2023 Best Online Associate Degrees in Psychology

Liberty University (LU) is a private, Christian university offering a 60-credit online Associate of Arts in Psychology, with a specialization option in Christian Counseling. Students can complete this program in approximately one-and-a-half years while studying full time. The acceptance rate at LU is 99%, with 36% of students reaching their degrees.

At LU, students use Canvas for remote courses completed entirely online and on a flexible study schedule. This program combines science and faith to teach students about human growth and development through a Christian lens. The core curriculum consists of courses in Developmental Psychology, Psychology of Personality, and Introduction to Research. Graduates may transfer to a bachelor's degree or pursue career opportunities in case management, community relations, and mental health services.

Students should note that LU is not an LGBT-friendly university. The school prohibits these students from engaging in relationships or using their preferred pronouns.

Rio Salado College (RSC) is a public institution offering an online Associate of Arts in Psychology requiring 60 to 64 credit hours. Full-time students can complete this program in two years by taking up to 18 credits per semester. The acceptance rate at RSC is 100%, and the graduation rate is 13%.

Students at RSC use the RioLearn learning management system to access their courses, which are entirely online and asynchronous. The curriculum highlights research methodologies, culture and diversity, biology, and professional communication skills. There are required courses such as Introduction to Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods, and a research project. Graduates may earn career opportunities as human resource specialists, marketing specialists, and human services assistants.

Coastline College (CC) is a public institution with an online Associate of Arts in Psychology requiring the completion of 60 credit hours. Typically, students graduate in approximately two years while studying full time. CC accepts all applicants, with 20% of students graduating.

All online courses at CC are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. This software allows students to study completely online and asynchronously. This degree explores behavioral analysis, statistics and research methodologies, and research writing. Additional areas of study include neuroscience, social psychology, stress, and memory. The core requirements feature Psychobiology, Introduction to Statistics, and Introduction to Research. Graduates of similar programs become social service assistants, youth counselors, and research assistants.

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is a public college that offers an online Associate of Arts in Psychology. This online associate degree requires 60 credit hours, which students generally complete in two years while studying full time. CSN accepts 100% of applicants, while 21% of students achieve degrees.

Canvas is the primary learning platform CSN students use for their coursework, completed 100% online through an asynchronous modality. The curriculum explores psychological research and theory and is designed for students seeking to transfer to a bachelor's program. Additional learning objectives include statistics, mental processes, historical trends, and ethics. Required classes include General Psychology, Introduction to Research Methods, and Introduction to Statistical Methods. Additional credits are required for a capstone course.

CSN also offers an Associate of Applied Science in Applied Psychology - Mental Health Services. Jobs for graduates of either program may be available as mental health technicians, psychiatric technicians, and social services assistants.

Park University (PU) is a private university with an online Associate of Science in Social Psychology requiring the completion of 60 credit hours. Typically, students graduate in approximately two years while studying full time. PU accepts 100% of applicants, with 30% of students graduating.

All online courses at PU are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. This software allows students to study entirely online through a flexible schedule. The core curriculum includes introductory courses in psychology and sociology, where students explore the methods, techniques, and processes used in professional settings. Additional required courses are Self and Society, Social Psychology, and Social Issues in Contemporary Society. Two writing seminars must also be completed during the first year. Students may accept roles as research assistants, mental health technicians, and social services assistants.

Foothill College (FHC) is a public college offering an online Associate of Arts in Psychology requiring 90 units. Students studying on a full-time schedule complete similar programs in two years. The acceptance rate at FHC is 100%, and the graduation rate is 26%.

Students at FHC use the Canvas learning management system to access their courses, which are entirely online and asynchronous. In this curriculum, students look at psychology from a societal perspective, using critical thinking skills to solve issues and research populations. The major has 35 units, including courses such as Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, General Psychology, and Research Methods and Designs. Graduates may earn career opportunities as personnel managers, psychiatric aides, and mental health workers.

Hillsborough Community College (HCC) is a public institution with an online Associate of Arts in Psychology requiring the completion of 60 credit hours. Typically, students graduate in two years while studying full time. HCC accepts 100% of applicants, with 32% of students graduating.

All online programs at HCC are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. This software allows students to study completely online, with synchronous and asynchronous coursework. The purpose of the AA in psychology is to conduct research, analyze behavior, and develop communication and problem-solving skills. Core classes include Psychology of Personal Growth, Educational Psychology, and Development Psychology of the Life Span. Students may accept roles as teacher aides, family advocates, and research assistants.

Sinclair Community College (SCC) is a public college offering an online Associate of Arts in Psychology requiring 60 credit hours. Students studying on a full-time schedule complete similar programs in two years. SCC has an open admissions policy and a graduation rate of 22%.

