In this ranking, we explore the top 10 online associate’s in psychology degree programs currently available. To apply the ranking method below, our editors consulted College Navigator. They used program information from each school’s website. Note that in cases of a tie, the more affordable school received the higher ranking.
Ranking Methodology for Associates in Psychology Online:
Tuition Points:
- Under $5,000—1 point
- Under $4,000—2 points
- Under $3,000—3 points
- Under $2,000—4 points
Customization Options
- Content Customizations (e.g. Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option
- Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option
Wow Factor
- 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
See Also: What Psychology Associates Degree Jobs are Available?
#10 – Tyler Junior College
Associates in Psychology Online
Website
Points: 2
Tyler Junior College offers a fully online associate’s degree in psychology program. The curriculum for this associate’s of art offering features TJC’s 44-credit hour core. It provides students with a strong general education foundation. General education classes include College Algebra, Introduction to World Religions, and Introduction to Ethics. Students must also earn 16 credits in their major by taking courses such as Social Problems, Drug Use & Abuse, Marriage & Family, and Minority Studies. This online associate’s psychology degree program prepares its graduates for further study or for entry-level positions in education, business, or the mental health field.
Tuition: $4,284
#9 – South Texas College
Associates in Psychology Online
Website
Points: 2
South Texas College offers an associate’s psychology degree online from its Department of Psychological Science. The program is comprehensive. It is ideal for students who wish to eventually transfer to a four-year university. The core curriculum mirrors the first two years of psychology study in a baccalaureate program. Alternatively, graduates can accept entry-level positions in counseling, social services, advertising, or business. Topics studied include:
- sensation and perception
- memory
- developmental psychology
- psychological disorders
- neuroscience
Tuition: $3,890
#8 – Bunker Hill Community College
Associates in Psychology Online
Website
Points: 3
Bunker Hill Community College’s associate of psychology online program is an Associate of Arts offering with a concentration in psychology. The program is offered through the Department of Behavioral Sciences. It features general education requirements such as College Writing, Quantitative Thought, World View, and Individual & Society. Concentration courses include:
- Principles of Psychology
- Introduction to Behavioral Research
- Adolescent & Adult Development
- Social Psychology
The curriculum also features a variety of humanities and liberal arts electives. Bunker Hill’s online associate’s in psychology students have the option to earn World Studies emphasis certification while simultaneously working towards their degree.
Tuition: $3,888
#7 – Amarillo College
Associates in Psychology Online
Website
Points: 3
Amarillo College’s online associate’s in psychology option is primarily designed for those students who plan to transfer to a four-year university after graduation to continue their studies in the field. This 60-credit hour program features foundational courses in psychology. This includes:
- General Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Lifespan Growth and Development
- Death and Dying
- Psychology of Adjustment
A strong general education component is also included. An interesting feature of this particular online associate’s psychology degree program is that it also features optional hybrid courses.
Tuition: $3,042
#6 – College of Southern Nevada
Associates in Psychology Online
Website
Points: 4
The online associate’s psychology degree from the College of Southern Nevada is an associate of arts program. It is primarily designed for students who wish to transfer to a bachelor’s program in psychology after graduation. As such, the program features a strong liberal arts core alongside core courses in psychology. Introduction to Statistical Methods, General Psychology, and Introduction to Research Methods are some core courses. This particular online associate’s in psychology offering also includes an impressive list of elective classes for students to choose from. These include intriguing titles like:
- Psychology of the Family
- Aging in Modern American Society
- Understanding Mental Illness
- Psychology of Dreams
Tuition: $2,910
#5 – Allen County Community College
Online Associates in Psychology
Website
Points: 4
Allen County Community College offers a versatile 64-credit hour online associate’s degree for psychology. There are several required courses, students must take. General Psychology, Sociology, Women’s Studies, and Public Speaking are examples. Students have ample opportunity to customize their studies to an area of interest through the selection of elective classes in psychology and social and behavioral sciences. Graduates of this offering may wish to transfer to a four-year university for further study in the field. Alternatively, they will be qualified for entry-level positions in clinical psychology, counseling, education, and social services.
Tuition: $2,850
#4 – Holmes Community College
Online Associates in Psychology
Website
Points: 4
Holmes Community College offers a quality, affordable online associate’s psychology degree from its Social and Behavioral Science Department. Enrolled students can choose to take classes entirely online or via a hybrid format. This combines traditional face to face classes with online classes. The curriculum consists of a robust general education core. It includes courses in English Composition, Foreign Language, College Algebra, and Computer Science. Featured psychology courses include:
- Social Problems
- Human Growth and Development
- Marriage & Family
- Child Psychology
Most graduates of this associate’s in program transfer to a four-year university for further study.
