29 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online Degree Programs

//29 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online Degree Programs
29 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online Degree Programs 2023-02-17T20:48:52+00:00

associates in psychologyStudents interested in earning an affordable online Associates in Psychology degree are in luck; with so many working adults looking for a way to earn a degree, colleges around the country are heeding the call and making this accessible program available online. While earning a bachelor’s degree might be the goal for most students, earning an associates degree takes less time and can be used at most universities as transfer credit to complete the bachelors faster. For working adults who need a cheap solution, the associate degree provides them with both a quick alternative to the bachelor’s degree while opening up doors for them in terms of career options.

Working adults who are looking to earn an associates degree in psychology need a degree that can be earned entirely, or mostly, online. They need affordable options that don’t break the bank while they continue to work full-time in order to pay for their degree. And, as they are working, they need a degree that is flexible enough to fit their schedule, ensuring that the challenge of going to school while working full-time doesn’t overwhelm them. The schools in this ranking all meet these criteria, making the list the best place for working Americans to start looking for their dream school.

Methodology

This ranking began with a lot of research that was made possible by the free and publicly available National Center for Education Statistics and its College Navigator database. An initial group of 40 schools was identified simply by searching the term “online Associates in Psychology degree.” Each school was then independently reviewed and compared with the other schools; the biggest factor was the tuition cost for each program. The final 29 schools, which are listed below in descending order, were chosen based on the school’s total estimated in-state graduate tuition cost for the program.

Ranking Low-Cost Associates in Psychology

29. Florida Institute of Technology

Orlando, Florida

Online Associate of Arts in Applied Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Applied Psychology can be completed in two years of full-time study.

Website

Tuition: $31,110

Florida Institute of Technology confers an affordable online Associates in Psychology that was designed to be a stepping stone towards a bachelor’s degree. This program is offered 100 percent online; there are no residency requirements. Students will complete all of their coursework, as well as engage with classmates and professors, through the school’s learning management system. This degree can be completed in two years provided that students take a full course load every 16 weeks. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 61 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Human Sexuality, Introduction to Psychology, and Research and Computer Literacy.

28. Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, Colorado

Online Associate of Science in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AS in Psychology can be completed in less than two years of study.

Website

Tuition: $28,140

The affordable online Associates in Psychology degree delivered by Colorado Christian University was created specifically for working adults who are in need of a two-year program that easily fits into their lives. This degree can be completed in less than two years by students with or without previous college experience. Courses are completed asynchronously or synchronously in five-week terms, making it possible for ambitious students to complete the degree in less than two years. This is a Christian program, one that requires biblical studies for graduation; it is most suitable for faith-based professionals. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Interpersonal Relationships, Developmental Psychology, and Introduction to Research and Applied Statistics.

27. New England College

Henniker, New Hampshire

Online Associate of Arts in Applied Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Applied Psychology requires 60 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $24,300

New England College offers students the chance to complete a cheap online Associates in Psychology that provides students with the theory necessary to become competent professionals in the field. This degree was developed as a wholly online course of study; students will never have to attend campus for any reason. This program is delivered through the school’s virtual portal and will provide students with 16-week terms that feature small class sizes, online office hours, and access to an online library. This degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Psychology, Social Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology.

26. Fisher College

Boston, Massachusetts

Online Associate in Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology follows the traditional 16-week academic term.

Website

Tuition: $23,436

The affordable online Associates in Psychology degree provided by Fisher College is perfect for working adults who are interested in completing a two-year degree that will serve as a stepping stone for further education. This program was developed for students who wish to work in the psychology field and who need to begin their education with an associate’s degree before moving on to a bachelor’s degree. All courses for the program are available through the school’s learning management system and are delivered as asynchronous or synchronous courses that follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Psychology of Learning, Psychology of Personality, and Introduction to Psychology.

25. Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology require 62 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $23,400

Liberty University is home to an affordable Associates in Psychology online degree that is perfect for working adults who are interested in a part-time program that can be completed in two years. The program is delivered 100 percent online; students will never have to attend campus. The school’s virtual platform will instead be where students complete their coursework, enabling them to complete live or on-demand courses from the comfort of their own home. A flexible degree that can fit into anyone’s schedule, courses are delivered in eight-week terms that provide them the ability to complete the program as part-time students, freeing up time to focus on other endeavors. This degree requires a minimum of 62 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Research, Psychology of Personality, and Developmental Psychology.

