The Top Online Associate in Psychology Programs
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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.
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According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition cost of a two-year public college in 2019-2020 was $3,800 per year. The cost of an online associate degree in psychology is similar to on-campus programs. Online students can save on transportation costs and may be able to access in-state tuition rates even from another state.
If you're interested in helping others, an associate degree in psychology can be a stepping stone to a fulfilling career.
What Can I Expect From an Online Associate in Psychology Program?
Students often pursue an associate degree in psychology out of a desire to help others or to further research in psychology. If you enjoy problem-solving and have excellent communication skills, patience, and listening skills, an associate degree in psychology could be a good fit.
Students with facility in technology and who demonstrate integrity, collaboration, leadership, and information management may do especially well in online psychology programs.
An online associate degree in psychology typically requires a minimum of 60 credits. Full-time students can complete this in two years. Some programs may offer self-paced or part-time options.
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.
Students 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. Concentrations are uncommon for associate degrees in psychology.
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Popular Online Associates's in Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Associate in Psychology Programs
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Best Online Associate in Psychology Programs
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Liberty UniversityLocation
Lynchburg, VA
Tuition$27432
Graduation Rate50%
An evangelical Christian institution founded in 1971, Liberty now serves more than 100,000 students through its 17 colleges and schools. Liberty offers 600 areas of study, including psychology. Psychology undergraduates may pursue an online AA in psychology or psychology with an emphasis on Christian counseling.
Requirements for the psychology associate degree include 36-39 credits in foundational skills, such as English, math, and Christian life, and 24 credits for the major. Psychology course requirements include developmental psychology, introduction to research, and psychology of personality. Students interested in the degree in Christian counseling also take courses introducing Christian counseling.
Online classes at Liberty run for eight weeks and start eight times per year. Liberty provides electronic textbooks at no additional cost for undergraduates.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Arts in Psychology
School Status: Private
Available Concentrations: Christian counseling
Tuition: $390/credit
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Length: 1.5 years (average)Delivery
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: AsynchronousAdmission Requirements
GPA: 2.0 (for good standing)
Contact
Phone: (800) 424-9595
Email: luoundergrad@liberty.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Colorado Christian UniversityLocation
Lakewood, CO
Tuition$25031
Graduation Rate52%
Established in 1914, CCC serves more than 8,000 students, including more than 5,500 adult undergraduates enrolled in online programs taught from a Christian perspective. CCC typically offers online courses in five-week blocks, designed to take one at a time. Students may access the school's 60-credit AS in psychology online or in a hybrid format.
The psychology AS includes 30 general education credits in subjects like philosophy, Biblical studies, humanities, math, science, and English. Major core requirements include relational psychology, interpersonal relationships, transformational psychology, and behavioral psychology.
Applicants must submit a recommendation from a spiritual leader. Students may earn up to 45 credits for life experience or transfer up to 45 credits. Graduates may transfer their credits into CCC's BS in applied psychology.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Science in Psychology
School Status: Private
Tuition: $469/credit
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online or hybrid
Instruction Style: AsynchronousAdmission Requirements
GPA: 2.8 minimum
Standardized Tests: 21 ACT or 1460 SAT (1060 new SAT)Contact
Phone: (303) 963-3311
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
South Texas CollegeLocation
McAllen, TX
Tuition$1610
Graduation Rate22%
Founded in 1993, STC serves more than 31,000 students online and at five campuses in southern Texas. STC offers 123 degrees and certificates, including 36 online undergraduate programs that do not require students to come to campus. Associate degree options include a 60-credit, online AA in psychology.
Ideal for students looking to transfer to a four-year college, STC's psychology degree requires core courses in history, philosophy, government, and composition. Psychology classes offered include general psychology, social psychology, and statistical methods in psychology.
