Guide to the associate degree in psychology

Learn how an associate degree in psychology can be your first step towards a satisfying career working with individuals and groups. Accredited online schools offer training designed to challenge your knowledge and reward your hard work.

Why choose an associate degree in psychology?

Earning an associate degree in psychology can be a smart move towards a rewarding career. Though becoming a counselor or a licensed psychologist typically requires a master's degree plus certification and licensure, you'll find many benefits in earning a two-year associate psychology degree.

A primary benefit to an associate degree is the experience you'll earn in school. Whether you've been away from education for a long time or you're making the transition from high school, an associate degree gives you a chance to become acclimated to the education process again. The psychology degree coursework you complete at the associate level can often be transferred to bachelor's degree programs down the line, making the associate degree an investment in your future education.

Careers for psychology degree graduates

When you picture careers you'll find with a degree in psychology, you might imagine counseling, social work and therapist careers, many of which require a master's or doctoral degree. However, a number of hiring managers appreciate the communication, research and critical thinking skills an associate degree in psychology can impart.

In business, human resources assistants maintain records, record data and keep personnel information on file. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that human resources assistants earned mean annual wages of $37,840 in 2009.

In criminal justice, correctional officers guard prisoners in penal and rehabilitation institutions, as well as in transit. According to the BLS, correctional officers earned mean annual wages of $42,610 in 2009.

In education, teacher assistants work with instructors at all levels of primary and secondary education to create lesson plans, work with children and young adults, and supervise students. The BLS notes that teacher assistants earned mean annual wages of $24,280 in 2009.

While an associate degree in psychology might not have the standard career path that some vocational education programs have, it can lead to a broader range of fulfilling careers. Your own strengths, interests and career goals will help determine how you use a psychology degree, and while no school can guarantee a certain career or salary, hiring managers in the fields above may prefer or require the training you'll find in a two-year associate degree program.

Earning an online associate degree in psychology

Considering earning a psychology degree, but not sure where you'll find the time? An online associate degree in psychology offers the training you need without the hassle of commuting or clearing your schedule for specific class meetings.

A typical online associate degree in psychology will offer the same coursework as a campus-based associate degree. Courses teaching behavioral research, physiological psychology, industrial and organizational applications, and childhood developmental psychology are all common course options.

Financial aid options in the form of grants, loans and scholarships may be available to those who qualify. Explore psychology online degree options and increase your earnings potential as you broaden your career future.

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