Why This Matters

Our Research

This list covers associate programs that prepare students to pursue further education such as a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Graduates of these programs are also qualified for lower-level jobs in mental health and human services. Degrees offered include Associate of Science in Psychology, Associate of Arts in Psychology, Associate of Arts in Applied Psychology, Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer, and Associate of Arts in Psychology.

Accreditation is awarded to degree programs that meet specific academic standards at the national and regional levels. You might also be able to transfer credits from accredited programs to other institutions. Schools on this list are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJS), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 67 hours to write this article
  • 194 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 309 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Associate in Psychology Degree Programs

Best Associate in Psychology Degree Programs
01
Intelligent Pick
Drury University
01
Best for Mindfulness Training
College Of Alameda
01
Best in Pacific Region
Coastline College
01
Best for Transfer
Brookdale Community College
01
Best in the Midwest
Vincennes University
01
Most Military-Friendly
Georgia Military College
01
Best Scholarships
Allen County Community College
01
Best In-State Tuition
Bunker Hill Community College
01
Best Faith-Based Institution
Colorado Christian University
01
Best Online Program
Lansing Community College
01
Best Pre-Professional Program
Southwestern Assemblies Of God University
01
Best in the West
Tyler Junior College
01
Best for Critical Thinking Skills
Palo Alto College
01
Most Affordable
American River College - Los Rios Community College District
01
Best for Addiction Studies
Casper College
01
Best in the Mid-Atlantic
Community College Of Philadelphia
01
Best for Liberal Studies
College Of Southern Nevada
01
Best Career Support
San Joaquin Delta College
01
Best Hybrid Courses
Holmes Community College
01
Best Public Institution
Navarro College
01
Best for Psychiatric Technicians
Sinclair Community College
01
Best Online Library
Truckee Meadows Community College
01
Best for Communication Skills
Amarillo College
01
Best for Military Students
Barton Community College
01
Best for Clinical Psychology
Butler Community College
01
Best Private Institution
Central Methodist University
01
Best Psychology Concentration
Cochise College
01
Best A.A. to Transfer Program
Cuesta College
01
Best for Writing Focus
Delaware County Community College
01
Best in Southwest
Glendale Community College
01
Best for Veterans
Allan Hancock College
01
Best for Research Methods
Hillsborough Community College
01
Best for Transfer to CSU
College Of Marin
01
Best General A.S. Program
Northwest Iowa Community College
01
Most Recognized Faculty
Regent University
01
Best for Student Support
Rose State College
01
Best for Undecided Students
Sacramento City College
01
Best for Teachers
Sierra College
01
Best Campus
College Of The Siskiyous
01
Best for Theoretical Psychology
West Valley College
01
Best for Adult Learners
West Los Angeles College
01
Best Mentoring Opportunities
Anne Arundel Community College
01
Best for Social Workers
Bergen Community College

What You Should Know About This Degree

When choosing a program of study, it’s important to consider your career goals. Though an associate degree in psychology offers introductory coursework focused on human development and social problems, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to pursue other occupations in psychology. If you’re interested in a career as an entry-level aide or assistant, an associate degree program might be right for you; however, if you wish to work as a counselor or psychologist, you must pursue a bachelor’s program in psychology. Most careers in psychology also require a master’s or doctoral degree. Determine which roles you want when deciding on a program of study.

Certifications in psychology can help you if you want to obtain an advanced degree in the field. They can also help you validate your skills for potential employers. Mental Health First Aid Training, Psychological First Aid Training, Certified Alzheimer Caregiver, and Interpersonal Rhythm Training certifications are valuable credentials for students in associate or undergraduate programs.

Though additional study is needed for professional roles in psychology, graduates with an associate degree in psychology face a positive job outlook. The projected growth for psychiatric technicians and human service assistants is significantly higher than that of all other U.S. occupations.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching associate degree programs in psychology:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Associate degree programs in psychology accept students from all educational backgrounds. Most programs require a high school diploma or GED as well as a minimum standardized test score and personal statement of intent.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Students can expect to complete associate degree programs in psychology within two years. The programs on this list require 60 to 67 credits to graduate. Further education in the field of psychology, such as a bachelor’s degree, takes four years of full-time study to complete.

Research application deadlines and make sure to submit all requested materials on time. For detailed information about entry requirements and application due dates, visit the school’s website or contact the program directly.

An associate degree may be more affordable than a bachelor’s program, but it still requires financial investment. You might be eligible for loans, grants, or other government funds to help cover tuition costs, so submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible.