Learn how to become a research psychologist
Are you fascinated by the science of psychology but uninterested in being a therapist? Do you have a passion for science, research and scientific discovery? Would you find it rewarding to be among the first to uncover new knowledge in an area of psychology? If you think you would enjoy the challenge of helping further our understanding of human behavior, a career as a research psychologist could be right for you.
A research psychologist works to explore theoretical questions about the factors that influence normal behaviors. Working with a hypothesis, a research psychologist uses scientific methods to conduct research and experiments that prove or disprove it. The topics of a study can include a wide range of behavioral topics among humans and animals such as perception, sensation, attention, memory, cognition and emotion.
Should I become a research psychologist?
You should consider becoming a research psychologist if you want to devote your career to posing and answering questions related to the scientific investigation of normal psychological processes. Research psychologists, also known as experimental psychologists, need an excellent understanding of core psychology concepts and the research methods used in the profession. They must be comfortable working individually and in collaboration with colleagues and other researchers.
The work that research psychologists do is applicable and in demand across many types of industries that range from academia to private businesses. “It’s pretty broad because you develop a lot of skills in trying to understand the psychological behavioral processes, but you develop skills in analysis such as statistical skills to analyze data. So, putting those together can be very powerful for trying to understand trends and how to make predictions in terms of what might work in terms of new products and that type of thing,” Eric A. Thrailkill, PhD, Assistant Professor of the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Vermont and member of the Eastern Psychological Association Board of Directors
However, working as a research psychologist is not limited to conducting research. A research psychologist must also manage a wide range of administrative tasks such as securing funding, mentoring student assistants and keeping the project on track. A research psychologist should be a clear written and oral communicator who has the skills necessary to manage a project from conception to publishing and presenting the research findings.
A research psychologist must also manage a wide range of administrative tasks such as securing funding, mentoring student assistants and keeping the project on track.
In addition to working on their own projects, research psychologists also collaborate on other projects in which they can apply their expertise and make more progress. “All this is going on day-to-day. You’re involved in your projects moving the ball forward and making progress on things, but then you’re also bringing in people to mentor and to get involved and to support as they move through their career and develop their careers. You’re also working with collaborators, meeting regularly to make progress on projects where you’re contributing in a different way,” said Thrailkill.
Steps to becoming a research psychologist
If you think being a research psychologist is right for you, follow these steps to a career in this profession:
Consider your career path.
Before pursuing a career as a research psychologist, consider your personal and professional goals and what you need to get there. Becoming a research psychologist involves a combination of education and experience in many disciplines including psychology, research methods, statistics and computer programming. It also involves developing the skills necessary to collaborate, communicate and advise others effectively.
Research psychologists have a passion for doing research, asking questions and working on ways to find answers to their questions. They have an interest in general psychology as well as an interest in developing skills and expertise in areas such as computer programming, quantitative skills and writing, said Thrailkill. “You can have these sorts of fundamental interests and if those are very strong and you’re dedicated to developing your interests in those areas and developing your skills, that’s a good thing. It’s [a career as a research psychologist] definitely for someone who is like that, who can spend time learning new things and is interested in developing a new understanding of problems that have been studied for a long time,” he said.
To reach your goal of becoming a research psychologist, your educational pathway will be determined by the type of role you desire. If you envision yourself as leading a team in the pursuit of knowledge in psychology, you will need a doctoral degree. If you prefer a role as a contributing member of the research team, you can likely achieve your goals with a master’s degree and in some cases, a bachelor’s degree.
Explore the coursework involved at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels to ensure that is where you want to apply your academic time and effort. In addition to psychology and research methods, students preparing to be research psychologists should be ready to learn concepts in statistical programming, logic and data science since computers play a significant role in collecting and analyzing data, said Thrailkill.
Complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
A bachelor’s degree is the first requirement needed to become a research psychologist. Completion of a bachelor’s degree while attending school full-time on a traditional academic calendar takes four years. While opportunities for employment in research psychology are usually limited for bachelor’s-level graduates, you may find work as a research assistant with responsibilities such as contacting research participants for studies, said Thrailkill.
