4 answers
Amy
Student
Doha, Qatar
1
Question
Asked
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How do I become a Psychology Professor at Uni?
Im in my final year of Highschool & entering college soon, I really want to become a teacher and wanted to teach kids/teens but figured out Professor in uni has a higher salary than a Highschool teacher, What should i do to become a psychology professor at Uni?
Can I major in Education? then major in Psychology and get a PHD?
Also, If i become a highschool teacher, can I major in psychology whilst still working as a highschool teacher?
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4 answers
Kelly Desso
Protective Services
219
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
You're absolutely right; professors at state universities tend to earn more than high school teachers, at least in my neck of the woods. This could be because teachers in the K-12 system typically only need a bachelor's degree, while university professors often hold a Ph.D or doctoral degree, signifying a higher level of study and contribution to their field.
I've had a handful of high school teachers who held doctoral degrees, and some who were part of the support staff. When I asked them why they chose to stay in the K-12 system despite their high level of education, they often said it was because someone else had paid for their studies.
Speaking of doctoral degrees, I've never come across a high school teacher with a psychology doctorate. This might be because the journey to becoming a high school teacher involves getting a teaching certification, which can be quite a task if it's not part of a psychology program. That being said, I've had the pleasure of working with colleagues and experts who are clinical psychologists in the 9-12 system and teach doctoral-level psychology or methodology.
Also, the scheduling in the K-12 system wouldn't really mesh well with my current program, as it wouldn't offer much flexibility. But at the end of the day, the choice is all yours.
I've had a handful of high school teachers who held doctoral degrees, and some who were part of the support staff. When I asked them why they chose to stay in the K-12 system despite their high level of education, they often said it was because someone else had paid for their studies.
Speaking of doctoral degrees, I've never come across a high school teacher with a psychology doctorate. This might be because the journey to becoming a high school teacher involves getting a teaching certification, which can be quite a task if it's not part of a psychology program. That being said, I've had the pleasure of working with colleagues and experts who are clinical psychologists in the 9-12 system and teach doctoral-level psychology or methodology.
Also, the scheduling in the K-12 system wouldn't really mesh well with my current program, as it wouldn't offer much flexibility. But at the end of the day, the choice is all yours.
Gina Cabrera
EC
130
Answers
Hernando, Florida
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Becoming a Psychology Professor at a university typically requires a significant amount of education and experience. Here are some steps you can consider to pursue this career path:
1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Start by earning a Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field. This will provide you with a solid foundation in the subject matter.
2. Pursue Graduate Studies: After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to pursue a graduate degree in Psychology. Most universities require a Ph.D. in Psychology for professorship positions. Some may accept a Master's degree, but a Ph.D. will enhance your chances of securing a professorship.
3. Gain Teaching Experience: While pursuing your graduate studies, take advantage of opportunities to gain teaching experience. This can include serving as a teaching assistant, leading discussion sections, or even teaching your own undergraduate courses. This experience will be valuable when applying for professorship positions.
4. Conduct Research: Engage in research activities during your graduate studies. Publishing research papers and presenting at conferences will demonstrate your expertise and contribute to your academic profile.
5. Earn a Ph.D. in Psychology: After completing your Master's degree, you will need to pursue a Ph.D. program in Psychology. This typically involves coursework, research, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation.
6. Postdoctoral Experience: Consider gaining postdoctoral experience after completing your Ph.D. This involves working as a researcher or instructor in a university setting, further enhancing your teaching and research skills.
7. Apply for Academic Positions: Once you have completed your education and gained relevant experience, you can start applying for professorship positions at universities. This may involve submitting your curriculum vitae (CV), research publications, teaching philosophy, and letters of recommendation.
Regarding your question about majoring in Education and Psychology, it is possible to pursue a double major or minor in Education while majoring in Psychology. This combination can provide you with a strong foundation in both fields and may be beneficial if you are interested in teaching at the high school level before pursuing a career as a professor.
Remember, the path to becoming a Psychology Professor requires dedication, perseverance, and a passion for teaching and research. It is important to stay focused, seek mentorship, and continuously develop your skills and knowledge in the field.
1. Obtain a Bachelor's Degree: Start by earning a Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field. This will provide you with a solid foundation in the subject matter.
2. Pursue Graduate Studies: After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to pursue a graduate degree in Psychology. Most universities require a Ph.D. in Psychology for professorship positions. Some may accept a Master's degree, but a Ph.D. will enhance your chances of securing a professorship.