24. Rose State College

Midwest City, Oklahoma

Online Associate in Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology requires 65 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $19,991

Students at Rose State College are offered the chance to complete an affordable online Associates in Psychology degree, a program that was created with working adults in mind. This program’s main focus is to prepare students for further education at the bachelor’s level, so it is a great choice for professionals who are interested in this educational pathway. All courses are held online through the school’s virtual portal and are held in live or on-demand sessions that are delivered in 16-week sessions. Students will find that graduation requires a minimum of 65 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Careers and Writing in Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Personality Theories.

23. Central Methodist University

Fayette, Missouri

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology can be completed in two years of full-time study.

Website

Tuition: $15,000

Central Methodist University delivers a cheap Associates in Psychology online to students who are ready to fulfill their educational goals and get started on earning an undergraduate degree in the field. This is a 100 percent online course of study; there are no residency requirements. Students will be able to complete this degree online through the use of the school’s online learning management system; courses are offered asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. A student who studies full-time will graduate within two years while part-time students generally finish in three years. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Social Science with Constitution.

22. Vincennes University

Vincennes, Indiana

Online Associate of Science in Behavioral Sciences, Psychology Concentration

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

Website

Tuition: $14,932

Students enrolled at Vincennes University have the opportunity to complete an affordable online Associates in Psychology degree that takes just two years to earn. This degree was designed for working adults who are preparing to take on a bachelor’s degree but need a flexible associates program in order to facilitate that goal. This degree is offered 100 percent online; it has no residency requirements. Students will note that this degree was designed for transfer students who have at least 12 credit hours of coursework under their belt. All courses for this degree are available online and are delivered asynchronously or synchronously through 16-week terms. This degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and General Psychology.

21. Georgia Military College

Milledgeville, Georgia

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology requires 90 quarter credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $13,230

Georgia Military College offers students the chance to complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science in psychology, both of which are available 100 percent online. The program was designed to provide students with the education necessary to move into a bachelor’s program after graduation while simultaneously giving them a degree that can help them change their career trajectory. Students who complete this degree will do so through the school’s learning management system; courses are available as live or on-demand offerings that are held in the traditional 16-week academic term format. This program requires a minimum of 90 quarter credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam; this is true for both versions of the degree. Sample courses include Introduction to Psychology, Psychology of Adjustment, and Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences.

20. Lansing Community College

Lansing, Michigan

Online Associate in Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology has no residency requirement.

Website

Tuition: $13,100

The affordable online Associates in Psychology from Lansing Community College is the perfect choice for working adults who are ready to start their educational journey. This program was designed to be completed entirely online; there are no residency requirements. Students who successfully graduate will also be eligible, through the Michigan Transfer Agreement, to transfer to a four-year college or university for their bachelor’s degree. This program confers all of its courses online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are held asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Psychology, Psychology of Personality, and Social Psychology.

19. Hobe Sound Bible College

Hobe Sound, Florida

Online Associate of Arts in Counseling

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Counseling requires 66 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $12,600

Hobe Sound Bible College is home to an affordable online Associates in Psychology that is perfect for working professionals who are interested in a Bible-focused degree in the field. The Associate in Arts in Counseling that is delivered by the school focuses on both psychology and biblical studies as the foundation for the degree. Students will find that it is possible to complete this degree 100 percent online; there are no residency requirements. The school offers all of its courses online through the school’s learning management system. Courses are held live or on-demand and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. This degree requires a minimum of 66 credit hours of coursework, a field education, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Counseling, Marriage Counseling, and Abnormal Psychology.

18. Bunker Hill Community College

Boston, Massachusetts

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology requires 62 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $11,160

The cheap online Associates in Psychology that is provided by Bunker Hill Community College is one that focuses on the theories and concepts behind psychology. As a wholly online course of study, students have no residency requirements and therefore can complete the degree online through the school’s virtual portal. Students will take live and on-demand courses through the portal, all of which are offered in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Alongside a liberal arts education, students will have access to a degree that focuses most of the coursework on their chosen concentration, making it possible for them to have a strong foundation in the subject for further education. Students can expect to complete a minimum of 62 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Adolescent and Adult Development, Principles of Psychology, and Social Psychology.

17. Eastern Oklahoma State College

Wilburton, Oklahoma

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology-Sociology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology-Sociology offers courses in both live and on-demand formats.

