There is an increasing demand for human service workers in the US today. Are you a recent high school graduate or an employee with some work experience? Are you aspiring to work with at-risk groups or as a dedicated social work assistant? If that defines you, then an Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services will serve your needs. In fact, you can become an advocate within your community by earning an associate’s academic certificate in human services.
These academic programs serve as professional growth and promotion, particularly for non-degree-holding students/employees within the human services industry. In addition, they prepare students for employment as expert service practitioners in several rewarding roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest 10% in this field earned above $59,490 per annum as of May 2021. This researched article covers the employment prospects, potential careers, and curriculum offered in the top Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services programs. Wow! Let’s get started.
Article Navigation: Human Services Explained | Associate’s Degrees in Human Services | Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services: Admission Requirement, Coursework, and Acquired Skills | How to Select an Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services | Can I Transfer My Credits into a Bachelor’s Degree Program? | Top 5 Universities Offering Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services | What Can You Do with an Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services? | Human Services Professional Organizations | Pursue a Human Services Associate’s Degree Online Today | FAQs Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services
Human Services Explained
Human services is a broad discipline that assesses societal issues and systems to understand how to assist people and promote social change. In work settings, professionals research how people function in society and how alterations to current structures. They also assess and implement procedures that help the most defenseless people.
Associate’s Degrees in Human Services
Human Services Associate of Arts (AA): This degree is the least common in human services. To illustrate, it covers topics outside the human services sector and includes humanities courses such as communication, history, and social studies.
Associate of Science (AS) in Human Services: This degree is a standard human services degree. Although it’s labeled “associate of science,” that doesn’t mean it is science-focused. It focuses on the applicable parts of human services training, with fewer general classes.
Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services: Admission Requirement, Coursework, and Acquired Skills
Application Requirements
Applicants must obtain a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate. Additionally, you should finish orientation before beginning your classes. Some universities require students to have earned a GPA of 2.6 in high school. Also, in some cases, students submit ACT scores.
Coursework/Typical Classes
The following human services course list applies to most of the associate degrees in the human services curriculum:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Principles of Sociology
- Perspectives on Human Behavior
- Introduction to Human Services
- Social Issues in Diversity
- Developmental Psychology
- Introduction to Social work
- Planning and Client Assessment
- Principles of Legal and Ethical Practices
Skills Gained in an Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services
Human services professionals must consistently grow throughout their careers to succeed in the sector. Candidates will gain the following skills in the AA degree in human services academic program:
Critical Thinking
Human services graduates will learn to evaluate each case impartially by gathering data through research and observation. Subsequently, candidates can make informed judgments, find the appropriate resources, and create the best plans to assist clients by thinking logically and without bias.
Cultural Competence
Human services workers must be sensitive to cultural theories and concepts to work effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds. In this program, students will acquire the values, skills, and knowledge necessary to improve the provision of services to people with various cultural experiences. To illustrate, these variations may be related to their sexual orientation, gender, ethnicity, class, race, and skills to examine their cultural backgrounds and identities.
Advocacy
Through advocacy, human services professionals foster social equality and empower individuals and communities. In particular, students will gain the advocacy skills required to stand up for, defend, and link their clients with opportunities and resources. Particularly when clients are weak or unable to speak for themselves.
Organization
Human services practitioners have a complete set of duties that include teamwork, billing, reporting, and documentation, in addition to supporting and managing clients. Via this academic program, students will acquire the organizational skills necessary to manage cases efficiently and prioritize the requirements of patients.
Active Listening
Practitioners in this field must actively listen to comprehend and pinpoint a client’s needs. To this end, associate’s degree students gain the vital skills necessary to engage clients and build trust by listening intently, focusing, and asking the right questions.
How to Select an Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services
Before you opt for any human services degree online or an associate degree in human services, consider the following:
Accreditation
In this case, degrees from a college that’s not accredited will put a student at a disadvantage. Before enrollment, research whether or not government bodies accredit the institution or the programs offered.
Tuition
For applicants searching for affordable human services online degrees, tuition cost is a crucial factor. GetEducated recommends checking through five colleges and comparing their respective school fees before you finally decide.
Length of Program
The duration of the human services program is also significant. Associate’s degrees are a great choice for anyone seeking direct entry to the workforce because students can earn them quickly. To illustrate, the length of the program for most associate human services degrees online falls within the range of 22 to 24 months.
Can I Transfer My Credits into a Bachelor’s Degree Program?
Yes, associate’s degrees are perfect for transferring credit towards another degree. However, only courses with a grade of C or higher are eligible for transfer credit. In addition, not all prior coursework transfers to the new degree. But academic advisors, available in almost every program, help students navigate these issues. In conclusion, in most undergraduate majors, students can transfer into year 2 or 3 of a bachelor’s program.
