Associate’s Programs in Psychology

“Can Brands Change Their Personality?,” asks a May 28, 2015 headline in The Guardian online edition. As psychologist and University College of London business psychology professor Thomas Chamorro-Premuzic goes on to explain in the article, “Psychology has the answer.” When Ford began unveiling details of its latest sports car innovation, the 2016 GT, the company emphasized the degree to which it factored the psychology of the driver into the design process, as Automotive News reported in a May 2015 story on “The science, psychology and secrecy behind the Ford GT.” And, when The Huffington Post wanted an answer to the question, “Should I let my baby cry to sleep?,” where did it go for professional insight? To a developmental psychologist, of course.

In broad terms, psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. But insights gained through psychology have proven useful and provided practical applications in almost every facet of human endeavor, from brand management and marketing, to driving a car and raising a child. And, while earning a college degree in psychology is certainly a good move for anyone aiming to become a licensed clinical or research psychologist, it can also open the door to a broad array of career opportunities.

An associate degree in psychology, which can usually be completed in two years, offers an foundational introduction to the principles behind the practice of psychology. It can be a crucial first step toward pursuing a career in the field, or pivoting to a career in which an understanding of behavioral psychology has practical applications. In this guide, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the different types of degrees available at the associate level, what kind of coursework these degree programs entail, how these degrees realistically factor into career outcomes, and much, much more.

What Is an Associate Degree in Psychology?

An associate degree in psychology should be viewed as a starting point for those interested in pursuing further study and/or a career in psychology, whether that’s as a clinical practitioner, a behavioral researcher, or in any number of other capacities that involve the application of psychological principles and methodologies. It’s a degree that’s generally designed to be completed in just two years, as opposed to the four years that are typically required for a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Associate degree programs in psychology are most often found at community colleges, where students have the opportunity to begin undergraduate work in the discipline and gain crucial introductory level knowledge and skills without incurring the cost and commitment of a four-year bachelor’s degree program. In addition, there are an increasingly large number of institutions that offer online associate degree programs in psychology. In either case, it’s important to understand that the associate degree in psychology is best understood as a proving ground of sorts — an introductory undergraduate-level degree that allows students to gauge their affinity for psychology while preparing to transfer valuable credit hours over to a suitable bachelor’s degree program.

As we’ll see below, there are some jobs open to applicants who hold an associate degree in psychology, and the subjects covered in a typical associate degree program can be useful in any number of pursuits, from social work, teaching, and youth counseling, to human resource management, sales, marketing, and public relations. But, for those aspiring to work in the field as a licensed psychologist, it’s important to be aware that an associate degree is essentially a starting point.

Who Should Enroll in a Associate Degree Program in Psychology?

The primary requirement for an associate degree in psychology, as with most other associate degree programs, is simply a high school diploma or the equivalent. But, there are less tangible assets, interests, and personality traits that are also worth weighing when considering enrollment.

Psychology is a behavioral science, which in practical terms involves the use of scientific methods to analyze, classify, and ultimately understand the workings of mind as it relates to human behavior. So, while a basic interest in how people relate to one another and to the world is central to the study of psychology, a certain comfort level with math, chemistry, and biology is also an important component of the discipline. ONet Online, a partner of the American Job Center Network, divides the personality profile for psychology related careers into the following three categories:

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook further identifies seven discrete skill areas that are important components in the field of psychology, which are listed in the table below:

Associate Coursework in Psychology: What You May Learn

Regardless of whether you opt for an AA or an AS in psychology, and whether you chose a community college or an online degree program, the core coursework tends to be quite similar. A good program should include classes in the history of psychology, human psychological development, and the science of learning and perception. However, one common difference between an AA and AS is that the former may have more general education requirements in math, science, and the arts and humanities, while the latter can give students the opportunity to select from more elective coursework in areas like abnormal, educational, and behavioral psychology. This can be an important consideration for students who are planning to transfer credits to a bachelor’s degree program, which may have different general education requirements. What you want to try to avoid is a situation in which an associate degree program leaves you in a position where you have to catch up on general education requirements during the last two years of a bachelor’s degree.

Most associate degree programs in psychology will begin with a one or two semester introductory survey of the principles of psychology, and go on to include in-depth coursework in cognitive development, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Below are some of the specific classes you can expect to encounter on your way to an associate degree in psychology:

In addition to this core coursework, there may be opportunities to specialize in particular areas related to psychology. For example, if you’re interested in using the principles of psychology to pursue a career in business, marketing, or public relations, it can be helpful to take classes in the principles of marketing, business administration, and/or communications. Or, if you’re aiming to go into social work, a course that surveys various social problems, like crime, poverty, and substance abuse, is advisable. Some associate degree programs include courses of this sort as requirement, while others offer electives.

Choosing the Right Program

The Associate of Arts (AA) vs. the Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Psychology

There are actually two kinds of associate degrees in psychology, which fall right in line with the way that bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are designed and designated. The associate of arts (AA) degree is congruent with a bachelor’s of arts in psychology. And, the associate of science (AS), which can also be an associate of applied science (AAS), more closely relates to a bachelor’s of science in psychology.

Traditionally, the difference between an AA and an AS in psychology or any of the other behavioral sciences hinges on the amount of clinical or lab-oriented coursework. In practice, however, associate degree programs can vary from school to school, and the actual differences between an AA and an AS, or even an AAS, are somewhat minor. That said, there are two important considerations when weighing associate degree options:

Career Options, Salaries, and Job Outlook

It should be emphasized that an associate degree in psychology is generally considered a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree, which then opens the door to a number of careers in the field. And, in most states, a master’s degree is a requirement for certification to practice as a licensed psychologist.

However, an associate degree in psychology does bring with it the knowledge and skills necessary to work at an entry level in human services, mental health, early childhood education, or paraprofessional counseling. Here are some of the career opportunities open to associate degree graduates, along with general salary information for work in each field: