Steps to Becoming a Psychology Professor

Becoming a psychology professor requires dedication and perseverance. Take it step by step, starting with psychology classes in high school. Earn a bachelor's degree and consider pursuing a master's if needed. A PhD is essential for a full professor position. Gain licensing and apply for positions.

Enroll in additional psychology courses during high school. Getting an early start is advantageous. Take advantage of any psychology courses your school offers, and if limited, inquire about concurrent enrollment at a local community college.

Obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology. While not mandatory, pursuing a degree in psychology or a related field is advisable for aspiring professors. Related fields may include sociology and other social sciences.

Apply for a position as a teaching or research assistant. Gaining undergraduate experience is valuable for determining your career focus. These roles can help clarify whether you prefer a student-driven teaching role or a research-oriented position.

Review the GRE score requirements for your desired psychology graduate programs. Most programs mandate the GRE, a standardized test assessing verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Check program websites for specific score prerequisites.

Register for the GRE at a nearby testing center. Most U.S. cities have testing centers offering computer-based tests year-round. If opting for a paper test, select one of the scheduled dates, available a few times annually.

Prepare for the GRE using online resources and study guides. Utilize practice tests and review books to enhance your GRE readiness. Focus on areas needing improvement, such as math skills, and consider GRE prep classes or tutoring if necessary.

Take the GRE exam.

The test consists of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections. Familiarize yourself with the test structure and content to perform your best.

Wait for your GRE scores. Scores are typically delivered 10-15 days after the exam. Verbal and quantitative reasoning sections are computer-scored, while the analytical writing section requires human evaluation.

Enroll in a master's degree program to qualify for adjunct teaching roles. A master's degree is necessary for teaching positions. Consider programs aligned with your interests and use it as a stepping stone for doctoral studies if needed.

Finish the mandatory coursework. Complete a 2-year curriculum covering various psychology domains, including research, clinical psychology, and counseling psychology. You may be required to undertake a thesis or capstone project as part of your degree requirements.

Explore obtaining an additional teaching certification. Enhance your classroom readiness with a teaching certificate in psychology, which can typically be obtained within a year. Such certification can boost your competitiveness in job applications.

Opt for a PhD program in Psychology aligned with your interests. Choose a PhD over a PsyD for a research-focused approach, especially if aiming for a teaching career. Select a program that aligns with your passion within psychology for a fulfilling teaching journey.

Select an APA-accredited PhD program. Ensure the program you choose is accredited by the American Psychology Association (APA), particularly for degrees in counseling psychology or clinical psychology. Accreditation is often required for employment in these fields.

Engage in PhD coursework. Fulfill the coursework requirement of 60-80 credit hours, tailored to your specialization. Completion typically takes 5-7 years, depending on enrollment status and program specifics.

Engage in teaching and research roles. During your PhD program, you'll likely serve as a teaching assistant or research assistant. These positions may offer compensation or tuition assistance. Some programs may also require a clinical rotation, providing hands-on experience under a psychologist's supervision.

Conclude your PhD with a dissertation and oral defense. While you'll attend classes during your PhD, the primary focus is typically your dissertation, a comprehensive research document. You'll also defend your dissertation before a panel of professors to complete the program.

Seek licensure if you plan to practice as a psychologist. While a license isn't necessary for teaching, it's required for offering counseling services, conducting research involving human subjects, or supervising students providing psychological services. Ensure compliance with your state's regulations.

Register for the licensing exam, EPPP. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is mandated by all states and administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). Once approved by your state board, initiate the exam registration process within 90 days. Follow instructions provided by ASPPB, including reading and acknowledging the Candidate Acknowledgement Statement to access practice tests.

Fill out the EPPP Application Form. Access the form on the ASPPB website and complete it to initiate the exam scheduling process. You'll receive an email for scheduling the exam. Create an account on Pearson VUE to schedule and pay for the exam, as well as for practice exams.

Successfully pass the EPPP exam to acquire your license. The exam comprises 225 multiple-choice questions covering 8 areas, with only 175 questions contributing to the final score. Allocate approximately 4.5 hours for the exam.

Anticipate your official score. Following the exam, you'll receive unofficial scores at the testing center, which rarely differ from the official score sent to the licensing board. A passing score typically ranges from 450 to 500.

Explore university websites and academic job search platforms. Monitor job listings on university websites and academic job search engines for positions that align with your career aspirations. Websites like HigherEdJobs.com are particularly helpful for academic job searches.

Apply for positions relevant to your expertise. Increase your chances of success by targeting roles aligned with your psychology background. For instance, if your dissertation focused on educational psychology, seek out roles specifically requesting experience in this field.

Customize your cover letter for each application. While tailoring your curriculum vitae for each job is challenging due to its comprehensive nature, adapt your cover letter to highlight the most pertinent experiences relevant to the position.

Prepare thoroughly for your interview. Research the institution and department beforehand, familiarizing yourself with key figures and departmental focuses. Be ready to discuss your research, teaching style, and future academic pursuits.

Articulate your research and teaching approach effectively. Discuss your research interests, suitability for the department, teaching philosophy, and future research plans. Anticipate a rigorous interview process, including teaching a sample class.