STC admissions remain open to any high school graduate. The school provides 24-hour online tutoring and gives every student three free hours of tutoring each semester. STC holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Arts in Psychology
School Status: Public
Tuition: $77/credit in-district; $87/credit in-state; $200/credit out-of-state
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: AsynchronousContact
Phone: (855) 468-6782
Email: support@southtexascollege.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Regent UniversityLocation
Virginia Beach, VA
Tuition$16779
Graduation Rate59%
A private, Christian university in Virginia, Regent serves nearly 11,000 students through online programs for adults age 24 and above and on-campus programs for traditional students. Regent offers a 64-credit online AA in psychology taught from a Christian perspective.
General education requirements for psychology majors include courses in the Bible and Christianity, economics, history, math, science, and literature. Psychology students take five eight-week online classes to complete the major, including theories of personality and research methods, and select from additional course topics in abnormal psychology, social psychology, and psychological assessments.
Online applicants must complete an admissions questionnaire and may submit unofficial transcripts. Psychology majors must complete half of their psychology credits at Regent and maintain a 2.0 overall GPA. The university caps tuition for military students.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Arts in Psychology
School Status: Private
Tuition: $395/credit
Credit Requirements: 64 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronousContact
Phone: (800) 681-5906
Email: psycounadmissions@regent.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Northeast Community CollegeLocation
Norfolk, NE
Tuition$8457
Graduation Rate48%
Northeast offers day, evening, and online classes through its main campus, three extended campuses, and two regional offices. Northeast provides 11 associate of arts degrees online, including a 60-credit, AA in social science.
Recommended core courses for the social science major include history, government, sociology, and economics. Northeast also requires general education courses in science, math, and English. Psychology course offerings at the school include lifespan psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology.
Applicants must submit transcripts for all schools previously attended. Services available to online students include tutoring, advising, career services, and counseling. Northeast reports a completion rate of 79.5% for eLearning courses.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Arts in Social Science
School Status: Public
Tuition: $99/credit in-state; $100/credit IA and ND; $139/credit out-of-state
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online or hybrid
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronousAdmission Requirements
Standardized Tests: ACT, SAT, or ASSET/COMPASS placement test scores
Contact
Phone: (402) 844-7260
Email: admission@northeast.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Sheridan CollegeLocation
Sheridan, WY
Tuition$8498
Graduation Rate41%
One of two campuses of the Northern Wyoming Community College District, Sheridan serves about 1,700 students through on-campus, online, hybrid, and video conferencing classes. Sheridan offers a social science associate degree entirely online and a psychology associate degree that students may complete partially online.
Sheridan's online AA in social science requires courses in anthropology, sociology, and psychology. Students interested in psychology may take psychology electives to fulfill requirements of the major, including forensic psychology, sports and exercise psychology, and educational psychology.
Resources available to online students include technical support, a collaborative search tool for online classes, an orientation to online learning, and online access to the library and bookstore. Some exams in online classes may require proctoring.
Program Overview
Program Name: Social Science AA
School Status: Public
Tuition: $139/credit in-state; $188/credit WUE; $337 out-of-state
Credit Requirements: 60-61 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Contact
Phone: (307) 675-0505
Email: admissions@sheridan.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook -
Casper CollegeLocation
Casper, WY
Tuition$6438
Graduation Rate37%
Founded in 1945 as Wyoming's first junior college, Casper College now offers more than 140 on-campus, entirely online, and hybrid degree and certificate programs, including a hybrid associate of science in psychology. Students may take 70% or more of their courses online. Graduates may complete their bachelor's degree through a transfer agreement with the University of Wyoming.
Casper's AS in psychology requires 32 credits of general education, such as math and English, and 29 credits in the major. Required psychology courses include research methods, developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Additional course topics include drugs and behavior and biological psychology.
