Why Researchers Choose The Career Development Quarterly for High-Impact Publications
The Career Development Quarterly stands as a cornerstone in the field of career development and services, offering researchers a platform to disseminate innovative findings on vocational psychology, counseling practices, and workforce transitions. Established as the official journal of the National Career Development Association and published by the American Counseling Association, it has been a vital resource since 1952. With a focus on empirical research, theoretical advancements, and practical applications, The Career Development Quarterly attracts submissions from scholars worldwide who aim to influence policy, education, and professional practice in career guidance.
Researchers value The Career Development Quarterly for its rigorous peer-review process, which ensures high scholarly standards and relevance to contemporary challenges like career adaptability in a changing job market. The journal's impact factor of 1.6 (2022 Clarivate Analytics) reflects its influence, placing it among respected outlets in counseling and psychology subfields. Its scope encompasses diverse topics, from multicultural career interventions to technology's role in career planning, making it ideal for interdisciplinary work. Articles often explore how career development theories apply to underrepresented populations, enhancing the journal's prestige in promoting equity.
Publishing in The Career Development Quarterly offers visibility through indexing in major databases like PsycINFO and Scopus, reaching over 2,000 institutions globally. The journal's hybrid open access model allows authors to opt for broader dissemination without mandatory fees for non-open access. For those navigating academic careers, contributing here bolsters CVs and opens doors to collaborations. As career landscapes evolve with automation and remote work, the journal addresses timely issues, ensuring publications remain cited for years.
To elevate your research profile, consider submitting to The Career Development Quarterly today. For guidance on academic opportunities, explore higher education job listings that align with your expertise in career services.
Overview & History
The Career Development Quarterly traces its roots to 1952, when it debuted as the official publication of the National Career Development Association under the American Counseling Association. Initially focused on vocational guidance, it evolved to cover broader career development themes amid societal shifts like industrialization and globalization. Key milestones include its adoption of empirical methodologies in the 1970s and emphasis on diversity in the 1990s. Today, it publishes four issues annually, featuring original research, reviews, and practitioner-oriented articles that bridge theory and practice in career counseling.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The Career Development Quarterly emphasizes research on career choice, development, and intervention across lifespan stages. It welcomes studies on assessment tools, program evaluations, and policy implications in career services.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Career Counseling | Therapeutic approaches to career decision-making and transitions. |
| Vocational Psychology | Theories of work satisfaction, motivation, and adjustment. |
| Workforce Development | Training programs and labor market analyses. |
| Multicultural Career Studies | Equity in career opportunities for diverse populations. |
| Educational Career Guidance | School-based interventions for student career planning. |
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 1.6 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 1.8 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| CiteScore | 2.4 | Scopus 2022 |
| h-Index | 45 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | N/A |
Indexing and Abstracting
The Career Development Quarterly is indexed in PsycINFO, Scopus, ERIC, and EBSCOhost databases, ensuring wide accessibility. It is also abstracted in MLA International Bibliography and ProQuest, facilitating discovery by researchers in psychology, education, and social sciences. These affiliations enhance citation potential and global reach.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, The Career Development Quarterly offers traditional subscription access alongside optional open access. There are no article processing charges (APCs) for standard publication; open access incurs a fee of approximately $2,500, waivable for authors from low-income countries. Membership in the American Counseling Association provides discounted subscriptions.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Manuscripts are submitted via the ScholarOne platform at the journal's official site. Guidelines require APA 7th edition formatting, blinded reviews, and abstracts under 150 words. Initial screening checks for fit with scope, followed by double-anonymous peer review averaging 3-4 months. Revisions are common, with final decisions within 6 months. Ethical standards align with ACA code, emphasizing originality and conflict disclosure.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises experts from leading institutions like the University of Missouri and University of Maryland. Editor-in-Chief Lisa Y. Flores specializes in multicultural career development, guiding the journal toward inclusive scholarship. Associate editors cover quantitative methods and international perspectives, ensuring diverse expertise.
Why Publish in The Career Development Quarterly?
Publishing here advances career development knowledge while building author credentials. With a targeted audience of counselors and educators, articles influence practice directly. The journal's stability and association with ACA provide long-term archival value. Researchers benefit from rapid online publication post-acceptance and promotional support via social media.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Career Development Quarterly | 1.6 | Career counseling and services | American Counseling Association |
| Journal of Career Development | 2.1 | Vocational behavior | SAGE |
| Journal of Vocational Behavior | 4.5 | Work psychology | Elsevier |
| Career Development International | 2.3 | Global career management | Emerald |
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your work with current calls, like digital career tools.
- Use robust samples and validated measures for empirical papers.
- Highlight practical implications to appeal to the journal's audience.
- Seek pre-submission feedback from colleagues in academic networks.
- Check academic calendars for conference alignments.
Internal links distributed: Explore higher ed jobs, tenure track roles, adjunct opportunities, PhD-level positions, counseling careers, psychology faculty, education roles, career services positions. External: Official Journal Homepage, Scopus.