Online Degrees?

Question

I don't fully understand this whole thing. I'm deciding to go back to school and it's convenient to do it online. But my question is this, if I decided to get my Associate of Science in Psychology degree what would I end up being? I mean I won't be a doctor right?? So, what kind of jobs would I be able to get?? Would I be a psychologist or a counselor?? I don't understand this whole thing? Help me if you understand this please! Thanks!

Answer 1

Here’s the breakdown on the degrees:

Associates – (2 years (times are traditional)
It is a degree generally awarded by community colleges and junior colleges. In bachelor and above granting universities it is given upon completion of credit equivalent to the first two years in a four-year college or university.

It basically, a little better than a high school diploma. For psychology specifically, you won’t be able to do much. I have a BS in Psychology and I was able to work at a counseling organization, but not counsel. Since then, I’ve moved on to my MBA and PhD in business. That’s another story.

Bachelors – (2 more years)
It is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for a specific course or major. This is the traditional college education. If you have a Bachelors, you can say you graduated college. Personally, I can’t stand it when someone says they have graduated with an Associates (it’s just half way).

With a BA or BS in Psychology, you may be able to assist in a little more hands a person who counsels. You still need more education to be giving people advice on their personal lives. I didn’t want such responsibility, so I decided to advise people on their business instead.

Masters – (2 more years)
It is an academic degree awarded for completion of a postgraduate (or graduate) credit courses dealing with a specific and detailed subject. Depending on the career field, this is a necessity. It also separates you most cases from those with a Bachelors degree; and if you can do it in a few more years, why not. A Bachelors alone is becoming not enough in many fields.

You usually work on your Masters after starting your job related to your degree. In many states, you can counsel with a Masters, but generally under supervision during certain number of years and you usually have to have a state certification.

Doctorate – (3 more years)
A doctoral degree is granted at the completion of extensive academic work in a particular field of study. There are three types of doctorates: research/terminal, (first) professional, and honorary. The PhD is a research intensive program, while other doctorates focus on the topic without as much research methodology involved such as the EdD for Education, DBA for Business, and PsyD for Psychology.

This is the terminal degree, basically the last one because as I say jokingly, if I go for another one, my wife will terminate me. Really, it is the highest level of education. With a doctorate in psychology then you will be able to counsel on your own.

Other – (vary)
There are state and national certificates to earn in many fields as well as Continuing Education Credits to ensure that you maintain updated in the new field information. There are also very specific topic oriented Graduate Certificates that you should earn in other to show your counseling specification and specialty.

You should first of all, review your goals, personal and professional. Make sure that the school that you are going to offers the programs that match your goals. Do not settle. There are many programs that are similar, but you have to make the ultimate decision. Do not let be based on finances and length of program, but the fact that when you are finished or near finished you will be able to assume your proper place in the career field sought.

I hope this has broken down the educational degree system a little for you. You should market yourself and not the degree or university. There are many traditional universities offering degrees that can be earned through online methods. Look at that if you are truly concerned with the name of the school. Good luck on your search!

Answer 2

An Associates degree opens doors and places you in a better position than those with no degree. You need at least a Bachelors degree to experience the real value of education. Don't get me wrong. An Associates is a start, but don't quit there. Take as many general ed classes as you can at a community college so you can save money at a 4 year college. By the way, I am a University Professor. I kinda know what I am talking about.

Answer 3

First get clear on what you want to do, say for the next 3-5 years after graduating. If you don't know, then get a degree in something that captures you interest outside the classroom. By merely following your interst, you'll be lead to the area you want to spend most of your waking hours in. If you do know tha you want to do the next couple of years, then study something in that field. A psych degree is useful if you know where you're going with it. You get points for asking the question!

Answer 4

An A.S. in Psych is worthless. You need a minimum of a Master's to get a counseling job in that field. Make sure the school is accredited. Check with petersons.com for more info.

Answer 5

To be a psychologist you need atleast a Masters, if not a Doctorate degree. You will not be able to counsel. What exactly you can do with that degree? Say you have it?

Answer 6

I am sure you can get alot of online help in the area of anatomy or sex!

Answer 7

Don't do Phoenix online...they will tell you that they file your financial aide but in reality they are billing you.