We’ve put together a list of 30 accredited human services associate degree online programs. Is helping people your calling?
An associate’s in human services can be the first step to a lifelong career that’s spent helping others. You can use this degree to help you find an entry-level position in the field or to prepare you for further education.
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Earning an associate’s in human services can help you get started in a career that’s aimed at making a difference for other people. During your studies, you’ll learn about psychology, human behavior, diversity, sociology, ethics and other topics that will help you understand what it takes to run programs and systems aimed at bettering people’s lives.
Universities Offering Online Associate of Arts – AA Degree in Human Services Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
1. Alexandria Technical & Community College
If you’re interested in a long-term career in human services, consider earning your Human Services Practitioner AAS from Alexandria Technical & Community College in Minnesota.
This program’s curriculum lines up with requirements from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Therefore, within two years of graduation, you will be eligible to earn Designated Coordinator status from the Minnesota DHS. That title allows you to move into supervisory positions and apply for middle-management roles.
Courses in this program include Medical Terminology, Life-Span Psychology, Community Social Welfare Services and Facilitating Positive Behavior. You’ll learn about working with people from childhood through the senior-citizen years.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services Practitioner
Alexandria Technical and Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
2. Bismarck State College
A Human Services AAS from BSC in North Dakota can help you gain an entry-level position in this field. The classes include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Introduction to Psychology, Cultural Diversity and Introduction to Addictions. You can choose among electives like Juvenile Delinquency, Abnormal Psychology, Principles of Microeconomics and Gerontology.
This is designed to be a two-year program to prepare students for the workforce rather than for more schooling; however, you may be able to transfer your associate’s credits from BSC to Dickinson State University or Minot State University.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Bismarck State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
3. Brescia University
With the online degree program from Brescia University in Kentucky, you can earn an AA in Human Services. In this BUOnline program, which offers start dates throughout the year, you can take a mix of general education classes as well as several major-specific classes, such as Principles of Sociology, Social Issues in Diversity and Developmental Psychology.
After graduation, you can pursue an entry-level job in the human services field, or you can transfer your credits to a bachelor’s program. AA in Human Services credits can be helpful for those who want to earn a four-year degree in psychology or social work.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Brescia University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
4. Bryant & Stratton College
You can earn an AAS in Human and Social Services from Bryant & Stratton College by taking classes online or on the school’s Virginia, Wisconsin or Ohio campuses. In this program, you can learn how to work with clients so that you can communicate effectively, meet people’s needs and intervene in crisis situations.
Your coursework will also help prepare you to perform administrative duties and develop a foundation for operating in a legal and ethical manner. Online classes from this school have start dates throughout the year, use an accelerated format, and allow you the freedom to access your coursework according to your own schedule.
- Online Associate’s in Human & Social Services
Bryant & Stratton College is proud to be regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
5. Central Maine Community College
The Human Services AAS from CMCC is a fully online program that includes classes like Introduction to Community Mental Health, Issues in Diversity, Case Management and Sociology of Aging.
You’ll select one of two concentrations for your studies: Addiction Specialization or Human Services. Your coursework will include classes that are specific to your concentration, such as Sociology of the Family for the Human Services concentration and Addiction and the Family for the Addiction Specialist concentration. You’ll also complete practicums related to your specialization.
After completing this program, you may be eligible to become certified in Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C).
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Central Maine Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
6. Coastline College
You can attend Coastline College in California to earn an AA in Human Services in preparation for an entry-level job or further education. The core classes for this program include Helping Theories and Intervention Strategies, Treatment Issues in Substance Abuse and Introduction to Crisis Intervention.
You’ll also select one elective from options like Techniques of Working with Frail Elderly and Introduction to Marriage and Family.
Your degree program will include a practicum as well. The school recommends this program not only for those wanting to become a program aide or a case manager but also for those who work as first responders.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Coastline Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
7. Columbia College
The AS in Human Services program from Columbia College includes classes like Introduction to Human Services, Working with Families and Working with Individuals. You’ll also take multiple general education courses and can select an elective like Minority Cultures and Relations, Working with Communities and Organizations or American Social Policy.
