How to become a psychology teacher
Dasha Bunks
Liberty University
PSYC 775 - Teaching of Psychology
Dr. Winn
2022
Here are the steps to take to become a psychology teacher if you're considering this career
path:
1. Earn a bachelor's degree
Psychology is a common major offered at many colleges and universities, and you can earn
either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in psychology. Though both offer a strong
training in psychology, the Bachelor of Science is often the choice of students who wish to teach
or conduct research in the field.
A four-year bachelor's program covers general education topics, core psychology courses and
various electives. Consider taking several classes in social sciences, and select various
psychology classes to meet your degree requirements.
Courses offered can include:
Cognitive psychology
Development psychology
Social psychology
Educational psychology
Abnormal psychology
Child development
Statistics
Human behavior
Counseling practices
2. Complete a student teacher program
Most undergraduate degrees require a student teaching program, regardless of your specialty.
The number of semesters or hours spent teaching varies by program, college or state, though
most require at least one semester. Student teaching provides real-world experience in a
classroom and allows you to learn best practices when educating students about the concepts
of psychology. Check with your state or college program to learn more about the student
teaching expectations.
3. Consider a master's degree
Many colleges and universities require a master's degree to teach psychology at the collegiate
level. The two-year program often features more in-depth studies of psychology and additional
teaching practicum, like serving as a teaching assistant. Coursework can include:
Learning planning and assessments
Educational research
Psychology of education
Reading strategies
Special education
Earning a master's degree can benefit you as a high school psychology teacher, too, as this can
make you a more competitive applicant or increase opportunities for higher pay.
4. Get licensed
Each state varies with its requirements to be a high school psychology teacher, though all states
call for a teaching license after you graduate. Many require passing an exam with a minimum
score, and some ask you to complete additional student teaching under the supervision of an
already-licensed teacher. While required for public high schools, a teaching certificate isn't
always necessary to teach at private high schools. State licensing does not apply when teaching
at a collegiate level.
5. Gain experience
Apply for psychology teacher jobs at institutions that excite you. Some might require you to
teach other social sciences besides psychology class, depending on the staffing and capabilities
of the school. Look at getting involved with extracurricular activities or summer school courses
to augment your amount of experience, particularly in your early years of teaching. You might
also consider adjunct work with community colleges.
Start preparing for research opportunities or doctorate programs at this stage if you plan to
further advance your career.
6. Join professional associations
There are many professional organizations for psychology teachers, and these groups are a
great way to connect with colleagues and build your network, take part in continuing education
opportunities and conferences or stay up to date with industry news and events. Here are a few
to consider:
Society for the Teaching of Psychology
American Psychological Association (APA)
APA Committee of Teachers of Psychology at Secondary Schools
American Federation of Teachers
Psi Chi Honor Society
It's helpful to continuously develop relations with other teachers at your school or university to
gain support, advice or even a mentor.
7. Continue your education
After completing a bachelor's and master's degree, consider earning your Ph.D. in psychology,
especially if you seek to advance your career in higher education. Earning a Ph.D. requires
several more years of study and the completion of a dissertation. A Ph.D. can increase your
chances of teaching at the collegiate level and pursuing other opportunities within the field of
psychology.
Continue to keep up with changes or developments in psychology by reading scholarly articles,
connecting with colleagues or by taking part in professional conferences, panels and online
learning.
8. Advance your career
Consider continuing to develop your career with other related positions like:
School psychologist
Vice principal
Principal
District administrator
School board member
Tenured professor
Department head
Dean or president
