Postsecondary Psychology Teachers
Overview
Psychology teachers at colleges and universities help students explore how the human mind works by teaching courses on topics like behavior, mental health, and social psychology. They create lesson plans, grade assignments and exams, and guide students in choosing the right courses for their career goals. These professors also conduct their own research using modern tools and technology, publish their findings, and work with colleagues to develop new programs that can be taught in-person, online, or through hybrid learning. Many collaborate across departments and serve on committees to improve their school's psychology programs.
Did you know?
A Ph.D. in Psychology is typically required for tenure-track positions at American colleges and universities, representing a significant 5-7 year educational commitment.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$78,816.86 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Management of Financial Resources
Key Responsibilities
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Supervise the clinical work of practicum students.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Supervise students' laboratory work.
- Provide clinical services to clients, such as assessing psychological problems and conducting psychotherapy.
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as abnormal psychology, cognitive processes, and work motivation.
- Recruit and hire new faculty.
- Develop and use multimedia course materials and other current technology, such as online courses.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Review books and journal articles for potential publication.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Write letters of recommendation for students.
- Participate in campus and community events.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
Career Considerations
Doctoral Degree Requirement
A Ph.D. in Psychology is typically required for tenure-track positions at American colleges and universities, representing a significant 5-7 year educational commitment.
Highly Competitive Job Market
The academic job market for psychology faculty positions in the U.S. is extremely competitive, with many qualified candidates competing for limited tenure-track openings.
Research and Publication Expectations
Most postsecondary psychology teaching positions in America require active research programs and regular publication in peer-reviewed journals to achieve tenure and career advancement.