An associates in psychology is a versatile college degree that could help set you up for success in a variety of areas.
Whether you want a degree that prepares you for the workforce or gets you ready for more schooling, a psychology associates degree could be a strategic choice.
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To help you decide whether this is the program for you, let’s take a look at the course topics, the career opportunities, and the earning potential associated with psychology studies.
Online Associates in Psychology Degrees
Perhaps you’ve always enjoyed working with others. You may enjoy spending time with different people, getting to know their personalities, and learning more about the inner workings of their minds. If so, you might have your sights set on a career in psychology.
An online associate degree in psychology could be the first step toward achieving that goal. Psychology associates degrees are two-year college programs that introduce students to the basics of a field. Psychology is a popular choice for associate degrees because of its relevance. People’s thoughts and behaviors influence nearly everything in life.
Whether you want to work in business, counseling, law enforcement, education, or another field, your psychology classes may influence your work. In this program, you’ll learn about many different subfields of psychology, such as:
- Behavioral psychology
- Cognition and memory
- Lifespan development
- Personality theory
- Human services
- Social psychology
- Social science research and writing
In addition, you may learn practical skills, such as conflict resolution or introductory counseling strategies. Your college coursework may also provide an overview of career opportunities in psychology so that you can make a plan for what you’d like to do after graduation.
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Job opportunities for graduates might include being a school paraprofessional, a psychiatric or psychological aide, a police officer, or a human service assistant. Many entry-level jobs that don’t require a specific degree might welcome someone with your background. Several semesters of college study and a foundational understanding of human thought and behavior can be useful in a variety of sectors.
Getting an associate degree in psychology could also encourage you to keep going with your schooling. The work you do in your associate degree program could potentially put you halfway toward a bachelor degree, which could open up additional job opportunities. For example, some federal jobs in law enforcement or corrections might require a bachelor’s degree.
If you want to become a therapist or a psychologist, you might choose to go to graduate school for advanced degrees, such as a master’s degree or a doctorate.
Psychology Careers & Salaries
Studying psychology could help prepare you to work effectively with people. If you’d enjoy being with kids all day, you could pursue a job in a childcare center or as a classroom assistant. If you’d prefer to use your interpersonal skills for a job with adults, you could think about being a customer service representative or an administrative assistant.
You might be an especially fitting candidate for secretarial or administrative jobs in a counseling center or a social service organization. There are other jobs you could consider along those lines. An associate degree in psychology is usually sufficient training to work as an assistant in a social or human services organization. That can include community service agencies and residential facilities.
Home care organizations may have openings for health or personal care aides. There may be some on-the-job training in addition to your associate degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following list is representative of potential career paths you can consider with an associate degree in psychology.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Police and Detectives | $66,020 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | $49,720 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $47,920 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | $39,680 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $37,610 |
| Customer Service Representatives | $36,920 |
| Psychiatric Aides | $30,260 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $29,430 |
| Teacher Assistants | $29,360 |
| Childcare Workers | $27,490 |
If your eventual goal is to work as a psychologist, that job requires advanced degrees, at least a master’s degree, and usually a doctorate. The median annual salary for psychologists is $81,040 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Some associate graduates work as aides in psychiatric facilities, whether inpatient or outpatient. Psychiatric technician might be another career option, but it could require some training beyond an associate degree in psychology.
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In some cases, graduates psychology associates degrees are able to do related research. Some social science research assistants need only a few years of college experience. Finally, jobs in criminal justice could be another place where your psychology knowledge would be beneficial. You might have opportunities to work in law enforcement or corrections.
Associate of Arts in Psychology Curriculum & Courses
An associate degree program will include a variety of general education courses as well as specific courses on psychology-related topics so that you can gain an entry-level understanding of this field. Here are some course examples:
- Abnormal Psychology: In this class, you’ll learn about normal and abnormal thought patterns and behaviors, and you’ll study ways that clinical providers diagnose and treat mental disorders.
- Biology of Behavior: A course on behavioral science will explore how biological factors play a role in a person’s thoughts and actions.
- Conflict and Discrimination: There may be a class about problems that arise between people and ways that psychology professionals can help.
- Counseling Profession: You may spend time exploring counseling career paths and learning about the principles and ethics that guide this profession.
- Family Dynamics: This course could cover marriage and family relationships and provide an introductory overview of family therapy.