This program can help prepare you to take an entry-level position as a case manager or to work as an advocate. Although this is primarily an online program, you may also need to take some courses at one of the school’s multiple campuses around the country.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
8. Cornerstone University
Founded in 1941, this Christian college is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Their Associate of Science in Human Services degree is for working adults with two or more years of professional experience. The entire course of study requires 62 credit hours over 28 months.
The program purports to prepare students for secular as well as Christian workplaces.
- AS in Human Services
Cornerstone University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
9. Elizabethtown College
There are two options for earning an associates degree from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania: online-only courses or a blended format with online and on-campus courses.
Your AS in Human Services coursework will cover topics like counseling, communication, ethics, leadership and critical thinking. In addition to taking required classes like Discovering Society and Ethical Issues in Human Services, you can also select multiple electives.
The options for electives may include Case Management and Documentation, Biopsychosocial Factors of Substance Use and Abuse, Victimology and Multicultural Communication. The program can help prepare you for a job in which you are responsible for connecting people to Medicaid and other community or social services.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Elizabethtown College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
10. Franklin Pierce University
To earn an AA in Human Services from Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire, you must take both general education classes and specialized courses. Department-specific classes include Introduction to Sociology, Race and Ethnic Relations, Introduction to Social Work and Social Science Research Methods.
In addition, you can choose a few electives, such as Psychology of Aging, Child and Adolescent Development and Community Organization. You can apply your education in the workforce right after graduation or transfer your degree to a bachelor’s program in continuation of your studies.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Franklin Pierce University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
11. Genesee Community College
There are two options for earning a human service’s associate’s degree from Genesee Community College in New York. You can earn an AS in Human Services if you’d like to move on to a bachelor’s program, particularly in the fields of human services or social work, after graduation.
In the AS program, you can choose a concentration in Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Gerontology or Developmental Disabilities. If you’d prefer to get a job in the field right after graduation, the school recommends pursuing the AAS in Human Services instead.
The AAS program gives you the option of earning a Certificate in Child Care, Gerontology or Developmental Disabilities along with your associate’s degree. Up to three-quarters of your coursework can be taken online.
- Online AAS in Human Services
Genesee Community College was commended by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
12. Great Basin College
Nevada’s Great Basin College offers an AAS in Human Services, and you can earn a certificate while completing your associate’s studies. The options are a Certificate of Achievement in Human Service or a Certificate of Achievement in Substance Abuse Counselor Training.
For the associate’s degree, you’ll take classes like Lifespan Human Development, Introduction to Counseling and Psychology of Human Relations, and you’ll complete a two-semester practicum course. After graduation, you can take an entry-level job or advance to the school’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Services program.
Many of the classes for the associate’s degree can be taken online through a video-based format.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Great Basin College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
13. Herkimer College
This small community college in Herkimer County, New York was established in 1965 and has grown substantially since offering internet classes.
With an AAS degree in Human Services from Herkimer, students can choose to undergo certification to be a CarePath™ coach through the Mental Health Association of New York State. A CarePath™ coach helps people transition and adopt a healthier lifestyle for the first 90 days after the completion of any type of treatment.
- AAS in Human Services
Herkimer College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
14. Jefferson Community and Technical College
While earning an AAS in Human Services from JCTC in Kentucky, you can choose the coursework track that will prepare you for entering the workforce or the track that will prepare you for transfer into a related bachelor’s program, such as counseling or social work.
Either way, your classes will include Human Services Survey, Values of Human Services in a Contemporary Society and Group Dynamics in Human Services. You will also complete an internship in which you’ll have the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice.
Although some classes may be available online, you’ll probably have to report to campus as well.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Jefferson Community and Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
15. Monroe College
For an online degree program, consider earning an AS in Human Services from the School of Allied Health at Monroe College in New York. Your classes will include Principles of Interviewing and Report Writing, Psychology of Abnormal Behavior and Introduction to Counseling Theory as well as an assortment of general education classes.
