For every focus within psychology, psychologists primarily work around the questions and subjects within that focus.Cognitive psychologists, for example, focus on how cognitive processes like memory and language acquisition shape how we see the world and make decisions. Biological psychologists blend psychology and neuroscience to study themind-body(or mind-brain) connection. Evolutionary psychologists - well, you can probably guess they have something to do with studying evolution and psychology.

This focus within psychology can be controversial, although (and because) it relies on a scientific theory that not everyone accepts, for some people, that makes evolutionary psychology a focus to stay away from. For others, this is extremely appealing. If you are of the latter group, a career in evolutionary psychology may appeal to you. Read on for information about what an evolutionary psychologist does, how to become one, and where to start engaging with this specific focus.

What does an Evolutionary Psychologist Do?Job RequirementsSalary (How Much Do Evolutionary Psychologists Make?)Schools for Evolutionary Psychology DegreesCompanies That Hire Evolutionary PsychologistsEvolutionary Psychology and Anthropology: A Convergence of FieldsInterviews with an Evolutionary PsychologistFamous Evolutionary PsychologistsEvolutionary Psychology Examples

What does an Evolutionary Psychologist Do?

Job Requirements

Salary (How Much Do Evolutionary Psychologists Make?)

Schools for Evolutionary Psychology Degrees

Companies That Hire Evolutionary Psychologists

Evolutionary Psychology and Anthropology: A Convergence of Fields

Interviews with an Evolutionary Psychologist

Famous Evolutionary Psychologists

Evolutionary Psychology Examples

Evolutionary psychologists study how evolution and natural selection have influenced human behavior and personality. They look at traits that may have evolved or been left behind throughout human existence. They also examine how different instincts and problem-solving approaches have continued evolving our species.

Evolutionary psychologists typically spend their time teaching and researching different topics within evolutionary psychology. Companies or organizations that need psychologists typically want psychologists with other specialties. If this is the approach you want to take as a psychologist, it’s best to work directly under evolutionary psychologists and follow their path.

This means starting like any other psychologist - in academia. Psychologists usually earn a Ph.D. or PsyD in their field. There are many schools offering study specifically in evolutionary psychology.

Once you have obtained this degree, you may know your next steps and what other requirements you must fulfill. Most evolutionary psychologists go into research, which requires a degree and some experience working directly under researchers. Some state licenses and national boards require that you complete an internship and written examination. If you own a private practice, you may not need these credentials but find them useful as you work with clients. Writing a book on different topics within evolutionary psychology, for example, does not require licensure, but the credentials will help you in the long run.

The best way to immerse yourself in evolutionary psychology and explore its vast career opportunities is through a dedicated degree program. Here are ten schools that stand out in providing a robust education in evolutionary psychology, setting you on a path for a rewarding career:

Choosing any of these institutions will equip you with a deep understanding of evolutionary psychology, its methodologies, and its practical implications.

Your journey as an evolutionary psychologist will predominantly be rooted in academia. While some evolutionary psychologists extend their reach through platforms like podcasts, authoring books, or giving public talks, the core of their research and contributions largely take place within university walls. Some renowned academic institutions recognized for their pioneering research or significant contributions in the realm of evolutionary psychology include:

If you’re passionate about a career in evolutionary psychology, it’s advantageous to track the careers of leading figures. Observe how they’ve navigated their academic journey, expanded upon their theories, and disseminated their findings to the academic community and the general public. By aligning yourself with prestigious institutions and mentors, you can carve a meaningful and impactful path in evolutionary psychology.

Evolutionary psychology and anthropology often explore human nature, behavior, and development. Both fields seek to understand how our evolutionary past influences our modern behavior, albeit from slightly different angles. Evolutionary psychology focuses on cognitive processes and behavioral adaptations, whereas anthropology, especially physical or biological anthropology, studies human evolution, adaptation, and variation from a broader standpoint.

Overlap Between the Fields:

Career Examples in Both Fields:

While evolutionary psychology and anthropology have distinct methodologies and emphases, their shared objective is to decode the complex tapestry of human behavior. For aspiring professionals, an interdisciplinary approach, integrating principles from both fields, can provide a richer, more nuanced perspective on humanity’s evolutionary journey.

Not many evolutionary psychologists are practicing today, so the ones that do are more likely to make a name for themselves. We cannot mention figures in evolutionary psychology without mentioning Charles Darwin, the most well-known man for his theory of evolution. Although Charles Darwin was considered a naturalist, his theory laid the groundwork for evolutionary psychology.

Steven Pinkeris a Harvard professor and one of the most public voices in the field. He has written many books, spoken worldwide about evolutionary psychology, and was named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World Today.”

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Practical Psychology. (2021, June).Evolutionary Psychologist Career (Salary + Duties + Interviews).Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/evolutionary-psychologist/.Practical Psychology. (2021, June). Evolutionary Psychologist Career (Salary + Duties + Interviews). Retrieved from https://practicalpie.com/evolutionary-psychologist/.Copy

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