Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Psychologist
Psychologists help people through their mental health journeys, promoting wellbeing and destigmatizing behavioral challenges. From education requirements to choosing a specialization and getting your license, learn the steps you must take to become a psychologist by continuing below.
In 2023, there were over 200,000 practicing psychologists in the U.S., and this number is expected to increase by 7% over the next decade. Becoming a psychologist requires several years of focus and determination, which can include earning a psychology degree. The reward of earning your license to be able to assist people will make the process worthwhile.
From beginning your undergraduate degree to selecting a specialization like forensic psychology to obtaining your state license, learn everything you’ll need to get started in your psychology career by reading on.
FAQs About Becoming a Psychologist
How long does it take to become a psychologist?
The duration of the path to becoming a psychologist varies depending on the type of psychologist you aspire to be. Several psychologist positions require a PhD or PsyD degree coupled with a post-doctoral fellowship, while others mandate a master’s degree. The table below provides an overview of the duration of some popular psychology paths, but keep in mind that these are general estimates. The actual timeline is subject to the degree program you select, your individual state licensing criteria, and your own progress.
| College Education | Post-Degree Supervised Work Experience | ETA to Career Start | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | 8-12 years | 1-2 years | 9-14 years |
| Counseling Psychologist | 8-12 years | 1-2 years | 9-14 years |
| Forensic Psychologist | 8-12 years | 1 year | 9-13 years |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | 6 years | 0-1 years | 6-7 years |
| School Psychologist | 5-6 years | 1 year | 6-7 years |
What qualifications do you need to become a psychologist?
The qualifications required for different fields of psychology and state-specific licensing criteria vary. At a minimum, all major psychology professions demand a master’s or Education Specialist degree, but the majority also necessitate a doctoral-level degree and a substantial amount of supervised work experience. It’s essential to consider this when selecting a path that aligns with your personal, professional, and academic objectives. In some roles, professional certification is mandatory, while in others, it’s highly recommended. Before obtaining their license, students typically need to pass an exam mandated by their state. The most common exam is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
How much money does a psychologist make?
The salary of psychologists is influenced by various factors, such as their degree level, psychology specialization, experience, location, and employer. The chart below provides a general sense of what to expect.
| 10th Percentile | Median National Annual Salary | 90th Percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | $48,820 | $96,100 | $168,870 |
| General Psychologists | $52,430 | $92,740 | $151,880 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | $45,850 | $147,420 | $219,810 |
Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023
Step 1
Make Sure Becoming a Psychologist Is Really for You
Pursuing a career in psychology demands significant dedication and a readiness to sacrifice leisure time for several years as you pursue the necessary degrees. It also involves a significant financial investment. It’s crucial to assess whether the work of a psychologist aligns with your interests and skills before proceeding further. We’ve provided a few questions to help you figure out if this is the best path for you.
- Do you enjoy school and learning enough to complete all of the degrees required to work as a psychologist?
- Do you enjoy conducting research and learning about new studies and data findings that can inform your work?
- Does the thought of maintaining an active client roster and working with many different types of people appeal to you?
- Can you see yourself in this position for a long time?
- Does the average salary meet your requirements for a profession?
If you answered “yes” to most of the questions above, a career as a psychologist is likely a good choice for you.
Step 2
Explore Psychology Specializations and Map Out Your Degree Path
Before starting college, taking time to research the available specializations within the psychology profession can help you determine the type of degree you’ll need and how long it will take to meet all requirements. The American Psychological Association officially recognizes 17 psychology specializations and three proficiencies. Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular specializations:
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists assist individuals with moderate to severe psychological disorders, but the scope of their job can vary from direct psychotherapy to scientific research and consulting. Clinical psychologists can also specialize further by treating particular populations such as children or veterans. They typically work in research labs, universities, hospitals, mental health clinics, or in private practice. Clinical psychologists must acquire a PhD or PsyD degree to be eligible for licensing.
Best for…
Individuals who want a broad range of professional pathways to help people with more serious mental health problems using a diagnostic approach.
