How to Become a Cognitive Psychologist
Updated September 12, 2024 · 4 Min Read
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Are you interested in learning how the human brain works and its capacity to handle multiple tasks and demands? Cognitive psychologists explore these topics (and more) and help people with Alzheimer's disease, speech disorders, and perception difficulties.
Find out how to become a cognitive psychologist.
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What Is a Cognitive Psychologist?
Cognitive psychologists study thought processes and how humans interpret, retain, and understand information. These professionals may specialize in learning disabilities or memory disorders and focus on a specific population, such as adolescents or older adults.
Cognitive psychology careers include post-secondary educators, researchers, software developers, and industrial-organizational psychologists. Clinical settings offer opportunities to diagnose and treat patients with memory loss, sensory challenges, and speech difficulties.
To become a cognitive psychologist, you'll need a master's or doctoral degree. A doctorate also leads to careers in academia. Independent clinical cognitive psychology practice requires post-graduate supervised experience and a state license.
How to Become a Cognitive Psychologist
Becoming a cognitive psychologist can take at least six years, depending on your career goals, state licensing laws, and specialty area. Those seeking to practice in a clinical setting will need to take the following steps:
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1
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or a Related Field
While a bachelor's degree will likely not qualify you for most cognitive psychology positions, it provides the foundation for master's and doctoral studies. Some states license bachelor's degree holders, which can lead to entry-level positions in some psychology fields or master's degree graduates. Students typically major in psychology or social science. Science degrees may also prepare you well for a cognitive psychology graduate program.
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Earn an Accredited Graduate Degree in Psychology or a Related Field
Clinical psychology practice requires a doctorate — either a Ph.D. or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). Careers in industrial-organizational psychology usually require a master's degree in psychology, with coursework in research design and statistics. State laws vary on licensing requirements.
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3
Complete Post-Graduate Supervised Experience
Clinical psychologists seeking licensure need postdoctoral supervised experience in the majority of states. The number of training hours needed varies by jurisdiction, but the general range is 3,000-6,000 hours.
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4
Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
All state licensing boards require the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), but the minimum scores needed vary by jurisdiction. The EPPP is a computer-based test with two parts: knowledge and skills. Examinees answer 225 multiple-choice questions, 175 of which are scored. To take the EPPP, you need a doctoral degree in clinical, counseling, or school psychology.
Cognitive Psychologist Licensure
To independently practice cognitive psychology in a clinical setting and use the title of "psychologist," you'll need a doctoral degree from an accredited program and a license from your state board. A Psy.D. or Ph.D. can qualify you for licensure as a clinical psychologist. Licensing boards also require post-doctoral supervised training, EPPP scores, and, in many states, a jurisprudence exam. The number of training hours and minimum exam scores vary by state.
License renewal occurs every 1-3 years and requires 10-60 hours of continuing education, depending on the state. Obtaining licensure in another state without starting from square one usually depends on whether the state has a reciprocity agreement with your state or whether the licensing requirements are substantially equivalent. Most states are in the process of joining or have joined the PSYPACT compact, which allows multi-state telepsychology and temporary in-person practice.
Cognitive Psychologist Outlook and Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for psychologists in May 2023 was $92,740, and the projected employment growth for 2023-2033 is 7%. However, these numbers include all psychologists and do not specifically address cognitive psychology salaries and projected employment growth.
| Annual Salary Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% | $47,450 |
| 25% | $76,550 |
| Median (50%) | $117,750 |
| 75% | $138,280 |
| 100% | $157,420 |
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Become a Cognitive Psychologist
What should I major in for cognitive psychology?
Incoming psychology graduate students often have degrees in psychology, education, and social science, but majors in behavioral, biological, and physical sciences, along with coursework in math and statistics, can also prepare you.
Who hires cognitive psychologists?
Cognitive psychology employers include government and private research centers, hospitals, mental health clinics, treatment facilities, and universities. Cognitive psychologists also work as consultants or open private practices.
How much do cognitive psychologists make?
Counseling and clinical psychologists earned a median annual salary of $96,100.
How long does it take to become a cognitive psychologist?
The length of time it takes to become a cognitive psychologist depends on your educational path. A bachelor's degree requires about four years and a master's an additional two years. If you want to practice as a licensed clinical psychologist or work in academia, you'll need either a two- to three-year Psy.D. or a Ph.D., which can take 5-7 years to earn.