Associate’s, AA, AS
Online, classroom, and hybrid
Usually 2 years
Typically 60–90
Yes, for accredited programs
Those who work in the field of human services put their passions to use by improving the lives of those who need their skills the most. There are many roles within the human services field, and while most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree, but it’s possible to get your start with a 2-year associate’s.
If you’re looking to join this rewarding field quickly, earning an associate’s in human services might be a great option. Where do you start, what’s required, and what kind of jobs can you pursue with this degree? Read on to get answers to all these questions and more.
An associate’s in human services is typically a 2-year degree that prepares you for the most entry-level roles within the field. Though individual programs will vary, you’ll likely focus on the introductory aspects of subjects such as psychology, sociology, social work, and diversity.
It’s important to note that while social work falls under the broader umbrella of human services, these 2 degrees are not the same. An education in human services prepares you to coordinate within a larger community or organization, while a social work degree allows you to work directly with clients. If you’re looking to pursue social work as more than an assistant, you’ll need to earn at least a bachelor’s.
Programs vary based on the institution you choose, but an Associate of Arts (AA) in Human Services will likely focus on humanities and social science, on top of your human services-related courses.
An Associate of Science (AS) in Human Services will likely be very similar to an AA, though may focus more on classes that involve scientific analysis. The title of these degrees most frequently comes down to the division of the school in which the program best fits and the general education classes you’ll take.
Most employers do not have a preference for which degree type you hold, so long as it’s from an accredited program. You can verify these credentials through the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Though you can get your start in human services with an associate’s degree, most professionals in the field eventually pursue advanced education.
A bachelor’s degree can prepare you for roles such as a community service manager, probation officer, mental health counselor, and more. Those with master’s degree can focus on advanced specialties such as family counseling and emergency management.
At the highest level of this education are the PhD in human services and Doctor of Human Services degrees. Both of these focus on foundational theory and allow you to hold high-level roles in healthcare, social work, or community organizations.
Usually, yes. If you hold an associate’s degree in human services, many programs will allow you to transfer those credits over to earning this bachelor’s. You could also possibly earn credits for applicable work experience. This could mean completing your bachelor’s degree in as little as 1 1/2–2 years.
You’ll need a high school diploma or GED before you can pursue an associate’s degree in human services.
Many community colleges that offer these programs are open enrollment, meaning anyone with a high school diploma or GED is eligible to attend. However, some have a more selective admission process and will require certain scores on the SAT or ACT.
Even if your program doesn’t require these exams, it’s likely that you’ll still need to take a placement test to determine if remedial or developmental coursework is necessary. If you’ve taken the SAT or ACT, those scores might be able to take the place of the other exam.
Most community colleges don’t require a certain GPA for admission, though they might if they consider their human services program selective.
Associate’s degrees typically take 2 years to complete.
An associate’s degree program for human services will generally focus on major subject requirements in the areas of psychology, sociology, social work, biology, and diversity, with an emphasis on crisis counseling, intervention, case management, and more.
The core classes you take will vary depending on your program. These might include versions of the following:
Schools generally require around 60 course credits to earn your associate’s degree in human services. Some students, especially those who won’t be attending on a full-time basis, may evaluate schools on a cost-per-credit basis.
An associate’s degree doesn’t typically require a practicum or fieldwork. In the roles available to those with this degree, you’re likely to get the kind of experience you need with on-the-job training.
You won’t specialize in a particular concentration with an associate’s degree program. If you’d like to specialize and advance your career, you can pursue a higher degree, take additional classes, or attend seminars dedicated to your chosen topic.
Yes, there are many options for earning your associate’s in human services degree online.
You can easily find programs that allow you to earn your associate’s degree 100% online.
These cover the same curriculum as on-site courses, offer flexibility to those who are working or taking care of children, and typically lead to the same kind of job opportunities after graduation.
Students who want a more traditional college experience can find plenty of programs that allow them to take all of their courses on campus. There’s still flexibility here, however, as many schools offer in-class courses at night and on the weekends.
An increasingly popular option for degrees of all levels is the hybrid program. This blends a mix of online and on-campus courses. You may take most of your classes online and go to campus just 1 or 2 times a week.
You may be able to find an accelerated program that allows you to earn your associate’s degree in less than 2 years. However, these are typically available to those who previously earned credits through a state-approved program that allows high school students to attend college courses and earn credit to apply to their college education later.
When researching programs, consider what aspects are the most important to you, including requirements, cost, curriculum, and flexibility. Ask yourself questions such as:
In addition, it’s important to remember that the school you choose should be accredited. This makes certain that the program meets quality standards and can properly prepare you to enter the workforce. You can check accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education or organizations like the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE).
An associate’s in human services can’t get you in the door to all roles within the field, but you can choose to pursue entry-level positions. These roles typically work as a type of assistant to higher level positions.
While an associate’s degree doesn’t let you serve individually as a social worker, it’s possible to find work as an assistant. In this role, you might help organize cases and coordinate service plans. You may also interview clients, file reports, or help others understand the resources that are available to them.
According to the U.S. Bureau Labor Statistics (BLS), social and human service assistants earn an average of $35,460 per year. This varies depending on where in the country you live and the exact industry in which you work.
Highest-paying locations include California, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Washington state, and Alaska. Top-paying industries include legal services, federal executive branches, scientific and technical consulting, and scientific research and development.
These roles usually require some type of on-the-job training.
Case management aides work with low-income, disabled, or elderly clients in settings such as hospitals, rehab centers, and mental health facilities. Providing administrative support to a case manager, this role typically takes on duties such as screening clients, managing files, and entering data into the system.
The BLS doesn’t provide specific salary information for case management assistants. That said, according to individual reports on PayScale, the median salary is $38,120 per year.
Like a social work assistant, a case management aide will likely undergo on-the-job training.
As an outreach worker, you’ll serve your local community through coordinating education, training, health services, and events for organizations that are typically nonprofit or healthcare-based. The role also serves as a liaison between the people in the community and the various organizations.
The BLS doesn’t have salary information for community outreach workers specifically. However, community health workers and community and social service specialists earn average annual salaries of $40,150 and $44,780, respectively.
On-the-job training is likely required for this role as well.
There are several different types of financial aid available for students seeking an associate’s degree in human services. The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which determines how much assistance the U.S. government thinks you’re eligible to receive. This can come in the form of loans, grants, and work-study.
Of course, there are private loans available from banks and other institutions. You might also be able to qualify for scholarships or grants based on academic merit or other criteria. These may be available to all types of students, or they might be designed for particular people based on things such as ethnicity, background, medical condition, military service, and more.
It’s possible to find loan forgiveness through the government’s Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, though you must meet certain criteria. These include having direct loans and securing full-time employment at a government or nonprofit agency. You may also qualify for state-sponsored forgiveness programs that have their own criteria for employment and more.
Becoming a member of a professional organization can provide great opportunities to network, gain new education, and obtain certification. Some prominent groups include:
If you’re a tireless advocate for the community with a passion for social change, a career in human services may be just what you’ve been looking for. But embarking on the path begins with the right education.
If you’re looking to start entry-level work within the field, use the Find Schools button to research associate’s degree programs that fit your needs.
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