Professor of Psychology Jobs & Career Guide 2023

What is a professor of psychology?

A professor of psychology is an academic faculty member who teaches courses in psychology and conducts research in the field. They typically work at a university or college, where they may be responsible for teaching undergraduate and/or graduate courses, advising students, conducting research, and contributing to the academic community through publications and presentations.

In addition to teaching and research, professors of psychology may also be responsible for other academic activities, such as serving on committees, participating in departmental meetings, and engaging in outreach activities to promote the field of psychology.

To become a professor of psychology, you will need to hold doctoral degree in psychology or a related field, and typically have significant research experience and publications in the field.

“Being a psychology professor is a very rewarding career. It offers the opportunity to work with students and colleagues on interesting and important research questions, to share knowledge and expertise, and to make a positive impact on people’s lives. At the same time, it can be challenging and demanding, requiring a lot of hard work, dedication, and creativity. But for those who are passionate about psychology and committed to making a difference in the field, being a psychology professor is a fulfilling and meaningful career.”
Dr. Amy Briesch, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Maryland.

What are the day to day responsibilities of a professor of psychology?

  • Teaching courses: Professors of psychology typically teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in psychology, including courses on specific topics within the field. This may involve developing course materials, delivering lectures, leading discussions, and evaluating student performance.
  • Conducting research: Professors of psychology are expected to conduct research in their area of expertise, often in collaboration with graduate students or other colleagues. This may involve writing grant proposals, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings at conferences or in academic journals.
  • Advising students: Professors may advise students on academic and career matters, such as course selection, research opportunities, and job prospects.
  • Contributing to the academic community: participate in various activities that contribute to the academic community, such as serving on committees, organizing conferences, reviewing manuscripts for academic journals, and mentoring junior colleagues.
  • Engaging in professional development: engage in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date with developments in the field, such as attending conferences, workshops, or continuing education courses.

Here is what the day of a professor of psychology might look like:

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Respond to emails, review and prepare for the day’s lectures and meetings

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Teach undergraduate course on social psychology

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Meet with a graduate student to discuss their research progress

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Work on research project, analyze data, or write up findings for publication

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Teach graduate seminar on cognitive psychology

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Meet with another graduate student to discuss their research progress

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Attend a departmental meeting or committee meeting

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Work on preparing lectures or assignments for upcoming classes

Professor of Psychology salary – how much can you earn?

The median annual wage for postsecondary psychology professors is $80,370 (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics). For more insights see our guide on psychology professor salaries.

How to become a professor of psychology

It can take anywhere from 12-26 years of education and experience to become a tenured professor of psychology.

Earn a bachelor’s degree

The first step to becoming a professor of psychology is to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field.

Earn a master’s degree

The next step is to earn a master’s degree in psychology or a related field as this is a typical entry requirement for a doctoral degree program.

Obtain a doctoral degree

Professors of psychology typically hold a doctoral degree in psychology, such as a PhD or a PsyD. These programs take 5-7 years to complete and involve coursework, research, and clinical experience.

Gain research experience

Research experience is essential for becoming a professor of psychology. You can gain research experience through internships, research assistantships, or working as a research coordinator.

Obtain teaching experience

Professors of psychology typically need to demonstrate teaching excellence, which can be gained through teaching assistantships, adjunct teaching positions, or postdoctoral fellowships.

Pursue tenure-track positions

Professors of psychology typically start as assistant professors on a tenure-track, which involves a probationary period during which they are expected to conduct research, teach courses, and contribute to the academic community. We frequently have 100+ tenure-track positions advertised on PsychologyJobs.com – visit the job board to find the right one for you.

Obtain tenure

After completing the probationary period, assistant professors can apply for tenure, which provides job security and requires a demonstration of continued research, teaching, and service to the academic community.

