Developmental Psychologist Job Description - Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming a Developmental Psychologist

Developmental psychologist jobs are an excellent choice for those who want to contribute to the general knowledge of human development. Developmental psychologists explore the influence of the environment vs. genes, a comparison often referred to as "nature vs. nurture."

Job Description

A developmental psychologist may handle a variety of tasks, from conducting in-depth, highly focused research on a specific topic to exploring and studying the process of human development at one or more developmental stages.
 
Developmental psychologists can choose from a variety of work environments. Here are a few of the many options:
  • conducting research at a university
  • interacting with patients and medical professionals a hospital or other medical facility
  • teaching at a college
  • working with populations as varied as the elderly, homeless or infants to perform evaluations and tests.

Unlike counseling psychologists, who help individuals solve their particular problems or issues, a developmental psychologist typically focuses on theoretical studies and research areas such as:

  • adolescent development
  • adult development
  • developmental disabilities
  • language-skill acquisition
  • problem-solving patterns.

Developmental psychologists also may specialize in applying their knowledge of those areas for evaluations, which can help in:

  • analyzing language-skill delays or concerns
  • providing additional information for a physician or other medical professional who is the client's or patient's main health-care provider
  • testing the degree or extent of a developmental disability.

Salary Guide

A developmental psychologist salary can range from less than $35,000 to more than $100,000. The top-paying areas for developmental psychologists are:
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico.
In addition to geographic area, salaries for developmental psychologists are influenced by education level, experience, specialization and each individual employer.

Education and Training

Most successful developmental psychologists have earned a master's or doctoral degree in the field. While most colleges do not offer a bachelor's degree in developmental psychology, many offer a concentration or specialization in this area.
 
If you are interested in becoming a developmental psychologist, it is important to find out about licensure requirements in your individual state. In addition, ask about internships, research opportunities and other possible methods of attaining experience in developmental psychology.

Prior Work Experience

Employers always prefer related work experience. Even if you are new to the field, here are some examples of relevant experience that can help you get started in the developmental psychology field:
  • An internship: Internships that require you to use some of the skills needed to succeed as a developmental psychologist, such as testing people's motor skills, provide excellent experience. Many graduate schools will help you locate internships during the course of your master's degree program in psychology.
  • A related entry-level job: If you have worked in a social-services organization or agency, be sure to include it on your resume.
  • A research position: Research experience in a private organization or university is taken seriously by prospective employers.
  • A teaching assistantship: Try to find a teaching-assistant position in a course such as developmental psychology or childhood development.

Career Advancement

Depending on the type and size of organization in which you work, advancement opportunities might include:
  • advancement from part-time lecturer at a college to a full-time tenured professor
  • promotion from a junior level position to a senior level position
  • promotion from an individual contributor position to management.

Related Associations and Groups

For more information on developmental psychologist jobs, you may want to contact:
  • American Board of Professional Psychology
  • American Psychological Association (APA), Division 7 developmental psychology subgroup
  • Association for Women in Psychology
  • Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.

 

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