Top 5 Universities Offering Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services
Below are some of the best colleges for human services:
1. Rasmussen University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree Offered: Associate of Science in Human Services
Duration: 18 months
Rasmussen University offers an online Associate of Science in Human Services. Through career-focused coursework, learners prepare for social and human services jobs. These careers will enable them to significantly affect their community while maintaining in-demand jobs.
In addition, Rasmussen University online provides instructors with real-world experience, guiding a hands-on approach to the field. With the $149 self-directed examination fee for this associate’s program, students can demonstrate that they already know a particular topic for a specific course. Due to this prior knowledge, they won’t have to pay for that course credit, reducing costs for certain learners. On completion of the program, graduates will have the confidence, knowledge, and human services skills to work in a service-based organization.
Note: Rasmussen University ranks among institutions offering affordable human services online degrees.
2. Iowa Central Community College
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree Offered: Associate of Professional Studies in Human Services
Duration: 2 years
Iowa College offers an online Associate of Professional Studies in Human Services via its e-learning platform. The curriculum’s purpose is to prepare the student for a career as a human services specialist. Furthermore, candidates complete extra sociology and psychology courses that let them concentrate and follow their specialized interests. The coursework areas focus on topics in disability services, working with youth, families, and the elderly, victim advocacy, substance addiction, e.t.c.
In the same way, courses in counseling help students hone their interview skills to assist patients through life changes. Also, through a field practicum internship, graduates will learn more about the human services career by getting practical experience at a regional/local human services organization.
3. Minot State University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree Offered: Associate of Science in Human Services -Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Duration: 2 years
Minot State University offers an online AS in Human Services with a concentration in Intellectual/Development Disabilities. Students become efficient support workers capable of high-quality assistance in mental health fields. Furthermore, students can become qualified intellectual disability professionals (QIDP), often known as a case managerss or program coordinators, by moving up the ranks with a bachelor’s degree.
4. Stanly Community College
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree Offered: Associate in Applied Science in Human Services Technology
Duration: 18 to 24 months
Stanly Community College offers an online Associate in Applied Science in Human Services Technology to eligible students globally. The curriculum prepares learners for entry-level work in organizations providing educational, social, and communal services. In short, students will take courses that prep them for concentration in some specific human service fields in addition to their core classes.
During the fieldwork experience, students can apply skills and knowledge gained in the classroom. Students who complete the academic program will be eligible to:
- Document properly
- Suggest initiatives to patients or clients.
- Apply therapeutic communication skills, such as empathy and active listening.
- Describe several therapeutic modalities and the best situations in which human service professionals should use them.
5. Pennsylvania State University
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Degree Offered: Associate in Science in Human Development and Family Studies
Duration: 18 to 24 months
Pennsylvania State University provides an online AS in Human Development and Family Studies to prospective students via its e-learning platform. To begin with, it integrates academic and practical experiences to give a knowledge base on family development and life span. It also provides core skill sets and general education. Subsequently, students may apply these topics in service delivery and planning process operations.
The two concentrations available in this program are:
- Family, Youth, Children Services Option
- Aging Services and Adult Development
Aging Services and Adult Development:
Graduates who choose this path can take on a wide range of service positions in nursing homes, mental health facilities, and other organizations. These organizations are for:
- Elderly,
- Community aging agencies,
- Human relations programs,
- Women’s resource centers,
- Employee assistance programs,
- and Public welfare organizations.
Family, Youth, Children Services Option:
In conclusion, this option educates students for service jobs in primary schools, daycare facilities, hospitals, community, and institutional programs. The specialty is for adolescents and children who are emotionally mistreated, affected, or neglected.
What Can You Do with an Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services?
Similar job titles for this profession are addictions counselor, family service assistant, casework aide, etc. Individuals for these positions frequently possess an associate’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as human services.
Can I Become a Social Worker with an Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services?
Yes, you can, because an associate’s degree in human services makes it possible to find employment in healthcare, social services, and even academic positions.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Human Services Degree?
Career opportunities catering to the elderly, the mentally challenged, and the developmentally disabled are options that will be available to you. A few of these human services careers are:
1. Case Management Assistant
A case management assistant’s primary responsibility is to support case managers. While specific duties vary depending on the location, administrative work typically entails updating referral information and validating health benefits or insurance data. It also includes maintaining case files. According to PayScale, an entry-level Case Management Aide (Assistant) with less than one year of experience earns an average of $17.33 per hour in 2022.
Note: The human services salary in this occupation varies based on state and experience level.
2. Elder Care Services Assistant
An elder care services assistant ensures that they meet demands of their patients promptly. Often, they are employed in the healthcare setting, assisting in efficiently coordinating services amongst various medical specialists. Doing this ensures that the treatment for one ailment won’t harm the therapies for another. They go to clients’ homes and assist in identifying the kinds of services needed to suit their needs.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary for personal care and home health assistants was $29,430 as of May 2021. Also, the employment of personal care and home health aides will increase by 33% between 2020 and 2030, which is considerably high.
