An Associate Degree in Psychology offers a strong foundation in the study of human behavior, emotion, and mental processes. Designed for students aiming to enter the workforce or continue toward a bachelor’s degree, this two-year program combines general education with psychology-focused coursework.
Most programs require around 60 credit hours and are offered online or on campus at community colleges and universities. Students gain skills in research, communication, and critical thinking, preparing for roles in healthcare, social services, education, and administration. Typical tuition ranges from $7,000 to $35,000, with financial aid, transfer options, and flexible schedules available at many schools.
What You Learn in an Associate Degree in Psychology
Students study topics such as introduction to psychology, social psychology, human development, abnormal psychology, counseling, and personality theory. Programs may include electives in criminology, cognitive psychology, or behavioral science.
Research methods, statistics, and communication skills are commonly emphasized. While most associate programs do not include internships, some offer hands-on projects or service opportunities with local organizations.
Curriculum Examples
- Introduction to Psychology – Core theories and applications in human behavior.
- Developmental Psychology – Human growth from childhood to late adulthood.
- Abnormal Psychology – Mental disorders, treatments, and diagnostic criteria.
- Personality Theories – Models of personality and individual differences.
- Research Methods – Foundations of experimental design and data analysis.
Program types include Associate of Arts (AA) for theory-focused study and Associate of Science (AS) for students pursuing scientific or clinical careers.
Program Length and Delivery
Most associate degrees take 2 years of full-time study. Some online or accelerated programs allow students to complete the degree in 12 to 18 months. Flexible options like self-paced learning and evening classes make the program accessible for working adults. Part-time students may take 3–4 years to finish.
Admissions Requirements
Entry requirements typically include:
- High school diploma or GED
- Application and fee
- Minimum GPA (often 2.0 or higher)
- Personal statement or resume (optional)
- Letters of recommendation (optional)
Admission policies may vary by institution. Online programs usually have rolling admissions and start dates throughout the year.
Tuition
Tuition for psychology associate programs varies widely:
- Public two-year colleges: $3,500–$10,000/year
- Private colleges: $15,000–$35,000/year
Online programs may cost less, especially when avoiding housing and travel expenses. Financial aid options include Pell Grants, state aid, scholarships, and work-study programs. Many schools offer payment plans or discounts for military students.
To explore costs, use resources like the FAFSA and your school’s financial aid office or net price calculator.
Career Opportunities with an Associate in Psychology
An associate degree qualifies graduates for entry-level jobs in healthcare, human services, and office support roles. Common positions include:
- Psychiatric Technician – Supports patients with mental health needs. Median salary: $39,610
- Social and Human Services Assistant – Coordinates support programs. Median salary: $41,410
- Community Health Worker – Promotes health education and outreach. Median salary: $48,200
- Home Health Aide – Assists patients with daily living. Median salary: $33,530
- Administrative Assistant – Supports departments and professionals. Median salary: $46,010
- Healthcare Support Worker – Aids in clinical and patient care tasks. Median salary: $44,490
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Continuing Education and Transfer Options
Graduates often transfer to bachelor’s programs to become eligible for roles like probation officer, counselor, therapist, or psychologist. Many schools have articulation agreements or guaranteed admission to state universities. Students planning to continue should look for programs labeled as “transfer degrees” such as Associate of Arts or Associate of Science.
Programmatic accreditation is not required for associate psychology degrees, but the institution should be accredited by a recognized agency such as the Higher Learning Commission or CHEA.
Is an Associate in Psychology Worth It?
Yes—especially for those looking to save on bachelor’s degree costs or enter the workforce sooner. Associate degree holders typically earn more and have lower unemployment rates than those with only a high school diploma. The degree also opens doors to long-term careers in mental health, education, business, and social work.
Top Schools
For students seeking a strong academic foundation in psychology with the flexibility to transfer into a four-year degree, a variety of colleges across the country offer outstanding Associate of Science (A.S.) in Psychology programs.
Whether you’re looking for self-paced online options, faith-integrated curricula, or cost-effective pathways with guaranteed transfer agreements, these schools cater to a wide range of learners—from recent high school graduates to working adults. Below, we highlight several institutions offering quality associate-level psychology programs designed to prepare students for further academic study and entry-level roles in mental health, human services, and counseling.
