If you enjoy helping people and want to have insight into the human mind and human behavior, an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS) degree in psychology could lead you to a rewarding career path. While a degree in any discipline can make it easier to find a job in many different fields, an associate degree in psychology can be perfect for jobs working for, and with, other professionals like mental health workers, human services and social workers.
Jobs in Mental Health
With an associate degree in psychology, you could work in the mental health field. Good places to look for employment include mental health hospitals or clinics, counseling centers or intervention units.
Two positions that often require an associate degree in psychology include psychiatric technicians and psychiatric aides, which both involve assisting and caring for people with mental illness and mental disabilities. While technicians provide therapeutic care and monitor patients, aides generally assist with daily activities like feeding and keeping their living environments clean and safe. In 2017, these positions paid a median annual wage of $29,330, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Psychiatric aides don't require a license. Only a few states, including California, require psychiatric technicians to be licensed.
Jobs in Human Services
If you'd like to work with youths or the elderly, take a look at open positions at local child welfare agencies, social services agencies, juvenile detention centers, group homes and vocational rehabilitation centers. These organizations often have positions that are ideal for someone with an AA in Psychology. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinics also hire people with an associate degree as aides and paraprofessional counselors. It's unlikely that you'll be able to get a job as a social worker or therapist without a more advanced degree; however, you can work as an aide or assistant, helping clients while under supervision.
Many of these jobs, such as aides working with seniors, aides to social workers or state-level correctional officers, may only require a high school diploma. For these positions, having a degree could help you stand out from other applicants. Pay can vary widely. As an example, the median income of correctional officers in 2017 was $43,540, according to the BLS. The median income for social and human resource assistants was $33,120.
Jobs in Childcare and Education
With the insight into childhood development you learn in college, an associate degree could get you a great job in early childhood education as a teacher's aide or as a childcare assistant at a daycare center or preschool. Childcare workers made a median income of $22,290 in 2017. As with many jobs, the specific requirements can vary with each position and often vary by state. Some positions may only require a high school education. Other jobs may require additional training and licensing from the state.
Baylor University - Waco, TX 4.4
A Masters degree and five years of relevant work experience is preferred. A Bachelor’s degree, two years of relevant work experience, and an active Christian…
Elevate CCBHC - West Union, IA
A bachelor’s degree in a non-human services-related field, associate’s degree, or high school diploma (or equivalency) with a minimum of two years of experience…
Bi-County Community Action Programs, Inc. - Walker, MN
A Bachelor’s degree and prior experience in a human service organization is preferred. You’ll need an Associate’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or closely…
Crawford County Drug & Alcohol Executive Commission - Meadville, PA
A Master’s Degree in chemical dependency, psychology, social work, counseling, human services, nursing or other behavioral science is preferred; or a Bachelor’s…
Qualified Staffing - Owosso, MI 3.4
Associates degree in Public Health, Social Work, Health Education, Human Services or Psychology; Complete all required paperwork on time.
Compass Health Network - Missouri 3.0
Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or related field preferred. Must be currently working towards a Bachelor’s degree with scheduled graduation date…
Redwood Coast Regional Center - Lakeport, CA 3.5
We require an Associate's Degree in social work, psychology, public health, special education, or other related fields.
University of Miami - Coral Gables, FL 4.0
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Neuroscience or other related field. One year of cumulative experimental psychology research experience using behavioral tasks…
Autism Behavior Services Inc. - Barstow, CA +20 locations4.2
Associate or Bachelor's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Education, or related field experience a plus! High School Diploma Required.
MSK SOLUTIONS, INC. - Vallejo, CA
Master's degree in ABA, Psychology, Sociology, or related field with 2 years experience working in group home, hospital, SED Designated classroom, Juvenile Hall…
Peninsula Behavioral Health - Port Angeles, WA 3.4
Pay Range: $62,500 to $75,000 per year (DOE/DOQ) plus $5,000 signing bonus. JOB PURPOSE: Works as a part of the outpatient clinical team to provide effective…
Crimson Counseling LLC - Beaver, UT 3.7
Preferred: Associates Degree, Bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, social work, or human services, or any other field relevant to care or services to…
Vanderbilt University - Nashville, TN 4.0
The Administrative Specialist is part of the administrative staff in the Department of Psychology at Vanderbilt University.
Kiddo Educational Services - El Centro, CA
Completed a minimum of 12 semester hours (or equivalent) of college coursework and currently be enrolled in course of study leading to an associate's or…
PATH, Inc. - Bloomington, IL 5.0
Bachelor degree in human services related field (Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, Counseling, etc.). Primarily serve as a "floater" manager.
Mayo Clinic - Rochester, MN 4.0
Must have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree (completed), in public health, psychology, social work, nursing, or a related field and a publication record.
McHenry County College - Crystal Lake, IL 4.0
Master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Bachelor’s degree in English as a Second Language, foreign language, linguistics,…
Seedlings to Sunflowers, Non Profit Childcare and Family Center - Gorham, ME
You will implement our cultural awareness and nature-based curriculum as well as prepare students for Kindergarten. Paid holidays and snow days.
ACS Consultants, Inc. - Philadelphia, PA 4.5
* Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Services, or related field - or - Associate’s degree. Bilingual Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS)*.