3. Family Court Advocate
A Family Court Advocate is an individual who collaborates with families in human service departments and works with them until they are fit to appear in court. But that’s just one of the frequent tasks they will carry out. The main objective is to support children and family interests in any legal matter.
The median hourly wage for a Family Advocate as of May 2022 was $15.74, according to PayScale. However, human services salaries vary in this career based on experience level.
Note: With an associate’s in human services degree, you can easily opt for this job role within and outside the state.
4. Halfway House Counselor
Among the human services careers, the role of the Halfway House Counselor is somewhat distinctive. Experts in this field are trained substance abuse or rehabilitation counselors. They serve as therapists for halfway house residents. They keep an eye on residents’ development of a sobriety plan. Counselors at halfway houses can also assist residents with career and interview preparation.
5. Health Educator
Lastly, you can find employment as a health educator with an associate’s degree in human services. These professionals teach people the behaviors and practices that support or aid wellness. To illustrate, health educators work in wellness centers, community outreach programs, and hospitals. While working, you can also create and implement various plans to enhance the health of the populace as a whole. According to BLS, the average annual salary for community health workers and health education specialists was $46,590 as of May 2021. In addition, employment for health educators in this field will rise by 17% over the next ten years.
Note: For candidates, you don’t have to worry about the associates in human services salary since your pay increases based on your acquired skills.
Human Services Professional Organizations
The professional organizations below help to support practitioners in their bid to assist others. Accordingly, some of these organizations provide memberships to students as they diligently pursue degrees in counseling, social work, and other specialties within the human services field.
American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)
APHSA is an unbiased membership group that represents local and state health in areas of human services. It is devoted to linking members with decision-makers and influencing current policies that support healthy relationships or united/strong families.
National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)
NCFR‘s members receive academic publication evaluations while also working to enhance families. They also plan yearly conferences where they learn contemporary counseling techniques, approaches, or practices.
American Counseling Association (ACA)
The ACA offers discounts on conferences, free accessibility to publications, and assistance with continuing education courses for those specializing in professional counseling. Moreover, it assists people in several roles, including helping them pursue careers as therapists, psychologists, and counselors.
Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE)
The goal of CSHSE is to raise human service education’s standard, coherence, and applicability. Participation is targeted specifically at colleges and institutions that want to support human services instructors and administrators who provide their students with effective and efficient instruction.
National Organization for Human Services (NOHS)
The mission of the membership-based NOHS is to transform people and communities. For this purpose, they offer professional growth opportunities, encouraging certifications, and campaigns for social change.
Pursue a Human Services Associate’s Degree Online Today
Should you pursue this career? Yes! An associate’s degree will not only graduate strategic, creative, and flexible human services workers but also provide a thorough awareness of the potential societal issues. Students learn about issues the underserved face and how to use effective remediation to address the situation. To summarize, to be part of these elites championing change, you must enroll in an Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services.
For access to more feature-rich content, feel free to explore more educational resources here at GetEducated.com.
FAQs Online Associate’s Degree in Human Services
What is the highest paying job with an associate’s degree?
MRI technologists, dental hygienists, funeral service managers, and nuclear technicians earn an average annual wage of at least $70,000. That puts their associate degree jobs among the highest paying.
What is a degree in HHS?
A health and human services degree will prepare you to assist people by identifying potential problems and fixing them to improve their quality of life.
What is the meaning of human services?
Human services cater to the basic requirements of a population or society, such as the aged, sick, or poor.
How do you abbreviate an associate’s degree in liberal arts?
Typically, Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Arts (AA).
What Is Human Services?
Human services are the application of multidisciplinary knowledge to address human needs.
What is a human services degree?
A human services degree is a cross-curricular academic program. Furthermore, it gives students a basis for a deeper comprehension of the processes of societal structures. Specifically, how individuals interact with and respond to them.
What can I do with a human services degree?
For the most part, you can work as a child welfare specialist, school counselor, occupational therapist, and community health worker with a human services degree.
Is an associate’s degree in human services a good choice?
Yes, it is. Several job prospects are available for you to choose from when ready.
Can you be a social worker with a human services degree?
Yes, in fact, you can become a social worker with this degree.
What jobs are in the human services field?
In short, the jobs available include counseling psychology, mental health counselor, etc.
What is a human service bachelor’s degree?
A Bachelor of Science in Human Services equips graduates with the understanding, expertise, and abilities needed to advocate for their patients while promoting continuous well-being.
What are the associates in human services salary?
The salary varies, but it ranges between $37,000 to $48,500.
What are the top best colleges for human services degrees?
- Minot State University
- Ohio Christian University
Is diversity part of the human services course list?
Yes, it is.