Website

Tuition: $9,144

Eastern Oklahoma State College confers a cheap Associates in Psychology online that is available for working adults who are interested in a degree that outlines the first two years of a traditional bachelor’s degree. The program focuses on both psychology and sociology, teaching them together to provide students with an education that imparts the importance of each field on them. The degree is offered entirely online through the school’s learning management system; courses are available as live or on-demand courses and are taught in 16-week terms. This degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. More information about the degree and its requirements can be accessed by contacting the school’s admissions office.

16. Holmes Community College

Goodman, Mississippi

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology requires 62 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $7,440

The affordable online Associates in Psychology that is conferred by Holmes Community is a degree that is best suited for working adults who are interested in earning an associate’s degree to help them pave the path forward towards a bachelor’s degree. This program is offered 100 percent online and has no residency requirements. Students will go through the core curriculum requirements and the concentration requirements together, providing them with a chance to complete the primary levels of psychology education in their first year of the program to better prepare them for further education. This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 62 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, and Child Psychology.

15. Navarro College

Corsicana, Texas

Online Associate of Science in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AS in Psychology follows the traditional 16-week academic term.

Website

Tuition: $7,110

Navarro College confers an affordable Associates in Psychology online degree that will provide working students with an excellent education that can be scheduled into their life. This degree is offered 100 percent online; there are no residency requirements. Students will be able to complete all of their coursework online through the school’s learning management system; courses are offered live or on-demand and follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. Along with a core curriculum that was established to prepare students to earn a bachelor’s degree in the field, students will also have access to a variety of psychology courses aimed at providing them with a foundation on which to build their career. This degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Psychology of Adjustment, Human Sexuality, and Lifespan Growth and Development.

14. Sinclair College

Dayton, Ohio

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The AA in Psychology requires 60 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $6,962

The affordable online Associates in Psychology that is offered by Sinclair College was designed to prepare working adults to transition into entry-level positions within the field of psychology. It will also provide a pathway towards earning a bachelor’s degree in the field, making it a great choice for all working students. Students planning on completing their undergraduate education in the state of Ohio will be pleased to hear that graduating from this college will provide them with the completion of the Ohio Transfer Module, making it possible for the courses from the associate’s degree in psychology to transfer to any public institution in the state. This degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final written exam. Sample courses include Lifespan Human Development, Personality Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology.

13. The College of Southern Nevada

North Las Vegas, Nevada

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology has no residency requirement.

Website

Tuition: $6,915

The College of Southern Nevada confers an affordable online Associates in Psychology degree that is focused on preparing students who are interested in earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. It was developed to demonstrate how theories and concepts work in the field and provide students with the chance to complete courses that speak to their chosen area of expertise. This degree is offered 100 percent online with no residency requirements. All students will take their courses as live or on-demand sessions through the school’s learning management system; courses last for 16 weeks. This degree requires that students complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Latino Psychology, Psychopathology and Developmental Disabilities, and Positive Behavior Supports.

12. Tyler Junior College

Tyler, Texas

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology requires 60 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $6,060

The affordable online Associates in Psychology that is conferred by Tyler Junior College was designed to prepare students for careers in the field after graduation or to give them the foundation needed to move into a bachelor’s degree program. This degree is offered exclusively online; there are no residency requirements and students will also note that this degree is not available as a hybrid course of study. Students will take all of their courses through the school’s virtual portal; courses are held asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework as well as a comprehensive final written exam. Sample courses include General Psychology, Human Sexuality, and Social Psychology.

11. Northwest Mississippi Community College

Senatobia, Mississippi

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology follows the  traditional 16-week academic term format.

Website

Tuition: $6,000

Northwest Mississippi Community College confers an affordable online associates in psychology degree that is perfect for working students who are starting the journey towards completing a bachelor’s degree in the field. This program was designed as a two-year plan of study that will be the founding blocks of a professional’s education in the field. As a 100 percent online course of study, students will never have to attend campus and can complete the degree online through the school’s learning management system. Courses are offered live or on-demand and follow the traditional 16-week academic term format. This program requires that students complete a minimum of 63 credit hours of coursework as well as a comprehensive final exam. More information about this program, graduation requirements and a list of course offerings can be found by contacting the school’s admissions office.

10. Truckee Meadows Community College

Reno, Nevada

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology requires 60 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $5,925

The affordable online Associates in Psychology degree that is available from Truckee Meadows Community College was designed for working students that are interested in transitioning into a career in the field. This program combines general education requirements with introductory courses in the field to ensure that students will be eligible to transfer to a four-year program within the state. All courses for this degree are completed online through the school’s virtual portal and are delivered as asynchronous or synchronous courses that run in 16-week terms. Students will find that the program was specially designed to provide a direct pathway between this college and the University of Nevada at Reno, which also provides an online bachelor’s in psychology. This degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include General Psychology, Introduction to Abnormal Psychology, and Introduction to Social Psychology.