A bachelor’s degree in research psychology is not commonly offered. Since all psychology degrees involve research, it’s common for prospective research psychologists to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology as a foundation for graduate-level research psychology programs. A bachelor’s degree in psychology provides coursework in core psychology concepts and research methods as well as the mathematics and related skills you will need to plan, conduct and analyze professional research in psychology.
At this degree level, take advantage of opportunities to explore areas of research that may interest you. Get involved in research as early as possible by reaching out to professors who are doing work that intrigues you so you can get connected with a lab you enjoy, especially if you have to complete research to meet degree requirements, said Thrailkill. “Being able to cast a net in terms of making connections with professors and other students that will help you get into positions where you can get experience is a good first step,” he notes. “That’s what gets the ball rolling. It starts with following your interests.”
When choosing your degree, discuss your goals with an advisor from the psychology department. At the bachelor’s level, many schools offer the option of earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology or a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA). The primary difference between these two degrees is that the BS usually includes more extensive studies in mathematics and science, with more focus on statistics, lab work and research. Generally, the BS curriculum is better suited for students who plan to pursue careers in academia and research.
To fulfill the requirements of a bachelor’s degree, you may have to complete a practicum in psychological research, a capstone project and/or a senior thesis. You may also have a limited number of electives that you can use to explore areas of interest or expand skills in other areas.
Complete a master’s degree in research psychology.
A master’s degree in research psychology or a closely related field is the minimum requirement for most positions in research psychology. Earning a master’s degree in research psychology, more commonly referred to as an experimental psychology degree, can take from two to three years as a full-time student based on your study pace and program requirements.
“If you want to be part of a research team, as say a statistician or analyst, you can be a master’s level statistician who is working in a research or a business setting. I think at the master’s level, those are great positions in which you’re in research and you’re connected with research all the time,” said Thrailkill.
At this higher level of study, you may have the option to pursue a concentration such as behavioral psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology or industrial-organizational psychology. In addition to topics in your area of psychological interest, courses will focus on more advanced concepts in research methods and the mathematics skills you will need to plan, conduct and analyze professional research. As you progress toward your degree, you will work closely with an assigned advisor and/or mentor to establish your objectives and a research plan.
Depending on program requirements, you may also have to design, conduct and report on psychological research, present your research at professional events and/or complete a thesis with a successful oral defense.
When choosing a master’s program in research psychology, pay attention to available research opportunities and whether the program’s faculty are involved in research that interests you. While larger state universities and institutions associated with a medical school or medical center may offer the most research opportunities, smaller schools often work to make opportunities available by making connections to larger research institutions, said Thrailkill.
Complete a doctoral degree in research psychology.
Many research psychologists earn a doctoral degree in research psychology. “If you want to lead your own research group or laboratory in a university setting, then you have to go through a PhD program,” said Thrailkill.
This degree is typically completed as a PhD in Experimental Psychology. It can take five to seven years to complete a PhD, though this timing can vary based on the program and your rate of progress. To reduce your time to degree completion, some PhD programs allow you to earn a master’s degree at the same time as you earn your PhD.
A doctoral dissertation is typically required for a PhD. When selecting a degree program, seek out institutions where faculty are involved in the type of research you hope to pursue. Your work at this level can lay the groundwork for the type of research you conduct in your early career, so it’s important to ensure that you will have the type of support and mentorship that you need to reach your goals. Typically, a PhD student will work on multiple projects in addition to a main project related to their dissertation, said Thrailkill.
At this level of education, you will spend the majority of your time involved in research labs. You will work closely with a mentor who will guide you in developing the formal and informal skills you need to become a research psychologist. Doctoral-level candidates in psychology often work under the oversight of an advisory board or student advisory committee that tracks your progress, provides feedback and keeps the faculty informed of their work.
Begin your career as a research psychologist.
You’ll be ready to start your career as a research psychologist upon completion of an advanced degree. Research psychologists do not have to take a national psychology examination or secure a professional license to pursue jobs in this field as is required for clinical psychologists and counseling psychologists.
While a license is not required, a research psychologist who transitioned to research from clinical or counseling psychology would be licensed from their previous experience. These researchers tend to become very specialized and work on specific clinical problems where they might design clinical trials to develop interventions that could be used in clinics, says Thrailkill.
