Dr. Bickford regularly teaches Introductory Psychology, Social Psychology, Personality Theory, and Psychology of the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Experience. He also mentors and supervises instructors in online teaching of psychology and often teaches online versions of his regular courses through the Division of Continuing and Professional Education. His specialty area is personality and social psychology, and his primary interest is gay and lesbian psychology. His past research involved the development of a multidimensional model and a corresponding self-report measure of sexual orientation as distinct from sexual identity (but Dr. Bickford is now focused on undergraduate teaching and is no longer active in research). His other interests include social cognition, social influence, self-concept and identity, and social stigma. Dr. Bickford's teaching style is heavily influenced by his passions for social justice, self-acceptance, and empowerment of the marginalized. Along with the traditional course content, he helps his students to learn to understand, accept, and stand up for themselves and others.

Dr. Bickford is also well regarded as an enthusiastic but terrible 5-string banjo player.