Occupation AtlasPsychology Teachers, Postsecondary

O*NET · 25-1066.00

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Also called Abnormal Psychology Teacher · Adjunct Instructor · Adjunct Professor · Adjunct Psychology Faculty Member · Adjunct Psychology Instructor · Adjunct Psychology Professor · Applied Psychology Professor · Applied Psychology Teacher
32 more

Assistant Professor · Associate Professor · Child Development Instructor · Child Development Professor · Child Development Teacher · Child Psychology Teacher · Clinical Psychology Professor · Clinical Psychology Teacher · College Faculty Member · College Professor · Educational Psychology Professor · Educational Psychology Teacher · Faculty Member · Human Relations Professor · Human Relations Teacher · I/O Psychology Professor · I/O Psychology Professor (Industrial/Organizational Psychology Professor) · Industrial Psychology Professor · Industrial Psychology Teacher · Instructor · Lecturer · Mental Measurements Teacher · Professor · Psychology Adjunct Instructor · Psychology Assistant Professor · Psychology Faculty Member · Psychology Instructor · Psychology Lecturer · Psychology Professor · School Psychology Professor · Teacher · University Faculty Member

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code SIA35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Sociologists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SIASocial · Investigative · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social7.00
  • I Investigative5.59
  • A Artistic3.86
  • C Conventional3.30
  • E Enterprising2.32
  • R Realistic2.13

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Master's Degree15%
  • Doctoral Degree55%
  • Post-Doctoral Training31%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (38%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (45%)
On-the-job training
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (32%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • InstructingImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
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Tasks

21 core · 8 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as abnormal psychology, cognitive processes, and work motivation.Importance 4.5
  2. Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.Importance 4.3
  3. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.Importance 4.3
  4. Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.Importance 4.3
  5. Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.Importance 4.2
  6. Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.Importance 4.2
  7. Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.Importance 4.2
  8. Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.Importance 4.0
  9. Recruit and hire new faculty.Importance 4.0
  10. Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.Importance 3.9
  11. Develop and use multimedia course materials and other current technology, such as online courses.Importance 3.8
  12. Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.Importance 3.7
Show the other 17
  1. Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.Importance 3.6
  2. Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.Importance 3.6
  3. Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.Importance 3.6
  4. Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.Importance 3.5
  5. Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.Importance 3.5
  6. Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.Importance 3.4
  7. Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.Importance 3.4
  8. Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.Importance 3.4
  9. Write letters of recommendation for students.Importance 3.4
  10. Supervise students' laboratory work.Importance 4.1
  11. Supervise the clinical work of practicum students.Importance 4.0
  12. Provide clinical services to clients, such as assessing psychological problems and conducting psychotherapy.Importance 3.8
  13. Review books and journal articles for potential publication.Importance 2.9
  14. Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.Importance 2.8
  15. Act as advisers to student organizations.Importance 2.7
  16. Participate in campus and community events.Importance 2.7
  17. Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.Importance 2.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • PsychologyImportance 5.0Level 6.2Level 7 looks like: Treat a person with a severe mental illness
  • English LanguageImportance 4.8Level 5.6
  • Education and TrainingImportance 4.3Level 5.9
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.9Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
  • MathematicsImportance 3.8Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 3.8Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Communications and MediaImportance 3.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
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  • Administration and ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • BiologyImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
  • AdministrativeImportance 2.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.6Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 2.5Level 2.8
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.2Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • ChemistryImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • PhysicsImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.7Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • GeographyImportance 1.6Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.5Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • DesignImportance 1.4Level —
  • MechanicalImportance 1.3Level —
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.1Level —
  • TransportationImportance 1.1Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.5Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written ExpressionImportance 4.1Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
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  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Near VisionImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.3Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • OriginalityImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • MemorizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Selective AttentionImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.4Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • VisualizationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.5
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.1Level —
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 5.0Level 6.4Level 7 looks like: Develop and conduct training programs for a medical school
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.9Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Interpret a complex experiment in physics for general audiences
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.5Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Gain cooperation from a diverse group of executives with competing interests
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.5Level 6.0Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 4.3Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.3Level 5.6
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
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  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 5.6
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 4.1Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.1Level 5.6
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Processing InformationImportance 4.0Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.0Level 5.7
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.9Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.9Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.8Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.7Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.4Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.7
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.0Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.6Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.4Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams5.0
  • E-Mail4.9
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.7
  • Contact With Others4.4
  • Public Speaking4.0
  • Spend Time Sitting4.0
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team3.9
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results3.7

Technology

44 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Learning management system LMS

Hot (10)

  • Google Docs
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • R
  • SAS
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
Other tools (33)
  • Biomedical Imaging Resource Analyze
  • Blackboard Learn
  • Blackboard software
  • Cedrus SuperLab Pro
  • Cengage Learning Sniffy the Virtual Rat
  • Collaborative editing software
  • Course management system software
  • Desire2Learn LMS software
  • DOC Cop
  • Email software
  • Empirisoft DirectRT
  • Empirisoft MediaLab
  • ePsych
  • FreeSurfer
  • Image scanning software
  • iParadigms Turnitin
  • Millisecond Software Inquisit
  • Minitab
  • Moodle
  • Multivariate Software EQS
  • Psychology Software Tools E-Prime
  • Psychology Software Tools MRI Simulator
  • Psychophysics Toolbox
  • PsychSim
  • PsyScope
  • PsyScript
  • Qualtrics Research Suite
  • Sakai CLE
  • Scientific Software International HLM
  • Sona Systems Experiment Management System
  • SurveyWiz
  • Web browser software
  • XNAT

Related occupations

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ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.