How to Become a Behavioral Psychologist
Considering a career in behavioral psychology? Learn the steps to become a behavioral psychologist.
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Behavioral psychologists specialize in the study and modification of human behavior. They focus on how behaviors are learned, maintained, and changed based on interactions with one’s environment. Learn how to become a behavioral psychologist, including education and training requirements.
Steps to Become a Behavioral Psychologist
It takes about 8-12 years to become a behavioral psychologist. The exact timeline varies for non-clinical and clinical roles, but you’ll need to complete a master’s and a doctorate for either path. Some doctoral programs enroll students with only a bachelor’s degree.
To become a clinical psychologist with a focus on behavioral analysis, you’ll also need to complete an internship and supervised clinical requirements before applying for a state license.
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in psychology, behavioral psychology, or a related field provides foundational knowledge for graduate school. Many graduate programs accept other undergraduate majors and prerequisite psychology coursework. Full-time students typically complete 120 credits in four years.
- Step 2: Earn a Master’s Degree
Graduate schools offer a variety of master’s in psychology programs, such as behavioral psychology, applied behavior analysis, and behavioral and brain sciences. You’ll complete between 36 and 42 credits focused on assessing and treating behavioral disorders. Practicum and internship components provide hands-on experience. A master’s in behavioral psychology offers research opportunities that often culminate in a capstone project. Earning a master’s degree requires an 18 to 36-month commitment.
- Step 3: Earn a Doctoral Degree
Many schools offer Ph.D. programs in behavioral psychology or behavior analysis for those interested in pursuing careers in research, academia, or leadership. Those looking to pursue clinical roles and practice as a licensed psychologist must earn an APA-accredited doctorate in psychology, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in clinical, counseling, or school psychology.
It takes between four and eight 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.
- Step 4: Satisfy Internship and Supervised Clinical Requirements
Clinical or counseling psychology doctorate programs with an emphasis in behavior typically have clinical requirements to prepare students to become licensed psychologists. Each state sets its own internship and supervised clinical requirements for licensure.
In addition to the doctoral practicum/internship, state licensing boards require candidates to complete one to two years of supervised postdoctoral experience. Participants provide direct services to clients during 1,500-4,000 hours of supervised postdoctoral experience at an agency, hospital, or related setting.
- Step 5: Pursue State Licensure
To become a practicing psychologist, you must apply for licensure through your state’s professional licensing board. You’ll need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) exam administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. Some states additionally require that candidates pass a jurisprudence examination. Jurisdictions like Florida offer provisional licensing to candidates who have completed their doctorate and internship, but have not passed the EPPP exam.
How Long Will It Take to Become a Behavioral Psychologist?
It can take 6-12 years to become a behavioral psychologist or a clinical psychologist with a focus on behavioral psychology. Here’s a look at the expected timeline for similar psychology specialties.
| Job | Time to Become |
|---|---|
| School Psychologist | 6-7 years |
| Psychology teacher, postsecondary | 6-7 years |
| Clinical Psychologist | 8-12 years |
| Child Psychologist | 8-12 years |
| Counseling Psychologist | 10-16 years |
How Much Does a Behavioral Psychologist Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), psychologists made an annual median salary of $94,310 in May 2024. Note that this data covers all psychologists. Factors such as specialty, location, and experience level determine salary potential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Behavioral Psychologist
Behavioral psychologists help people identify and modify harmful behaviors such as addiction, anxiety, and phobias. While they cannot prescribe medications, behavioral psychologists offer treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
