Best Online Associate Degree Programs in Psychology

Students who have received their high school diploma or GED equivalent and are ready to pursue higher education should consider an online associate degree. In particular, people who are interested in human behavior and interaction and enjoy working closely with and studying other people may find the online psychology associate degree suited to their needs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), people who have strong analytical, communication, interpersonal, observational, and problem-solving skills, as well as integrity and patience, would thrive in positions within the field of psychology.

Application, Admissions, and Enrollment for Online Psychology Associate Degree Programs

There are many admissions requirements that are common for those interested in an online psychology associate degree program. In addition to filling out the application specific to the university, it is important to provide proof of high school or GED completion. This may be transcripts, a copy of a high school diploma or a GED certificate. While program requirements vary from school to school, some programs may require a minimum GPA for enrollment. SAT and ACT scores are often not required for admission to an associate degree program; however pre-college courses, which include math, science, and English, are required. Many programs offer rolling admissions, which means that the student may choose when to enroll based on when is most convenient for them. Once the student is successfully admitted to the program, a counselor will be assigned for enrollment in courses online. This may require video calls or phone calls. Online courses also require a computer or laptop access. It is important to check with each individual university in order to confirm exact admissions requirements because programs may differ slightly.

An online associate degree in psychology will take approximately one and a half to two years to complete, depending on how many courses are taken each semester. The program is generally a 60 credit hour program, which includes about 20 courses worth 3 credits each. Courses are typically completed in five-to-eight-week blocks. There are not typically any internship requirements for an online psychology associate degree, but job experience will be an added benefit if the student wishes to continue their education in the psychology field.

An online associate degree in psychology costs about $450 per credit hour. Based on the average 60-credit hour programs, the total cost for a program may be about $27,000. Some programs may offer a per-semester rate of around $1,400. If the student completes the program in the average 4 semesters, it will cost about $5,600. Therefore, an online associate degree in psychology could cost anywhere from $5,600 to $27,000 depending on the university chosen and the amount of time it takes the student to complete the program.

There are many advantages to pursuing an online associate degree program. One huge advantage is the time commitment. Students may choose when to enroll in the program. The coursework is also widely self-paced. The time flexibility is perfect for people who have jobs or family obligations. Another advantage of an online associate degree program is the improvement of technical skills. With many jobs turning to technological advances, it is important to stay up to date with technical programs. An online degree program is the perfect way to improve these necessary skills. One disadvantage to an online associate degree program is the lack of face-to-face connection. While many programs offer video chat options, it is still difficult to cultivate professional and academic relationships within an online classroom.

Coursework for an online psychology associate degree consists of many general education courses, such as math, science, history, and English, as well as many program-specific courses in the humanities and psychology. These program-specific courses may include:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Social Psychology/Relational Psychology
• Psychology of Personality/Behavioral Psychology

Introduction to psychology discusses the basic information about human behavior and the mind. Social psychology, also known as relational psychology, explores human behavior in light of culture, group behaviors, prejudice, and stereotyping. Psychology of personality, also known as behavioral psychology, discusses how human behavior is influenced by different factors and how personality is formed.

There are many options for a career in psychology after completing an online associate degree. Some psychology job opportunities could include mental health case worker, counselor's aide, administration, crisis intervention, victim advocacy, family support positions, working with the elderly, and helping people with developmental disabilities. These positions are all entry-level and best suited for those who enjoy working closely with other people, because many of these job opportunities include assisting people in the community.

Begin a Career as a Social and Community Service Manager

A social and community service manager coordinates programs for the well-being of the community. They tend to work for organizations that serve a particular group in the community, such as working with children, people who are homeless, or veterans. In addition to coordinating these programs, social and community service managers must collect and analyze data in order to determine the effectiveness of their programs. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for a social and community service manager is $69,600. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,230, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $115,800. This is higher than the median annual wage for all jobs, which is $41,950.

Begin a Career as a Social and Human Service Assistant

A social and human service assistant has many job titles, such as case work aide, clinical social work aide, family service assistant, social work assistant, addictions counselor assistant, and human service worker. They provide support for families in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work. They assist workers, such as social workers, and help their clients find community resources and benefits. According to the BLS, social and human service assistants have a median annual wage of $35,960, with the bottom ten percent earning $24,950 and the highest ten percent earning $56,080.

The most common accreditation organization for an online psychology associate degree program is through the American Psychological Association (APA). This organization is the national accreditation for educational psychology and its policies and sets the standard for how psychology programs educate their students. The APA is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). It is important that your degree is APA-accredited because some states require an APA-accredited degree in order to obtain a license to practice within that state. However, APA accreditation may not be important for those who simply wish to learn psychological principles to enter an entry-level position.

After completing an online psychology associate degree, the student may want to transfer to another program to further their education. There are a number of transfer options depending on the desired career outcome. Degrees such as developmental psychology, social work, criminal justice, pre-law or pre-med tracks, and sociology are all viable bachelor's degree options for those with an associate degree in psychology. With the general education requirements taken, many schools will take a majority of the credits for transfer so the bachelor's degree can be completed in less than 4 years.

In addition to the associate degree, there are a number of other psychology degree options available. There are bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, as well as a number of certificate programs in psychology. Depending on the desired career outcome, different levels of education may be required, therefore it is important to be informed on what further education options are available to the student.

Online Bachelor's Programs in Psychology

The bachelor's degree program in psychology gives the student the basic knowledge and understanding of behavior, cognition, emotion, and social interaction. A student pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology could work for hospitals, nonprofit organizations, or rehabilitation centers. However, a bachelor's degree would not provide the student with the proper credentials to apply for licensure, so it would be important to continue their education with a master's degree.

Online Master's Programs in Psychology

The master's in psychology degree program explores the subject on a deeper level. This focuses on research and clinical-based work in order to strengthen the student's knowledge and understanding. Obtaining a master's degree offers the student the opportunity to apply for various licensure, such as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT).

Online Doctoral Programs in Psychology

After obtaining a master's degree in psychology, the student may choose to pursue a doctoral program in psychology by weighing the options of a psychology MA vs. PhD. A PhD or PsyD in psychology could provide the student the opportunity to become a psychologist, professor of psychology, or researcher. It can prepare students to work in mental health centers, social service centers, educational settings, or private practice.

Online Certificate Programs in Psychology

Online certificate programs in psychology are designed to provide a certain level of expertise in a specific area of study. Some certificate titles may include: Applied Behavior Analysis, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Organizational Development and Leadership, Nonprofit Leadership and Population Health Management, and Public Health Management and Administration. These certificates focus on different areas that will deepen the student's skills.

There are a number of options for scholarships and financial aid for an online associate degree in psychology. The most prominent option is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA offers need-based and merit-based grant and loan options for students who qualify. Application deadlines for this federal program is June prior to the fall of enrollment. Another scholarship option is the Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program. This scholarship offers up to $5,000 to underrepresented, first-generation students, who are passionate about furthering their education to better their family and community despite their lack of resources and the hardships they have faced. The application deadline for this opportunity is March 15.