Example Degree Path
Bachelor’s in Psychology Master’s in Clinical Psychology PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Counseling Psychologist
Counseling psychologists concentrate on using their knowledge and expertise to assist people in dealing with everyday issues as they arise, whether they stem from work, family life, or other sources. For instance, they may help clients develop coping mechanisms around stress management or adapt to a significant move to a new city where they don’t know anyone. Like clinical psychologists, a PsyD or PhD doctoral degree is necessary to practice legally.
Best for…
Professionals who like working with others in one-to-one and group settings.
Example Degree Path
Bachelor’s in Psychology Master’s in Counseling Psychology PsyD Counseling Psychology
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists work at the intersection of psychology and law, using their expertise to aid jurors and judges in making informed decisions within the legal system. They are responsible for tasks such as offering psychological assessments and clarifying psychological concepts. Typically, a doctoral degree is necessary to become a forensic psychologist.
Best for…
People who like solving problems and finding answers to complex questions.
Example Degree Path
Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Master’s in Forensic Psychology PhD in Forensic Psychology
School Psychologist
School psychologists often work in K-12 settings to help students address issues around behaviors, emotions, family situations, learning, and mental health. They help students learn how to handle difficult situations and build coping skills that can help them succeed in their personal and academic lives. They also work with teachers to build inclusive and safe learning spaces. An Education Specialist (EdS) degree is the minimum education required to become a school psychologist.
Best for…
Professionals who enjoy helping students navigate issues and reach their potential.
Example Degree Path
Bachelor’s in Educational Studies EdS in School Psychology
Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Industrial-organizational psychologists help companies of all types and sizes find ways of improving efficiency through the study of human behavior. By helping executives understand the motivations, expectations, and needs of their staff, they can work to improve professional environments. This, in turn, creates a more fulfilling work setting and can improve outcomes. Industrial-organizational psychologists typically need at least a master’s degree.
Best for…
People who want to help companies maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Example Degree Path
Bachelor’s in Human Resources Management Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology PhD in Organizational Psychology
Step 3
Apply for Scholarships and Other Financial Aid
With the cost of college rising each year, and psychology education taking so long to complete, finding ways to cover tuition and fees is more important than ever. Take time to learn about various types of financial aid – including scholarships and student loan forgiveness programs By doing the research now, you may be able to avoid substantial student loan debt.
Step 4
Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology or a Related Field
Bachelor’s degrees in psychology and related studies serve as the foundation for your future career as a psychologist. While many students who know they want to work in this field begin their academic journey with an undergraduate psychology degree, it’s not required at this stage. If you want to work as a forensic psychologist, for instance, a criminal justice bachelor’s degree may best suit your needs. Alternatively, those who want to work as a school psychologist may consider an undergraduate degree related to education or teaching.
Many bachelor’s degrees in psychology and related fields exist online, making them a great fit if you prioritize flexibility and accessibility. Aside from educational considerations, your undergraduate years also offer a great opportunity to job shadow practicing psychologists to figure out which psychology specialization appeals most.
Step 5
Pick Your Specialization and Pursue Graduate-Level Studies
After earning a bachelor’s degree, it’s time to pick your specialization and make important decisions about which graduate degree(s) will help you reach your goals. A few options exist, some of which we highlight in the following section.
Master’s in Psychology
Master’s in psychology programs act as a foundation for individuals who aspire to become psychologists, as several PhD and PsyD programs require students to complete this level of training as a prerequisite, particularly for clinical or counseling psychology roles. Master’s in psychology programs are available in both on-campus and online formats, usually taking two years of full-time study, and provide learners with a foundational understanding of the topics they will encounter at the doctoral level.
Education Specialist (EdS) in Psychology
If you want to work as a school psychologist, the educational specialist program is the most popular degree pathway. Some EdS programs require applicants to hold a master’s degree while others accept those with a bachelor’s degree. The amount of time taken to graduate depends on previous education, but you can usually finish requirements in one or two years of full-time study.
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
If you plan to work in a clinical setting providing direct treatment, the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) path is the best doctoral degree option for you. This degree emphasizes studies in practical skills required in counseling and clinical roles as opposed to the PhD, which focuses more on research. Plan to spend between four and six years working towards degree requirements, including at least one year of an internship.