Casper offers three start dates per year. Applicants may apply online and then submit placement scores and transcripts.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Science in Psychology
School Status: Public
Tuition: $135/credit in-state; $184/credit WUE; $333/credit out-of-state
Credit Requirements: 61
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: Hybrid (70% or more online)
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.0
Standardized Tests: ACT/SAT or placement scoresContact
Phone: (800) 442-2963
Email: admissions@caspercollege.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Upper Iowa UniversityLocation
Fayette, IA
Tuition$21630
Graduation Rate43%
Founded in 1857, UIU serves 5,200 students from more than 20 locations in the U.S. and Hong Kong. Program offerings include self-paced, online, dual enrollment, and professional development programs. UIU offers a 60-credit online associate of arts in psychology that requires students to earn at least 15 credits from the school.
The psychology major requires 36 general education and nine general elective credits, including one psychology class from each of the following categories: learning, individual differences, biological bases and behavior, developmental changes in behavior, and electives. Psychology course topics include social gerontology, personality, and motivation.
UIU offers a free online application. Online classes at UIU run eight weeks (six weeks in the summer). Enrolled students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Arts in Psychology
School Status: Private
Tuition: $488/credit
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: AsynchronousAdmission Requirements
Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT
Contact
Phone: (800) 553-4150
Email: info@uiu.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Northwest Iowa Community CollegeLocation
Sheldon, IA
Tuition$10070
Graduation Rate65%
Located in Sheldon, Iowa, NCC offers 60-credit associate degrees online. Students take courses on campus one day per week and complete all remaining requirements online. NCC graduates may benefit from transfer agreements with several colleges, including the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.
Associate degree requirements at NCC include 45 credits of general education and 15 elective credits from any area, such as psychology. Students must complete at least 15 credits at NCC. Psychology course offerings include introduction to psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, social psychology, and educational psychology.
After completing an application, prospective students must submit official transcripts. After being accepted, students may apply for financial aid and must submit placement test scores before enrolling in courses.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Arts with Transfer Major in Psychology
School Status: Public
Tuition: $189/credit
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online, on-campus, or combination
Instruction Style: AsynchronousAdmission Requirements
Standardized Tests: ACT or ACCUPLACER placement tests
Contact
Phone: (800) 352-4907
Email: admissions@nwicc.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Saint Joseph's College of MaineLocation
Standish, ME
Tuition$27221
Graduation Rate63%
Located on the shores of Sebago Lake outside Portland, Maine, SJC offers a private, Catholic education to about 1,000 on-campus students and 2,500 online students. Online undergraduates may select from among 11 degree options, including an AS in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in psychology.
The SJC associate degree requires 24 general education credits in English composition, history, religion, human nature, environmental science, and social science. Requirements for the psychology minor include psychopathology, lifespan development, learning theories, and social psychology. All interdisciplinary studies students also complete a capstone course in which students apply their knowledge to professional situations.
SJC offers rolling admissions and a free online application, or students may complete the Common Application. Students must earn at least 25% of the 66 credits required for an associate degree at SJC through the college.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Psychology Minor
School Status: Private
Tuition: $356/credit
Credit Requirements: 66 creditsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: AsynchronousAdmission Requirements
Standardized Tests: Optional
Contact
Phone: (800) 752-4723
Email: onlineadmissions@sjcme.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Southwestern Assemblies of God UniversityLocation
Waxahachie, TX
Tuition$25171
Graduation Rate44%
Home to three colleges, SAGU offers 60 programs in 14 areas of study, including behavioral sciences, taught from a Christian perspective. SAGU offers 15 online undergraduate programs for students interested in psychology and related subject areas, such as counseling, human services, and social work. At the associate degree level, SAGU offers a 100% online, 63-credit associate degree in psychology.
General education courses required for Psychology majors include English, American history, biology, and math. Students must also complete 12 hours of Biblical studies. Required psychology courses include introduction to counseling, psychology of selfhood and the Christian faith, developmental psychology, and theories of personality.