9. Foothill College

Los Altos Hills, California

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology is delivered as both asynchronous and synchronous sessions.

Website

Tuition: $5,681

Foothill College confers an affordable online Associates in Psychology that is designed for working students who are interested in taking the first step in higher education. This degree is available 100 percent online with no residency requirements, making it a great choice for out-of-state students. The program includes a core curriculum that is smaller than most associate degree programs, providing students with a degree that has a stronger focus on psychology. All courses for this degree are available online through the school’s learning management system and are delivered as asynchronous or synchronous sessions that last 16 weeks in length. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Introduction to Biopsychology, Introduction to Abnormal Psychology, and Sociology of Gender.

8. San Joaquin Delta College

Stockton, California

Online Associate in Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology has no residency requirement.

Website

Tuition: $5,520

The cheap online associates in psychology that is available from San Joaquin Delta College was created as a survey for the different sub-disciplines in psychology, making it a great first step for students who would like to have a career in the field but may not know where to start. This degree was designed as a 100 percent online course of study; there are no residency requirements. Students will access the school’s virtual portal in order to take their live and on-demand courses, all of which are delivered in 16-week sessions. This degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam for graduation. Sample courses include Personal and Social Psychology, Communicable Disease Awareness in Counseling, and Assessment for Treatment Planning.

7. Palo Alto College

San Antonio, Texas

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology requires 60 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $5,160

Palo Alto College is the home of an exceptional, affordable online Associates in Psychology degree. This program was designed for students who wish to attend a four-year institution for a bachelor’s degrees or for those who are interested in entering the workforce after graduation. The degree is offered entirely online; there are no residency requirements. Students will complete a core curriculum as well as a major curriculum that totals the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. Courses are asynchronous or synchronous and held in 16-week sessions. This degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree and its requirements can be found by contacting the school’s admissions office.

6. Amarillo College

Amarillo, Texas

Online Associate of Science in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AS in Psychology follows the traditional 16-week academic term format.

Website

Tuition: $5,025

The affordable online Associates in Psychology degree that is conferred by Amarillo College was designed to provide working students with the first two years of education of an undergraduate degree. This program will be suitable for those who are interested in completing a bachelor’s degree after graduation; it is also a good choice for students looking for work once they have graduated. This program is offered 100 percent online and has no residency requirements. Instead, all students will take courses online through the school’s virtual portal; courses are held asynchronously or synchronously and in the traditional 16-week academic term format. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 60 semester hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Lifespan Growth and Development, General Psychology, and Psychology of Adjustment.

5. South Texas College

McAllen, Texas

Online Associate of Arts in Psychology

The online AA in Psychology requires 60 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $4,270

South Texas College confers an Associates in Psychology that is both affordable and available 100 percent online with no residency requirements. This degree was designed as a transfer program for Texas residents interested in transferring into a four-year public university after graduation; out-of-state students may also be eligible but transfer credits are to the discretion of the university they apply to. This degree is delivered through the school’s learning management system and includes live and on-demand courses that are completed in 16-week sessions. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Lifespan Growth and Development, Statistical Methods in Psychology, and Social Psychology.

4. Alvin Community College

Alvin, Texas

Online Associate in Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology requires 60 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $4,200

Students enrolled at Alvin Community College have the option to complete an affordable online Associates in Psychology degree that is perfect for both transfer students and those who wish to enter the workforce directly after graduation. This degree is held 100 percent online; there are no residency requirements. Students will instead complete all of their coursework as live or on-demand sessions that are available through the school’s virtual portal. Sessions last 16 weeks, making it possible for a student to graduate in two years when they choose to study full-time. This program requires that students complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final written exam. Sample courses include Statistical Methods in Psychology, Social Psychology, and General Psychology.

3. Allen County Community College

Iola, Kansas

Online Associate in Arts with an Emphasis in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology  requires 64 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $3,840

Allen County Community College delivers an affordable online associates in psychology degree that is offered to students who are interested in completing a transfer program that will help them move to a four-year university in order to complete an undergraduate degree in the field. This program is held entirely online and will serve to provide students with the general education and introductory psychology requirements necessary at the bachelor’s level. Students will utilize the school’s learning management system to take their courses; these are offered live or on-demand and in the traditional 16-week term format. This degree requires a minimum of 64 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree and its requirements can be found by contacting the school’s admissions office.

