Developmental Psychology Jobs

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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 Professor, Developmental PsychologyUniversity of Minnesota Institute of Child Development Minneapolis, Minnesota US09/10/2024
Position Overview The Institute of Child Development in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota seeks to fill a tenure track Assistant Professor position in developmental psychology. We welcome applicants conducting research in any area of developmental psychology, with particular interest in: language and communication; prevention/intervention sciences; social … More
Pediatric PsychologistProvidence Portland, Oregon US09/09/2024
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
Teaching Faculty, Developmental PsychologyUniversity of St. Thomas St. Paul, Minnesota US09/06/2024
The University of St. Thomass Department of Psychology invites applications for a Teaching Professor Faculty position in Developmental Psychology. The appointment will begin in fall 2025, and the search committee welcomes applicants with expertise in teaching our developmental psychology courses (e.g., Infancy & Childhood, Lifespan Development, Adolescence, Adulthood & Aging), biological psychology courses (e.g., Brain & Human Behavior, Drugs & Behavior, Physiological Psychology, Sensation … More
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Clinical PsychologyFordham University New York, New York US09/06/2024
Fordham Universitys APA-accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program (CPDP) is seeking a candidate at the assistant professor level with a strong publication record, active research funding or clear evidence of potential to secure funding, and teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. Candidates with expertise in any area of clinical psychological science are encouraged to apply, particularly those with expertise in pediatric neuropsychology, adapting evidence-based … More
Developmental Psychologist – Assistant ProfessorCase Western Reserve University Cleveland, Ohio US09/06/2024
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST. The Department of Psychological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University invites applicants for a tenure-track position at the rank of assistant professor in Developmental Psychology to begin AY 2025-2026. The area of research expertise is open to any area of study within developmental psychology, with a particular interest in early childhood. Preference will be given to candidates who conduct both basic and applied research, for example a candidate who conducts … More
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGYBerry College – Mount Berry, GA Mount Berry, Georgia US09/05/2024
The Department of Psychological Science at Berry College invites applications for the tenure-track Assistant Professor position with expertise in developmental psychology to begin in August 2025. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, a productive program of research, and mentoring students in a residential college environment. Faculty are expected to involve undergraduates in their research, serve as academic advisors, and contribute to … More
Assistant Professor (Psychology)Loyola University Maryland Baltimore, Maryland US09/05/2024
Loyola University Maryland Main CampusFull timeR-0000000193 Position Title Assistant Professor (Psychology) Employee Type Office/Department Psychology Work Environment Loyola University Maryland Main Campus Job Type Full time … More
Chapman University, Instructional Assistant Professor of Psychology, Non-Tenure Track, Fall 2025Chapman University Orange, California US09/03/2024
LocationChapman University in Orange, CAOpen DateAug 22, 2024Salary Range or Pay Grade$80,000-90,000 Application Link – https://apply.interfolio.com/152831 Description The Psychology Department in Crean College of Health and Behavorial Sciences at Chapman University invites applications … More
Position
Assistant Professor, Developmental Psychology
Position Overview The Institute of Child Development in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota seeks to fill a tenure track Assistant Professor position in developmental psychology. We welcome applicants conducting research in any area of developmental psychology, with particular interest in: language and communication; prevention/intervention sciences; social … More
Company
University of Minnesota Institute of Child Development
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota US
Posted
09/10/2024
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
09/09/2024
Position
Teaching Faculty, Developmental Psychology
The University of St. Thomass Department of Psychology invites applications for a Teaching Professor Faculty position in Developmental Psychology. The appointment will begin in fall 2025, and the search committee welcomes applicants with expertise in teaching our developmental psychology courses (e.g., Infancy & Childhood, Lifespan Development, Adolescence, Adulthood & Aging), biological psychology courses (e.g., Brain & Human Behavior, Drugs & Behavior, Physiological Psychology, Sensation … More
Company
University of St. Thomas
Location
St. Paul, Minnesota US
Posted
09/06/2024
Position
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology
Fordham Universitys APA-accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program (CPDP) is seeking a candidate at the assistant professor level with a strong publication record, active research funding or clear evidence of potential to secure funding, and teaching experience at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. Candidates with expertise in any area of clinical psychological science are encouraged to apply, particularly those with expertise in pediatric neuropsychology, adapting evidence-based … More
Company
Fordham University
Location
New York, New York US
Posted
09/06/2024
Position
Developmental Psychologist – Assistant Professor
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST. The Department of Psychological Sciences at Case Western Reserve University invites applicants for a tenure-track position at the rank of assistant professor in Developmental Psychology to begin AY 2025-2026. The area of research expertise is open to any area of study within developmental psychology, with a particular interest in early childhood. Preference will be given to candidates who conduct both basic and applied research, for example a candidate who conducts … More
Company
Case Western Reserve University
Location
Cleveland, Ohio US
Posted
09/06/2024
Position
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
The Department of Psychological Science at Berry College invites applications for the tenure-track Assistant Professor position with expertise in developmental psychology to begin in August 2025. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, a productive program of research, and mentoring students in a residential college environment. Faculty are expected to involve undergraduates in their research, serve as academic advisors, and contribute to … More
Company
Berry College – Mount Berry, GA
Location
Mount Berry, Georgia US
Posted
09/05/2024
Position
Assistant Professor (Psychology)
Loyola University Maryland Main CampusFull timeR-0000000193 Position Title Assistant Professor (Psychology) Employee Type Office/Department Psychology Work Environment Loyola University Maryland Main Campus Job Type Full time … More
Company
Loyola University Maryland
Location
Baltimore, Maryland US
Posted
09/05/2024
Position
Chapman University, Instructional Assistant Professor of Psychology, Non-Tenure Track, Fall 2025
LocationChapman University in Orange, CAOpen DateAug 22, 2024Salary Range or Pay Grade$80,000-90,000 Application Link – https://apply.interfolio.com/152831 Description The Psychology Department in Crean College of Health and Behavorial Sciences at Chapman University invites applications … More
Company
Chapman University
Location
Orange, California US
Posted
09/03/2024