SAGU students may earn up to 45 credits for life experience in experiential learning credits. SAGU applicants must show evidence of a born again spiritual experience.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate Degree in Psychology
School Status: Private
Tuition: $499/credit
Credit Requirements: 63
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous and synchronousAdmission Requirements
GPA: 2.0 minimum
Standardized Tests: SAT/ACTContact
Phone: (888) 937-7248
Email: info@sagu.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Bucks County Community CollegeLocation
Newtown, PA
Tuition$6908
Graduation Rate20%
Southeastern Pennsylvania's Bucks County Community College offers 21 online programs, including an entirely online AA in psychology - interpersonal emphasis designed for transfer to a four-year college. The degree requires 60 credits of general education and psychology courses.
Course requirements for the psychology major at Bucks include biology, communications, English composition, and math. Psychology majors must also take introduction to psychology, psychology of personal awareness, introduction to group dynamics, and at least two psychology electives on topics like addiction or human sexuality. Course lengths vary from six weeks to 15 weeks.
Bucks offers a free online application. Some online courses require free proctored testing. The school's fitness center remains open to students, alumni, and employees at no cost.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Arts Psychology Interpersonal Emphasis
School Status: Public
Tuition: $165/credit in-county; $330/credit out-of-county; $495/credit out-of-state
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: AsynchronousAdmission Requirements
Standardized Tests: Placement tests (may be waived)
Contact
Phone: (215) 968-8052
Email: online@bucks.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Cossatot Community College of the University of ArkansasLocation
De Queen, AR
Tuition$5306
Graduation Rate44%
UA Cossatot operates campuses in De Queen, Nashville, and Ashdown, Arkansas, and offers eight associate degrees online. As an articulated 2+2 program with Southern Arkansas University and the University of Central Arkansas, the school's online AS in psychology meets transfer requirements for several four-year colleges, including Arkansas Tech.
UA Cossatot's 60-credit psychology program requires English, math, and general education state core credits in addition to requirements for the major. Psychology requirements include personal and community health, sociology, general psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and biology.
UA Cossatot offers open enrollment and reduces textbook fees through the use of rented books and open educational resources. The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Science in Psychology
School Status: Public
Tuition: Range from $74-$92/credit
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
Standardized Tests: ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACER placement tests
Contact
Phone: (800) 844-4471
Email: AskFinancialAid@cccua.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Cerro Coso Community CollegeLocation
Ridgecrest, CA
Tuition$11565
Graduation Rate26%
Serving a vast, four-county desert region in eastern California, CCCC offers 19 online associate degrees, including a 60-unit AA for transfer in psychology. Psychology remains one of the top majors at CCCC, where students benefit from guaranteed admission into the California State University system upon graduation.
CCCC's psychology major requires completion of courses in statistics and biology, general education courses, and psychology. For several required courses, CCCC offers honors options. Psychology course offerings include physiological psychology, abnormal psychology, lifespan development, and human sexuality.
CCCC boasts a 68% success rate in online classes. Applicants must submit transcripts only if asked to do so.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Arts in Psychology for Transfer
School Status: Public
Tuition: $46/unit in-state; $275/unit out-of-state
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronousContact
Phone: (760) 384-6100
Email: cc_ar@cerrocoso.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Laramie County Community CollegeLocation
Cheyenne, WY
Tuition$6650
Graduation Rate28%
With campuses in Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming, LCCC offers 85 associate degree programs and serves more than 6,000 students annually. LCCC provides associate degrees online in 14 areas of study, including psychology. Psychology majors may pursue an AA or AS degree that qualifies for transfer to a four-year school, such as the University of Wyoming.
Both the AA and AS degrees require 19 credits in psychology, including general psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Additional course offerings include research methods and psychobiology. LCCC offers psychology majors an optional concentration in social work that includes an introductory course in social work.
