The field of psychology, with its diverse range of career opportunities and the increasing demand for qualified professionals, is no exception. If you have a passion for understanding human behavior and want to embark on a fulfilling career in psychology, an online associate degree program can be an excellent starting point.
Advertisement
This article presents a comprehensive overview of the top online associate degree programs in psychology offered by reputable universities and colleges. These programs not only provide a solid foundation in psychological principles and research methodologies but also offer the convenience and flexibility of online learning. Whether you are a working professional looking to enhance your skills or a recent high school graduate seeking to kickstart your academic journey, these programs offer the accessibility and quality education you need.
We have meticulously curated this list based on stringent criteria. Each institution included is regionally accredited, ensuring that the programs meet high academic standards. Additionally, all the featured programs offer online or hybrid formats, allowing students to balance their educational pursuits with other commitments.
Advertisement
Table of Contents
Top Online Associate Degree Programs in Psychology
Below is a list of Top Online Associate Degree Programs in Psychology.
1 – Coastline College
Coastline College offers an Associate of Arts in Psychology. The program is available online, allowing students to balance their commitments. Credits earned in this program can easily transfer to bachelor’s degree programs.
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
2 – Colorado Christian University
Colorado Christian University offers an AS in Psychology. The program is taught from a Christian worldview and develops critical thinking skills. Courses are offered online in 5-week blocks to cater to working adults.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Advertisement
3 – Drury University
Drury University offers an Associate of Science in Psychology. The program can be completed in 2 years and is available online and on campus. Course offerings include Social Science Research, Statistical Foundations, and Principles of Psychology.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
4 – Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology offers an AA in Applied Psychology online. The program provides a strong foundation in psychological principles and the liberal arts. Students develop critical thinking skills and learn scientific research methods.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
5 – Foothill College
Foothill College offers an AA in Psychology. The program prepares students for further education or careers in the mental health field. Courses, including Research Methods and General Psychology, are available online and on campus.
Advertisement
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
6 – Georgia Military College
Georgia Military College offers an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science in Psychology. The program covers various theoretical perspectives and teaches scientific thinking. Students follow a quarterly calendar in a student-centered learning environment.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
7 – Georgia State University
Georgia State University offers an online Associate of Science with a pathway in Psychology. The program prepares students for further study at the bachelor’s degree level. The pathway serves as an advising guide and is not reflected on the diploma.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges.
Advertisement
Read Also: 10 Best Business Class Airlines in the World
Lithuanian Government Scholarship 2023 Master Degree Program – Apply Now
Top 10 Best Countries to Study Abroad
8 – Liberty University
Liberty University offers an online Associate of Arts in Psychology. All classes are online and 8 weeks long, allowing for faster completion. Course options include General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Introduction to Research.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Advertisement
9 – Loyola University – New Orleans
Loyola University—New Orleans offers an online Associate of Arts in Psychology. The program provides flexible scheduling and aims to teach versatile skills. Graduates can complete the degree in 2 years and pursue various career paths.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
10 – Monroe Community College
Monroe Community College offers an Associate of Science in Psychology online. The program is designed for students planning to transfer to a 4-year institution. Graduates can have junior standing as psychology majors at a SUNY institution.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
11 – New England College
New England College offers an online Psychology AA program. The curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking and a strong liberal arts foundation. Each course lasts 7 weeks, and multiple start dates are available throughout the year.
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education.
12 – Point University
Point University offers an online Associate of Arts in Psychology program. The program prepares students for careers in mental health care or research. All coursework can be completed online, providing flexibility and convenience.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
13 – Regent University
Regent University offers an AS in Psychology that can be earned online or on campus. The program follows a Christian worldview and covers various psychology topics. Courses include Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
14 – South Texas College
South Texas College offers an AA in Psychology that can be earned online or on campus. The curriculum is equivalent to the first two years of a 4-year bachelor’s degree program. Course offerings include General Psychology, Lifespan Growth and Development, and Social Psychology.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
15 – University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online Associate of Arts in Psychology program. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking and basic scientific research skills. Courses cover topics such as Intro to Counseling, Psychology of Personality, and Abnormal Psychology.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Tips for Choosing an Online Associate Degree in Psychology Program
To make an informed decision and select the right online associate degree program in psychology that aligns with your goals, consider the following factors:
Determine your desired career path: Reflect on your future career goals as they can guide you in choosing the most suitable online associate degree in psychology. Understanding the specific career you want to pursue will help you tailor your educational path accordingly.
Consider further education plans: If you intend to pursue an advanced degree in psychology after completing your associate’s degree, it’s important to take accreditation guidelines into account. Look for programs that meet the accreditation standards set by relevant professional bodies.
Check recommendations from the American Psychological Association (APA): The APA provides valuable resources to assist prospective students in finding reputable undergraduate psychology programs. Their recommendations ensure that the programs adhere to high educational standards.
Evaluate the balance between general education and major coursework: Different associate degree programs may have varying emphases on general education studies and major-specific coursework. If you want to focus more on psychology-related subjects, explore programs that offer a greater proportion of psychology coursework.
Accreditation and articulation agreements: While most undergraduate psychology degrees are not accredited by the APA, attending an accredited educational institution can have long-term benefits for your educational and employment opportunities. Additionally, some schools have articulation agreements that facilitate seamless transfer between programs, offering more flexibility in your educational journey.
Remember that pursuing an advanced degree may not always be necessary for your desired career choice if an associate degree suffices.
The accreditation status of your chosen school can have implications for future education, job prospects, and eligibility for federal financial aid. Employers often consider the accreditation status of institutions when assessing candidates for job positions.
Is an Online Associate Degree Programs in Psychology Worth It?
Yes, Online Associate Degree Programs in Psychology is valuable for many professionals. This program is beneficial for students who wish to complete their general education requirements and gain foundational knowledge in psychology before committing to a bachelor’s degree program.
Furthermore, an associate degree can provide a solid foundation for individuals seeking to enter the field and begin their careers within a relatively short timeframe. Several psychology associate degree careers are projected to experience significant job growth, such as psychiatric technicians, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, forecasting an 11% growth rate, much faster than average.
Conclusion
Attending an Online Associate Degree Programs in Psychology can be a significant stepping stone toward a fulfilling career in the field of mental health. The universities listed in this article offer reputable Online Associate Degree Programs in Psychology that provide a solid foundation in psychological principles, research methodologies, and critical thinking skills. These programs are designed to accommodate the needs of working adults and provide flexibility in terms of scheduling and location.
Whether you choose to pursue an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree in psychology, these universities offer comprehensive curricula that cover a range of topics, including statistical analysis, social science research, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology. Additionally, many of these programs allow for seamless transfer of credits to bachelor’s degree programs, providing students with a smooth transition if they wish to further their education.
Accredited by respected regional accrediting bodies, such as the Higher Learning Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, these universities uphold high academic standards and ensure that students receive a quality education. With online learning platforms and dedicated faculty, students have access to the resources and support needed to succeed in their studies.