Understanding the human mind is an essential skill in many fields. An associate degree in psychology can open the door to many career options in fields such as education, health care, social work, counseling, and human resources.
An online associate degree in psychology typically takes around two years of full-time study and provides a foundation for pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology and more advanced psychology degrees.
Read on to learn more about online associate degrees in psychology and find the right fit for you.
Associate in Psychology Highlights
An associate degree in psychology degree will provide you with the foundational knowledge of psychology and can serve as a stepping stone toward earning your bachelor's degree.
These programs typically take around two years to complete.
An associate degree in psychology can qualify you for entry-level positions in several fields, such as teaching assistant, research assistant, or psychiatric technician.
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Top Associate in Psychology Programs
Why You Should Get an Associate in Psychology
Foundational knowledge: An associate degree in psychology will provide you with a foundational knowledge of psychology and can typically satisfy prerequisites for a bachelor's degree.
Complementary to other degrees: If you are unsure of what you want to study long-term, an associate degree in psychology can prepare you for a degree in many fields, such as education and business.
Low financial and time commitment: An associate degree is typically more affordable than other degree programs and takes two years to complete.
Benefits of Getting an Associate in Psychology Online
More than 80% of online college students and program graduates say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus, according to our 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report.
According to our survey, 90% of online associate degree students and graduates say their degree will have or has had a positive return on investment — and 95% say they would recommend online education to others.
100% of online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
How to Choose the Best Associate in Psychology Program for You
There are several factors to consider when evaluating an online associate in psychology, including cost, program length, accreditation, and career outlook.
How Much Does an Associate in Psychology Cost?
Psychology, 2019-2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$2,332
Avg. Net Price
$1,138
Source: NCES PowerStats
During the 2019-2020 academic year, the average tuition and fees for an online associate degree in psychology were around $2,300, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). However, when considering grants and scholarships, the average net price decreased to around $1,100.
You can explore several options to help lower the cost of a psychology degree, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), loans, grants, work-study programs, and scholarships.
Students pursuing their associate degree in psychology may also be able to access scholarships through their local community college and organizations in the field, such as the American Psychological Association.
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How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate in Psychology?
Typical # of Credits
60 Credits
Typical Program Length
2 Years
An associate degree in psychology typically requires around 60 credits and is completed in around two years of full-time study. Some programs may offer self-paced or part-time options that are more flexible but take more time.
An associate degree in psychology typically does not require internships, practicums, or labs beyond standard coursework. Degree concentrations are also uncommon for associate degrees in psychology.
Associate in Psychology Application Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent
Accreditation for Associate in Psychology
When considering an online associate in psychology program, research whether the school has institutional accreditation.
An associate degree from an accredited institution 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. Students can search for their school on the Department of Education website to ensure their associate degree in psychology is accredited.
What Can You Do With an Associate in Psychology?
An online associate in psychology degree can prepare you for a bachelor's program in psychology. You can also use it as a stepping stone to careers in many fields, from psychiatry and health care to education, research, social services, and business.
Pietrucha suggests looking "for programs that have good graduation and job placement rates, as well as faculty, that are accessible to support your goals."
According to the BLS, jobs for psychiatric technicians and aides are projected to grow 16% from 2024 to 2034, more than triple the average growth rate for all occupations. The BLS also projects that jobs for social and human service assistants will increase by 6%.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Technicians or Aides | $42,200 | Care for individuals with disabilities or mental illness, usually in healthcare settings like psychiatric hospitals or mental health facilities. |
| Correctional Officers | $57,950 | Oversee those awaiting trial or who are sentenced to prison |
| Teacher Assistants | $35,240 | Work with teachers to give students additional instruction and personal attention |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $45,420 | Work in psychology, rehabilitation, or social work. Help clients find services and benefits or assist social workers |
| Social Science Research Assistants | $56,400 | Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, or other social science research |
Source: BLS
Is an Associate in Psychology Worth It?
An associate degree in psychology is worth it for students interested in pursuing a career in psychology or a related field. An associate degree in psychology qualifies you to enter the workforce and can save you time and money if you decide to pursue a bachelor's degree in psychology or counseling.
"An associate degree in psychology would be worth pursuing for someone who has an interest in the psychology field or helping professions," says Megan Pietrucha, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist, "but maybe is not yet certain what they want to do for a career in the field."
An online associate degree in psychology allows you to earn an associate degree on a more flexible schedule without the need to travel to a physical campus. In our 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 100% of online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates said they would recommend online education to others.
Education Beyond an Associate in Psychology
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 transferring credits, it is possible to finish a bachelor's degree in psychology in an additional two years or less. This may also save you money, as two-year schools often have lower tuition rates than four-year colleges and universities.
Students pursuing advanced degrees in psychology at the bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. levels can specialize in various areas of psychology, such as clinical, educational, counseling, organizational, or forensic psychology.
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate in Psychology Programs
The best degree to get in psychology varies depending on your career aspirations. An associate degree in psychology will allow you to enter the workforce and prepare you for earning your bachelor's degree.
A bachelor's degree in psychology will provide you with the knowledge and skills for further psychology education, such as a master's or doctoral degree. A master's in psychology can lead to licensure or certification in a specific area of focus, while a doctorate in psychology emphasizes scientific research and clinical practice.