The LCCC online application is free. Applicants must apply two weeks before the start of courses.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Science/Associate of Arts in Psychology
School Status: Public
Available Concentrations: Social work
Tuition: $148/credit in-state; $197/credit WUE; $346/credit out-of-state
Credit Requirements: 60-61 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online and hybrid
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronousAdmission Requirements
GPA: May be used for placement
Standardized Tests: ACTContact
Phone: (800) 522-2993
Email: LearnMore@lccc.wy.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Western Oklahoma State CollegeLocation
Altus, OK
Tuition$6969
Graduation Rate29%
Started as a junior college in 1925, WOSC now serves more than 1,200 students from a main campus in Altus, Oklahoma, and online. The public state school offers 19 associate degrees, including a fully online AA in behavioral science. WOSC offers on-campus, blended, hybrid, and online classes.
Designed to fulfill the requirements for the first two years of a bachelor's degree, WOSC's associate in behavioral science includes 38 hours of general education courses and 24 hours of behavioral science electives. Recommended classes in the major include personality theories, developmental psychology, social psychology, and marriage and family.
Students must submit official transcripts for all schools previously attended, but may start their first semester before all documents arrive. Online students may take proctored tests online or at a testing center.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Arts in Behavioral Science
School Status: Public
Tuition: $140/credit
Credit Requirements: 62 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online and hybrid
Admission Requirements
Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT (may be waived)
Contact
Phone: (580) 477-2000
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
University of the CumberlandsLocation
Williamsburg, KY
Tuition$17588
Graduation Rate33%
Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, UC offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including an online associate degree in psychology. Grounded in Christian values, UC serves more than 800 online undergraduates and a total student body of more than 11,000.
UC's 61-credit psychology degree requires 31 general education credits, 18 core courses, and 12 credits of electives. Core psychology courses include human development, introduction to counseling, social psychology, research design, and the psychology of personality. Students may select from a wide variety of electives.
UC offers the same tuition rate to all online students, regardless of residency status. Online student resources include one-on-one tutoring and virtual workshops. The school holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Psychology
School Status: Private
Tuition: $199/credit
Credit Requirements: 61 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
GPA: 2.0
Standardized Tests: ACT (may be waived)Contact
Phone: (800) 343-1609
Email: gradadm@ucumberlands.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Life UniversityLocation
Marietta, GA
Tuition$27453
Graduation Rate33%
Located in Marietta, Georgia, Life University serves more than 2,500 students annually and offers 20 degree programs. Life offers three online bachelor's degrees and an online associate degree in health and wellness for students interested in positive psychology and promoting wellness-centered lifestyles.
The 97-credit health and wellness degree requires core courses in communications, humanities, and social sciences as well as wellness requirements. Psychology courses that may satisfy degree requirements include research methods, positive psychology, and developmental psychology. Additional course offerings include psychology of adjustment and psychology of excellence.
Students must complete 25% of their required coursework at Life University and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Life University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Science in Health and Wellness
School Status: Private
Tuition: $258/credit
Credit Requirements: 97 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: AsynchronousAdmission Requirements
GPA: 2.0
Standardized Tests: ACT, SAT, or ACCUPLACERContact
Phone: (800) 543-3202
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Union County CollegeLocation
Cranford, NJ
Tuition$3268
Graduation Rate30%
New Jersey's first community college, UCC, boasts a 78% course completion rate. The school's distance learning opportunities include online and hybrid classes. UCC offers a fully online, 60-credit AA in psychology that qualifies for transfer to a four-year college.
UCC psychology majors follow a recommended sequence of courses that includes general education courses in English, history, math, and science as well as psychology courses in personality and research methods. Additional course offerings include educational psychology, child psychology, abnormal psychology, and current issues in psychology.
UCC provides an online student advisor and online tutoring. The school holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Overview
Program Name: Psychology, AA
School Status: Public
Tuition: $2,640/semester in-county; $5281/semester out-of-county/state
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Admission Requirements
Standardized Tests: SAT (if available)
Contact
Phone: (908) 709-7000
Email: info@ucc.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Monterey Peninsula CollegeLocation
Monterey, CA
Tuition$9266
Graduation Rate30%
A public California community college, MPC offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including 14 degrees that qualify students for transfer to California State University. MPC's online AA transfer degree in psychology requires completion of 60 transferable units.