PhD in Psychology
The PhD in psychology employs the scientist-practitioner model, emphasizing the development of research and data skills. If your goal is to work as a professor or advance the field of psychology through research findings, this program is likely the most suitable. Most PhD programs take between five and seven years to complete. Due to their competitive and selective nature, funding opportunities are typically more readily available for PhD programs compared to pursuing a PsyD qualification
Graduate Internships & Practica
Both internships and practica provide you with the opportunity to build practical, hands-on skills that serve you well once in practice. Nearly all clinical-focused doctoral psychology programs include these (as they’re common prerequisites for state licensure) and some master’s programs offer them as electives.
Requirements for internship tasks and hours vary based on the area of psychology and level of study but often require the intern or fellow to work under the eye of a licensed psychologist to complete assigned projects. According to the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internships Center, doctoral interns must complete a minimum of 1,500 hours.
Accreditation
Finding a school that maintains institutional accreditation and a program that holds programmatic accreditation is an important part of the decision-making process, as failing to do so can impact your ability to transfer credits, qualify for licensure, and find work. The American Psychological Association only accredits doctorate and post-doc programs, but several specialization-specific accreditors exist, such as the National Association of School Psychologists.
Step 6
Get Licensed in Your State
Any person who wants to legally call themselves a psychologist must first receive and maintain licensure, but rules and requirements around getting a license vary across states and specializations.
Research State Licensing Regulations
Every state has different requirements, so it’s important to do your homework. For general information about psychologist licensure requirements in each state, the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards is a great resource. It’s also a good idea to confirm licensure requirements by contacting your state’s board of psychology. School psychologists and industrial-organizational psychologists should check with the National Association of School Psychologists and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, respectively.
Complete Post-Doctoral Supervised Fieldwork
When searching for a post-doctoral supervised fieldwork opportunity, it’s essential to find one that meets all the necessary requirements. These programs should be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) and require at least one year of full-time experience. Unlike grad school internships, these experiences allow you to offer actual psychological services to real patients under the guidance of a licensed psychologist.
Pass National Exams
As part of steps to licensure, the majority of states require you to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) examination. This exam covers the core tenets of psychology and determines your preparedness to practice independently. If you plan to become a school psychologist, you’ll instead likely need to take the Praxis School Psychologist Test to demonstrate your ability to work in this role.
Meet Other Requirements
Outside of the exams listed above, some states may also require licensure candidates to take a jurisprudence examination or oral examination. These exams test graduates on their understanding of the laws and rules around psychology specific to their states.
Step 7
Consider Becoming Professionally Certified
The American Board of Professional Psychology currently offers 15 different psychology specializations. Other organizations, such as the National Association of School Psychologists, offer additional credentialing pathways. Becoming certified helps psychologists stand out from their competition while also demonstrating advanced knowledge and competencies. Many employers prefer job seekers with board certification as well. While you don’t necessarily need to seek board certification directly after receiving licensure, it’s something to put on your to-do list.
Step 8
Find Standout Job Opportunities and Apply
Now that you hold licensure, it’s time to find a meaningful job. Before launching yourself into the endless sea of job postings and applications, take time to fully consider your path. A few questions to ask yourself include:
- What does my ideal working day look like?
- What does work-life balance mean to me?
- If I could design the perfect job, what would that look like? Should I consider working for an organization or going into private practice?
- Have I spoken with my networking contacts from previous internships and field experiences to get their advice?
- What types of positions are currently open in my area? Do I want to stay where I currently live or would I consider moving?
After identifying the type of job you want and finding suitable openings, it’s important to adequately prepare for the interview process. Tips for achieving success include:
Step 9
Maintain License & Certification Through Continuing Education
Requirements vary by state, but most mandate that psychologists renew their licenses every 2-5 years. To meet renewal requirements, psychologists must complete a certain number of continuing education credits. Contact your state board of psychology to learn about specifics in your area and review the American Psychological Association’s guidance on the topic.