For hands-on experience, you will complete two different internship experiences during your studies. This degree is designed to prepare you for jobs in adult homes, addiction programs, community programs, and long-term care facilities.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Monroe College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
16. Montana State University – Billings
For a fully online associate’s program, consider MSUB, which offers an AS in Human Services. There are two program tracks available. The General Applied Human Resources track is appropriate for those who want to go straight into the workforce after graduation.
The Articulated with College of Business track is designed to help you move into a bachelor’s program after earning your associate’s. Both tracks have an administrative focus to prepare you for leadership or managerial roles.
You’ll study topics like accounting, computers, employment law, compensation and risk management. In addition, you can select electives and complete an optional internship.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Montana State University Billings is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
17. Montgomery County Community College
The Human Services AAS program from Montco in Pennsylvania gives you options for three different concentrations: Children, Youth and Family Services; Addictions; or Gerontology.
Classes vary depending on the concentration that you choose, but your coursework might include Theories of Individual Counseling, Introduction to Adjunctive Therapies, Introduction to Aging and Volunteer Administration.
You can choose to pursue this degree fully online, or you can take classes in a hybrid format. Montco uses an accelerated format for its online coursework. Several Pennsylvania colleges accept transfer credits from this program for its bachelor’s degree programs.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services – Addictions
- Online Associate’s in Human Services – Gerontology
- Online Associate’s in Human Services – Children, Youth and Family Services
Montgomery County Community College is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
18. New England College
To prepare for a career in a community organization or a client-support role, you can earn your AS in Human Services from New England College in New Hampshire. The program is offered fully online and is designed for those who want to go right into the field after graduation.
Coursework includes general education classes like Overcoming Prejudice and Discrimination and Writing and Research in the Social Sciences. In addition, you’ll take field-specific classes like Delivery of Human Services, Substance Abuse, and Social Psychology.
Your program will also give you the opportunity to select a few electives.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
NEC is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
19. Niagara County Community College
You can take in-person or online classes to earn an AA in Human Services from NCCC in New York. This program includes classes like Disabilities and Aging, The Helping Process, and Loss, Grief and Coping.
You can also select a concentration in one of five areas of interest: Chemical Dependency Counseling, Early Childhood Education, Gerontology, Disabilities Studies or Social Work. Your choice of concentrations may also influence the general education electives that you must complete for your degree program.
You may participate in an internship program with an organization in your community; your chosen location should provide hands-on experience in your area of concentration.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Niagara County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
20. Northcentral Technical College
To earn your associate’s degree from Northcentral Technical College, you can take online classes or attend school on one of the college’s Wisconsin campuses.
This program emphasizes the importance of cultural awareness and diversity when working in human services; for example, one of the required classes is Introduction to Diversity Studies. You’ll also take Methods of Social Casework, Understanding Addiction, Human Sexuality, and Exceptional Person.
The school requires all human services students to complete internships or participate in service-learning programs. After graduation, you may be able to transfer your credits to a four-year program through one of NTC’s partnership agreements.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Northcentral Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
21. Ocean County College
If you want to become a social worker or help people with addictions, Ocean County College in New Jersey has a course of study to help prepare you for the workforce.
The school offers a fully online AS in Public Service degree with a concentration in Human Services. Your classes might include Death and Dying: Challenge and Change, Social Problems and Introduction to Developmental Disabilities.
You could also opt to take a mix of courses from several concentrations. Classes from other concentrations that you might enjoy as a human services student include Principles of Public Administration, Addiction Disorders and Recovery, Child Psychology and Personality Theory.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
OCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
22. Purdue University
Purdue University offers an online program for an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services. Courses are 10 weeks long. Students must complete 90 credit hours and a final capstone project to graduate. Applicants must have a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or a home study certificate to be eligible.
- AAS in Human Services
Purdue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
23. Rasmussen University
Skills that you can learn while earning your associate’s degree from Rasmussen College include managing telehealth data, analyzing the needs of communities and helping people through crisis situations.
You can use the knowledge that you gain in this human services program in an entry-level job, or you can transfer your credits into a bachelor’s program.
This degree is available online and on many of the school’s campuses, which are located in multiple states. Through the school’s Flex Choice program, you may be able to receive credits for the knowledge and skills that you already possess.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
24. Shorter University
The online Associate of Science degree from Shorter University in Georgia offers you the option for a concentration in Human Services. The school educates students from a Christian perspective, so associate’s students take classes like Survey of the Old Testament and Christ-Centered Critical Thinking.