Research psychologists typically follow a career pathway that involves increasing responsibility and autonomy. “From studying as a PhD student, you normally move on to a post-doctoral position which is mostly a research-only position. From there, you develop more interests and more skills. That will hopefully take you into a junior faculty transition period where you’ll be establishing your own laboratory and continuing to develop those projects and seek funding for them. Eventually, you will have an established laboratory that is funded. Then, those projects continue your work and answer questions that you’re interested in,” said Thrailkill.
Researchers who are in the early stages of their careers, called “early career investigators,” are typically seeking grants through organizations such as the National Institutes of Health or private firms as they focus on establishing themselves as experts in their chosen research areas. They are usually seeking funding to get a project off the ground while receiving further education and mentorship from established researchers.
“It can be a pathway, in a sense, where you’re developing skills early on in graduate school and in postdoc and then putting those together to transition, usually through applying for faculty positions. Or, if you’re already in a larger laboratory setting or in a medical center, you’re applying for funding to transition into an independent researcher,” said Thrailkill.
Salaries for research psychologists
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not include information specific to research psychologists. However, the BLS category of psychologists (all other) includes salary data for all psychology specialties, such as research psychologists, not separately listed in the BLS.
10%$51,410
25%$73,820
50%$117,580Median
75%$145,200
90%$163,570
Median Hourly Wage$57
Job growth4.3%
Total Employment17,790
| State | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $134,370 | $66,630 | $159,620 |
| Arizona | $128,040 | $49,610 | $160,330 |
| Arkansas | $118,600 | $46,320 | $150,240 |
| California | $147,650 | $41,600 | $191,730 |
| Colorado | $118,640 | $69,010 | $150,770 |
| Connecticut | $132,040 | $42,010 | $153,880 |
| District of Columbia | $117,960 | $51,210 | $166,340 |
| Florida | $123,610 | $61,170 | $163,050 |
| Georgia | $113,730 | $53,500 | $161,600 |
| Idaho | $122,720 | $40,960 | $157,730 |
| Illinois | $81,270 | $32,830 | $162,330 |
| Indiana | $123,880 | $61,800 | $159,370 |
| Iowa | $123,740 | $44,420 | $156,750 |
| Kansas | $133,540 | $95,100 | $162,760 |
| Kentucky | $124,550 | $69,440 | $151,530 |
| Louisiana | $113,620 | $35,900 | $166,970 |
| Maine | $63,490 | $60,040 | $134,300 |
| Maryland | $123,490 | $52,170 | $181,210 |
| Massachusetts | $128,180 | $57,960 | $167,400 |
| Michigan | $78,670 | $38,430 | $148,240 |
| Minnesota | $110,190 | $54,840 | $141,130 |
| Mississippi | $111,430 | $33,470 | $157,210 |
| Missouri | $127,230 | $46,630 | $158,810 |
| Nebraska | $137,990 | $50,630 | $168,190 |
| Nevada | $144,390 | $44,450 | $164,550 |
| New Hampshire | $75,990 | $66,740 | $150,220 |
| New Jersey | $124,800 | $91,430 | $145,770 |
| New Mexico | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| New York | $113,730 | $47,490 | $157,910 |
| North Carolina | $137,130 | $48,570 | $167,590 |
| Ohio | $131,310 | $54,120 | $157,580 |
| Oklahoma | $147,010 | $38,000 | $174,600 |
| Oregon | $82,960 | $76,810 | $148,700 |
| Pennsylvania | $126,460 | $60,340 | $153,860 |
| Rhode Island | $111,310 | $30,510 | $163,090 |
| South Carolina | $135,950 | $54,570 | $161,450 |
| South Dakota | $128,560 | $33,470 | $165,280 |
| Tennessee | $135,570 | $72,280 | $156,330 |
| Texas | $81,830 | $60,210 | $161,180 |
| Utah | $90,270 | $42,610 | $150,110 |
| Vermont | $76,490 | $60,140 | $140,170 |
| Virginia | $125,630 | $50,170 | $167,630 |
| Washington | $120,080 | $62,350 | $150,530 |
| West Virginia | $41,900 | $29,180 | $142,690 |
| Wisconsin | $107,540 | $55,800 | $160,380 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
How does a research psychologist’s salary compare to other psychology professions?
