The Best Online Associate in Psychology Programs 2024

An associate degree in psychology can be parlayed into many professions. The ability to understand the mind is essential in a variety of fields. Possible careers include teacher’s aide, family advocate, correctional officer, home care aide, youth counselor, or social services assistant.

To earn an associate degree in psychology, students must complete a minimum of 60 credits. Usually this translates into two years of full-time coursework. Graduates often go on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

If you’re interested in helping others, an associate degree in psychology can be a stepping stone to a fulfilling career.

An online associate degree in psychology typically requires a minimum of 60 credits. You can typically graduate this program in two years. Some programs may offer self-paced or part-time options.

These programs focus on general education and foundational courses in psychology. An associate degree in psychology typically does not require internships, practicums, or labs beyond standard coursework. Degree concentrations are uncommon for associate degrees in psychology.

You can choose between an associate in arts (AA), an associate in science (AS), or an associate in applied science (AAS) degree in psychology. The AA degree will have humanities and theoretical concepts as cornerstone content. The AS or AAS degrees will include more math and science coursework.

If you demonstrate integrity, collaboration, leadership, and information management, you may do especially well in online psychology programs.

Admissions requirements for an online associate in psychology degree program vary by school and specific program. Most programs require an application and proof of high school graduation or a GED certificate. Some programs also ask for high school transcripts, a minimum GPA, standardized test scores, or work experience. Here are the most common requirements:

An online associate in psychology degree can prepare you for a bachelor’s program in psychology. This type of degree can also be a stepping stone to careers in many fields, from psychiatry and medicine to education, research, and social services.

Many of these fields are growing: Jobs for social and human service assistants are projected to grow 8% from 2023-2033, according to the BLS. This is much faster than the average projected job growth in that period of 4%. The BLS also projects that jobs for psychiatric technicians and aides will likely grow 13%.

Many graduates with an associate degree in psychology go on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Those who earn an associate degree in psychology can also choose to pursue degrees and certifications in counseling.

Many degree programs allow you to transfer credit from an associate to a bachelor’s program. With a credit transfer, it is possible to finish a bachelor’s degree in psychology in an additional two years or less. This is also a cost-saving strategy as two-year schools often have lower tuition rates than four-year colleges and universities.

At the bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. level, you may specialize in various areas of psychology such as clinical, educational, counseling, organizational, or forensic psychology.

In addition to bachelor’s and master’s degrees, associate degree holders can earn psychology-specific certifications. These include mental health or psychological first aid.

Cost is a major deciding factor for many students. Online programs often have lower total costs than in-person programs. Of course, you’ll want to factor in fees, books, transportation, technology, and other expenses to estimate the true program cost. In-state public institutions and community colleges are usually the least expensive choice.

Depending on your school, you may be able to choose between full-time or part-time programs and synchronous and asynchronous program formats. Accelerated programs make it possible to complete an associate degree in under two years. An asynchronous online degree program offers flexibility to earn a degree while working full time.

Even in an online program, some students prefer a nearby college. Many schools also offer hybrid learning. In this case, choosing a location with an easy commute becomes more important. If the program has an on-campus requirement, you’ll need to account for travel time and costs. These requirements vary by program.

Program accreditation is important. Look for institutional and programmatic accreditation. Students can search for their program to ensure the associate degree in psychology is widely accepted. An accredited associate degree will allow you to transfer your credits to a four-year bachelor’s program. It is also more valued in the workforce and can open higher-paid positions.

Strong student services support every part of student life. Consider whether a program offers mentorships, career services, tutoring, internships, alumni connections, or other student services.

Online students should have access to much of the same resources and materials as on-campus students. This is especially valuable for online students who do not have in-person networking opportunities.