For the Human Services concentration, you’ll also take Academic Writing in Social Sciences, Addiction Behaviors, Lifespan Development, and Professional Ethics. This degree program can prepare you to hold a variety of jobs in which you will serve people in the community around you.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Shorter University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
25. Southwestern Assemblies of God University
The AS in Human Services degree program from SAGU in Texas can help you learn how to maintain a biblical worldview as you serve individuals and communities. Topics covered in the associate’s program at this Christian college include mental health, diversity, psychology, counseling and nonprofit organizations.
This is a fully online course of study, but if you’re local, you can visit the campus to take advantage of the fitness center, the career counseling office and other student services. Thanks to small classes, you can receive personalized attention during your schooling.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Southwestern Assemblies of God University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
26. Stanly Community College
Both an AAS in Human Services Technology and an AAS in Human Services Developmental Disabilities are available from Stanly Community College in North Carolina. The Human Services Technology track is offered online.
The program includes the classes Sociology of the Family, Crisis Intervention, Substance Abuse Overview and Social Context of Aging. You can select an elective in the humanities; your choice may be Southern Culture, World Religions or American Women’s Studies.
You will also take electives from the human services department. Options include Gerontology Care Managing and Co-dependency. In addition, you’ll participate in two semesters of Work-based Learning.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services Technology
Stanly Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
27. Thomas Edison State University
New Jersey’s Thomas Edison State University offers an AA in Human Services designed for people who already work in the field. Approximately six months of professional experience is required for admission to the program.
Topics covered include cultural diversity, communication, ethics, and sociology. Your classes will include information about working with various populations and offering intervention programs. Your degree program will end with a capstone course to help you synthesize your learning.
The credits that you earn in this associate’s program may later be transferrable toward a BS in Human Services.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Thomas Edison State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
28. University of the Cumberlands
If you’re interested in the field of human services, you could pursue an AS in Human Services or an AAS in Human Services from the University of the Cumberlands. This Kentucky school offers both of these associate’s programs online.
The classes include Human Services Administration, Basic Counseling Skills and Case Management. You must complete an internship or take the class Professionalism in Human Services to help prepare you for the workforce.
The school has Baptist foundations, so you will need to take classes in Christian teachings and ethics during your degree program.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
29. Wake Technical Community College
When you pursue the AAS in Human Services Technology degree from Wake Tech, you can select a generalist degree or choose a concentration in Substance Abuse or Mental Health.
Those who choose the generalist track can pick from electives like Activities Planning or Child Abuse and Neglect; those who select a concentration will take classes specific to that track.
The Substance Abuse concentration may qualify you to take the certification examination for North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice.
Some classes for this associate’s program are available online, but others must be taken on the school’s North Carolina campus.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services Technology – Substance Abuse
Wake Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
30. Western New Mexico University
You can take online classes on your own schedule in order to earn an AA in Human Services from WNMU. The classes that you take will include Introduction to Group Dynamics, Individual and Family Development and Interviewing Techniques.
You’ll also study various general education subjects, such as math, science, computers, and communications. This degree plan can help prepare you to work in shelters, youth programs, health centers, and nursing homes.
Although some students apply for human services jobs right after graduation, others choose to enroll in bachelor’s programs with majors in nursing, social work, criminal justice or other related fields.
- Online Associate’s in Human Services
Western New Mexico University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Associates Degree in Human Services Online
The path to earning an associate’s degree is considered a two-year college program. It is designed to cover the basics of the field in order to equip you with the knowledge that you will need for getting hired in an entry-level position.
You can earn your traditional or online human services degree as an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science. These are typically fairly similar programs, and the differences between them shouldn’t affect your future employability or your career path. In addition, either degree can usually serve as credit toward a bachelor’s degree.
Associate of Arts (AA) in Human Services
Some universities classify their human services programs as an AA. Usually, these schools build on the foundational human services courses with an assortment of classes related to human thought and behavior. The subjects you study might include psychology, sociology and other social sciences.
