Best Online Associate in Psychology Degree Programs

Are you captivated by the intricate workings of the human mind? Do you find yourself constantly questioning why people think, feel, and behave the way they do? Or Are you curious about the human mind and how it shapes our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships? If so, psychology might just be the field for you!

This discipline dives into the depths of human experience, exploring the complex interplay of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that shape our individual and collective realities. These days pursuing a degree does not require you to put your other involvements on hold.

Today, online education offers a flexible and accessible path to acquiring a solid foundation in any field. An associate degree in psychology will serve as your stepping stone, providing you with the essential knowledge and skills to launch your career or pursue further studies.

This article provides insight into the best online associate in psychology degree programs. We will highlight a diverse range of program options, and explore their unique features, curriculum structures, and other important details.

Whether you are looking for a program that emphasizes research methods, the intricacies of human development, or explores the nuances of social psychology, this article will serve you greatly.

Best Online Associate in Psychology Degree Programs

1. Liberty University

Liberty University was established in 1971 as an evangelical Christian institution, today, it caters to over 100,000 students across its 17 colleges and schools. The university boasts a diverse academic offering of 600 areas of study, including psychology. Students pursuing psychology at Liberty can opt for an online Associate of Arts (AA) in psychology or specialize in psychology with a focus on Christian counseling.

The requirements for the psychology associate degree cover 36-39 credits in foundational skills like English, math, and Christian life, along with 24 credits dedicated to the major. Core psychology courses cover topics such as developmental psychology, introduction to research, and psychology of personality. Those interested in the Christian counseling aspect of the degree also undertake courses introducing Christian counseling.

Liberty’s online classes follow an eight-week format and commence eight times annually. The university provides electronic textbooks for undergraduates at no extra cost. The cost of tuition per credit is $390 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

2. Colorado Christian University

Established in 1914, Colorado Christian University caters to a student body of about 8,000, with over 5,500 adult undergraduates participating in online programs taught from a Christian perspective. The online courses at CCC are typically organized in five-week blocks, allowing students to focus on one course at a time. The institution provides access to a 60-credit Associate of Science (AS) in psychology, available in both online and hybrid formats.

The psychology AS program comprises 30 general education credits covering subjects such as math, science, English, philosophy, Biblical studies, and humanities. Core requirements for the major include courses in transformational psychology, relational psychology, interpersonal relationships,  and behavioral psychology.

Prospective students are required to submit a recommendation letter from a spiritual leader. Additionally, individuals have the opportunity to earn up to 45 credits for life experience or transfer a maximum of 45 credits. Graduates of the program can further transfer their earned credits into CCC’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in applied psychology. The cost of tuition per credit is  $469 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

3. South Texas College

South Texas College was established in 1993 and today it caters to a student population exceeding 31,000, with both online and on-campus options across five locations in southern Texas. The institution offers an extensive array of 123 degrees and certificates, encompassing 36 online undergraduate programs including a 60-credit online Associate of Arts (AA) in psychology.

This program is designed as an excellent pathway for students intending to transfer to a four-year college. The program requires students to complete core coursework in history, philosophy, government, and composition. Psychology-specific classes cover general psychology, social psychology, and statistical methods in psychology.

Admissions at STC are open to all high school graduates. The institution provides 24-hour online tutoring services, granting each student three complimentary hours of tutoring every semester. STC holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

This program is also very affordable with tuition fees charged as follows: $ 77 per credit in-district; $87 per credit in-state; $200 per credit out-of-state students.

4. Regent University

Regent University, a private Christian institution located in Virginia, offers a 64-credit online Associate of Arts (AA) in psychology, delivered with a Christian perspective. The online psychology degree program offered at this institution is considered one of the best.

The psychology major at Regent encompasses general education requirements, covering subjects such as the Bible and Christianity, economics, history, math, science, and literature. Completion of the major involves five eight-week online classes, delving into essential topics like theories of personality and research methods. Additionally, students have the flexibility to choose from additional course options, including abnormal psychology, social psychology, and psychological assessments.

Prospective online applicants are required to complete an admissions questionnaire and have the option to submit unofficial transcripts. Psychology majors are expected to fulfill at least half of their psychology credits at Regent and maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0. The cost of tuition per credit is $395 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

5. Sheridan University

As one of the two campuses belonging to the Northern Wyoming Community College District, Sheridan caters to approximately 1,700 students through a variety of instructional methods, including on-campus, online, hybrid, and video conferencing classes.

Sheridan offers an entirely online social science associate degree, and for the psychology associate degree, students have the option to complete portions of it online. The online Associate of Arts (AA) program in social science at Sheridan includes courses in anthropology, sociology, and psychology. Psychology enthusiasts can choose from elective courses such as forensic psychology, sports and exercise psychology, and educational psychology to meet major requirements.

Online students at Sheridan have access to various resources, including technical support, a collaborative search tool for online classes, an orientation to online learning, and online library and bookstore access. The cost of tuition per credit is $139 for in-state students and $337 for out-of-state students.

6. Northeast Community College

Northeast Community College has a main campus, three extended campuses, and two regional offices. Through these campuses, Northeast offers flexible learning with day, evening, and online classes. The institution provides access to 11 online associate of arts degrees, including a 60-credit Associate of Arts (AA) in social science.

For the social science major, Northeast recommends core courses in history, government, sociology, and economics, alongside general education requirements in science, math, and English. The psychology offerings encompass courses such as lifespan psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology.

Prospective students are required to submit transcripts from all previously attended schools. Northeast extends various services to online students, including tutoring, advising, career services, and counseling. The completion rate for eLearning courses at Northeast stands at 79.5%.

Prospective students must submit standardized test scores (ACT, SAT, or ASSET/COMPASS) to qualify for admission.

7. Casper College

Casper College established in 1945 as Wyoming’s first junior college has evolved to offer over 140 degree and certificate programs in on-campus, entirely online, and hybrid formats. Among these offerings is a hybrid Associate of Science (AS) in Psychology, permitting students to complete 70% or more of their coursework online. Graduates of this program have the opportunity to pursue a bachelor’s degree through a transfer agreement with the University of Wyoming.

The AS in psychology at Casper involves 32 credits in general education, covering subjects like math and English, along with 29 credits dedicated to the major. Mandatory psychology courses include research methods, developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Additional topics covered encompass drugs and behavior and biological psychology.

Casper College facilitates three start dates each year, and prospective students can apply online, subsequently submitting placement scores and transcripts.  The cost of tuition per credit is  $135 for in-state students and  $333 for out-of-state students.

8. Saint Joseph’s College

Saint Joseph’s College (SJC) is a private Catholic institution that caters to about 1,000 on-campus students and 2,500 online students. Online undergraduates can choose from 11-degree options, including the Associate of Science (AS) in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in psychology. SJC offers one of the best online associate’s in psychology degree programs.

SJC’s associate degree entails 24 general education credits, covering subjects such as English composition, history, religion, human nature, environmental science, and social science. Requirements for the psychology minor encompass courses like psychopathology, lifespan development, learning theories, and social psychology. As part of their academic journey, all interdisciplinary studies students complete a capstone course, applying their knowledge to practical professional situations.

Saint Joseph’s College offers rolling admissions and a free online application, and students have the option to use the Common Application. It’s noteworthy that students are required to earn at least 25% of the 66 credits needed for an associate degree at SJC through the college.

9. Northwest Iowa Community College

NCC located in Sheldon, Iowa offers 60-credit associate degrees through online platforms. Students attend on-campus classes one day per week and fulfill the remaining requirements through online coursework. Graduates from NCC can take advantage of transfer agreements with various colleges, including the University of Iowa and Iowa State University.

NCC’s associate degree mandates 45 credits in general education and 15 elective credits from any field, such as psychology. A minimum of 15 credits must be completed at NCC. Psychology course options encompass introductory, developmental, abnormal, social, and educational psychology.

Prospective students are required to complete an application and submit official transcripts. Upon acceptance, students can apply for financial aid and must provide placement test scores before enrolling in courses.

10. Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University was established in 1857, today, it serves a student body of 5,200 across more than 20 locations in the U.S. and Hong Kong. The university provides a range of program options, including self-paced, online, dual enrollment, and professional development programs. UIU presents a 60-credit online Associate of Arts in Psychology, where students are required to earn a minimum of 15 credits directly from the university.

The psychology major entails 36 general education credits and nine general elective credits, including one psychology course from each of the specified categories: learning, individual differences, biological bases and behavior, developmental changes in behavior, and electives. Course topics within the psychology curriculum cover areas such as social gerontology, personality, and motivation.

UIU facilitates a free online application process, and the online classes follow an eight-week schedule (six weeks in the summer). Enrolled students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. The cost of tuition per credit is $488 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

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