Professor of Psychology Jobs & Career Guide 2025

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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 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 US01/15/2025
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
Assistant Professor of PsychologyIndiana University Indiana US01/12/2025
Position SummaryThe School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Indiana University Kokomo invites applications for a full time, 10-month, Assistant Professor of Psychology position beginning August 1, 2025. Information about the program and our facilities can be found at http://iuk.edu/humanities-and-social-sciences/psychology/ . The successful candidate will teach General Psychology, Lifespan Development, and other courses in developmental psychology. … More
Clinical Assistant Professor of PsychologyIndiana University Indiana US01/11/2025
Position SummaryThe Department of Psychology at Indiana University Kokomo invites applications for a full time, 10-month, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology position beginning August 1, 2025. Information about the department and our facilities can be found at http://iuk.edu/humanities-and-social-sciences/psychology/ .The successful candidate will teach undergraduate psychology courses as well as courses in a hybrid (fifty percent online and fifty … More
Chairman of PsychiatryChairman of Psychiatry Shreveport, Louisiana US01/10/2025
Chairman of Psychiatry Position Available Salary: $400-$450K LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana has an immediate opportunity for a Chairman … More
Professor and Chair, Department of Counselor Education & School PsychologyUniversity of Central Florida Orlando, Florida US01/09/2025
The Opportunity The Department of Counselor Education & School Psychology (CESP) in the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) seeks a dynamic and innovative leader to serve as professor and department chair, a full-time 12-month, tenured position, anticipated to begin Summer 2025.The Department of Counselor Education & School Psychology provides excellence in teaching, research, and service related to the clinical … More
Assistant Professor, Counselor Education and School PsychologyUniversity of Central Florida Orlando, Florida US01/09/2025
The Opportunity The Department of Counselor Education and School Psychology in the College of College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a full-time 9-month, tenure-earning, assistant professor position, to begin Fall 2025. This position is located on the Orlando campus and summer teaching may be available. The selected candidate will join the Counselor Education Program, Clinical Mental Health … More
Adult Acute Chief Psychiatrist in Rochester, NYUniversity of Rochester Rochester, New York US01/08/2025
Benefits: University of Rochester academic & clinical appointments with lots of extras including bonus/incentive opportunities CME allotment Retirement program Tuition benefits Medical, dental and vision plan options UR invited to join the vibrant team of behavoiral health professionals at the University of … More
Bilingual (Spanish/English) Psychiatrist in Rochester, NYUniversity of Rochester Rochester, New York US01/08/2025
Benefits: University of Rochester academic & clinical appointments with lots of extras including bonus/incentive opportunities CME allotment Retirement program Tuition benefits Medical, dental and vision plan options … More
Position
Neuropsychologist
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
01/15/2025
Position
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Position SummaryThe School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Indiana University Kokomo invites applications for a full time, 10-month, Assistant Professor of Psychology position beginning August 1, 2025. Information about the program and our facilities can be found at http://iuk.edu/humanities-and-social-sciences/psychology/ . The successful candidate will teach General Psychology, Lifespan Development, and other courses in developmental psychology. … More
Company
Indiana University
Location
Indiana US
Posted
01/12/2025
Position
Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology
Position SummaryThe Department of Psychology at Indiana University Kokomo invites applications for a full time, 10-month, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology position beginning August 1, 2025. Information about the department and our facilities can be found at http://iuk.edu/humanities-and-social-sciences/psychology/ .The successful candidate will teach undergraduate psychology courses as well as courses in a hybrid (fifty percent online and fifty … More
Company
Indiana University
Location
Indiana US
Posted
01/11/2025
Position
Chairman of Psychiatry
Chairman of Psychiatry Position Available Salary: $400-$450K LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana has an immediate opportunity for a Chairman … More
Company
Chairman of Psychiatry
Location
Shreveport, Louisiana US
Posted
01/10/2025
Position
Professor and Chair, Department of Counselor Education & School Psychology
The Opportunity The Department of Counselor Education & School Psychology (CESP) in the College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) seeks a dynamic and innovative leader to serve as professor and department chair, a full-time 12-month, tenured position, anticipated to begin Summer 2025.The Department of Counselor Education & School Psychology provides excellence in teaching, research, and service related to the clinical … More
Company
University of Central Florida
Location
Orlando, Florida US
Posted
01/09/2025
Position
Assistant Professor, Counselor Education and School Psychology
The Opportunity The Department of Counselor Education and School Psychology in the College of College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a full-time 9-month, tenure-earning, assistant professor position, to begin Fall 2025. This position is located on the Orlando campus and summer teaching may be available. The selected candidate will join the Counselor Education Program, Clinical Mental Health … More
Company
University of Central Florida
Location
Orlando, Florida US
Posted
01/09/2025
Position
Adult Acute Chief Psychiatrist in Rochester, NY
Benefits: University of Rochester academic & clinical appointments with lots of extras including bonus/incentive opportunities CME allotment Retirement program Tuition benefits Medical, dental and vision plan options UR invited to join the vibrant team of behavoiral health professionals at the University of … More
Company
University of Rochester
Location
Rochester, New York US
Posted
01/08/2025
Position
Bilingual (Spanish/English) Psychiatrist in Rochester, NY
Benefits: University of Rochester academic & clinical appointments with lots of extras including bonus/incentive opportunities CME allotment Retirement program Tuition benefits Medical, dental and vision plan options … More
Company
University of Rochester
Location
Rochester, New York US
Posted
01/08/2025