychologists work for private businesses, such as consulting firms or market research companies, where they may use their expertise in developmental psychology to develop products or services targeted at specific age groups.

What are the day to day tasks of a Developmental Psychologist?

The day of a developmental psychologist will vary depending upon your employer and your setting. Here are some examples of the typical day to day tasks that a developmental psychologist will be expected to do though:

  1. Research: Developmental psychologists may spend a significant amount of their time conducting research studies to better understand various aspects of human development. This may involve recruiting participants, collecting data through surveys, interviews, or observation, and analyzing data using statistical software.
  2. Assessing and diagnosing developmental disorders: Developmental psychologists may work with children or adults who are experiencing developmental challenges, such as language delays, learning disabilities, or autism.
  3. Providing therapy or counseling: Developmental psychologists who work in clinical settings may provide therapy or counseling to individuals who are experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties.
  4. Consulting with schools or other organizations: Developmental psychologists may work with schools, healthcare organizations, or other community groups to provide guidance and consultation on developmental issues. For example, they may help schools develop programs to support children with learning disabilities or provide training to teachers on how to work with children who have behavioral challenges.
  5. Teaching and mentoring students: Many developmental psychologists work in academic settings and spend time teaching courses or mentoring students. This may involve developing course materials, grading assignments, or advising students on their research projects.

What Skills are Required in Developmental Psychology?

Developmental psychologists must be able to analyze data, interpret research findings, and use this information to draw conclusions about human development. You will need to evaluate different theories and perspectives on development and think critically about how to approach complex issues.

Patience and empathy are core skills of a developmental psychologist. You must be able to understand and relate to the experiences of others, especially children and families who may be facing challenges related to development. Given you will often work with children or individuals who are facing developmental challenges, you must be patient and persistent in your efforts to help them achieve their goals.

Communication, team-working and management skills will also be important in your career as a development psychologist. Whether you are communicating your insights in a written study or presenting your findings to colleagues and other stakeholders, you will need to be comfortable working and supporting other professionals.

Finally, two skills which arguably apply to all areas of psychology are attention to detail and the ability to adhere to strict ethical guidelines.

How to become a Developmental Psychologist

How long does it take to become a developmental psychologist? It depends on where you start your journey (i.e. if you study a bachelor’s degree in something other than psychology) but typically it will take 8-12 years.

Education

You’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field to get started. This is a 4 year process. Developmental psychology is a fundamental area of psychology so most psychology bachelor’s degree programs cover developmental psychology as part of their core curriculum.

The next step is a master’s degree in developmental psychology. This is a graduate-level program that provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of developmental psychology.

Master’s programs in developmental psychology typically take 1-2 years to complete and require students to complete coursework and/or a thesis project. Coursework in a master’s program in developmental psychology may cover topics such as:

  • Advanced theories of human development across the lifespan
  • Research methods and statistical analysis techniques used in developmental psychology
  • Cultural and social factors that impact development
  • Neuroscience and cognitive development
  • Developmental psychopathology and disorders
  • Applied developmental psychology, such as education, healthcare, or policy applications

Students in a master’s program in developmental psychology may also have the opportunity to participate in research projects, internships, or other hands-on experiences to gain practical experience in the field.

The final step in the education process on your way to becoming a licensed development psychologist is to earn a doctorate degree and obtain a Ph.D. or Psy.D ideally with a focus on developmental psychology. Ph.D. programs typically require a dissertation based on original research, while Psy.D. programs focus more on clinical practice. Both programs typically take 4-6 years to complete.

Supervised Hours

In addition to coursework, most doctoral students participate in internships to gain experience in their area of interest and to meet the required number of supervised hours.

The typical requirement for supervised experience to become a licensed developmental psychologist is two years of full-time supervised experience or the part-time equivalent, which is typically around 3,500-4,000 hours of supervised practice.

After graduation, you can apply for a psychology postdoctoral fellowships or “postdocs.” Postdocs are paid positions that typically last 1-2 years and can help you to fulfill the necessary supervised hours to apply for your license to practice.

Licensure

Now you must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). All states require you to pass the EPPP as part of the licensure process and both California and Texas have additional requirements. See our guide to licensing by state.

Licensing in your state is handled by your state’s psychology board. Visit the ASPPB website to find your state’s board and learn more about the process.

