The 50 Best Online Associate in Psychology Programs
Are you ready to discover your college program?
An online associate degree in psychology serves as an important first step for individuals who desire to work as psychologists. Earning an associate degree in psychology online gives students an excellent overview of general psychology principles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects psychology jobs to increase 14% through 2026. Median pay in 2017 hovered around $77,030 for professionals with advanced degrees. Keep reading to learn more about an online associate degree in psychology and what you can expect in this field of study.
The Best Online Associate in Psychology Degree Programs
Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,395
- Out-of-state$9,360
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled15,123
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationNo
Bucks County Community College
- Newtown, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,920
- Out-of-state$11,880
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,480
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
South Texas College
- McAllen, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,610
- Out-of-state$6,000
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled33,054
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment26%
- AccreditationYes
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,417
- Out-of-state$15,417
- In-State$7,980
- Out-of-state$7,980
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled85,586
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Fisher College
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,997
- Out-of-state$30,997
- In-State$25,872
- Out-of-state$25,872
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled1,628
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Florida Institute of Technology-Online
- Melbourne, FL
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$12,240
- Out-of-state$12,240
- In-State$16,128
- Out-of-state$16,128
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled1,841
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Barton County Community College
- Great Bend, KS
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,368
- Out-of-state$3,008
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,300
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
Anne Arundel Community College
- Arnold, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,930
- Out-of-state$11,850
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled12,655
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Southwestern Assemblies of God University
- Waxahachie, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$20,496
- Out-of-state$20,496
- In-State$10,710
- Out-of-state$10,710
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled2,050
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Northwest Iowa Community College
- Sheldon, IA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,190
- Out-of-state$5,490
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,777
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia Military College
- Milledgeville, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,165
- Out-of-state$6,165
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,766
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Hagerstown Community College
- Hagerstown, MD
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,835
- Out-of-state$7,665
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,848
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Allen County Community College
- Iola, KS
- 2 year
- Online
- In-State$1,800
- Out-of-state$1,800
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,407
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
Casper College
- Casper, WY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,970
- Out-of-state$8,910
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,619
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Brookdale Community College
- Lincroft, NJ
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,605
- Out-of-state$8,355
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,489
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
Montgomery County Community College
- Blue Bell, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,640
- Out-of-state$12,960
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,309
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Bunker Hill Community College
- Boston, MA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$576
- Out-of-state$5,520
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,352
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Drury University
- Springfield, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,500
- Out-of-state$28,500
- In-State$8,460
- Out-of-state$8,460
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled1,743
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Sinclair Community College
- Dayton, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,409
- Out-of-state$6,676
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled18,794
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Monroe Community College
- Rochester, NY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,380
- Out-of-state$8,760
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled11,572
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Featured Online Schools
Online Associate in Psychology Degree Program Ranking Guidelines:
We selected the degree programs based on the quality of program and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings and reputation.
Choosing an Online Associate in Psychology Degree Program
The psychology associate degree starts with the general knowledge students need to succeed in the field. You can expect classes in general psychology, which broadly studies human behavior. Other courses include abnormal psychology, which studies mood disorders and personality traits, and the history of psychology, which studies the works of some of the field’s pioneers. Psychology encompasses many specialties, including sports psychology, forensic psychology, and clinical psychology.
After students complete core courses, they delve into interest-based areas. For example, sports psychologists receive more training in medicine, such as kinesiology, due to their work with athletes. Sports psychologists can further define their specialty by choosing to only work with children. Forensics courses contain more legal terminology and communication study since professionals work in the criminal justice system and could testify in criminal cases. Individuals with an associate degree in psychology may work with adults, children and families, or in law enforcement. Your associate degree in psychology online can lead to jobs in a healthcare setting, a government environment, schools, or in private practice.
What Will I Learn in an Online Associate in Psychology Program?
- General Psychology: This course provides a broad overview of psychology and often stands as a prerequisite for more advanced courses. Learners study a range of topics that include the relationship between attitudes and behavior, the most effective treatments for mental disorders, personality studies, how humans perceive consciousness, and psychological research methods.
- Introduction to Abnormal Behavior: Students examine behavior and personality disorders and their causes. Individuals study how psychologists diagnose mental health illnesses and the steps they take to assess these behaviors. Students learn about current diagnostic techniques and mental illness treatments. They also study how legal issues impact mental healthcare.
- History of Psychology: This course explores the theories of some of the greatest minds in psychology and their impact in the field, including Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and Wilhelm Wundt. Individuals study the advent and application of some of the field’s most prominent theories, including behaviorism, cognitive, and humanistic.
Online Associate in Psychology Careers
With an associate in psychology degree, you can work with patients in an office setting under a psychologist’s direction. This rewarding work can also lead to other opportunities for those who decide to continue their education.
- Psychiatric Technician: This professional works directly with patients by listening to their concerns and monitoring their behavior. They assist patients with daily activities such as eating and also check their blood pressure and other vital signs. Individuals work with healthcare professionals and dispense medication at their direction.
- Median Annual Salary: $29,320
- Projected Growth Rate: 6%
- Social and Human Service Assistant: These individuals work under a psychologist’s direction and provide a range of services to clients. You may help clients with paperwork when applying for services and benefits, assist clients with disabilities find services, or aid veterans as they acclimate to civilian life.
- Median Annual Salary: $33,120
- Projected Growth Rate: 16%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Educational Paths for Online Psychology Associate Programs
Earning a higher degree in psychology can yield a higher salary; this is especially true if you complete your bachelor’s degree . According to payscale.com, applicants who have earned their associate degree psychology online earn an annual average salary of $33,000–$36,000. In comparison, those with a bachelor’s degree have salaries from the mid-$50,000 and up. Payscale.com also states that completing a four-year degree gives you more extensive job opportunities.
- Bachelor of Arts Psychology Degree: An associate degree in psychology is a great launching board for pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Upon completion, you can pursue a degree in psychology or enter the workplace in human resources, business, case management, or school counseling.
- Bachelor of Science Psychology Degree: This degree is much like the above-mentioned BA but requires more credits in science and math classes. With this degree, you can pursue a master’s in psychology or enter the workforce in management, human resources, case management, school counseling, and business.
- Bachelor’s Human Resources Management Degree: An associate in psychology can open the door to roles working in human resource divisions at many corporations and organizations. Learners can pursue a more specialized degree by completing a bachelor’s degree in human resource management and working as a human resources director.
Source: Payscale.com
