A two-year associate degree in psychology can help get savvy students plenty of bang for their buck. But what can you do with an associate degree in psychology?
This credential is more than just a stepping stone to the next degree. Read on to learn more about how to earn an associate degree in psychology and what it can do for your career.
What Does an Associate in Psychology Entail?
An associate degree in psychology typically requires 60 units and takes two years for a full-time student to complete. Learners can pursue this degree at a community college, and some programs offer the credential online.
Common Courses
Students enrolled in associate in psychology programs can expect to take many types of psychology-related courses. Potential classes include the following.
- Introduction to psychology. This class offers a framework for understanding the basic components of the study of the human mind.
- Human growth and development. Students in this course learn about developmental psychology and human development, including infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and aging.
- Psychopathology. This course studies the nature, diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety disorders, personality disorders, affective disorders (like depression and bipolar disorder), addiction, eating and sleep disorders and psychosis.
- Abnormal psychology. This class covers psychological conditions including psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder and paranoia.
Cost of an Associate in Psychology
The cost of an associate degree in psychology can vary depending on where you attend school and whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition. Keep in mind that private schools typically charge higher tuition rates than public schools.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, average tuition and fees for two-year institutions cost $3,501 per year for public, in-state schools and $8,256 per year for public, out-of-state schools.
Careers for Associate in Psychology Graduates
Some use associate degrees in psychology as a step toward earning a master’s or doctorate in the field. However, there are many career options available to those who choose only to pursue two-year psychology degrees.
Mental Health Technician
Average Annual Salary: Around $33,000
Job Description: Mental health techs perform a variety of duties. Tasks may include giving patients medications, talking to patients who need emotional support, checking vital signs and behavior patterns, completeing admittance paperwork for new patients and leading therapeutic or recreational exercises.
Psychiatric Technician
Average Annual Salary: Around $45,000
Job Description: Psychiatric Technicians give nursing, psychiatric and personal care to patients who live with mental, emotional and developmental conditions. Psychiatric technicians also encourage patients to develop work and social skills so they may live full and enriching lives.
Research Assistant
Average Annual Salary: Around $40,000
Job Description: Research assistants conduct a variety of tasks, including interviewing people, surveying study participants in their homes and collecting behavioral observations in the laboratory or other settings. Research assistants also input and store data.
Youth Counselor
Average Annual Salary: Around $38,000
Job Description: Youth counselors provide social services to children and teens under 18 thorough mentorship, counseling, legal assistance and help with family problems. Youth counselors typically work with at-risk children and teenagers to help them overcome problems and connect them with resources.
Advancing Your Education
Should you choose to continue your education in psychology beyond an associate degree, there are many ways to advance in the field and climb the career ladder.
Bachelor’s Degree
What can you do with a bachelor’s in psychology? Professionals with this degree can pursue the following careers, among others.
- Benefits manager
- Case worker
- Claims supervisor
- Corrections officer
- Criminal investigator
- Employee relations specialist
- Human resources advisor
- Personnel recruiter
- Victim’s advocate
- Substance abuse counselor
Bachelor’s graduates can also pursue more advanced degrees in psychology. Your career and academic goals should factor into whether you choose a psychology BS vs. BA.
Consider checking out our list of the best online psychology bachelor’s degrees.
Master’s Degree
Students who want to specialize in an area of psychology might pursue a master’s in psychology. Master’s degrees in psychology are available with several concentrations, including the following.
- Master’s in child psychology
- Master’s in clinical psychology
- Master’s in counseling psychology
- Master’s in forensic psychology
- Master’s in school psychology
- Master’s in social psychology
- Master’s in sport psychology
A master’s degree in psychology offers plenty of career options. Graduates often pursue work in counseling, marketing, human relations or journalism. They may also go on to complete a doctorate to qualify for licensure and clinical positions.
Not all psychology doctoral programs require students to hold master’s degrees, but a master’s in psychology can help an applicant gain admission into a more competitive program.
Doctoral Degree
Clinical psychology is a common goal for people who hold a Ph.D., but other job options are available as well. Psychology doctorate-holders who work in consulting can use their skills in research and client interaction to help businesses, government organizations and healthcare facilities function well and better serve their clients and customers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate Degrees in Psychology
Is an associate degree in psychology worth it?
Yes, depending on how you use the degree. An associate degree in psychology often costs only a few thousand dollars and can lead toward salaried roles and/or more advanced degrees in psychology or related fields.
What kind of associates are there in psychology?
Several types of associate degrees in psychology are available to prospective students. Learners can choose from an associate of science (AS) in psychology, an associate of arts (AA) in psychology and an associate of arts (AA) in applied psychology.
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