| School | Location | Program Format | Credit Hours | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queensborough Community College | Bayside, NY | On-campus | 60 | Strong transfer-focused curriculum with emphasis on scientific reasoning and interdisciplinary collaboration |
| California Coast University | Santa Ana, CA | 100% Online, Self-paced | 60 | Open enrollment with interest-free payment plans and flexible scheduling for working adults |
| Colorado Christian University | Lakewood, CO | 100% Online | 60 | Courses delivered in five-week blocks and integrated with a Christian worldview |
| South College | Nashville, TN | Online or Hybrid | Approx. 60 | Accelerated 18-month option; curriculum includes criminology and organizational psychology |
| Colorado Northwestern Community College | Rangely, CO | On-campus | 60 | Offers both A.A. and A.S. tracks with guaranteed credit transfer to Colorado public universities |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Fort Wayne, IN | Online and In-person (17 locations) | 60 | Guaranteed Admissions Program into Indiana universities and Transfer Single Articulation Pathways (TSAP) |
| Delaware County Community College | Media, PA | On-campus | 60 | Emphasis on professional awareness and broad exposure to multiple subfields of psychology |
| Truckee Meadows Community College | Reno, NV | 100% Online | 60 | Seamless transfer pathway to University of Nevada, Reno with strong academic advisement |
| Brescia University | Owensboro, KY | 100% Online | Approx. 60 | Designed for adult learners; coursework includes Applied Behavior Analysis and condensed formats for flexibility |
Queensborough Community College
https://www.qcc.cuny.edu/academics/degree-programs/as-psychology.html
Bayside, NY
Transfer-Focused Foundation in Psychology
The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Psychology from Queensborough Community College is a 60-credit program that provides students with both a comprehensive general education and a strong foundation in psychology. Tailored for those planning to transfer to a four-year college, the program covers core concepts, ethical reasoning, research methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Graduates are well-prepared to continue their education in psychology, education, social work, or counseling fields.
Career and Academic Pathways
Upon completion, students are equipped with analytical, technological, and scientific reasoning skills applicable to both academic and professional settings. This program supports transfer to bachelor’s degree programs, which are typically necessary for employment in psychology and related areas. Career pathways may include roles in human services, social services, or further academic pursuits in behavioral sciences.
California Coast University
https://www.calcoast.edu/as-associate-science-psychology-online-degree-program.html
Santa Ana, CA
Self-Paced Online Psychology Program
California Coast University offers a fully online Associate of Science in Psychology, designed for flexible, self-paced study. The 60-credit program includes 6 core psychology courses, 10 general education courses, and 4 electives, allowing students to explore areas such as abnormal psychology, personality theories, counseling psychology, and developmental psychology. Admission requires only a high school diploma or equivalent.
Affordable and Flexible Academic Progression
Tuition is offered with interest-free payment plans, and students can begin at any time. This program is ideal for working adults seeking foundational psychological knowledge or preparing for a bachelor’s degree. Graduates will be equipped to apply psychological theories and research methods in real-world contexts and are eligible to transfer credits toward further academic study.
Colorado Christian University
https://www.ccu.edu/ccu/psychology/associate/
Lakewood, CO
Faith-Integrated Psychology Education
Colorado Christian University’s Associate of Science in Psychology is a 60-credit, two-year online program that explores human development, relationships, and behavior through a Christian worldview. Courses are completed in five-week blocks and are designed to integrate biblical principles with psychological theories, fostering both personal growth and academic development.
Career and Degree Continuation Options
Students are prepared for entry-level careers in mental health, human services, and counseling support roles. All credits are transferable toward CCU’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, which can lead to a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. The program is ideal for adult learners seeking a flexible, spiritually grounded path into psychology.
South College
https://www.south.edu/program/associate-of-science-in-psychology-as/
Nashville, TN
Accelerated Online or Hybrid Learning
South College’s Associate of Science in Psychology can be completed online or in hybrid format in as little as 18 months. The curriculum includes core topics such as human development, organizational psychology, and criminology, while emphasizing research methods, communication, and critical thinking skills relevant to real-world psychological applications.
Practical Skills and Transfer Readiness
This program prepares students to analyze behavior and apply psychological principles across various settings, including personal and professional life. It also supports progression to bachelor’s-level study in psychology. With quarterly tuition ranging from $2,100 to $3,975 depending on credit load, the program is a flexible and cost-effective entry point for a psychology career.
Colorado Northwestern Community College
https://cncc.edu/degrees/arts-science/psychology-as
Rangely, CO
Two Psychology Tracks for Distinct Career Goals
Colorado Northwestern Community College offers both Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees in Psychology, allowing students to tailor their education toward either social or scientific aspects of the field. The A.A. path suits students interested in counseling and direct human services, while the A.S. is ideal for those planning on graduate-level research or medical studies.
Affordable Start with Guaranteed Transfer
All degree credits are guaranteed to transfer to public four-year colleges in Colorado. CNCC emphasizes small class sizes and affordability, making it a strong option for students transitioning into higher education. Graduates gain foundational skills and are positioned for smooth continuation into bachelor’s programs in psychology and related fields.
