Launching your journey into the fascinating world of psychology is within reach, even with a busy schedule. This article explores the top ten online Associate’s degrees in Psychology, providing you with a flexible and affordable springboard to begin understanding human behavior. From general programs to those with a focus on specific areas, this article will point you towards the best options to kickstart your path towards a fulfilling career in psychology.
To rank the top programs, our editors consulted College Navigator. They also used program information from each school’s website. Please note that in the case of a tie, the more affordable school received the higher ranking. A detailed explanation of the ranking process can be found at the end of the article.
See Also: What Psychology Associates Degree Jobs are Available?
#10 – Western Wyoming Community College
Associate of Arts in Psychology Online
The online associate’s degree program at Western Wyoming Community College is a program that can be completed entirely online. It’s a two-year degree that requires the completion of 60 credit hours. The program is designed to be a doorway to an exciting career as a therapist, counselor, or one of many other related options. It could also work well as a transfer program for someone who would like to continue their education and earn a further degree in psychology or a related field at a college or university. This program is very versatile, as it is intended for students interested in teaching, medicine, law, social work, business, or any number of human services professions. These could include mental health, nursing, child care, or criminal justice. Financial aid is available for this program.
Tuition: $5,993
#9 – Sinclair College
Associate of Arts in Psychology Online
Sinclair College offers an associate’s degree program in psychology that can be completed entirely online. This degree program works as a great option for someone who would like to enter the workforce immediately after earning just their associate’s degree. The program at Sinclair College prepares its graduates for entry-level positions in fields such as mental health, education, or community service. This degree program can also work as a transfer program. Students must complete the requirements of the Ohio Transfer 36 in order to graduate.
The 60 credit curriculum includes exciting courses such as:
- Social Psychology
- Abnormal Psychology
- Human Development
- Personality Psychology
- Current Psychological Theory and Practice
Tuition: $5,830
#8 – Central Wyoming College
Associate of Arts in Psychology Online
The two-year psychology degree at Central Wyoming College is one of their programs offered that can be completed 100% online. This psychology program prepares students for easy transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in either psychology or another related field, such as social work, human services, or other social services. Students must take a total of 60 credits to complete this program. This online psychology program provides a strong foundation in the understanding of human behavior as well as internal mental processes. Online students at Central Wyoming College have easy access to their professors, and are encouraged to keep up communication with them through online discussion forums, phone, and email.
Tuition: $5,494
#7 – Clovis Community College
Associate of Science in Behavioral Science Online
The associate’s degree in behavioral science at Clovis Community College is designed for those who want to help others by entering the field of psychology. The exciting degree program can be completed entirely online. It provides a solid foundation in psychology and it is designed to work as a gateway to future studies, such as a four-year degree program in psychology, social work, or behavioral health. The program requires the completion of 60 total credits. It typically takes 4 semesters to complete. Students can choose between a wide variety of electives to complete their required credit hours.
The following are some of the topics that this program covers:
- Intro to psychology and its related branches
- The study of the brain and behavior
- Child and adolescent psychology
- Developmental psychology
Tuition: $5,034
#6 – Amarillo College
Associates in Psychology Online
Amarillo College’s online associate’s in psychology program includes optional hybrid classes.
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: $4,903
#5 – Central New Mexico Community College
Associate of Arts in Psychology Online
Central New Mexico Community College offers an exciting online program in psychology. This program studies mental, social, and biological processes related to both typical and atypical behavior. The school offers this program entirely online as well as in a hybrid format. Students can also choose to complete this flexible program either part-time or full-time. It can also be started during any term of the year, which is a great option for someone wanting to get it done in a timely manner. The 60 credit program was designed to be a transfer program. The curriculum covers some important topics such as:
- nervous system function
- human development
- memory
- the role of the mind in physical health
- individual behavior in social contexts.
Tuition: $4,742
#4 – Lansing Community College
Associate of Arts in Psychology Online
At Lansing Community College, students can earn an online associate’s degree in psychology. This is one of the school’s few programs that can be earned completely online, without having to ever step foot onto the campus. The program is designed as a transfer program for those who plan to continue their education and earn additional degrees in the field. Students in this program will satisfy the course requirements for the Michigan Transfer Network as well as qualify for an LCC Transfer Studies Certificate of Achievement. This will make transfer into a four-year college a very easy process. There are multiple entry points each year for the psychology program. Additionally, financial aid is available.