2. Odessa College

Odessa, Texas

Online Associate in Arts in Psychology

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology has no residency requirement.

Website

Tuition: $3,654

The affordable online Associates in Psychology degree available from Odessa College is a two-year program that will serve to prepare students to complete their bachelor’s degree at a four-year university. Available completely online, students will never have to attend campus for any reason. Students will be able to complete this degree through the school’s virtual portal and can choose between live and on-demand courses that are held in eight-week sessions. This degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Social Problems, Social Psychology, and Child Psychology.

1. Coastline Community College

Fountain Valley, California

Online Associate in Arts Degree in Psychology for Transfer

30 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online

The online AA in Psychology requires 60 credit hours of coursework.

Website

Tuition: $2,760

Coastline Community College offers one of the most affordable online Associates in Psychology degrees in the nation. This program was designed for both working students interested in a career change and students who are interested in completing a bachelor’s degree in the field. Students will find that this is a 100 percent online course of study; there are no residency requirements. Courses are instead delivered through the school’s learning management system and were created to be offered live or on-demand. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Child Growth and Development, Life Span Developmental Psychology, and Psychobiology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Your Career Options for an Affordable Online Associates in Psychology?

  • Police Officer
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Health Care Social Worker
  • Social Work Assistant
  • School Psychologist
  • Correctional Officer
  • Social and Human Services Assistant
  • Home Care Aide
  • Psychiatric Technician
  • Therapist in Private Practice
  • Addiction Rehabilitation Assistant
  • Youth Counselor
  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Case Technician
  • Family Mentor Specialist

How Much Can You Earn in This Field?

The current starting salary that a professional with an associate’s degree in psychology can expect is roughly $29,000. With experience, a professional would see an average salary of $51,046. These salary averages include public and private sector positions and positions that may see a difference in salary depending on the state in which they are located.

The salary range for positions that are available with an associate’s degree in psychology is quite a bit wider; professionals can expect to earn anywhere between $14,000 to $123,000 with this degree alone. Most of the high-paying positions come from the government and education sectors, where associate positions often net over $100,000. It should be noted that for this salary to be possible, students most often must demonstrate at least ten years of experience within the sector and have excellent references.

As the associate degree is often a stepping stone towards further education, students will note that many of the career options listed in the previous question would yield higher salaries with additional training and education; this is especially true for professionals who are seeking certification in their particular field. In fact, many employers will help subsidize a professional’s education if that education would serve that employer. This program of subsidizing employee’s further education is often found in public sector positions and within the health care or education workplace setting.

What are the Various Disciplines of Psychology?

Psychology is a discipline of the mind and human behavior; as such, the disciplines that inform it are found in the humanities and in medicine. The field is often considered to be interdisciplinary in nature, especially if a student is choosing to study psychiatry or neuropsychology as these two specialties require an understanding both of human behavior and the scientific processes, as is currently understood, of the brain.

The most common disciplines associated with psychology include sociology, medicine, neurology, chemistry, biology, philosophy, theology, and lifespan development. Additional secondary disciplines, which depend on a student’s focus of study, include political science, comparative religion, criminal justice, the law, language, anthropology, and archaeology. Social work and social justice are also important in psychology, with the former being currently more established than the latter.

Because psychology is a broad field, encompassing a variety of different career options as well as focus areas, it is important to discuss the different sub-disciplines within psychology. These include physiological psychology, behavioral neuroscience, cognitive psychology, health psychology, and developmental psychology. These are the most common sub-disciplines at play in the field right now, but more are being discovered with each passing year.

Psychology also has focus areas; these are often the concentrations or emphasis areas that a student selects at the undergraduate and graduate level to specialize their career. In this field, this ranges from forensic psychology and clinical psychiatry to substance abuse counseling and industrial-organizational, or business, psychology. A student will generally choose their concentration at the bachelor’s level and it will serve to provide them with an educational pathway towards their ultimate career goal.

Psychology is a well-researched yet mysterious discipline, one that continues to answer questions and provide new problems to solve for those who decide to work in the field. While it is a great academic discipline that enables professionals to discuss human thinking and how humans behave, it is also an applied discipline that helps people all over the world focus on their issues and solve their problems in a healthy and productive way. A great place to start in this field is by earning an affordable online associates in psychology while deciding on how best to move forward with career goals.

This concludes our ranking of the Top 29 Most Affordable Associate’s in Psychology Online degree programs.

By OPD Staff