Latest Psychology Professor Job Listings

PositionCompanyLocationPosted
NeuropsychologistEast Carolina University Greenville, North Carolina US12/18/2024
Job Description: The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University is seeking a clinical neuropsychologist to fill a full-time faculty position as fixed-term or tenure-track at title/rank of Clinical Assistant Professor/Assistant Professor, Clinical Associate Professor/Associate Professor, or Clinical Professor/Professor.Responsibilities of the neuropsychologist will include:1.Clinical practice as a neuropsychologist … More
Staff Specialist – PsychiatristDepartment of Health, Tasmania Hobart, Tasmania AU12/18/2024
Tasmania has a lot to offer as a destination to work, live and play, with a natural environment and quality of life unique to a small capital city. In Hobart you are never more than ten minutes way from a beach, national parks or an award-winning restaurant, with a caf culture to match any other Australian city. Whether you see yourself navigating your way around our island, hiking or mountain-biking our world class trails, immersing yourself in our arts scene or are just after a different … More
Physician Psychiatrist Outpatient (Assistant Clinical Track)University of Minnesota Physicians Minneapolis, Minnesota US12/17/2024
The University of Minnesotas Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is seeking an Outpatient Psychiatry Physician for a clinical track faculty position at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor level. This is a unique opportunity to combine delivery of care with education on effective outcomes and development of care delivery systems. The faculty member in this role will exercise creativity in clinical care and clinical programming, will teach and supervise outstanding … More
Staff PsychiatristMcLean Hospital Belmont, Massachusetts US12/17/2024
Staff Psychiatrist McLean Hospital … More
Stephen M. Stahl Endowed Professorship in Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesNorthwestern University Chicago, Illinois US12/16/2024
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine seeks applicants for the inaugural Stephen M. Stahl Endowed Professorship in Psychiatric Research. This position is a full-time tenure track Investigator at the rank of Associate professor or Professor. Successful applicants will have a strong track record of extramural funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and high impact scientic contributions. Qualied candidates … More
Principal Neuroscientist – Evans Family Professor of Psychiatry and NeuroscienceDartmouth Health Lebanon, New Hampshire US12/16/2024
The Presidential Cluster on the Neural Code at Dartmouth College is delighted to invite applications for the Evans Family Professorship. Qualified candidates will be considered at the Professor or Associate Professor rank. The appointment will be in the Department of Psychiatry (in the Geisel School of Medicine and part of Dartmouth Health). The Neural Code Cluster is one of 10 faculty clusters in priority areas for innovative science and scholarship across … More
Assistant Clinical Professor of School PsychologyIndiana University Indiana US12/14/2024
Position SummaryIndiana University South is seeking to fill a non-tenure track Assistant Clinical Professor in School Psychology position. This position will be part of a multi-campus program with faculty from Indiana University Kokomo and Indiana University East. This temporary academic position is grant-funded through the U.S. DOE Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration grant, a five-year grant that continues until December 31, 2027. The position is subject to annual … More
Assistant Professor; School PsychologyUniversity of Central Arkansas Conway, Arkansas US12/13/2024
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Positionfor NASP-accredited School Psychology Program UCA School Psychology PositionThe Department of Psychology and Counseling at the University of Central Arkansas invites applications for a Tenure-track Assistant Professor position to begin August 16, 2025. A Ph.D. in School Psychology from an APA-accredited program and license eligibility are strongly preferred. We are eager to support applicants who contribute to the growing diversity in … More
Position
Job Description: The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University is seeking a clinical neuropsychologist to fill a full-time faculty position as fixed-term or tenure-track at title/rank of Clinical Assistant Professor/Assistant Professor, Clinical Associate Professor/Associate Professor, or Clinical Professor/Professor.Responsibilities of the neuropsychologist will include:1.Clinical practice as a neuropsychologist … More
Company
East Carolina University
Location
Greenville, North Carolina US
Posted
12/18/2024
Position
Tasmania has a lot to offer as a destination to work, live and play, with a natural environment and quality of life unique to a small capital city. In Hobart you are never more than ten minutes way from a beach, national parks or an award-winning restaurant, with a caf culture to match any other Australian city. Whether you see yourself navigating your way around our island, hiking or mountain-biking our world class trails, immersing yourself in our arts scene or are just after a different … More
Company
Department of Health, Tasmania
Location
Hobart, Tasmania AU
Posted
12/18/2024
Position
The University of Minnesotas Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is seeking an Outpatient Psychiatry Physician for a clinical track faculty position at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor level. This is a unique opportunity to combine delivery of care with education on effective outcomes and development of care delivery systems. The faculty member in this role will exercise creativity in clinical care and clinical programming, will teach and supervise outstanding … More
Company
University of Minnesota Physicians
Location
Minneapolis, Minnesota US
Posted
12/17/2024
Position
Staff Psychiatrist McLean Hospital … More
Company
McLean Hospital
Location
Belmont, Massachusetts US
Posted
12/17/2024
Position
The Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine seeks applicants for the inaugural Stephen M. Stahl Endowed Professorship in Psychiatric Research. This position is a full-time tenure track Investigator at the rank of Associate professor or Professor. Successful applicants will have a strong track record of extramural funding, interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship, and high impact scientic contributions. Qualied candidates … More
Company
Northwestern University
Location
Chicago, Illinois US
Posted
12/16/2024
Position
The Presidential Cluster on the Neural Code at Dartmouth College is delighted to invite applications for the Evans Family Professorship. Qualified candidates will be considered at the Professor or Associate Professor rank. The appointment will be in the Department of Psychiatry (in the Geisel School of Medicine and part of Dartmouth Health). The Neural Code Cluster is one of 10 faculty clusters in priority areas for innovative science and scholarship across … More
Company
Dartmouth Health
Location
Lebanon, New Hampshire US
Posted
12/16/2024
Position
Position SummaryIndiana University South is seeking to fill a non-tenure track Assistant Clinical Professor in School Psychology position. This position will be part of a multi-campus program with faculty from Indiana University Kokomo and Indiana University East. This temporary academic position is grant-funded through the U.S. DOE Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration grant, a five-year grant that continues until December 31, 2027. The position is subject to annual … More
Company
Indiana University
Location
Indiana US
Posted
12/14/2024
Position
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Positionfor NASP-accredited School Psychology Program UCA School Psychology PositionThe Department of Psychology and Counseling at the University of Central Arkansas invites applications for a Tenure-track Assistant Professor position to begin August 16, 2025. A Ph.D. in School Psychology from an APA-accredited program and license eligibility are strongly preferred. We are eager to support applicants who contribute to the growing diversity in … More
Company
University of Central Arkansas
Location
Conway, Arkansas US
Posted
12/13/2024