In addition to general education courses, MPC psychology majors complete online courses in general psychology, research methods, biological psychology, social psychology, and lifespan development. Additional course offerings include the psychology of women and abnormal psychology. Students may also select face-to-face courses to complete degree requirements.
MPC offers a variety of student resources online, including a free online application, online counseling, an online education help desk, and an online scholarship website. MPC holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer
School Status: Public
Tuition: $46/unit in-state; $311/unit out-of-state
Credit Requirements: 60 units
Program Length: 2 yearsContact
Phone: (831) 646-4020
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Odessa CollegeLocation
Odessa, TX
Tuition$7180
Graduation Rate30%
Located in Odessa, Texas, OC offers more than 120 associate degree and certificate programs and boasts more than 50 transfer agreements. To earn an associate degree at OC, students must complete 60 credits and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Core course requirements include English, math, science, and government classes.
OC's AA in psychology requires courses in general psychology, chemistry, social psychology, child psychology, and human sexuality. The college offers courses in a variety of formats, including completely online through OC or a partner college, weekend classes, and through live video conferencing.
OC's transfer core curriculum qualifies for acceptance at any Texas institution. The school's foundation offers a variety of scholarships. OC holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Arts in Psychology
School Status: Public
Tuition: $91/credit in-district; $141/credit out-of-district; $173/credit out-of-state
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous and synchronousAdmission Requirements
Standardized Tests: TSIA, ACT, SAT, or STAAR
Contact
Phone: (432) 335-6400
Email: wranglerexpress@odessa.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Merced CollegeLocation
Merced, CA
Tuition$9406
Graduation Rate25%
Founded in 1962, California's Merced College offers 82 associate degree programs and more than 300 online classes. Merced lists two associate degrees in psychology among 22 degrees offered with half or more of the required courses available online — a psychology AA and an associate of arts degree for transfer.
Designed for students who want to learn more about psychology but who do not plan to transfer, the AA degree requires completion of an 18-units psychology major. After an introductory course in psychology, students select from electives, including human development, human sexuality, and abnormal psychology. Students earning the transfer degree must complete 60 transferrable credits.
Merced's psychology club provides information on transfer and career options in psychology. The school holds accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Overview
Program Name: Psychology AA or Psychology AA-T
School Status: Public
Tuition: $46/unit in-state; $307/unit out-of-state
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online and hybrid
Instruction Style: Synchronous and asynchronousContact
Phone: (209) 384-6000
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Truckee Meadows Community CollegeLocation
Reno, NV
Tuition$8479
Graduation Rate30%
Based in Reno, Nevada, TMCC serves more than 25,000 students from 25 locations. TMCC offers nine 60-credit, fully online associate of arts degrees designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year college, including an AA in psychology. Enrolled students may also begin work on an addiction studies minor available at the University of Nevada-Reno.
TMCC's psychology associate degree requires students to complete general education coursework and psychology courses, including general psychology, research methods, and abnormal psychology. Additional psychology course offerings include child psychology and social psychology.
TMCC psychology students must complete 15 credits at the college and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Degree-seeking students must complete college-level English and math in their first year.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Arts in Psychology
School Status: Public
Tuition: $103/credit
Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: AsynchronousAdmission Requirements
Standardized Tests: ACCUPLACER, ACT, or SAT placement tests
Contact
Phone: (775) 673-7111
Email: admissions@tmcc.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Cowley CollegeLocation
Arkansas City, KS
Tuition$912200.00%
Graduation Rate34%
Established as a junior college in 1922, Cowley now serves more than 4,500 students. Cowley offers more than 80 majors and degree programs, including 30 online associate degrees. Students interested in psychology may enroll in the school's AA in psychology transfer pathway.
Cowley's 62-credit psychology program requires 39 credits of general education, including basic skills classes, nine hours of humanities, and nine hours of social sciences. Students select from courses like developmental psychology and cognitive psychology to complete their recommended electives. Cowley encourages students planning to transfer to a four-year institution to inquire about specific classes required to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology.
