Professor of Psychology Jobs & Career Guide 2023

Search hundreds of psychology professor jobs across the country Professor of 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 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
Faculty Opportunity-Division of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland US12/01/2024
Job DescriptionThe University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is seeking a full-time child and adolescent psychiatrist, psychologist, and social worker.The positions carry faculty appointments at the University and offer exciting opportunities for clinical care, teaching and research. Academic rank and salary are commensurate with experience. Expected rank is Assistant Professor or higher, however, rank and tenure status … More
Psychiatrist-Division of Addiction Research and TreatmentUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland US11/30/2024
Job DescriptionThe University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division Addiction Research Treatment is seeking a full-time psychologist.The positions carry faculty appointments at the University and offer exciting opportunities for clinical care, teaching and research. Academic rank and salary are commensurate with experience. Expected rank is Assistant Professor or higher, however, rank and tenure status is dependent on candidate’s qualifications.UMB … More
Academic Adult Psychiatrist PositionUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland US11/30/2024
Job DescriptionFaculty OpportunitiesDEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, BALTIMOREThe University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, is seeking qualified psychiatrists with an academic interest for openings in our acute and ambulatory programs located on our Downtown and Midtown UMMC campuses. Part- time and full-time options are available. With current departmental expansion, there are tele-mental … More
Psychiatrist-Advanced Depression Treatment Center- Part-time or Full-timeUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland US11/30/2024
Job DescriptionFaculty OpportunityPsychiatrist-Advance Depression Treatment CenterDEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, BALTIMOREThe University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, is seeking a qualified part-time or full-time psychiatrist for our newly established Advanced Depression Treatment Center and Faculty Practice serving the UMB campus and broader Baltimore community. The … More
Chairman of PsychiatryChairman of Psychiatry Shreveport, Louisiana US11/27/2024
Chairman of Psychiatry Position Available Salary: $400-$450K LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Louisiana has an immediate opportunity for a Chairman … More
Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Psychology (open rank, tenure track)Tarleton State University Stephenville, Texas US11/27/2024
The Department of Psychological Sciences at Tarleton State University invites applications for two open-rank faculty positions in the area of School Psychology at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor rank, with a start date of September 1, 2024. These are both full-time, tenure track, 9-month positions with primary teaching responsibility on the Stephenville campus. Successful candidates will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the psychological sciences, … More
Outstanding Division Chief Opportunity-Child &Adolescent PsychiatryUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock, Arkansas US11/26/2024
Outstanding Division Chief Opportunity with Tremendous Resources for Research University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences On behalf of Laura Dunn MD, Chair of Psychiatry at UAMS and Jason Williams Sr. Vice President, Chief Mental & Behavioral Health Officer at UAMS and Arkansas Childrens Hospital (ACH), CareerPhysician, a national thought … More
Staff Physician Adult Outpatient PsychiatristPenn State Health Hershey, Pennsylvania US11/25/2024
Staff Physician Adult Outpatient Psychiatrist Penn State Health – Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Location: US:PA:HersheyWork Type: Full TimeFTE: 1.0Shift: DayHours: 8Recruiter:Please contact Savannah Stauffer at [email protected] for additional information. Adult … More
Position
Faculty Opportunity-Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Job DescriptionThe University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is seeking a full-time child and adolescent psychiatrist, psychologist, and social worker.The positions carry faculty appointments at the University and offer exciting opportunities for clinical care, teaching and research. Academic rank and salary are commensurate with experience. Expected rank is Assistant Professor or higher, however, rank and tenure status … More
Company
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Location
Baltimore, Maryland US
Posted
12/01/2024
Position
Psychiatrist-Division of Addiction Research and Treatment
Job DescriptionThe University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division Addiction Research Treatment is seeking a full-time psychologist.The positions carry faculty appointments at the University and offer exciting opportunities for clinical care, teaching and research. Academic rank and salary are commensurate with experience. Expected rank is Assistant Professor or higher, however, rank and tenure status is dependent on candidate’s qualifications.UMB … More
Company
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Location
Baltimore, Maryland US
Posted
11/30/2024
Position
Academic Adult Psychiatrist Position
Job DescriptionFaculty OpportunitiesDEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, BALTIMOREThe University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, is seeking qualified psychiatrists with an academic interest for openings in our acute and ambulatory programs located on our Downtown and Midtown UMMC campuses. Part- time and full-time options are available. With current departmental expansion, there are tele-mental … More
Company
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Location
Baltimore, Maryland US
Posted
11/30/2024
Position
Psychiatrist-Advanced Depression Treatment Center- Part-time or Full-time
Job DescriptionFaculty OpportunityPsychiatrist-Advance Depression Treatment CenterDEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, BALTIMOREThe University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, is seeking a qualified part-time or full-time psychiatrist for our newly established Advanced Depression Treatment Center and Faculty Practice serving the UMB campus and broader Baltimore community. The … More
Company
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Location
Baltimore, Maryland US
Posted
11/30/2024
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
11/27/2024
Position
Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Psychology (open rank, tenure track)
The Department of Psychological Sciences at Tarleton State University invites applications for two open-rank faculty positions in the area of School Psychology at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor rank, with a start date of September 1, 2024. These are both full-time, tenure track, 9-month positions with primary teaching responsibility on the Stephenville campus. Successful candidates will be expected to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the psychological sciences, … More
Company
Tarleton State University
Location
Stephenville, Texas US
Posted
11/27/2024
Position
Outstanding Division Chief Opportunity-Child &Adolescent Psychiatry
Outstanding Division Chief Opportunity with Tremendous Resources for Research University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences On behalf of Laura Dunn MD, Chair of Psychiatry at UAMS and Jason Williams Sr. Vice President, Chief Mental & Behavioral Health Officer at UAMS and Arkansas Childrens Hospital (ACH), CareerPhysician, a national thought … More
Company
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Location
Little Rock, Arkansas US
Posted
11/26/2024
Position
Staff Physician Adult Outpatient Psychiatrist
Staff Physician Adult Outpatient Psychiatrist Penn State Health – Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Location: US:PA:HersheyWork Type: Full TimeFTE: 1.0Shift: DayHours: 8Recruiter:Please contact Savannah Stauffer at [email protected] for additional information. Adult … More
Company
Penn State Health
Location
Hershey, Pennsylvania US
Posted
11/25/2024