An associate's degree in psychology is usually intended as a stepping stone to baccalaureate level study, covering many of the common prerequisite and introductory level classes at a lesser expense than the student would have to pay if she started out in a conventional four-year program. Students who intend to take their AAS psychology degree in this direction should work closely with school advisers to ensure that credits earned transfer smoothly into the desired bachelor's degree program.
A career as a licensed psychologist requires a graduate degree. If you want to work as a counselor, have an AAS in psychology and are not ready to or do not intend to continue your college career, you do have the option of seeking employment as an addiction counselor or an eating disorders counselor. These positions do not always require a higher level degree.
An AAS degree in psychology qualifies a graduate to work as a paraprofessional in the human services field under the supervision of a social worker, psychologist or counselor. Possible job titles and descriptions include community outreach worker, gerontology aide, residential adviser or job coach. Community outreach workers work with specific populations like runaway teenagers or new immigrants. Gerontology aides work with elderly populations, often in nursing homes or adult day care centers. Residential advisers help supervise facilities, such as group homes or homes for the disabled. Job coaches work one-on-one to help clients who have difficulty finding or holding employment.
An associate's level degree in psychology is not really designed as a terminal degree. The majority of jobs in the psychology field demand a master's degree at the very least. If you don't think you'll want to or be able to take your college studies beyond the associate's degree level and are not interested in working in human or social services, it may be wiser to earn a degree in a major better suited for immediate entry into the job market.
Marketing your AAS degree in psychology outside of the human services fields will take some creativity and investigation. However, earning an AAS degree should impart a graduate with some skills that are valuable in other fields as well, such as communication and research skills and a greater knowledge of psychological concepts, like motivation and personality. These skills can prove valuable in sales jobs or civil service jobs. A graduate with an AAS in psychology who is willing to build on that degree and seek further education and training will find the most job opportunities.