Students at SCC use the Brightspace learning management system to power its eLearn program. Courses are offered 100% online through synchronous and asynchronous formats. The curriculum highlights research design, scientific reasoning, problem solving, and communication skills, all applied in a real-world context. Required courses include Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Lifespan Human Development. Most credits in this program are guaranteed to transfer to an Ohio public university. Graduates may earn career opportunities as mental health technicians, case workers, and victim advocates.

South Texas College (STC) is a public institution offering a 60-credit online Associate of Arts in Psychology. Students can complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time. The acceptance rate at STC is 100%, with 31% of students reaching their degrees.

At STC, students use Blackboard for remote courses completed entirely online. This program looks at human behavior and mental processes, including the two major areas of psychology: behavioral and social. Additional areas of study are memory, cognition, human sexuality, and neuroscience. The curriculum consists of courses in Statistical Methods in Psychology, General Psychology, and Lifespan Growth and Development. Graduates may explore social services, research institutions, and care facilities roles.

Georgia State University - Perimeter College (GSU) is a public institution with an online Associate of Science in Psychology Pathway requiring 60 credit hours. Students studying full time will likely complete the degree in approximately two years. GSU accepts 100% of its applicants, while 13% of students graduate.

GSU uses iCollege to deliver its online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees completely online and mostly asynchronously with two to three participation days per week. The coursework develops students' understanding of human interactions, mental processes, and individual behaviors. Recommended classes include Careers in Psychology, Introduction to Positive Psychology, and Introduction to Human Development. Keep in mind that this pathway program prepares students for a bachelor's degree; diplomas will not show a psychology major. Graduates may find work in the fields of organizational behavior, education, and teaching.

Front Range Community College (FRCC) is a public college with an online Associate of Arts/Science in Psychology. This degree requires 60 credit hours, which full-time students complete in approximately two years. Students are accepted into FRCC at a rate of 100%, with 25% graduating with a degree.

FRCC students use MyCourses as their primary learning management system, completing coursework 100% online and asynchronously. The AA curriculum features areas of study such as human growth, child development, and sexuality, while the AS is more clinical, with courses in algebra, ethics, and chemistry. The online associate in psychology requires General Psychology, Public Speaking, and Biology. Graduates may transfer to most public universities in Colorado or pursue entry-level careers as family advocates, teacher aides, and research assistants.

Regent University Online (RU) is a private Christian university that hosts an online Associate of Science in Psychology. Students must complete at least 63 credit hours to graduate, which is done in approximately two years on a full-time schedule. RU's acceptance rate is 41%, with 49% of students graduating with degrees. RU is an anti-LGBTQ institution that prohibits homosexual conduct, per its student handbook.

Online students at RU use Canvas to complete their coursework, delivered online and in asynchronous formats. The curriculum teaches psychology concepts through a Christian lens. Students develop listening and research skills while studying cognitive, developmental, and abnormal psychology. Required courses include Philosophical Foundations, Marriage and Family, and Theories of Personality. Graduates may find employment as psychiatric nursing assistants, youth counselors, and human service assistants.

Colorado Christian University (CCU) is a private, Christian institution featuring an online Associate of Science in Psychology requiring 60 credit hours. The typical completion time for this degree is two years or less on a full-time schedule. CCU has an open admissions policy and a 31% graduation rate.

At CCU, students use Brightspace as their learning management system, with courses delivered entirely online and asynchronously with occasional classroom discussions. The core curriculum combines faith and science, teaching students the foundations of human behavior and developing skills in critical thinking. Here are three examples of required courses: Relational Psychology, Psychology Through the Lifespan, and Transformational Psychology. Students must also complete a Biblical Studies seminar. Career opportunities include mental health case workers, family support specialists, and human service assistants.

CCU is not LGBT-friendly. According to CCU's student handbook, the LGBT community engages in a lifestyle "inconsistent with biblical principles," which are prohibited at CCU. Furthermore, the university does not support "transgender behavior."

Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is a public college that offers an online Associate of Arts in Psychology. This degree requires 60 credits, generally completed in two years while studying full time. CCBC accepts 100% of applicants, while 18% of students achieve degrees.

Brightspace is the primary learning platform CCBC students use for their coursework, completed 100% online through an asynchronous modality. The curriculum emphasizes pathway credits to transfer students to a bachelor's degree in psychology. Coursework allows students to analyze human behavior and psychology representation in media and popular culture. There are relevant classes such as Abnormal Psychology, Principles of Human Growth and Development, and Fundamentals of Communication. Jobs for graduates may be available as research, teacher, and human services assistants.

Tulsa Community College (TCC) is a public institution with an online Associate of Arts in Psychology requiring the completion of 60 credit hours. Typically, students finish all program requirements in approximately two years while studying full time. TCC accepts 100% of applicants, with 20% of students graduating.