Tuition: $2,740
#3 – Alvin Community College
Associates in Psychology Online
Website
Points: 4
The online associate’s in psychology offering from Alvin Community College is a comprehensive AA in Psychology program. Students will fulfill general education requirements. They will also take core psychology courses such as:
- General Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Lifespan Growth and Development
Students will choose from several optional electives in psychology. Psychology of Adjustment, Adolescent Psychology, and Psychology of Personality are some of them. This associate’s in psychology online option also features an optional internship.
Tuition: $2,642
#2 – Coastline Community College
Associates in Psychology Online
Website
Points: 6
Coastline Community College offers two distinct associate’s of psychology online options. There is a traditional AA in Psychology major and an AA in Psychology transfer program. The major in psychology prepares students for entry-level positions in social service fields. The transfer program gives students a foundation of knowledge in psychology. They can build upon in a bachelor’s program in the field of psychology or a related field. Sample courses include:
- Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
- Psychobiology
- Child Growth and Development
- Lifespan Development Psychology
A grade of “C” or better in all courses is required for successful completion of this online associate’s in psychology program.
Tuition: $1,136
#1 – Foothill College
Associates in Psychology Online
Website
Points: 6
The online associates psychology degree offering from Foothill College is a comprehensive Associate in Arts program with a major in psychology. The 90-credit hour curriculum includes 15 units of core courses such as:
- General Psychology
- Elementary Statistics
- Research Methods & Design
Twenty units of support courses like Introduction to Biopsychology and Child and Adolescence Development are necessary. Social Psychology, and Introduction to Abnormal Psychology also meet this requirement. Online associates degree for psychology students may also customize their studies by choosing from elective classes like:
- Introduction to Women’s Studies
- Sociology of Gender
- Cultural Anthropology
Tuition: $1,551
Education Requirements for Entry-Level Jobs in Psychology
Many jobs are typically associate with psychology, such as counseling and research positions. They often need advanced degrees such as master’s and even doctoral degrees in psychology. Still, there are many employment opportunities for those with degrees in psychology. If you’re not sure whether the field of psychology is right for you, then an associate’s level education may be the place to start. This type of degree can help you get your feet wet, so to speak. You can find out whether psychology is a good fit for your interests and goals.
The good thing about online associate’s in psychology degrees is that they prepare students for two paths. Not only are there entry-level employment opportunities, but for further study in psychology and related fields. With this in mind, it’s hard to go wrong when earning a two-year degree in this particular subject area. If you discover that psychology is indeed for you, then you can enter the workforce immediately. Or, you can further invest in your education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree and even a postgraduate degree if you desire.
Types of Online Associate’s Psychology Degree Programs
There are different types of online associate’s psychology degree programs. That is why it’s important to do your homework before selecting a program to attend. One major difference is the type of associate’s degree you’ll receive after completing the program. Online colleges associate’s degree psychology programs culminate in one of the following degrees:
Associate of Arts (AA) in Psychology
Associate of Science (AS) in Psychology
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Psychology
Another factor that distinguishes one online associate degree from another is the format of the program. Many of the offerings in this field can be completed entirely online. However, some may require some minimal campus visits.
Another thing to consider is whether course material is delivered on a synchronous or asynchronous basis. Synchronous instruction occurs live via teleconference. This means students must log onto a learning platform in order to attend classes. Although this can be an effective means of content delivery, it is not always convenient for students who require flexibility. Asynchronous coursework can be completed at anytime. This makes it the more appealing option for most associates of psychology online students.
Prerequisites for an Online Associate’s Degree for Psychology
Online schools for an associate degree in psychology won’t just accept anyone into their programs. However, the prerequisites for admission aren’t particularly stringent either. Usually, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED in order for your application to be considered. In addition to this basic requirement, some online colleges offering an associate’s degree in psychology online may also ask that you submit other documents as well. ACT or SAT scores, letters of recommendation, and immunization records may be requested. In addition, you may be asked to write a personal essay or statement describing why you want to study psychology at the associate’s level.
Curriculum for Online Associate’s in Psychology Programs
Although there is some variation, most associates of psychology online programs follow the same basic curriculum guidelines. For instance, all such programs include a general education component. These courses provide students with basic knowledge in a range of subjects such as English, math, and foreign language. In addition to these general ed courses, the programs will include several core courses. These classes are major-specific. This means that they specifically address the field of psychology. They provide students with foundational knowledge and skills in the subject area. Finally, nearly all these programs will allow students to take a number of elective courses. These are classes that students choose to take as opposed to required courses, but there may be strings attached according to the program. For example, students may be required to choose their electives from a list of courses. Or, they may be required to take electives in a certain category such as humanities or social sciences, for example.