- General Psychology: An introductory psychology class can set the course for your future studies and introduce you to the foundational principles in this field.
- Human Development: This class will cover the human lifespan and the various growth and changes that take place physically and mentally.
- Personality Theory: You’ll learn about various theories of personality and consider how personality plays a role in thoughts, behavior, and psychological practice.
- Social Psychology: Your studies in social psychology will address people’s understanding of themselves and their social interactions and relationships.
- Social Science Research: You may take a class that introduces you to the principles and practices used in social science research.
Because Associate of Psychology programs typically require only 60 credit hours, your curriculum may not include all of these courses.
How to Choose an Online Associates Degree in Psychology Program
Many colleges offer online psychology programs. You may want to check out the following characteristics to help you select the right school for you:
- Accreditation. To make sure you get as much out of your educational investment as possible, it’s necessary to choose a regionally accredited school.
- Cost. Tuition can vary greatly among schools. Community colleges specialize in associate degrees, and they typically offer tuition discounts to local residents.
- Curriculum. Each school has its own unique course requirements, and some allow more space for electives. The psychology degrees available may include an Associate of Science (AS), an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS).
- Format. An online program may be full-time or part-time. Students might participate in live online classes or watch recorded material. Some colleges offer extra services, such as tutoring or clubs, for online students.
- Professional connections. A college with internship programs could be valuable for building your network. Some schools may also have career services departments that help you transition to the workforce as you approach graduation.
- Transfer opportunities. Some two-year colleges have articulation agreements with other schools so that graduates can seamlessly enter bachelor’s degree programs.
Different students have different priorities, so it’s helpful to consider your personal preferences as you pick your college.
Admissions Requirements
Pursuing an associate degree can be a beneficial way to try out the college experience and see if it’s right for you. First, though, it’s necessary to apply and be accepted. Here’s what you might need for the application process:
- Application form and a small processing fee
- Examples of college readiness, such as writing samples or reference letters
- Proof of high school graduation or GED certificate
- Scores from the ACT or SAT (not always required)
Many schools have admissions counselors who can guide you through the application process.
Accreditation
Regional accreditation is the mark of a credible school, so it’s helpful to prioritize it when searching for the right college.
Regional accreditation is granted by regional accrediting organizations that have been recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It is given only to colleges that meet specific standards of excellence.
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Regional accreditation is essential to your academic and professional future. Without it, your college credits may not transfer to other schools or help you transfer into a bachelor program. Employers, too, may be skeptical of a person’s workforce readiness if they did not receive their education from an accredited school.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Associate degrees require fewer credits than bachelor’s degrees, so they usually cost less. Also, associate degrees are often available from community colleges, which are known for lower tuition rates. Even still, you don’t have to count on lower costs as the only way to save on your education. You can also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you can get state or federal grants or loans.
Scholarships make a difference for many students as well. Sometimes, schools give them out directly. Other times, scholarships are administered by outside organizations. Some employers assist their employees in paying for school, too.
What Is a Psychology Associates Degree?
Psychology associates degrees are two-year undergraduate programs that give students an introduction to college-level psychology studies. In addition to psychology-focused courses, this degree program also includes a variety of general education courses.
The coursework for an associate degree is usually comparable to what’s covered in the first two years of psychology bachelor’s degree curricula. Graduates can often transfer their associate degree credits into bachelors degree programs. Then, they may be able to graduate with a bachelors after just 2 more years of study.
Is Psychology a Good Career?
Yes, psychology is a good career for many professionals. Many different jobs require understanding people and relating to them, and psychology studies can help you grow in these areas.
Some professionals who follow this career path end up in community service, business, education, or criminal justice organizations. You may be able to earn a reliable income working in this field. For example, correctional officers typically make between $34,600 and $79,340 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
If you continue your education, even more opportunities may be available. Many psychologists make $47,850 to $133,890. The median for industrial-organizational psychologists is $105,310 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What Can You Do with an Associate’s Degree in Psychology?
An Associate of Science in Psychology could help get you ready to work with people. Some graduates find work being a teacher’s aide, a childcare worker, or a customer service representative.
It could also train you for work in a helping industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, human and social service assistants are in demand. Potential employers include government agencies, nursing facilities, and rehab programs. Criminal justice opportunities could include working as a police patrol officer or a jailer.
Is Psychology Hard?
