An associate degree is more limiting in terms of employment options when compared with a bachelor’s degree but there are some key reasons you might still consider an associate degree.
An associate degree in psychology can be completed in two years or less so compare this with the typical 4 years for a bachelor’s degree and you can see why a student looking to enter the job market sooner might opt for an associate degree in the first instance.
The shorter duration also means an associate degree is more affordable. Tuition fees for an associate degree can be as little as $6,000.
Many use associate degrees as a way to transition into the psychology field from some other form of employment. An associate degree minimizes time out of the job market and gets you back earning quicker than a bachelor’s degree would even if the the longer term earning potential is lower.
This brings us nicely on to another key advantage of an associate degree over a bachelor’s degree which is the flexibility with many associate degree programs offering flexible scheduling options including part-time, evening classes and online learning. This makes it easier to balance work or family commitments alongside obtaining an associate degree.
In reality, it doesn’t have to be a question of associate degree OR bachelor’s degree. 33% of students who initially enrolled in an associate degree program transfer to a bachelor’s degree program within 6 years so an associate degree provides the foundational knowledge and can act as a stepping stone into higher education.