Formatting Options for Online Associate’s in Psychology Programs
Unlike more advanced degrees, most associate’s in psychology online programs can be completed entirely online. No campus visits are required. This format is ideal for students who work full-time and don’t have the time to make a commute to campus for classes. In some cases, online associate’s psychology degree classes may also be offered via a hybrid format. This means that some classes are offered online. Others, however, are delivered through traditional classroom instruction on campus. Some students need less flexibility or enjoy the interactivity of face-to-face classes. They may find this blended format more appealing than a completely online program.
Career Possibilities for Graduates of Online Associate’s Psychology Degree Programs
Online associate’s psychology degree graduates may be qualified for the following entry-level positions in psychology and related fields:
- substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
- social and human service assistants
- psychiatric technicians and aides
Career Spotlight for Associates of Psychology Online Graduates: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
One career option for associate of psychology online graduates is to become a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and/or mental health counselor. These professionals provide assistance and counsel for their clients who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction and mental health problems. They also see clients with eating disorders, and/or other behavioral conditions. Most substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors hold associate’s in psychology online degrees. They usually work under the supervision of counselors and therapists who hold more advanced degrees in the field. Their duties include assessing behavioral conditions and developing treatment plans. They also counsel clients and their families. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors as of May 2016 was $42,840. Note that this figure includes those counselors with bachelor’s, master’s, and even doctoral degrees. Those counselors with online associate’s in psychology degrees only may earn significantly less.
Career Spotlight for Associate’s in Psychology Online Graduates: Social and Human Service Assistants
Associates of psychology online students may want to enter the workforce immediately following graduation. They may choose to pursue careers as social and human service assistants. These entry-level professionals work under the supervision of social workers and psychologists. They provide assistance and coordinate services for needy populations. These populations may include:
- the homeless
- disabled individuals
- addiction sufferers
- children and families
- elderly people
- mental health patients
The specific duties of social and human service assistants can vary depending on the employer and workplace. These types of workers may assist social workers in locating the appropriate services for clients. They also help clients fill out the necessary paperwork required to receive services and ensure that services are provided.
Social and human service assistants don’t need an associate’s in psychology online to get a job. A high school diploma is sometimes enough, especially if the employer agrees to provide training on the job. Still, this credential can provide a competitive advantage when looking for employment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median wage for social and human service assistants is $31,810 per year, or about $15 an hour.
Career Spotlight for Associates of Psychology Online Graduates: Psychiatric Technicians and Aides
Graduates of online associate’s psychology degree programs may also go on to work as psychiatric technicians and aides. These professionals work in inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities. They work under the supervision of licensed physicians and psychiatrists. They are tasked with providing care to individuals suffering from mental illnesses. Their duties may include:
- providing meals and medications to patients
- monitoring patients’ condition and vital signs
- admitting and discharging patients
- cleaning facilities and bed linens
- bathing and dressing patients
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2016, psychiatric aides made an average of $28,670 a year or nearly $14 per hour. Psychiatric technicians earned slightly more.
Education Opportunities After Online Schools Associate’s Degree Psychology Programs
For many students, an online associate’s in psychology program is just the first step in a long academic career. In these cases, an associate’s degree program provides a broad liberal arts education. That makes a solid foundation for further study in not only psychology, but other fields as well. Many online associate’s psychology degree programs are transferrable to four-year universities. This can be the first step in bachelor’s degree programs. As mentioned, some students begin their study in psychology with an associate’s degree. They then may go on to earn master’s or even doctoral degrees in psychology or in related subject areas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Associate’s Psychology Degree Programs
Q: Can I complete my online associates psychology degree completely online?
A: Yes. Like most online associates degree programs, it is possible for associates of psychology online programs to be completed without any visits to campus. This can vary from program to program, however. Depending on the school, students may be asked to attend an orientation or participate in a lab, practicum, or internship in person. It is important to research attendance requirements before beginning an online program.
Q: Can I focus my online associate’s degree psychology program in a specific area of psychology?
A: Typically, no. Online associate’s psychology degrees are usually very general. They provide foundational knowledge and skills in the field of psychology. If you want to specialize in a specific area of the field, you may have to wait to do that in a bachelor’s degree in psychology program.
Q: How long will it take to complete an online associate’s psychology degree?
A: Typically, it takes two years of full-time study to finish the requirements these programs. Certain factors can affect your completion time, though. Opting to take classes on a part-time or full-time basis will make a difference, for instance.
Q: Will employers acknowledge my online associate’s in psychology degree?
A: Yes, as long as it is from an accredited institution. Online associate’s psychology degrees are equivalent to traditional two-year degrees in the field. Your degree won’t indicate that your coursework was completed online.
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