Studying psychology at the associate degree level will require you to study theories and think about how they apply to real-world people and situations. For example, you may have classes on behavior theory and personality theory.
Psychology courses often require a lot of reading and writing. It’s helpful to be a clear communicator, and you can develop your ability to conduct research and provide citations. People skills are also important in this field. Many psychology careers involve working with others.
In preparation, your college courses could include opportunities to refine your interpersonal skills. For instance, you might have class discussions or group projects.
Can I Get an Associates in Psychology Online?
Yes, online study can be a strategic option for people who want to study psychology. Online programs often allow you to earn your degree at your own time and pace. A growing number of universities offer fast psychology degrees online, designed to help you earn your degree in less time.
Many colleges offer online psychology associate degree programs, so you might have your pick of schools that are located fairly close to home or on the other side of the country. Plus, you can earn an online degree without compromising on quality. Accredited schools offer a robust education that’s similar to what’s provided in traditional college classrooms.
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The virtual format may allow you to watch lectures, complete assignments, engage with resources, and dialogue with your peers and professors.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Psychology Online?
With full-time enrollment, you can typically earn an associate degree in 2 years. This is considered the standard timeframe.
Online programs are often set up for quicker completion. Some people can finish online programs in about 18 months. Characteristics that often contribute to speedy completion include 8 week class terms and year-round course offerings.
If you’ve taken college courses before, you could look into transferring credits. The more coursework you transfer in, the closer you’ll be to graduation from the very beginning.
What Are the Highest Paying Jobs with an Associate’s Degree in Psychology?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social science studies can be helpful when working as a police officer. Most police and detectives earn between $40,420 and $105,540 each year. The median income for patrol officers is $64,610. Some universities offer online applied psychology degree programs for working police officers.
The research field can also be profitable for people with psychology training. The median annual salary for social science research assistants is $49,720. Working as a correctional officer is another career option with a steady salary. The median pay for that role is $47,920 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Federal government jobs pay the most but may require a bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience.
What’s the Difference Between an AS vs. AA in Psychology?
Your associate degree in psychology could be an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS).
| AA in Psychology | AS in Psychology |
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Whether an AA or an AS in Psychology is best for you will likely depend on your professional and educational goals.
Is an Online Associates Psychology Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online associates psychology degree is worth it for many students. The principles of psychology are relevant to many fields of work. Whether you’re interested in education, criminal justice, community improvement, or business, you may be able to apply the lessons learned in your psychology program.
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Some related career fields are also experiencing growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that positions for human and social service assistants will grow at a 17% rate over the next 10 years. Jobs for psychiatric technicians and aides could increase at an 11% rate.
Universities Offering Online Associates in Psychology Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Brescia University offers an online program for an Associate of Science in Psychology. The program is designed to prepare students for continued education in the university’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Master of Science in Clinical Psychology programs. Courses cover topics like cognitive, social, developmental, and abnormal psychology. The program can typically be completed in 2 years.
Brescia University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Brookdale Community College offers an Associate of Science in Psychology. The curriculum aims to develop students’ understanding of the key theories and principles of psychology, human development, scientific study and research, and the history of the field. This 60 credit program is housed entirely online and can typically be completed in 2 years.
Brookdale is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Cairn University offers an Associate of Arts in Psychology. The program is designed for students who want to incorporate their faith as they pursue careers in psychology-related and social services fields or continued education within the discipline. This 100% online program consists of 61 credits hours. Each class is 7 weeks long and asynchronous.
Cairn University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Casper College offers an Associate of Science in Psychology. The program boasts experienced faculty and a well-rounded curriculum. It covers subject areas such as human sexuality and development and social, clinical, forensic, and cognitive psychology. The program can typically be completed in 2 years of full-time study, and some classes are even offered in an online format.
Casper College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Colorado Christian University offers an Associate in Psychology program that is designed with working professionals in mind. The program is housed online, and classes are offered one at a time, allowing busy students to begin working toward their future. Students are permitted to transfer in approved credits, and the program can typically be completed in 2 years or less.
Colorado Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Community College of Philadelphia offers an Associate of Arts in Psychology. It is a 61 credit program, with most classes available for online attendance. Course options include Biological Foundation of Behavior, Developmental Psychology, Therapeutic Communication, Psychopathology, and more.