Associate of Science (AS) in Human Services
On the other hand, some colleges offer human services AS programs instead. You’ll still take classes that introduce you to the basics of the human services field. In addition, you might take scientific or technical courses, such as ones related to administration or healthcare.
Curriculum
Typical Classes
Each school’s approach to an associate’s degree in human services is a bit different, but your class lineup may include courses on:
- Human development
- Human behavior
- Introduction to psychology
- Introduction to sociology
- Ethical and legal practices
- Diversity and social issues
- Client assessment
Required Credit Hours
Often, earning a human services associate’s degree will require that you take about 60 to 65 credit hours. However, that number varies from school to school. Some universities require students to take as many as 90 credit hours before earning their associate’s degree in this field.
Internships
Most associate’s programs do not require that students serve a practicum before graduation, but you may have some opportunities to engage in hands-on work during your studies.
Some universities do require students to do a capstone project for their associate’s degree, but that won’t necessarily involve an internship experience. As a general rule, you’ll get fieldwork experience once you’re out in the workforce.
Concentrations
Associate’s students don’t usually need to select a specialization. Rather, this is a generalist degree that’s designed to provide a broad introduction to the field. When you advance to a human services bachelor’s or master’s program, you may then have the opportunity to pursue a concentration of your choosing.
Admissions and Academic Requirements
Before beginning your college career, you must have graduated high school or passed your GED test. Admissions requirements beyond that vary among schools.
Some junior or community colleges allow nearly all high school graduates to enter their associate’s programs. However, they often require students to take placement tests so that they can be placed in the appropriate courses.
SAT or ACT test scores can sometimes be used as a substitute for placement testing. If your testing shows low scores in certain areas, you may have to pass foundational classes before moving on to the courses that will count toward your degree program.
On the other hand, some universities that award associate’s degrees are more selective about their admissions processes. You may need to submit test scores and have a strong high school GPA in order to get into their programs. Positive references or letters of recommendation may help as well.
Human Services Career Paths & Salaries
Job Options in Human Services
Although some human services workers interact directly with clients, many serve as administrators. They may create, implement, run or evaluate programs and services that help other people meet their basic needs.
Human services professionals work in a variety of environments.
These may include:
- Medical clinics
- Mental health clinics
- Community outreach programs
- Special needs homes
- Schools
- Private practices
- Nursing homes
- Child welfare agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
Those with an associate’s degree usually begin in entry-level positions. They may serve in assistant roles. Advancing to positions of more responsibility may require getting more education.
Career Outlook
As a whole, social and community service jobs are currently growing at a rate of about 12 percent.
Most people with an associate’s in human services usually take assistant roles. They are responsible for helping their managers provide community services or client care. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social and human services assistants make about $35,960 per year, and the field is growing at a rate of about 17 percent.
Further Education
Credits earned an AA or AS program can usually be transferred toward a bachelor’s program. In fact, once you’ve earned an associate’s, you may be able to begin a four-year degree program as a junior. Earning a bachelor’s can allow you access to positions of greater leadership or responsibility.
It’s worth noting that an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree may not transfer as easily as an AS or AA. An AAS is usually designed to prepare you specifically for the workforce rather than to serve as a stepping stone to more education. Therefore, if you want to earn a bachelor’s or beyond, go for an AA or AS in human services.
After earning your bachelor’s, you might choose to go on to a master’s or doctorate program. You may become a top-level leader in your organization or teach others in a higher-education setting.
Accreditation
It’s essential that you enroll in a college that is accredited. This recognition can help you qualify for financial aid, transfer your credits to another school and land a job.
The accreditation should come from an organization that is approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The Higher Learning Commission is one example of an approved accreditor.
The Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) certifies some departments in this field. This includes not only associate’s programs but also bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. Keep in mind that this accreditation is valuable but not as essential as university-wide accreditation.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Most schools charge by the credit hour. If your program requires that you take 64 credit hours, then you’ll pay the school’s credit hour rate multiplied by 64. This figure can vary widely among schools. Fees and book costs are in addition to the basic tuition rate.