Cowley offers a free online application for admission. The school holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Overview
Program Name: Associate of Arts in Psychology
School Status: Public
Tuition: Ranges from $57/credit in-county; $68/credit in-state; $116/credit out-of-state
Credit Requirements: 62 credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100% online
Instruction Style: AsynchronousAdmission Requirements
Standardized Tests: Placement tests or SAT/ACT
Contact
Phone: (800) 593-2222
Email: admissions@cowley.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter -
Georgia Military CollegeLocation
Milledgeville, GA
Tuition$6870
Graduation Rate24%
Established in 1879, Georgia Military College now serves more than 16,000 students each year, 4,000 fully online. GMC offers all associate degrees online, including an AA and AS in psychology. GMC associate degrees require approximately 70 quarter credits for core courses plus five psychology concentration courses.
Psychology classes offered at GMC include human growth and development, psychology of adjustment, educational psychology, and abnormal psychology. Psychology students also study research methods in the behavioral sciences. Students wishing to transfer their degree to a four-year college may benefit from one of GMC's 49 transfer agreements.
Students with at least 23 GMC credits who transfer may reverse transfer the credits needed to complete their associate degree while studying for their bachelor's degree at another college. GMC offers open admissions and in-state tuition for all students.
Program Overview
Program Name: AA or AS in Psychology
School Status: Public
Tuition: $158/credit
Credit Requirements: 90 - 99 quarter credits
Program Length: 2 yearsDelivery
Format: 100%
Instruction Style: AsynchronousAdmission Requirements
Standardized Tests: Placement tests or ACT/SAT
Contact
Phone: (800) 342-0413
Email: olcadmissions@gmc.edu
Social Media Accounts: Facebook; Twitter
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Associate in Psychology Program?
General Psychology
General psychology gives students an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include sensations, perceptions, abnormal behavior, and research methods. After the course, students should be able to describe major concepts of psychology, including human development, social behavior, and learning.
Childhood Psychology
Childhood psychology covers the development and behavior of infants, children, and adolescents. Topics include environmental influences, gender roles, language, genetics, and personality development. By the end of the course, students should understand theories, research, and cultural perceptions related to childhood development.
Abnormal Psychology
Abnormal psychology examines various psychological disorders. Topics include the clinical, theoretical, and experimental perspectives on psychopathology. The legal and ethical issues associated with treatment are also discussed.
Developmental Psychology
Developmental psychology covers the study of human growth and development throughout the lifespan. Discussions cover social, psychosocial, physiological, and cognitive development from prenatal stages to death. Course objectives include understanding major theories and research in human growth and development.
Social Psychology
Social psychology explores how group dynamics affect individuals' emotional well-being, behavior and cognitive functions. Topics include implicit bias, prejudice, social behavior, and diversity. Social psychology also explores cultural influences, attitude formation, and decision-making.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Associate in Psychology Program?
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:
- Application essay: Programs that require one or more essays look for applicants who reflect individuality, reflection, and deep thinking.
- Standardized test scores: Some programs require SAT or ACT scores, while others set minimum exam score requirements.
- Letters of recommendation: Programs may ask applicants for recommendation letters from teachers, supervisors, or colleagues to confirm students' college readiness.
- Work experience: Many programs value relevant work experience and may even offer credit for experiences related to courses offered.
What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Psychology Degree?
Career Outlook
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 17% from 2020-2030, according to the BLS. This is much faster than the average projected job growth in that period of 8%. The BLS also projects that jobs for psychiatric technicians and aides will likely grow 11%.
As of May 2020, median annual salaries for professionals in common career pathways for associate-degree holders in psychology were as follows:
- Psychiatric Technician: $33,140
- Mental Health Counselor: $47,660
- Family, Child, or School Social worker: $48,430
See where an associate in psychology degree can take you. Learn more about psychology careers.