Community College of Philadelphia is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Drury University offers an Associate of Science in Psychology designed for individuals interested in careers in counseling, social work, education, therapy, and other related fields. The program requires the completion of 62 credit hours, which can typically be done in 2 years of full-time study.
Drury University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Florida Institute of Technology offers an online program for an Associate of Arts in Applied Psychology. The program is designed to prepare students for a variety of entry-level roles or further education in the field of applied psychology. The development of critical thinking skills, a broad understanding of psychological theories and methods, and competency in research and assessment are at the core of the curriculum.
Florida Institute of Technology is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Associate of Arts in Psychology program at Foothill College aims to teach students how to observe, assess, and apply psychological theories and methods to diverse behaviors. The curriculum consists of 90 credit hours of general education courses, core courses, support courses, and additional psychology electives, all of which can be completed online.
Foothill College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Georgia Military College offers an Associate in Psychology. The program aims to help students develop foundational knowledge of psychology that can be applied professionally or in future educational pursuits. Students can choose to pursue an Associate of Arts or Science. The program can be completed fully online and offers two start dates for incoming students each academic year.
Georgia Military College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Students who are passionate about understanding behavior and the function of the human brain may find an ideal fit in the Associate in Psychology program at Georgia State University. With pathways to an Associate of Art or Science and 100% online coursework, students can cater their education to their current needs and future plans.
Georgia State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges.
Liberty University offers an Associate of Arts in Psychology. The program is designed to give students an excellent baseline understanding of the psychology discipline and provide easier transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. On average, this 60 credit hour program can be completed in 1.5 years of full-time study, during which individual classes are usually 8 weeks long.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Monroe Community College offers an Associate in Psychology. The program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing careers as clinical psychologists, human services coordinators, art or music therapists, marketing researchers, or communications professionals. The curriculum consists of 64 credits and can be attended fully online.
MCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Point University’s Associate of Arts in Psychology program is an interdisciplinary program. It combines fundamental principles from sociology, statistics, writing, hard sciences, and anthropology in addition to a traditional foundation in psychology.
Students can attend entirely online from anywhere with an internet connection at any time. Up to 30 qualifying credits can be transferred in toward the program’s 60 required credits.
Point University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Regent University offers an online Associate of Science in Psychology program that combines a Christian worldview with the teaching of fundamental skills and knowledge used in psychology. This program requires the completion of 64 credits and covers topics such as research methods, personality theory, and cognitive, abnormal, and developmental psychology.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
South Texas College offers an Associate in Psychology. The curriculum covers essential topics, such as development, cognition, psychological disorders, therapeutic treatment, research, and statistics. It is designed to mirror the first 2 years of study found in most psychology bachelor’s degree programs to equip students for further education.
South Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
At the University of Maryland Global Campus, the Associate of Arts in Psychology program is designed with students’ needs in mind. It provides flexible online courses and allows students to transfer in up to 45 qualifying credits from outside institutions. This 60 credit program aims to develop students’ critical thinking, collaborative, and communication skills.
The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The University of the Cumberlands offers an Associate of Arts in Psychology. Graduates of the program often become social work assistants, personal care aides, psychiatric technicians, or psychiatric nursing aides. The program requires the completion of 61 credit hours and is housed entirely online.
The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Upper Iowa University offers an Associate of Arts in Psychology. The program is based on the standards set by the American Psychological Association. It covers core concepts in the discipline and seeks to prepare students for varied roles within the field. Students can attend in-person at one of several campuses, or they can select a fully online format.
Upper Iowa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
In additional to psychological fundamentals, the Associate of Arts in Psychology program at Waldorf University teaches students core concepts in a variety of psychology specialties. Students can typically complete this 60 credit program in 2 years of full-time attendance. Many qualify to continue to the psychology bachelor’s degree program at Waldorf upon graduation.
Waldorf University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Associate in Psychology Online.
Psychology is a fascinating field of study, and pursuing an associate degree in psychology could be a strategic place to start. As you work toward a psychology AA degree or AS degree, you can learn about lifespan development, abnormal psychology, and personality theory. You could also gain direction for your future school and career options.
Plus, all of this can be done online. If you’re a working college student or need flexibility for other reasons, online classes could be the solution. An accredited college will provide a solid online education that helps prepare you for the future.
You can start exploring accredited schools today to find the online psychology associate degree program that’s right for you.
