How Do I Become an Experimental Psychologist?

Usually a college degree is necessary to become an experimental psychologist, and a post-graduate degree like a master’s or a doctorate is typically preferred. Along with formal education, specialists in this field need supervised clinical experience, much of which may take place in college and university. With sufficient training and experience, it may be possible to start designing studies and taking a lead role in experiments. It can also be helpful to join a professional organization to have access to conferences, trade publications, and other professional resources.

Experimental psychologists conduct research to learn more about human psychology and develop appropriate treatments for people with mental health conditions. Subject areas can range from studying crowds to add to the body of knowledge about group behaviors to individual research on gender roles in relationships. Members of this field design, coordinate, and analyze research activities like staged experiments, surveys, and look-back research where they review existing documentation to collect data.

A college degree in psychology is usually required, although the degree does not need to focus on research or experimental psychology. Many programs in fields like social and abnormal psychology offer opportunities to conduct research and may provide the necessary clinical experience to become an experimental psychologist. It can help to attend an undergraduate institution with a strong reputation in this field to use as a springboard for graduate school applications. Acquiring internship and research experience as an undergraduate may bolster a graduate application.

When in graduate school to become an experimental psychologist, students have an opportunity to participate in research. This can include ongoing research by advisers as well as new projects developed by students. As students develop their own areas of interest, they can develop and initiate studies under supervision. These can lead to clinical experience as well as journal publications, which can be helpful for someone on track to become an experimental psychologist. Education can also include workshops in working responsibly with human subjects, ethical concerns in psychology, and related topics.

A graduate with a degree and experience can apply into job openings to become an experimental psychologist. Universities and colleges may make positions available. It’s also possible to work for nonprofit research institutions and private companies, depending on the type of work a psychologist is interested in. Someone who studies responses to advertisements and pop culture, for example, might work for an advertising firm, while an expert in workplace psychology might find a position with a job placement firm or the military.