How to Find the Right Online Associate Degree in Psychology for You

Consider Your Future Goals

The choice of school and associate program should be related to your career goals. If you expect to enter an entry-level career upon graduation, a program with a practical component, or at least one with strong career support should be considered.

Many students use associate degrees as a steppingstone toward a bachelor’s program. Associate degree transfer programs are helpful in this capacity by offering guaranteed admission and transfer credits to four-year programs, such as Cerritos College's Transfer Program.

Some programs have pathways toward specializations in the future, like KVCC has a mental health rehabilitation pathway. These specialized tracks can introduce students into new fields and give students a head start on their eventual bachelor's degree concentration.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition for associate degrees varies significantly; programs on our list range from $46 to $294 per credit. Because there is some variation in the credit requirements, total tuition rates among our top 10 programs vary from $2,760 to $18,228.

Half of the programs on our list have less than the average annual tuition of $3,885 at two-year colleges, or $7,770 total for two years, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

To further make these programs affordable, you can complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal grants, low-interest federal loans, and/or scholarships. Your FAFSA information might also be used if you apply to any institutional scholarships or work study programs.

Accreditation of Online Associate Degree in Psychology Programs

For the purpose of accreditation, you will be mostly concerned with institutional accreditation as it affects your eligibility to receive federal financial aid and also your future transfer credits.

If you are wondering if there are associate degrees in psychology that have been accredited online, the answer is no. The American Psychological Association only recognizes graduate-level programs in psychology, not associate degree programs.

What to Expect From an Online Associate Degree in Psychology

Most online psychology associate degrees outline the basics of human behavior, including cognition and development. Further emphasis is placed on fostering critical thinking within communicative skills, research methods, and analysis. Most of the programs consist of roughly 60 credits and take two years to complete for students who study full-time.

In many cases, associate programs in psychology help students build a foundation for further study, be it a bachelor's or master's degree.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary, but the associate programs tend to make the process open and accessible for many types of students. In fact, each of the schools in our top 10 has an open admission policy which accepts students.               

Who are 18 years of age or older Possess a high school diploma or equivalent qualification Common Courses Every program in psychology has its own curriculum, but the following courses are some of the more common topics in this discipline. Introduction to psychology Abnormal psychology Social psychology Behavioral sciences Marriage and family Lifespan development