Ivy Tech Community College
https://www.ivytech.edu/programs/all-academic-programs/school-of-arts-sciences-education/psychology/
Fort Wayne, IN
The Associate of Science in Psychology at Ivy Tech Community College is a 60-credit hour program designed to be completed in four semesters (approximately two years). It is offered at 17 Indiana locations and is also available 100% online. Students engage in coursework that explores human behavior, development across the lifespan, and the science behind psychological processes. With class sizes typically under 30, students benefit from personalized instruction and practical learning opportunities. Ivy Tech’s faculty prioritize teaching and bring real-world experience to the classroom. Tuition savings are a key benefit, with the program offering potential cost reductions of over $10,000 when transferring to a four-year institution.
Transfer and Career Outcomes
The AS in Psychology is ideal for students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree, especially through Ivy Tech’s Guaranteed Admissions Program, which provides automatic acceptance into 14 Indiana universities—including Indiana University and Purdue—upon meeting specific criteria. Alternatively, students may transfer as juniors through the Transfer Single Articulation Pathways (TSAP) program.
While the degree is primarily transfer-focused, it also opens doors to entry-level careers such as Psychiatric Technician, Youth Counselor, and Family Advocate. With mental health professions in high demand, graduates are well-positioned for further study and workforce entry in this growing field.
Delaware County Community College
https://catalog.dccc.edu/academic-programs/programs-study/psychology-as/
Media, PA
Delaware County Community College’s Associate of Science in Psychology program prepares students for seamless transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. With a curriculum grounded in human behavior, emotion, and cognition, students explore subfields such as developmental, cognitive, and abnormal psychology. The program encourages cultural and professional awareness, and aims to build strong skills in communication, critical thinking, and technology use.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the program are expected to clearly articulate the scope and methodologies of psychology, evaluate theories of human development and behavior, and understand major psychological disorders and treatment approaches. This associate degree provides a well-rounded academic foundation for continued study in psychology or related fields at four-year institutions.
Truckee Meadows Community College
https://catalog.tmcc.edu/degrees-certificates/psychology-as/
Reno, NV
Truckee Meadows Community College offers a fully online Associate of Science in Psychology that aligns with the first two years of a B.S. in Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). The curriculum combines general education with subject-specific coursework focused on psychological theory, research methods, and statistical analysis.
Transfer Preparation and Outcomes
Designed as a transfer degree, the program includes strong academic advisement to help students meet specific university prerequisites. Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of key psychological principles, evaluate research methodologies, and address cultural and interpersonal dynamics in diverse settings. The degree supports pathways to careers in behavior analysis, psychiatry, and graduate-level psychology education.
Brescia University
https://www.brescia.edu/associate-of-science-in-psychology/
Owensboro, KY
Brescia University’s online Associate of Science in Psychology provides a flexible, accredited option for students seeking a solid foundation in psychology. Designed to support working adults, the program can be completed in as little as two years and offers affordable tuition with access to federal and state financial aid. The curriculum combines core liberal arts education with psychology coursework rooted in developmental, cognitive, abnormal, and social psychology.
Curriculum and Academic Rigor
Courses such as Applied Behavior Analysis, Social Psychology, and Statistics for the Social Sciences emphasize practical application and critical analysis. With a focus on maintaining academic rigor despite condensed course lengths, students are prepared to transition into Brescia’s online bachelor’s and master’s programs or transfer to other institutions. The program fosters lifelong learning and adaptability, key traits for success in psychological and social service careers.
How Long to Pay Off the Loan?
When considering an Associate of Science in Psychology, it’s important to think not only about academic quality and transfer options, but also about the cost and how long it may take to repay any student loans. Based on data from the featured schools, the average tuition for a full associate degree program is approximately $12,000.
Assuming graduates enter the workforce in human services, social work, or counseling support roles, the average starting salary is around $35,000 per year.
Using this salary as a baseline, here’s how long it would take to pay off a $12,000 student loan (excluding interest for simplicity), depending on the percentage of salary dedicated to repayment:
- 5% of salary ($1,750/year): 6.9 years to pay off
- 10% of salary ($3,500/year): 3.4 years to pay off
- 15% of salary ($5,250/year): 2.3 years to pay off
- 20% of salary ($7,000/year): 1.7 years to pay off
These estimates highlight that with even modest income allocation, student debt from an associate degree in psychology is generally manageable—especially when compared to longer, more expensive degree tracks. Students who budget wisely or qualify for grants and scholarships may pay off their loans even faster, making these programs a cost-effective path into meaningful careers and further education.