Tuition: $4,371
#3 – South Texas College
Associates in Psychology Online
South Texas College’s online associate’s degree in psychology program prepares students for baccalaureate study.
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: $1,692
#2 – Copiah Lincoln Community College
Associate of Science in Psychology Online
The online psychology associate’s degree program at Copiah-Lincoln Community College is offered as part of the school’s social science division. Through this program, students can earn an associate of science degree and choose psychology as their area of concentration. The program requires the completion of 63 credit hours, and it is usually completed in four semesters. This exciting program can be completed entirely online.
The first year of the curriculum consists mainly of general education courses, along with a few basic psychology courses. The second year offers more psychology courses, as well as four electives that can be chosen by the students. Copiah-Lincoln takes part in a system of Mississippi universities. This makes it quite easy to transfer, for those students who wish to continue their education and earn further degrees in the field of psychology.
Tuition: $4,879
#1 – North Central State College
Associate of Arts with Psychology Focus Online
North Central State College offers our top online associate’s degree program in psychology. This 62 credit program can be completed entirely online. It typically takes about two years to complete. The courses that make up the curriculum provide a very strong foundation in both psychology and general education. The program was designed primarily for those who are planning to transfer to another school to continue their education and pursue a bachelor’s degree, and maybe even a master’s degree. However, the program also works well for those who hope to enter the workforce sooner with just an associate’s degree.
This affordable online program prepares its students for this by offering educational experiences as well as exposure. Important skills are taught, such as office assistance and administration, tutoring, research assistance and public relations. All courses in the online psychology program meet the requirements of the Ohio Transfer Module and Transfer Assurance Guides. There are also many four-year colleges and universities that have transfer agreements in place with North Central State College. This makes transfer very easy for those who wish to continue their education.
Tuition: $3,885
Ranking Methodology for Associates in Psychology Online:
A – Tuition Points:
- Under $7,000—1 point
- Under $6,000—2 points
- Under $5,000—3 points
- Under $4,000—4 points
B – Program Quality Points
We scored the program quality based on the average of two other statistics provided by the College Navigator website: graduation rate an student teacher ratio.
- Graduation rate:
- over 10% – 1 point
- over 20% – 2 points
- over 30% – 3 points
- over 40% – 4 points
- Student – Teacher Ratio
- 30:1 and lower – 1 point
- 25:1 and lower – 2 points
- 20:1 and lower – 3 points
- 15:1 and lower – 4 points
These two measurements of program quality were average and combined with the score from the tuition to arrive at our ranking. In cases where two schools’ scores were tied, the school with the lower reported tuition was ranked higher
Education Requirements for Entry-Level Jobs in Psychology
There are many jobs typically associated with psychology, such as counseling and research positions. These jobs often require the completion of an advanced degree such as a master’s or even a doctoral degree in psychology. Still, there are many employment opportunities for those with only a bachelor’s or an associate’s degree 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 in the field, so to speak. Through this entry-level degree program, you will be able to find out whether or not psychology is a good fit for your interests and goals.
The good thing about an online associate’s degree in psychology is that it can prepare students for two paths, so they don’t need to have a complete plan before beginning their studies. Not only are there entry-level employment opportunities, but students will also be well on their way to pursue further study in psychology or any related field. 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 of the ways that the degrees can differ from one another 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
Any of these degree programs will work well for either the workplace or for a transfer program.
One of the factors that can distinguish 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. Luckily, more and more schools are choosing to offer degree programs that can be completed entirely online. Every school highlighted on this list offers an associate’s degree in psychology that can be completed 100% online.
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 any time. This makes it the more appealing option for most of the associates of psychology online students.
Prerequisites for an Online Associate’s Degree for Psychology
Online schools for an associate degree in psychology won’t necessarily accept just 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, depending on 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 some of the 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 therefore they likely 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 2023 was $53,710. 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. The school profiles in this article explain clearly how much of the program can be completed online.
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 will most likely need 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 of 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. Many schools offer accelerated options if you are willing to study in the summer, and many schools have a maximum amount of time to complete a degree program. 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 will most likely need to wait to do that in a bachelor’s degree in psychology program.
Q: Will employers acknowledge my online associate’s in psychology degree?
A: Yes, absolutely, 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 will not in any way indicate that your coursework was completed online..
Related Resources:
This concludes our ranking of the top 10 online associate’s in psychology degree programs.
Article updated May 2024