All online courses at TCC are delivered through the Blackboard learning management system. This software allows students to study entirely online and on flexible schedules. This associate degree focuses on areas of research and learning related to psychological disorders, personality theories, and social psychology. The core requirements feature Developmental Psychology and Introduction to Psychology, with electives such as Human Relations and Behavioral Statistics. Students who graduate from similar programs gain employment as research assistants, family advocates, and home care aides.

Georgia Military College (GMC) is a public college offering online Associate of Arts/Science in Psychology programs requiring 95 and 90 credit hours, respectively. Students studying on a full-time schedule complete similar programs in two years. The acceptance rate at GMC is 100%, and the graduation rate is 28%.

Students at GMC use the Moodle learning management system to access their entirely online courses—most of which are taught asynchronously. Both programs provide foundations in psychology principles and concepts, including theories, scientific methods, and the field's history. There are two required courses in Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences and Introduction to Psychology, with additional options in Human Growth and Development, Educational Psychology, Psychology of Adjustment, and more. Generally, graduates work as family advocates, teacher aides, and social services assistants.

Pikes Peak State College (PPSC) is a public institution with online Associate of Arts/Science in Psychology degrees, each requiring the completion of 60 credit hours. Typically, students finish all program requirements in approximately two years while studying full time. PPSC accepts 100% of applicants, with 21% of students graduating.

All online courses at PPSC are delivered through the Brightspace learning management system. This software allows students to study entirely online and asynchronously. Both programs follow the standards of the American Psychological Association in terms of research, ethics, and citation styles. Students must take classes in Social and Behavioral Sciences and General Psychology before choosing electives in Child Development, Social Psychology, Health Psychology, and others. Students may accept roles as social services assistants, mental health technicians, and youth counselors.

Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) is a public college that offers an online Associate of Arts in Psychology. This associate program requires 60 credit hours, generally completed in two years while studying full time. TMCC accepts 100% of applicants, while 38% of students achieve degrees.

Canvas is the primary learning platform TMCC students use for their coursework, completed 100% online through occasional group discussions and meetings. The curriculum explores psychology research findings, theories, and concepts, reflected in core classes — such as Introduction to Research Methods, General Psychology, and Introduction to Abnormal Psychology. Upon graduation, students will have met the first two years of requirements to transfer to bachelor's degrees. For those who wish to enter the workforce, jobs may be available in human resources, business, law, and education.

Blinn College is a public institution featuring online Associate of Arts/Science in Psychology degrees requiring 60 credit hours. The typical completion time for this degree is approximately two years on a full-time schedule. The acceptance rate at Blinn is 100%, and the graduation rate is 15%.

At Blinn, students use eCampus as their learning management system, with courses delivered entirely online through synchronous and asynchronous modalities. The core curriculum teaches students communication, research, and critical thinking skills. Coursework highlights foundations in psychology and areas of focus, such as social or abnormal psychology. Here are three examples of required courses: General Psychology, Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, and Biological Psychology. Depending on the chosen electives, students may pursue careers in educational psychology, social services, and mental health services.

San Juan College (SJC) is a public institution with an online Associate of Arts in Psychology. This degree requires between 60 and 63 credit hours, which full-time students complete in approximately two years. All applicants are accepted into SJC, with 31% of students graduating with a degree.

SJC students use Canvas as their learning management system, with courses completed 100% online and asynchronously. This transfer program is for students seeking bachelor's degrees. The curriculum features foundations in human development, behavior, cognition, and emotions. Required classes include Developmental Psychology, General Psychology, and Psychology as a Profession. Entry-level careers may be available as research assistants, youth counselors, and psychiatric technicians.

Lansing Community College (LCC) is a public college offering a 60-credit online Associate of Arts in Psychology. Students can complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time. The acceptance rate at LCC is 100%, with 19% of students reaching their degrees.

At LCC, students use Desire2Learn for remote courses completed entirely online and asynchronously. Only one class (Introduction to Psychology) requires students to visit an approved local site for proctored exams. The core curriculum consists of Psychology of Personality, Social Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology courses. This program is designed for students wishing to transfer to a Michigan university through the Michigan Transfer Agreement. Graduates joining the workforce may find roles as teacher aides, physiatric technicians, and research assistants.

Barton County Community College (BCC) is a public institution with an online Associate of Science in Psychology requiring 60 credit hours. Students studying full time will likely complete the degree in approximately two years. BCC accepts 100% of its applicants, while 31% of students graduate.

BCC uses Canvas to deliver its online coursework, allowing students to finish their degrees fully online. The core curriculum develops students' understanding of mental processes, brain development, counseling techniques, and emotions. Required classes include General Psychology and Introduction to Sociology, with electives such as Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, and Psychology of Serial Killers. Career paths include advocacy, crisis work, and case management.

