Online Associate Degree in Psychology

Are you fascinated with human behavior and mental processes?  If so, the online Associate of Arts in Psychology program might be just what you are looking for. You can complete an associate psychology degree online, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC) at University of the Cumberlands. 

• Mission and Goals
• Is an AA in Psychology Worth It?
• Degree Requirements for an Associate of Psychology Online
• More Information on Online Assocaite in Psychology Degree

Mission and Goals 

The purpose of the associate degree in psychology is to provide a liberal arts education, giving students the foundation for bachelors and graduate study, preparing students for careers in the psychology field.

ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN PSYCHOLOGY GOALS:

• Become familiar with major concepts, perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in the psychology field
• Apply basic research methods in psychology: research design, data analysis, interpretations of findings
• Use critical & creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes
• Apply psychology principles to personal, social, and organizational issues

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Is an AA in Psychology Worth It?

People with an associate degree in psychology are eligible to work in entry-level positions in the field. Many students also take an associate program to save time and money with plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree down the road. 

As a graduate of our associate degree in psychology program, you’ll be able to demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in Psychology; understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretations of findings; respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes; and understand and apply psychology principles to personal, social and organizational issues.

Courses for UC’s associate in psychology are designed to give the student a full view of the applicable areas an online psych degree can be used. Courses include, but are not limited to, Intro to Counseling, Basic Psychology, Social Psychology, Psychology of Personality and Abnormal Psychology.

Psychology Associate Degree Jobs

People with an associate in psychology can find work in a variety of rewarding, service-oriented professions, including:

PSYCHOLOGIST¹

A psychology degree from University of the Cumberlands can help you start your journey on a number of career paths, from psychotherapist to clinical psychologist. The need for qualified psychologists is expected to grow 8 percent by 2030. Currently, the median annual salary for these mental health professionals is $81,040.

POSTSECONDARY INSTRUCTOR²

Perhaps instead of practicing, you’re more interested in passing along what you’ve learned. With a median annual salary of $79,640, employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent over the next decade.

Or you could pursue a career in other fields altogether. With the solid foundation of critical thinking and people skills a psychology degree provides, you’ll be well prepared to pursue a variety of professional careers – from front-line sales to back-office management.

CAREERS

• School Psychologist
• Counseling Psychologist
• Child Study Team Director
• Early Intervention School Psychologist
• Applied Behavior Specialist
• Psychotherapist
• Staff Psychologist
• Neuropsychology Director
• Psychology Instructor
• Professor of Psychology
• Social Work Assistant
• Psychiatric Nursing Aide
• Home Health & Personal Care Aide
• Correctional Officer
• Psychiatric Technician
• And more...

Associate Degree in Psychology Salary

How much you’ll end up earning with an associate in psychology entirely depends on what career path you decide to pursue. On the lower end of the spectrum, home aides can expect to earn around $29,430 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This may change, as the BLS also projects an employment increase of 33% through 2030, much higher than the average for other careers. On the more lucrative end, correctional officers make an average of $47,920 per year, though it varies from state to state.

$81,040   Median Annual Pay for Psychologists¹

¹Psychologists
²Postsecondary Teachers

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Degree Requirements Associate in Psychology Online

There are many online colleges for associate in psychology to choose from, but when you get your AA in psychology from University of the Cumberlands, you know your affordable online psychology degree is thoroughly preparing you for a successful career.

As part of University of the Cumberlands' Associate’s degree requirements, each student must complete at least 61 semester hours, including those within the associate in psychology program and the coursework required to fulfill the associate degree in psychology requirements.

• 31 semester hours required in the sections of General Education
• 18 semester hours required in Associate Core Requirements
• 12 semester hours required from Elective Courses

General Education Sections 

• The English Language
• Christian Faith and Values
• Natural and Mathematical Sciences
• Cultural and Aesthetic Values
• Humanities
• Social Sciences

Associate in Psychology - Core Requirements 

PSYC131  Basic Psychology
PSYC232  Child and Adolescent Development
PSYC234  Research Design and Statistics I
PSYC237  Introduction to Counseling
PSYC334  Social Psychology
PSYC333  Psychology of Personality

Elective Courses 

You may choose any of the courses that are offered within the School of Lifelong Learning. If a course has a pre-requisite, as long as you meet the requirements, and have not previously taken it, you can take the class. Your elective choices are vast and not limited to your degree.

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More Information on Online Associate in Psychology 

Admission Requirements 

Do you have questions on what the admission requirements look like for an Associate of Psychology degree? You can learn more on the admission requirements page. 

TUITION

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees. 

ACCREDITATION 

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information.

Faculty 

Having the right professors to guide you on your path through your degree is important. Learn more about the Online Associate of Psychology degree. 

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FAQ'S 

Have more questions that you would like answered? Check out our FAQ page to find out more!

Interested in pursuing a psychology-related career? Searching for schools that offer accelerated associate degrees online? Want to learn more about associate degree in psychology requirements? About our test-optional college admissions process? We’re here to help. For more information about the online associate degree in psychology at UC, fill out the form on this page.