Career Paths
Psychiatric Technician or Aide
Psychiatric technicians or aides work in healthcare settings including psychiatric hospitals and mental health facilities. Responsibilities focus on caring for individuals with disabilities or mental illness. This career requires a lot of time on your feet. Job opportunities are projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030.
Median Annual Salary: $33,140
Assessment Specialist
Assessment specialists work in educational or business settings to create learning or employment assessment materials. Tests include student placement exams and employee performance or suitability assessments. Some assessment specialist positions may require an internship or previous experience.
Average Annual Salary: $59,770 (as of February 2022)
Correctional Officer
Correctional officers oversee those awaiting trial or who are sentenced to prison. Correctional officers can choose to work with juvenile offenders or may also serve the general public.
An associate degree in psychology can open more senior positions. The number of correctional officer jobs is projected to decline from 2020 to 2030.
Median Annual Salary: $47,440
Teacher's Assistant
Teacher's assistants work with teachers to give students additional instruction and personal attention. If you're considering a career in teaching, becoming a teacher's assistant can provide valuable experience. Teacher's assistant positions are available at all levels of education. The BLS projects an average 9% job growth from 2020-2030.
Median Annual Salary: $28,900
Social and Human Service Assistant
Social and human service assistants can work in psychology, rehabilitation, or social work. Activities include helping clients find services and benefits or assisting social workers. These jobs are available with nonprofits, companies, and government agencies. The BLS projects a 17% growth rate from 2020-2030, which is much faster than average.
Median Annual Salary: $35,960
Psychology Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Continuing Education
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.
How Do I Choose an Online Associate in Psychology Program?
Cost
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.
Program Format
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.
Location
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.
Accreditation
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.
Student Support
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate in Psychology Programs
Is an associate degree in psychology worth it?
Yes, an associate degree in psychology is worth it. With an associate degree in psychology you are qualified to enter the workforce. Credits from an associate degree can often be transferred to complete a bachelor's degree in psychology or counseling. Earning an associate degree before transferring to a bachelor's program can often save you considerable tuition expenses.
If you want to earn an associate degree in psychology without traveling, you can pursue an online associate degree. Online degrees are rapidly gaining credibility and acceptance by both employers and students.
How fast can I get an associate in psychology degree online?
It usually takes full-time students about two years to complete an associate psychology degree online. The time to completion can be accelerated in some cases with additional coursework.
Online associate in psychology degree programs require all the same core courses and curriculum as on-campus degree programs. Some students prefer to enroll in an online associate degree program while working full-time.
Online programs may provide an asynchronous option that allows students to adapt classes to their schedule. With a full course load, they should still be able to complete the degree in two years.
Is an online associate degree in psychology credible?
Yes, an online associate degree in psychology is credible. Be sure to choose an accredited institution to enroll in the online degree program.
An accredited associate degree ensures that the online program adheres to national educational standards. Credits earned for an associate degree in psychology from an accredited institution are often transferable to a bachelor's program.
Some online associate in psychology programs are also accredited by the American Psychological Association. This accreditation is usually held by graduate-level programs, but can indicate the quality of program coursework.
How much money can I make with an associate in psychology?
How much money you can make with an associate in psychology degree will depend on the career path you choose. Work experience can also lead to increased salary over time. With online and part-time degree programs, you can even pursue further education while working, increasing earning potential.
Salaries can range from $28,900 as a teacher's assistant to $48,430 in family, child, or school social services, according to May 2020 median salary data from the BLS. The average salary for assessment specialists was $59,770, according to Payscale data from February 2020.
Is an associate degree in psychology in demand?
Many jobs that you might pursue with an associate degree in psychology are currently in demand.
According to the BLS, teacher's aides, research assistants, assessment specialists, and psychiatric technicians are projected to experience above-average job growth between 2020-2030. Social and human service assistant jobs are projected to increase 17% in that same time frame, which is much higher than average.
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