You will need to maintain your license by paying an annual fee and completing continuing education requirements.

Board Certifications

There is no specific board certification for developmental psychology. Many developmental psychologists instead choose to opt for a specialty certification in the area of developmental psychology they plan to practice in for example child, adolescent or older adults.

This is an optional step in the process but can stand you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs.

Continuing Education

Continuing education requirements vary by state.

Continuing education for developmental psychologists can cover a wide range of topics related to human development, assessment, intervention, research, and ethics. Here are some examples of topics that may be relevant for developmental psychologists:

  1. Assessment and diagnosis of developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  2. Evidence-based interventions for developmental disorders, such as behavioral or cognitive-behavioral therapies
  3. Social and cultural factors that impact development, such as family dynamics, poverty, or discrimination
  4. Cognitive and neurological processes involved in human development, such as executive functioning or language acquisition
  5. Professional ethics and practice issues in developmental psychology, such as informed consent, confidentiality, or multicultural competence
  6. Advances in research methods and statistical analysis techniques used in developmental psychology, such as longitudinal studies or structural equation modeling
  7. Educational and policy applications of developmental psychology, such as school-based interventions or public health initiatives.

Find a recognised continuing education provider.

What is the salary of a Developmental Psychologist?

Developmental Psychologists typically make around $78,000 a year but depending on their education level, area of interest, years of service, and location, that figure can vary significantly.

