How To Become a Psychologist
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)
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.
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
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
14 Matching Degrees
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
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.
Psychologists working in the private sector(See disclaimer 2)
Median annual wage for postsecondary psychology teachers in May 2024(See disclaimer 5)
Advancement Opportunities Within Psychology
Licensed and experienced psychologists have diverse career pathways tailored to their interests and long-term goals. Many opt to open private practices for greater autonomy. Others may take on managerial and supervisory roles in mental health organizations, hospitals or rehabilitation centers, overseeing teams and treatment programs.(See disclaimer 1) Additionally, they can pursue administrative or leadership positions in academic, research or healthcare institutions.(See disclaimer 1)
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.
Discover how the specialization you choose can shape your career, guide who you’ll work with and open doors to opportunities.
Learn the essential skills every successful psychologist needs, and how you can master the tools that can set you apart.
Explore the powerful traits that distinguish exceptional clinical psychologists and learn what it takes to work in this transformative field.
Begin shaping your future today. Take the first step and discover how GCU can help you progress toward a career in psychology.
- 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.