Waldorf University is a private university with an online Associate of Arts Psychology. This degree requires 60 credit hours, which full-time students complete in approximately two years. Students are accepted into Waldorf at a rate of 72%, with 54% of students graduating with a degree.

Waldorf students use Blackboard as their primary learning management system, completing courses 100% online and asynchronously. The curriculum features psychology fundamentals through the required General Psychology course before students choose from one social, abnormal, or cognitive psychology course. The remainder of the program features general education and social science credits, such as Introduction to Sociology. Career opportunities include mental health technicians, customer service representatives, and social and human service assistants.

Upper Iowa University (UIU) is a private university that hosts an online Associate of Arts in Psychology. Students must complete 60 credit hours to graduate, which can be done in approximately two years on a full-time schedule. UIU's acceptance rate is 65%, with 50% of all students graduating with degrees.

Online students at UIU use Brightspace to complete their coursework, delivered online and in asynchronous formats. The curriculum explores areas of psychology, including human behavior, brain development, mental processes, cognition, personality differences, and biology. Required courses include Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Learning and Memory. The most likely entry-level career opportunities for graduates are in human resources positions.

Odessa College (OC) is a public institution featuring an online Associate in Arts in Psychology requiring 60 credit hours. The typical completion time for this degree is approximately two years on a full-time schedule. OC has an open admissions policy and a 24% graduation rate.

At OC, students use Blackboard as their learning management system, with courses delivered entirely online and asynchronously. Students develop critical thinking skills by practicing research methods and applying psychological principles to real-world situations. Here are three examples of required courses: General Psychology, Child Psychology, and Social Problems. These classes prepare students to pursue assistant roles in social services, public and private schools, and youth centers.

Central Methodist University (CMU) is a private university that offers an online Associate of Arts in Psychology. This degree requires 60 credit hours, generally completed in two years while studying full time. CMU accepts 99% of applicants, while 50% of students achieve degrees.

Canvas is the primary learning platform CMU students use for their coursework, completed 100% online through an asynchronous modality. The curriculum aims for students to understand emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through research studies related to mental health. There are required classes such as General Psychology, Educational Psychology, and Psychology of Personal Adjustment. Jobs for graduates may be available as research assistants, teacher assistants, and psychiatric technicians.

Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) is a public institution with an online Associate of Science in Psychology requiring the completion of 63 credit hours. Typically, students finish all program requirements in approximately two years while studying full time. MCCC accepts all students who apply, with 18% reaching graduation.

All online courses at MCCC are delivered through the Canvas learning management system. This software allows students to study completely online through synchronous and asynchronous formats. This degree focuses on research methods to understand human behavior, psychological theories, and cultural experiences that influence the human condition. The core requirements feature Introduction to Psychology, Human Development, and Research Methods in Psychology. Graduates commonly become social science research assistants, with additional opportunities as psychiatric technicians and social services assistants.

Navarro College (NC) is a public college offering an online Associate of Science in Psychology requiring 60 credit hours. Students studying on a full-time schedule complete similar programs in two years. The acceptance rate at NC is 100%, and the graduation rate is 20%.

Students at NC use the Canvas learning management system to access their courses, which are entirely online and asynchronous. This transfer curriculum offers credits that can be put towards a bachelor's degree in psychology. Students study human behavior and develop their critical thinking skills. There are required courses such as Social Psychology, Lifespan Growth and Development, and General Psychology. Graduates may earn career opportunities as psychiatric aides, social and human service assistants, and human resource specialists.

The University of the Cumberlands (UC) is a private, Baptist university offering a 61-credit online Associate of Arts in Psychology. Students can complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time. The acceptance rate at UC is 85%, with 57% of students reaching their degrees. At UC, students use iLearn to study entirely online and on a flexible schedule through synchronous and asynchronous coursework. This program promotes foundational concepts in psychology and science-based problem solving. Students look at historical and contemporary trends and apply findings to individual, social, and organizational issues. The core curriculum consists of Basic Psychology, Social Psychology, and Psychology of Personality courses. Students must also take Christian faith and values courses. Graduates may explore roles as social work assistants, psychiatric nursing aides, and psychiatric technicians.

UC is not LGBT-friendly. It has received a religious exemption from Title XI, a federal law intended to protect students from sex-based discrimination.

Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) is a public institution with an online Associate of Arts in Psychology requiring 61 credit hours. Students studying full time will likely complete the degree in approximately two years. TVCC accepts 100% of its applicants, while 19% of students graduate.

TVCC uses Canvas to deliver its online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees entirely online and asynchronously. The core curriculum introduces students to studying emotional and cognitive growth and how these processes affect individual and social stability. Required classes include Introduction to Sociology, General Psychology, and Social Problems. Graduates receive resources allowing them to browse careers in the following industries: medicine, research, education, and business.