Associate's Degrees in Psychology
If you're interested in studying psychology but don't have the time or the finances to pursue a more advanced degree, consider earning your associate's degrees in psychology. While a more advanced degree is required to work in most psychology fields—you need a Ph.D. just to earn a license to practice psychology—an associate's degree can still lead to many career opportunities.
For example, many students use their associate's degree as a steppingstone to earning their bachelor's degree. Others may choose to enter the work force after earning their associate's degrees, pursuing entry-level positions in a variety of job fields.
Positions Available for Associate Degree Holders
Although most psychology fields require more advanced degrees, an associates degree in psychology can open doors to a variety of career opportunities, such as:
- business careers: An associates degree in psychology provides students with a solid foundation in group dynamics, human behavior and communication skills. These skills can open the door to business careers in human resources, corporate training, sales, customer service and management.
- government jobs: The government is one of the few employers that offer entry-level jobs in the psychology field without the need for a bachelors degree or higher. If you have at least 24 credit hours in psychology and one course in statistics under your belt, you likely qualify. Expect a lot of competition for these jobs since the requirements are so low.
- health and social service careers: Graduates of a psychology associates degree program can sometimes find jobs in hospitals, schools, drug-treatment facilities and social-service agencies.
Coursework for Associate's Degree in Psychology
Degree requirements vary by college, but students interested in pursuing an associate's degree in psychology should be prepared to take courses in:
- anatomy
- cognitive psychology
- communication skills
- composition
- developmental psychology
- general psych
- human behavior
- learning and memory psychology
- math
- public speaking
- social psychology
- social sciences
- statistics.
Graduates with an associate's in psychology will have a basic understanding of human behavior, how the brain works and how humans respond to situations. Even if the student doesn't want to pursue further study in psychology, these skills will go a long way in the business world, particularly in sales, human resources and management positions.
Online Psychology Associate's Degrees
Students with busy lifestyles that make traditional college study difficult should consider pursing their degree online. You can continue to work full-time and take classes via the Internet, studying at your own pace and on your own time.
When researching online degree programs, make sure that the program is offered through an accredited university. Although the school should tell you if it's accredited, consult the Department of Education for a comprehensive list of accredited universities, colleges and degree programs.
Costs of Degree Programs
The good news is that, compared to more advanced degrees, an associate's degree in psychology is relatively inexpensive. Tuition will vary depending on what school you go to and your geographic area, but an associates degree usually only requires four semesters (two years) of full-time study—a minimal amount of time compared to bachelors, graduate or professional degrees. Full-time students take a minimum of 12 credits (about three or four classes) per semester.
Community colleges are the least expensive option for pursuing an associate's degree in psychology. Many in-state community colleges charge less than $100 per credit hour. Depending on your location, a local college or university may offer degree programs to earn either an associate's or bachelor's degree in psychology.
At the other end of the spectrum, students will typically find the most expensive degree programs at out-of-state or private universities. These options tend to start at $20,000 per year, increasing with the prestige of particular programs.