How to Become a Developmental Psychologist
Are you interested in human development across the lifespan? Consider a career in developmental psychology and explore the steps to work in the field.
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Developmental psychologists study human growth and development throughout the life stages, from childhood through old age. This encompasses physical, cognitive, emotional, and intellectual changes.
Are you fascinated by how the human mind evolves throughout the lifespan and envision a career helping others? If so, explore this guide to learn what it takes to become a developmental psychologist.
Steps to Become a Developmental Psychologist
Developmental psychologists must earn a graduate degree, complete clinical training, and become licensed. They develop skills in analysis, communication, observation, and problem solving.
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step to becoming a developmental psychologist is earning a bachelor’s degree. While psychology is a popular major that prepares students for graduate study, a bachelor’s in psychology is not required to enter a developmental psychology master’s program. Degrees in counseling, human development, or social sciences can also provide appropriate preparation. Most bachelor’s degrees take four years to complete and require 120 credits.
- Step 2: Earn a Master’s Degree
A master’s in developmental psychology includes courses in all phases of human development. A master’s in psychology program also allows students to begin specialized study of an age group, client base, or type of developmental issue. The curriculum includes skill-based supervised fieldwork that teaches psychological assessment techniques and treatment methods. Earning a master’s degree typically requires two to four years.
- Step 3: Earn a Doctoral Degree
Psychology doctorates include a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) or Ph.D. in psychology. These programs broadly focus on clinical psychology or teaching and research.
Psy.D. students can graduate in four years, while Ph.D. programs often take at least six years due to dissertation requirements. Developmental psychology students tend to choose Psy.D. tracks to complete the advanced clinical training required for licensure. Ph.D. students may pursue roles as university professors, researchers, or clinical psychologists.
- Step 4: Satisfy Internship and Supervised Clinical Requirements
In most states, postgraduate training is a requirement for state licensure and to practice clinical and counseling developmental psychology. Typically, Psy.D. holders pursue supervised practice-focused postdoctoral positions. Most state boards require 1-2 years of training.
Ph.D. graduates are not required to complete postdoctoral training if they are not pursuing licensure, but research postdocs can offer an edge in the highly competitive academic job market. Research postdocs develop technical skills and provide opportunities for publishing original research.
- Step 5: Pursue State Licensure
Psychology licensing guidelines typically require a graduate degree, supervised internships or postdoctoral training, and passing scores on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and the state jurisprudence exam. Exact requirements may vary by state, but all states require a license for independent clinical psychology practice and to use the title of Psychologist.
How Long Will Becoming a Developmental Psychologist Take?
Becoming a developmental psychologist can take 6-12 years from the start of a bachelor’s degree to licensure, depending on your educational focus and career goals. The table outlines time frames for different psychology occupations and reflects years spent earning degrees and, if applicable, completing postdoctoral supervision and licensure requirements.
| Job | Time to Become (from bachelor’s to licensure) |
|---|---|
| School Psychologist (master’s required for licensure) | 6-7 years |
| Clinical Psychologist | 8-12 years |
| Child Psychologist | 8-12 years |
| Counseling Psychologist | 8-12 years |
How Much Does a Developmental Psychologist Make?
Psychologists earn an annual median salary of $95,830, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While the BLS does not list salaries specifically for developmental psychologists, many practitioners with a doctorate can become clinical or counseling psychologists and earn a median annual salary of $95,830. Alternatively, school psychologists make $86,930 in median annual salary and require a master’s degree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Developmental Psychologist
Developmental psychologists specialize in helping clients through life transitions, usually focusing on a particular life stage or development area. These psychologists assess and diagnose their clients’ developmental conditions and implement treatment plans.
