How To Become a Psychologist

Overview

What Is a Psychologist?

A psychologist is a professional who studies human thought, emotion and behavior to understand how people relate to themselves, others and the world around them.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Psychologists may specialize in areas such as clinical, counseling, educational, organizational or research psychology, allowing them to support individuals and groups in a wide range of contexts.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

32%

Psychologists rank among the top careers for career happiness, with a 3.5 out of 5 happiness rating.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

What Does a Psychologist Do?

Psychologists study how people think, feel and behave, using scientific methods to understand mental processes and help individuals navigate emotional, cognitive and behavioral challenges.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Their work may involve conducting evaluations, providing therapy, performing assessments or contributing to scientific research and program development to improve overall well‑being.^{(See disclaimer 3 )}To practice independently, psychologists must earn a graduate degree, typically a master’s or doctoral degree, which is a standard requirement for entering the profession.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Psychologists may engage in many key responsibilities, including:^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Conducting research

Psychologists design studies, analyze data and apply scientific findings to advance understanding of human behavior and improve clinical practices.

Developing programs and interventions

They create evidence‑based programs that promote mental health, support behavior change or address community needs.

Assessing intellectual abilities

Psychologists administer tests that evaluate cognitive strengths and weaknesses, intellectual functioning and neuropsychological processes to inform diagnosis and treatment planning.

Diagnosing mental health conditions

They use interviews, assessments and standardized tools to identify emotional, behavioral or cognitive disorders and determine appropriate treatment approaches.

Providing psychotherapy

Psychologists deliver evidence‑based therapy to help individuals cope with stress, manage symptoms, resolve conflicts and improve overall mental well‑being.

Designing and administering assessments

They conduct specialized evaluations that measure personality traits, cognitive patterns, vocational interests and other psychological factors.

Education

What Experience and Education Does a Psychologist Need?

To become a psychologist, individuals must complete several levels of education and gain supervised experience. Most start with foundational studies in psychology and related subjects before progressing to graduate‑level training. As they move through each stage, learners can build the scientific, analytical and interpersonal skills necessary for professional roles.

High School Diploma

College Degree

Aspiring psychologists progress through several educational levels, starting with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, which can provide foundational knowledge in psychological theory and research methods. While a bachelor’s degree alone does not qualify someone to practice as a psychologist, it is an essential first step.

Many psychology roles require a master’s degree, which can prepare students for doctoral study with advanced training in assessment and supervised experience.^{(See disclaimer 1 )}To become a psychologist, individuals typically need a doctoral degree,^{(See disclaimer 1)} which includes advanced coursework and often a dissertation. After completing their education, psychologists must meet state licensure requirements and pass a professional examination.

Certification

Best Degrees for Psychologists

Psychology‑focused degree programs, especially at the graduate level, are designed to build scientific knowledge, applied skills and professional competencies that prepare you for advanced roles in research, assessment and mental health practice. These programs introduce you to core areas of psychological science and help you develop the abilities needed to work effectively with individuals, groups and organizations.

Psychology programs will typically include study in areas such as:^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Research methods and data analysis

Behavioral science and psychological theory

Assessment and evaluation

Human development and lifespan psychology

Intervention and helping skills

Program design and evaluation

Ethics and professional standards

GCU Recommends These Degree Programs for Psychologists

424 Matching Degrees

Skills

What Skills Does a Psychologist Need?

Psychologists rely on a blend of scientific, analytical and interpersonal skills to understand human behavior and support individuals’ mental and emotional well‑being. Their training helps them integrate research, assessment and therapeutic techniques into effective, ethical practice across diverse settings.

Key skills for psychologists include:^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Analytical and research skills

Assessment and evaluation skills

Therapeutic and intervention skills

Communication and interpersonal skills

Ethical judgement and professional integrity

Problem-solving and critical thinking

Careers

Where Do Psychologists Work?

Psychologists work in various professional environments to meet the diverse needs of individuals and communities. Most psychologists work full-time, and some adjust their schedules to include evenings or weekends to better accommodate their clients’ needs.

Common work settings for psychologists include:^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Hospitals and healthcare facilities

In medical settings, psychologists collaborate with healthcare professionals to support clients’ behavioral, emotional and cognitive needs.

Schools

Psychologists in educational settings provide assessments, counseling and interventions to support student learning and mental health.

Government and public agencies

These professionals work in public health, correctional facilities or military organizations, offering counseling, crisis intervention, evaluations and support for mental health initiatives.

Academic and research institutions

Psychologists may teach, conduct research or supervise students at universities, contributing to advancements in psychological science and the development of future practitioners.

43%

Psychologists working in the private sector^{(See disclaimer 2)}

$80,330

Median annual wage for postsecondary psychology teachers in May 2024^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Blog Articles

Explore More on Psychologists

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of psychology, these research‑informed resources explore career paths, professional development and the specialties of psychologists across various settings. These insights can help you navigate the many aspects of psychology.

Types of Psychology

Discover how the specialization you choose can shape your career, guide who you’ll work with and open doors to opportunities.

Read Article

What Skills Do You Need To Become a Psychologist?

Learn the essential skills every successful psychologist needs, and how you can master the tools that can set you apart.

Read Article

5 Traits of Effective Clinical Psychologists

Explore the powerful traits that distinguish exceptional clinical psychologists and learn what it takes to work in this transformative field.

Read Article

Start Your Journey To Becoming a Psychologist

Begin shaping your future today. Take the first step and discover how GCU can help you progress toward a career in psychology.

Apply Now

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Psychologists. Retrieved February 2026.
Zippia. (n.d.). Psychologist Demographics and Statistics in the U.S. Retrieved February 2026.
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Psychologists. Retrieved February 2026.
American Psychological Association. (2023). APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major. Version 3.0. Retrieved February 2026.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Postsecondary Psychology Teachers as of May 2024, retrieved February 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as postsecondary psychology teachers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.

How To Become a Psychologist

What Is a Psychologist?

What Does a Psychologist Do?

What Experience and Education Does a Psychologist Need?

Best Degrees for Psychologists

GCU Recommends These Degree Programs for Psychologists

What Skills Does a Psychologist Need?

Where Do Psychologists Work?

Advancement Opportunities Within Psychology

Explore More on Psychologists