If you're thinking about studying psychology, it's important to understand the degree options available to you at the start of your academic journey. You can begin with either an associate or a bachelor’s degree — each offering unique benefits depending on your goals, timeline and interests.
Whether you're drawn to mental health, human behavior or social services, the degree you choose now can shape your academic and professional path. And if you decide later to pursue a graduate or doctoral degree, your undergraduate experience lays the foundation for that next step.
No matter where you’re headed, starting your education at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is a great way to save money without sacrificing quality. NOVA’s Associate of Science (A.S.) in psychology helps you build a strong academic foundation while preparing you to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.
Understanding Degrees in Psychology
As mentioned earlier, students typically begin their psychology studies with either an associate or a bachelor’s degree. Each option offers a distinct path depending on what you’re looking for — whether that’s a faster start in the field or a broader academic experience.
An associate degree in psychology introduces core concepts like psychological theory, research methods and critical thinking. Typically completed in two years, it also fulfills general education requirements and positions you for a seamless transfer to a four-year institution.
After completing your associate degree, you can pursue the other type of undergraduate psychology degree: a bachelor's degree. This degree deepens your understanding of the field while allowing you to explore specialized areas such as developmental, social and cognitive psychology. A bachelor's degree in psychology opens up a wide range of career paths — from counseling and social services to research and academia. A bachelor's degree also prepares you for graduate study, including a master’s degree or Ph.D.
While many students begin their psychology education with an associate degree, others choose to start directly with a bachelor’s program. We’ll explore both options throughout this blog to help you decide what’s right for you.
What Can You Do with an Associate Degree in Psychology?
In NOVA’s associate degree in psychology program, you’ll explore major concepts, methods and ethics in the field while developing communication skills, cultural awareness, critical thinking and scientific inquiry. With this foundation, you’ll be prepared to transfer into a bachelor's program or to pursue entry-level positions in psychology.
Jobs for psychology students include:
- Psychiatric technician: Support mental health professionals by assisting patients with daily activities, monitoring behaviors and helping implement treatment plans in clinical settings.
- Mental health technician: Provide care and support to individuals in mental health settings by monitoring behavior and assisting with daily routines.
- Case manager: Coordinate services and resources to help clients access care, housing or counseling.
- Social services assistant: Support social workers by managing records, scheduling services and helping clients navigate community programs
- Human resources assistant: Apply your understanding of human behavior in a workplace setting to support hiring, training and employee relations
These roles offer a secure income. According to Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm, there are 463 entry-level jobs for psychology students within NOVA’s service area with starting salaries from $46,000 to $54,000.
Why You Might Choose a Bachelor’s in Psychology
As mentioned earlier, some students start their education in a four-year bachelor’s degree program. But beginning at NOVA with an associate degree allows you to save on tuition, fulfill general education requirements and build key skills before transferring.
A bachelor's degree in psychology expands on what you’ve learned in your associate studies by delving deeper into psychological theories, research methods and specialized topics like developmental, social and cognitive psychology. You’ll also gain access to more electives and hands-on opportunities that prepare you for a wider range of careers.
Jobs for psychology students who hold a bachelor’s degree include:
- Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor: Guide individuals through recovery by offering counseling, creating personalized treatment plans and providing ongoing support for addiction and behavioral challenges.
- Mental health counselor: Help individuals navigate mental health challenges using evidence-based therapeutic techniques that foster emotional well-being and resilience.
- Child, family and school social worker: Support children and families in overcoming personal and social challenges by providing counseling, advocacy and connections to essential community resources.
A bachelor's degree is also a common requirement for graduate studies in psychology, which can lead to licensure and advanced roles in the field.
What You’ll Learn in a Psychology Degree Program
Choosing the right degree is a powerful first step toward transforming your future, and understanding what you’ll learn at each level can help guide your decision. At NOVA, the psychology associate degree program provides a balance of both general education courses and psychology-specific coursework to prepare you for transfer or entry-level roles.
In NOVA’s program, you’ll take foundational courses such as:
- Principles of Psychology: Learn the basic theories and research methods that explain human behavior.
- Social Psychology: Explore how interactions and social environments shape thoughts and actions.
- Research Methodology for Behavioral Sciences: Gain hands-on experience designing and conducting psychological research.
- Statistics for Behavioral Sciences: Learn how to apply statistical techniques to analyze psychological data.
In addition to these psychology courses, you’ll complete general education courses like English, math and history to create a well-rounded academic experience that prepares you to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
If you choose to continue your education, a bachelor’s degree program will build on your foundational knowledge with more advanced coursework. You’ll explore areas like cognitive and biological psychology, research methods and psychological assessment, depending on your chosen program and institution.
This next level of study helps you deepen your understanding of psychological theory and practice while preparing for specialized roles or future graduate programs.
Pursue Advanced Degrees in Psychology After NOVA
Completing your associate degree at NOVA puts you in a strong position to keep advancing your education while saving money on your first two years of college. NOVA makes transferring to a four-year school straightforward through:
- Articulation Agreements: These outline how your NOVA credits transfer to four-year partner schools so you know exactly how your coursework applies to your bachelor’s degree.
- Guaranteed Admission Agreements: Meet specific academic requirements to receive automatic admission to select four-year institutions.
- ADVANCE with George Mason University: Access the resources and facilities of George Mason while completing your associate degree at NOVA, then transfer with guaranteed admission.
With expert advising and clear pathways, NOVA helps you continue earning degrees in psychology without losing time or credits.
Why Start Your Psychology Studies at NOVA?
As you consider different degrees in psychology, NOVA stands out as an affordable and high-quality option. NOVA offers a combination of academic support, flexible learning options and clear transfer pathways that help you stay on track.
Here’s what makes NOVA a smart place to begin your psychology education: .