Psychology

You’ll need a high school diploma or GED before you can pursue an associate’s degree in psychology.

Others follow a cohort learning format, in which students advance through their coursework at the same pace as their peers.

While identical in coursework and academic quality, the experience of earning a psychology associate degree online is different from that of a traditional, on-campus program. Prospective students should examine what they want from a psychology degree and decide whether online learning fits their lifestyle, personality, learning preferences, and career goals. As for tuition, online classes will likely cost the same as a traditional program

Classroom

Students who want a more traditional college experience can find plenty of psychology classes that allow them to take all of their classes on campus. Students advance through their coursework at the same pace as their peers.

Online

These classes are ideal for those students who are working or taking care of children. Online classes lead to the same kind of job opportunities after graduation. While an online degree provides flexibility, independence, and freedom, it also requires considerable self-motivation, organization, and discipline.

Remote Online

In addition to what is stated for the Online description, Remote classes require you to participate in classes virtually at a certain time/day weekly.

Hybrid

This class blends a mix of online and on-campus courses. You may take most of your classes online and go to campus just 1 or 2 times a week.

Accelerated

These classes are offered in a 16-, 12-, 9-, or 6-week duration each Fall and Spring semester.  Since several of these classes are offered in a duration of fewer weeks, students have the possibly of an early graduation.

Typical Degree & Career Paths in Psychology

Though you can get your start in the psychology field with an associate degree, most professionals eventually pursue advanced education. Higher degrees, Master’s degrees or Doctorate degrees, can prepare you for roles such as a clinical, educational, and forensic psychologist. You could also go on to become a psychology professor or researcher.

Though psychology career options are somewhat limited with an associate degree, there are several of job opportunities to consider.

Correctional Officer

• Correctional Officer and Bailiffs Outlook Handbook (new window)

Correctional officers work directly with prison inmates and have responsibilities that include supervising activities, overseeing rehab efforts, and providing counseling. They might also make recommendations for changes to facilities or activities that may impact the psychological health of the inmates.

Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), correctional officers earn a median annual wage of $47,440.

Other requirements

Though each state and agency has its own requirements, correctional officers typically attend a training academy and also undergo on-the-job training.

Home Care Aide

• Home Health and Personal Care Aides Outlook Handbook (new window)

Home health and personal care aides assist clients who have disabilities, chronic illnesses, or mental impairment. In the patient’s own home, they help with daily activities such as eating, getting dressed, taking care of household duties, and delivering medication. Job opportunities for the position are rapidly growing, as the BLS projects an employment increase of 33% through 2030.

Salary

Though the career can be incredibly rewarding, you shouldn’t expect to earn much as a home health aide. The BLS reports a median annual salary of $27,080 per year.

Other requirements

Requirements typically involve some sort of on-the-job training.

Human Service or Social Work Assistant

• Social and Human Service Assistants Outlook Handbook (new window)

While an associate’s degree doesn’t let you serve on your own as a social or human services worker, it’s possible to find a role as an assistant. In this position, you might help organize cases, coordinate service plans, interview clients, file reports, and help others understand the resources that are available to them.

Salary

The BLS lists the median salary for these assistants to be $35,960 per year.

Other Requirements

On-the-job training is usually required.

Psychiatric Nursing Aides

• Psychiatric Technicians and Aides Outlook Handbook (new window)

Like home health aides, psychiatric aides help patients with mental or developmental disabilities with their daily duties but do so in a healthcare setting such as psychiatric hospital or mental health facility.

Salary

Psychiatric aides earn a median annual salary of $33,140, according to the BLS.

Other Requirements

Expect to undergo short-term on-the-job training.

Psychiatric Technician

• Psychiatric Technicians and Aides Outlook Handbook (new window)

Psychiatric technicians work in the same settings as psychiatric aides but instead of helping with daily duties, they provide therapeutic treatment and monitor their patients’ conditions.

Salary

The BLS lists the median annual salary for a psychiatric technician as $35,030.

Other Requirements

While a psychiatric technician will also undergo some sort of on-the-job training, they typically also need to gain certification through the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians. There are various certification levels depending on your education.