Factors that impact salary
Research psychologists who have a PhD are qualified for the highest-paying positions with the most responsibility. Salaries for master-level jobs on the research team can reflect the fact that these roles have fewer decision-making and project-management responsibilities. Similarly, bachelor-level positions are likely to involve the lowest levels of compensation with the least amount of opportunity for growth or income increases.
While research psychologists can work on a consultant basis, the BLS does not include data on self-employed workers. However, being self-employed or working as part of a team in a consulting firm may offer the opportunity to pursue a wider range of positions than may be available for full-time employment.
Some types of post-graduate credentials can demonstrate your level of professional expertise and possibly increase your income potential. While there isn’t a specific license or professional certification applicable to research psychology, you may be able to earn certificates or other proof of having particular skills, such as mastery of specific software, said Thrailkill.
Where are research psychologists most in demand?
The job outlook for the broad category of all psychologists is promising. According to the BLS, there is a projected growth rate of 4.3% for all psychologists through 2034. This is twice the average projected growth rate for all U.S. occupations during that time.
The top 10 highest paying metro areas in the U.S. according to the BLS are as follows:
Places with the highest level of employment for psychologists include:
What being a research psychologist is all about
Being a research psychologist involves using scientific methods to examine questions and test hypotheses related to human thought and behavior. The subjects of this type of research are virtually limitless, with the potential to address issues involving brain activity, genetics, individual perception, cognition, behavior, interpersonal relationships and social interactions. Research psychologists also investigate broader cultural, economic, political and social factors.
The subjects of this type of research are virtually limitless, with the potential to address issues involving brain activity, genetics, individual perception, cognition, behavior, interpersonal relationships and social interactions.
Research psychologists may investigate aspects of typical functioning that involve how we make decisions and how we sense and perceive the world around us. They may also focus on processes that contribute to thinking and behavior and how they change in the context of mental health disorders.
“A lot of research is very collaborative. You often have several researchers that have their own main projects but they’re also collaborating with each other on projects that they can divide up and apply their expertise and background to new areas, team up on more complicated projects and make more progress in that way. It’s often a very fun part of it, getting to work in groups and teams and collaborating with others to make advances in terms of projects where you’re doing scientific research and collecting data but then also collaborating together to write papers,” said Thrailkill.
What you’ll do
While your responsibilities as a research psychologist can vary based on your position, employer and industry, research psychologists can perform the following tasks:
- Conceptualize, design and conduct psychological research.
- Assess and utilize common research designs and measurement tools in psychology. Be open to cutting-edge research methods emerging in the field.
- Perform and use data analyses for particular data sets.
- Mentor research assistants and graduate students.
- Consult with mentors to continue to pursue your own growth and education.
- Communicate research progress and results to individuals and organizations funding your project.
- Ensure that research remains on time and on track.
- Identify and apply to funding sources to continue independent research.
- Connect with other researchers to help you develop new ideas, new experience and new collaborations.
- Engage in scholarly and professional activities, including presenting research at formal and/or informal professional events such as conferences.
- Share research findings in outlets that include peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and lectures in academic settings.
What’s day-to-day like?
The day-to-day routine of a research psychologist can vary based on many factors such as your position, the industry involved and the progress of the project. “If you’re a research psychologist in an academic setting, your only expectation is to be doing research. So, you’re very much focused on that part of yourself. And, oftentimes, you’re completely supported by the funding that you are able to get for your research, such as grant funding from the National Institutes of Health, or a society or a private foundation,” said Thrailkill.
Generally, the day-to-day routine of a research psychologist is consumed by conducting the project as well as balancing all the administrative, project management and mentoring responsibilities that come with the role. “You spend a lot of time trying to develop the next generation of people and working with them and developing their skills. At the same time, you are trying to move forward the projects that you’re working on in a timely manner because the funders that are supporting your research need to see progress. So, you need to be on top of and responsible for the progress of the projects and for continuing to develop the projects in terms of either finishing them or transitioning them into the next project,” said Thrailkill.
What does this job look like from the practitioner’s perspective?
Research psychologists have the opportunity to be a part of science by contributing new information that can impact large groups of people. Their roles involve a combination of administrative and scientific responsibilities that can impact outcomes and others involved in the project.
Being a research psychologist offers personal and professional rewards that can range from realizing results to seeing mentored students succeed on their own. “There are a lot of interpersonal rewarding aspects of it, where you get to interact with colleagues that are excited about their work and they’re excited about your work. You also get to work with mentors. You never stop being mentored, so when you can make connections with folks that you look up to in the field that can support you, that is great,” said Thrailkill. “It is very fun to work on projects that you’re interested in, that you develop and find out new things. Research is really fun because you’re always being surprised by the outcomes and by the data that comes in.”
The work comes with challenges
However, being a research psychologist can also involve challenges. “The downside can be that it is a lot of work. There is a lot of time that you spend doing it. It can be very challenging especially when projects aren’t going well. There are things that come up that you have to work through that can be very challenging and difficult at times. Of course, you get through those and that can be very rewarding to see that you’ve gotten past that, so it is a sort of process all the time,” said Thrailkill.
Depending on their place of employment, research psychologists may also have the challenge of securing and maintaining funding. “It’s very difficult and it’s very competitive to get research funding. You’re competing with other laboratories that are out there. It’s very difficult, so you need lots of support around you to help you to give you feedback so you can improve on your projects. It can be a lot of pressure, say if funding is going to run out and there isn’t funding that is going to come through,” said Thrailkill “It can be really challenging but it can be fun in some ways, that you’re responsible for yourself and there’s a lot to take care of, but at the end of the day, you’re being successful at it, and that can be very rewarding.”
What does this job look like from a client’s perspective?
Research psychologists bring valuable skills in the analysis of data and statistics to many areas of industry, government and academia. “Understanding research is a skill. You develop that in research training, clearly in research psychology. So, places where it’s important to be able to communicate research findings to broader audiences is an area of demand for research psychologists,” says Thrailkill.
From a client’s perspective, research psychologists can provide value in roles such as medical science liaisons, due to their ability to interpret and communicate research for target audiences. “Companies that are developing products and doing research in medical developments need to be able to communicate those new developments to their target audiences such as medical professionals. Folks who are working as medical science liaisons will be able to take those findings and boil them down to an understandable presentation of their importance and relevance and still be able to answer more detailed questions about it because they’ll still have a research background available to them,” says Thrailkill.
University-based research psychologists contribute to the advancement and expansion of knowledge in the field of psychology. When published, their results can improve visibility and advance the reputations of sponsoring universities. This can often enhance student recruitment, improve faculty retention and attract new benefactors.
The skills (and competencies) you’ll need
A research psychologist needs a combination of personal and technical skills to succeed in this profession. If you’re considering a career as a research psychologist concentrate on strengthening these key skills:
- Teamwork:
- Research psychology is a collaborative process that involves working closely with colleagues on your research team as well as those from other organizations in a wide range of specialties.
- Research skills:
- Experience in how to conceptualize, design, conduct and analyze research is needed in all aspects of this role.
- Problem-solving:
- Whether in research or industry, a research psychologist must have the ability to handle problems when a project goes off-course, behind schedule or beyond budgetary limits.
- Project management skills:
- A research psychologist may work on projects that require sharp project management skills and an attention to detail to meet strict timelines, budgets and other non-negotiable criteria.
- Communication skills:
- A research psychologist must be able to communicate in understandable language across a range of professions, from fellow collaborating research psychologists to research assistants working in the lab.
- Ability to teach:
- While a research psychologist may not have responsibilities as an instructor, they are involved in teaching research assistants in the informal and formal aspects of research psychology.
- Critical thinking:
- A research psychologist must be able to interpret, evaluate and analyze facts and information to form judgments and create solutions.
- Objectivity:
- A research psychologist must be able to remain objective regardless of the results they obtain through research and analysis.
The tools and technology you’ll likely use
A research psychologist uses many different tools in designing, executing and analyzing research. Some common tools can include:
- Project management software
- Presentation software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Accounting software for budgeting
- Analytical or scientific software:
- Electronic data capture EDC software
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- InferMed MACRO Electronic Data Capture
- Minitab statistical software
- Qualitative analysis software
- SAS analytics, artificial intelligence and data management software
- StataCorp Stata
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Microsoft Office and/or other office programs for communication and project management
Similar job titles
Research psychologists can make contributions across many subfields, so job titles can vary based on the industry in which you work. Common job titles for a research psychologist include:
- Research psychologist
- Experimental psychologist
- College professor
- Medical science liaison
- Research scientist
- Health psychologist
- Cognitive psychologist
- Quantitative psychologist
- Industrial/organizational psychologist
- Consulting research psychologist
- Environmental psychologist
Depending on your interests, you may also find employment as an independent research psychologist offering consulting services. “Another area of interest is in policy, in taking these understandings you get from research, say all the research that is being done on health behavior and behavioral issues in society, and being also to take that information to inform policymakers about new laws. That type of work is very interesting,” said Thrailkill.
