How to Become a Behavioral Psychologist: A Step-By-Step Guide

To become a behavioral psychologist, you’ll need to complete a doctoral degree in behavioral psychology, pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), and apply for licensure.

First, you’ll need to complete an accredited bachelor’s degree program in behavioral psychology or a related field. Although a major in psychology is not required, it can create a good foundation. Completing your education through an accredited program ensures your degree meets academic standards.

Next, you’ll need to complete a master’s degree in psychology from an accredited program with a focus in behavioral psychology. Master’s degrees in psychology usually take 2-3 years to complete. You’ll complete coursework in organizational behavior, behavioral research, and theories of behavior change.

The next step towards becoming a behavioral psychologist is to complete a doctoral degree.

Many schools offer Ph.D. programs in behavioral psychology or behavior analysis if you’re interested in pursuing careers in research, academia, or leadership. If you’re looking to pursue a clinical role and practice as a licensed psychologist, then you must earn a doctorate in psychology, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical, counseling, or school psychology.

It takes 4-8 years to complete a doctorate, depending on whether you pursue a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in psychology. A Psy.D. generally emphasizes clinical practice, while Ph.D. programs focus on research and teaching. Doctoral psychology programs usually require a thesis, dissertation, or clinical practicum/internship, depending on whether the degree prepares you for clinical or non-clinical roles.

Next, you’ll need to gain supervised experience. The number of required hours varies based on the state in which you’ll practice. On average, you’ll need to complete 2,000 internship hours and 2,000 hours of supervised postdoctoral clinical experience at an agency, hospital, or related setting.

Before you can apply for licensure, you’ll need to pass the EPPP exam. All states require you to pass part one of the exam, which assesses knowledge. Only the District of Columbia, Georgia, and Nevada require you to pass part two of the exam, which assesses skills.

The exam fee for part one is $600, while the fee for part two is $450. You must also pay a test site appointment fee.

You can apply for a psychologist license through your state’s licensing board. Some states additionally require that candidates pass a jurisprudence examination. Requirements for licensure vary by state. There may be alternative pathways to licensure if you are already licensed in another state.

After obtaining your license, you can apply for jobs or start your own practice. Behavioral psychologists can work in private practices, clinics, schools, correctional centers, or universities.

As a licensed behavioral psychologist, you can pursue careers such as a clinical psychologist, school psychologist, or a behavior analyst.

You must also renew your license according to your state’s requirements. You’ll need to renew your license annually or every two years. Plus, some states require you to complete continuing education courses.

The earning potential for behavioral psychologists can vary. Factors such as specialty, industry, location, and experience level all impact salary potential. Working in an academic setting or as a market researcher, for example, will likely be more lucrative than working as a correctional officer or school counselor.

As a behavioral psychologist, you can work in clinical settings with patients and school settings to offer counseling services. You can also work at a university teaching behavioral psychology and conducting research. Additionally, you can become a BCBA to work as a behavior analyst.

Some specific roles you might work in are:

Remote work may be an option depending on your career path. As a clinical psychologist, you can conduct appointments via telehealth. If you work at a university, you may be able to teach some courses online.