If you need financial assistance, you may qualify for grants or loans from your state or the federal government. To get started, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarships and college payment plans can help as well. After completing your degree, your job may qualify you for federal loan forgiveness.
Human Services Professional Organizations
- National Organization for Human Services
- American Public Health Association
- American Public Human Services Association
- National Council on Family Relations
What Is Human Services?
The field of human services includes many compassionate people who want to make a difference in their communities. Although these people work in a variety of settings, they share a common goal of striving to improve other people’s lives. They often work among people with financial, physical or emotional struggles.
Through programs, policies, initiatives and one-on-one interactions, human service workers do their best to assist these people.
Skills and traits that can help you succeed in this field include:
- Administration
- Caring
- Clear communication
- Compassion
- Interest in other people
- Openness to diversity
- Organization
- Resilience
Keep in mind: Although it is important for you to have a concern and caring for others, you must also be able to set boundaries and separate yourself somewhat from situations. Human service workers often deal with people who are in tough circumstances. Establishing careful boundaries for yourself can help you avoid burnout.
What Type of Skills Will I Gain?
You can grow in your interpersonal skills and gain practical know-how while studying for your associate’s degree. Your coursework can teach you about relating to clients, serving among diverse populations, dealing with trauma and crisis situations and connecting people to community resources.
You can increase your knowledge about how people think and behave. In addition, you can gain new knowledge about using communications tools, recording important data and handling a caseload of clients.
What Can I Do with a Human Services Degree?
An associate’s in human services is an entry-level degree that’s designed to give you a basic introduction to working in this field. Therefore, people with an associate’s degree in human services often serve as assistants to program managers or social workers. They may input data, meet with clients or provide transportation.
You could work in:
- Correctional facilities
- Early childhood programs
- Foster care agencies
- Group homes
- Housing programs
Gaining professional experience and further education can help you move into leadership roles. After getting a bachelor’s degree you might be able to serve as a:
- Case manager
- Patient-care coordinator
- Probation officer
- Program director
Human services professionals and social workers often collaborate with one another. However, human services is distinct from social work. Human services personnel are often responsible for programs on a community-wide level, and social workers are more likely to carry out regular interactions with individuals.
After gaining your associate’s degree, you might serve as an assistant who helps with human services or social work. However, as you continue your education, you might find that your career path becomes more specialized, and you take on a more administrative role.
What Are the Best Online Associates in Human Services Programs?
The best online programs for your associates in human services will vary based on your personal needs and interests. Both an AA or AS program can be a great choice. The most important thing to consider is whether you are selecting a college that is accredited.
Can I Transfer My Credits into a Bachelor’s Degree Program?
Yes. When you earn your credits from an accredited university, they are usually eligible for transfer into an accredited bachelor’s degree program in a related field.
Can I Become a Social Worker with an Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services?
No, a bachelor’s degree in social work (or closely related field) is required for entry-level social work positions. That being said, an online Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Human Services is an excellent stepping stone to pursuing your bachelor’s in social work online.
If you wish to pursue a graduate degree in Human Services, you can also earn your online Bachelor’s in Human Services, online Master’s in Human Services or online PhD in Human Services. Some schools offer accelerated human services degree programs to help reduce the length it takes to earn these higher level degrees.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Human Services Degree?
Human services encompass a wide range of career paths ranging from social workers and counselors to nurses and youth workers. The field itself is interdisciplinary. To gain additional focus, you can get your bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree in a highly specialized field such as social work, psychology, nursing, or counseling.
- Case Manager
- Child Advocate
- Community Outreach Worker
- Community Services Administrator
- Counselor
- Crisis Intervention Counselor
- Disaster Relief Agent
- Emergency Management Specialist
- Family Therapist
- Human Services Assistant
- Nurse
- Probation Officer
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Sociologist
- Youth Worker
These jobs are meant to give you a feel for the human services field, but most of these jobs require a bachelor’s degree in human services or higher.
Ready to Get Started?
You have the desire to help people and to do work that makes a difference. Earning your associate’s in human services can be the first step toward turning that passion into a fulfilling career. Graduating with your associate’s degree can give you opportunities for career growth and further education.