Work environments
While the focus of research is limitless, the type of research you perform may be influenced by factors such as your educational background, personal interests and area of employment. With so many diverse applications, you’ll have many options for potential employment as a research psychologist. You may find opportunities in the following types of workplaces:
- Academic institutions
- Medical centers
- Private consulting firms
- Computer software companies
- Non-profit research foundations
- Social media companies
- Government agencies
- Medical product manufacturers
- Medical research companies
- Consumer and industrial product manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical companies
Research psychologists remain a valuable asset to firms trying to fine-tune their approaches to marketing and customer connection. “A lot of businesses are interested in understanding how to connect with consumers in different ways and so psychology plays a huge role in those areas and has for a long time. So having this sort of research psychology background sets you up for being able to do that type of research in industry-type settings where you are trying to understand how to connect with your target demographic bases through surveys or through analysis of data or people’s interactions with content on the web and that sort of thing,” said Thrailkill.
Research psychologists are also in demand as organizations of all types work to impact human behavior. “Trying to develop new ways and understand the ways that we can influence positive changes to people’s behavior in the environment and understanding why misinformation spreads so fast and questions like that are of interest right now. Investigating social media and the effects of new technologies like artificial intelligence on people’s mental health and also their decision-making are other areas of interest,” said Thrailkill.
How to make yourself stand out as a candidate for a research psychologist job
Depending on factors such as your geographic location, professional interests and experience, getting the job you desire in the field of research psychology may be competitive. Standing out as a candidate for a research psychologist job requires presenting your education, experience and areas of expertise in a way that reflects your years of lab research and how it relates to the position you seek.
Research psychologists can demonstrate their professional experiences through publication records, membership and involvement in professional organizations, awards received in recognition of their work and records of conference presentations, said Thrailkill.
Professional organizations and resources
Local, regional and national professional organizations can help you connect with like-minded professionals and benefit from a wide range of resources that can be valuable at every stage of your career. As a member, you’ll have a chance to learn about different roles and emerging research as well as connect with potential collaborators and mentors. Member benefits can include continuing education, mentorship/career planning support, job boards and professional meetings and conventions.
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. Members include doctoral-level psychologists and students who work in settings that include academics, research, private psychology practice, K-12 schools, hospitals, business and many other industries.
Division 3 (Society for Experimental Psychology and Cognitive Science), American Psychological Association (APA): The mission of this special interest group of the APA is to promote research and teaching in the general field of experimental psychology and its subdisciplines, stimulate the exchange of information among its members and support experimental psychology through research, advocacy and policy.
Division 21 (Applied Experimental and Engineering Psychology), American Psychological Association (APA): This special interest group of the APA is open to APA members and students. Members include research scientists and practitioners who study human interaction and involvement in a wide range of areas including industrial workplaces, energy/transportation systems and medical/healthcare settings.
Association for Psychological Science (APS): This organization is dedicated to advancing scientific psychology across disciplinary and geographic borders. It is the scientific home of thousands of leading psychological science researchers, practitioners, teachers and students from around the world.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is state licensure typically required to work as a research psychologist?
A research psychologist does not have to earn and maintain state licensure. This requirement is usually reserved for clinical and counseling psychologists as a way to ensure the public that these psychologists are providing professional services.
Do research psychologists need a PhD?
While you can work on a research team with a master’s degree, the role is likely to involve less responsibility than a research psychologist. A PhD is typically required to work as a research psychologist.
Do research psychologists work with people face-to-face?
Research psychologists are not clinical practitioners unless they made a transition from clinical psychology to research psychology. A research psychologist who wants to provide counseling would likely have to pursue additional psychology degree, pass a national psychology exam and earn state licensure to pursue clinical or counseling psychology.