3. Gain Teaching Experience: While pursuing your graduate studies, take advantage of opportunities to gain teaching experience. This can include serving as a teaching assistant, leading discussion sections, or even teaching your own undergraduate courses. This experience will be valuable when applying for professorship positions.
4. Conduct Research: Engage in research activities during your graduate studies. Publishing research papers and presenting at conferences will demonstrate your expertise and contribute to your academic profile.
5. Earn a Ph.D. in Psychology: After completing your Master's degree, you will need to pursue a Ph.D. program in Psychology. This typically involves coursework, research, and the completion of a doctoral dissertation.
6. Postdoctoral Experience: Consider gaining postdoctoral experience after completing your Ph.D. This involves working as a researcher or instructor in a university setting, further enhancing your teaching and research skills.
7. Apply for Academic Positions: Once you have completed your education and gained relevant experience, you can start applying for professorship positions at universities. This may involve submitting your curriculum vitae (CV), research publications, teaching philosophy, and letters of recommendation.
Regarding your question about majoring in Education and Psychology, it is possible to pursue a double major or minor in Education while majoring in Psychology. This combination can provide you with a strong foundation in both fields and may be beneficial if you are interested in teaching at the high school level before pursuing a career as a professor.
Remember, the path to becoming a Psychology Professor requires dedication, perseverance, and a passion for teaching and research. It is important to stay focused, seek mentorship, and continuously develop your skills and knowledge in the field.
Karissa Helton
Medical School Admisions
68
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Lots of people have the answer to your question but I wanted to point something out. A High School Social Studies (this includes Psychology) teacher who works for a public school gets a pension. A pension is a fixed amount you get monthly until you die. Some college professors get tenure, which could include a pension, but most don't. If you are a Professor with tenure at a private college you do not get a pension. You are better off teaching High School.
Akerke Izetay
36
Answers
Almaty, Almaty Province, Kazakhstan
Updated
Akerke’s Answer
Hi Amy🤗
The title of professor, as well as the position he held, was always considered prestigious and was proof of high professionalism. Many young scientists who have decided to devote themselves to scientific activity would like to know how to become a professor at a university?
To achieve this lofty goal, many years of teaching and research work, completion of graduate school, and then doctoral studies and defense of a doctoral dissertation are required. An important criterion is the publication of scientific papers and participation in conferences.
What are the benefits of being a professor?
The title “academic professor” reflects the holder’s affiliation with the community of scientists in a particular scientific field or relevant organization.
This title confirms receipt of a high assessment for the depth of professional knowledge and/or achievements in conducting certain scientific and pedagogical activities.
The prestige of the status of a researcher among scientists.
Obtaining opportunities to participate in conferences/symposiums, managing research projects, publishing your own monographs/scientific articles in international periodicals with high impact factors (Scopus, Web of Science databases).
An incentive for the sustainable conduct of research activities. Successful implementation of set goals, proof of one’s own scientific worth to colleagues in the community.
Academic mobility and expanding opportunities for cooperation with famous scientists from other countries.
Career growth opportunities (for example, promotion from senior lecturer to associate professor of a department of an educational institution,).
The title of professor, as well as the position he held, was always considered prestigious and was proof of high professionalism. Many young scientists who have decided to devote themselves to scientific activity would like to know how to become a professor at a university?
To achieve this lofty goal, many years of teaching and research work, completion of graduate school, and then doctoral studies and defense of a doctoral dissertation are required. An important criterion is the publication of scientific papers and participation in conferences.
What are the benefits of being a professor?
The title “academic professor” reflects the holder’s affiliation with the community of scientists in a particular scientific field or relevant organization.
This title confirms receipt of a high assessment for the depth of professional knowledge and/or achievements in conducting certain scientific and pedagogical activities.
The prestige of the status of a researcher among scientists.
Obtaining opportunities to participate in conferences/symposiums, managing research projects, publishing your own monographs/scientific articles in international periodicals with high impact factors (Scopus, Web of Science databases).
An incentive for the sustainable conduct of research activities. Successful implementation of set goals, proof of one’s own scientific worth to colleagues in the community.
Academic mobility and expanding opportunities for cooperation with famous scientists from other countries.
Career growth opportunities (for example, promotion from senior lecturer to associate professor of a department of an educational institution,).