Best Online Associate in Psychology Programs

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.

There are several factors to consider when evaluating an online associate in psychology, including cost, program length, accreditation, and career outlook.

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.

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.

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.

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 13% from 2023 to 2033, 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 8%.

Source: BLS

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.

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.