Latest Developmental Psychology Jobs Listings

PositionCompanyLocationPosted
Assistant ProfessorHawaii Pacific University Honolulu, Hawaii US11/11/2024
Salary$59,000.00 – $73,000.00 AnnuallyLocationHonolulu, HawaiiJob TypeFaculty – Regular Full TimeJob Number02491DepartmentOLA, Dept of PsychologyOpening Date11/08/2024Closing DateContinuousDESCRIPTIONBENEFITSQUESTIONSHawaii Pacific University is designated as an Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian (ANNH) Serving Institution by the US Department of Education. As such, we strive for accurate displays of the … More
Pediatric PsychologistProvidence Portland, Oregon US11/10/2024
Providence Children’s Development Institute is seeking a full-time Pediatric Psychologist to join an established and respected program that is dedicated to providing care for patients with special needs and developmental disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder. You will be responsible for conducting cognitive and behavioral assessments, participating in complex team evaluations and providing support to children and their families. Work with a strong interdisciplinary team including … More
Assistant/Associate Professor of School PsychologyRutgers University-New Brunswick Basking Ridge, New Jersey US11/07/2024
The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) at Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick invites applications for a full-time assistant or associate professor tenure-track faculty position in the School Psychology Department. The selected individual will advise graduate students, supervise doctoral dissertations, engage in an active research program, contribute service to the department/university/profession, and teach graduate courses related to diversity, service delivery, … More
Transform Mental Health in Maine with Northern Light Acadia HospitalNorthern Light Acadia Hospital Bangor, Maine US11/05/2024
Northern Light Acadia Hospital is seeking a full-time clinical psychologist to join the dynamic Developmental Psychology Assessment Services team on our campus in Bangor, Maine. This psychologist will be responsible for seeing patients ages 7-13. Opportunity: Serve as the psychology consultant to our pediatric inpatient … More
Assistant/Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology (specialization in Developmental Psychology)Simmons University Boston, Massachusetts US11/03/2024
Assistant/Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology (specialization in Developmental Psychology)Main Campus – Boston, MAR10491Simmons University – JOB POSTINGAssistant/Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology (specialization in Developmental Psychology)Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and of challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons … More
Assistant Professor – Social & Behavioral SciencesMiami University Hamilton, Ohio US10/31/2024
Job Description Summary Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology to teach undergraduate psychology courses, provide student advising, provide service to the institution and profession, and maintain an active research program, beginning August 2025. Miami Universitys Regional Campuses are open admissions campuses with a liberal arts curriculum. Teaching responsibilities will include our primary needs – introductory psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology … More
Assistant/Associate Professor of School PsychologyRutgers University-New Brunswick Piscataway, New Jersey US10/28/2024
The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) at Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick invites applications for a full-time assistant or associate professor tenure-track faculty position in the School Psychology Department. The selected individual will advise graduate students, supervise doctoral dissertations, engage in an active research program, contribute service to the department/university/profession, and teach graduate courses related to diversity, service delivery, … More
Assistant Professor Child/Clinical PsychologyCollege of Charleston Charleston, South Carolina US10/24/2024
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR. The Department of Psychology at the College of Charleston invites applications for a tenure-track position in Child-Clinical or Developmental Psychology at the assistant professor level to enhance our major programs. All applicants must have a Ph.D. in Psychology and demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and maintaining an active research program within their area of specialization that is capable of involving undergraduate students. The specific … More
Position
Assistant Professor
Salary$59,000.00 – $73,000.00 AnnuallyLocationHonolulu, HawaiiJob TypeFaculty – Regular Full TimeJob Number02491DepartmentOLA, Dept of PsychologyOpening Date11/08/2024Closing DateContinuousDESCRIPTIONBENEFITSQUESTIONSHawaii Pacific University is designated as an Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian (ANNH) Serving Institution by the US Department of Education. As such, we strive for accurate displays of the … More
Company
Hawaii Pacific University
Location
Honolulu, Hawaii US
Posted
11/11/2024
Position
Pediatric Psychologist
Providence Children’s Development Institute is seeking a full-time Pediatric Psychologist to join an established and respected program that is dedicated to providing care for patients with special needs and developmental disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder. You will be responsible for conducting cognitive and behavioral assessments, participating in complex team evaluations and providing support to children and their families. Work with a strong interdisciplinary team including … More
Company
Providence
Location
Portland, Oregon US
Posted
11/10/2024
Position
Assistant/Associate Professor of School Psychology
The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) at Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick invites applications for a full-time assistant or associate professor tenure-track faculty position in the School Psychology Department. The selected individual will advise graduate students, supervise doctoral dissertations, engage in an active research program, contribute service to the department/university/profession, and teach graduate courses related to diversity, service delivery, … More
Company
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Location
Basking Ridge, New Jersey US
Posted
11/07/2024
Position
Transform Mental Health in Maine with Northern Light Acadia Hospital
Northern Light Acadia Hospital is seeking a full-time clinical psychologist to join the dynamic Developmental Psychology Assessment Services team on our campus in Bangor, Maine. This psychologist will be responsible for seeing patients ages 7-13. Opportunity: Serve as the psychology consultant to our pediatric inpatient … More
Company
Northern Light Acadia Hospital
Location
Bangor, Maine US
Posted
11/05/2024
Position
Assistant/Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology (specialization in Developmental Psychology)
Assistant/Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology (specialization in Developmental Psychology)Main Campus – Boston, MAR10491Simmons University – JOB POSTINGAssistant/Associate Teaching Professor of Psychology (specialization in Developmental Psychology)Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and of challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons … More
Company
Simmons University
Location
Boston, Massachusetts US
Posted
11/03/2024
Position
Assistant Professor – Social & Behavioral Sciences
Job Description Summary Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology to teach undergraduate psychology courses, provide student advising, provide service to the institution and profession, and maintain an active research program, beginning August 2025. Miami Universitys Regional Campuses are open admissions campuses with a liberal arts curriculum. Teaching responsibilities will include our primary needs – introductory psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology … More
Company
Miami University
Location
Hamilton, Ohio US
Posted
10/31/2024
Position
Assistant/Associate Professor of School Psychology
The Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) at Rutgers UniversityNew Brunswick invites applications for a full-time assistant or associate professor tenure-track faculty position in the School Psychology Department. The selected individual will advise graduate students, supervise doctoral dissertations, engage in an active research program, contribute service to the department/university/profession, and teach graduate courses related to diversity, service delivery, … More
Company
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Location
Piscataway, New Jersey US
Posted
10/28/2024
Position
Assistant Professor Child/Clinical Psychology
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR. The Department of Psychology at the College of Charleston invites applications for a tenure-track position in Child-Clinical or Developmental Psychology at the assistant professor level to enhance our major programs. All applicants must have a Ph.D. in Psychology and demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and maintaining an active research program within their area of specialization that is capable of involving undergraduate students. The specific … More
Company
College of Charleston
Location
Charleston, South Carolina US
Posted
10/24/2024