Human Services Associate

Associate of Applied Science Degree
10-520-3

The Human Services Associate of Applied Science degree trains students to provide information, support, care and advocacy in a human service agency. Students will gain a solid foundation in human services principles that can be applied in areas such as mental health, social services, education, and rehabilitation. Students will acquire the skills needed to work with individuals, groups and communities of diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The program consists of a unique combination of study including various aspects of human services and general education, as well as field experience in a community human service agency.

The Human Services degree will prepare students to help people enduring difficult times or help them decide what additional services they may need. Human service associates work closely with social workers and other various human service agencies. They help determine what type of help a client might need, help with daily activities, coordinate client services and research available services. Coursework involves interviewing, recordkeeping, counseling, psychology, professional ethics, addictions, working with special populations and grant writing.

A criminal background check is required for all students before participating in Field Experience I and II during the second year of the program.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Model a commitment to cultural competence
  2. Uphold the Ethical Standards and Values for Human Service Professionals.
  3. Demonstrate professionalism
  4. Utilize community resources
  5. Apply human services interventions and best practices
  6. Cultivate professional relationships

Associate degree graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of human services including:

  • Case Manager
  • Community Support Worker
  • Substance Abuse Counselor in Training
  • Income Maintenance Worker
  • Information and Referral Specialist
  • Intake Worker
  • Outreach Worker
  • Prevention Worker
  • Resident Manager
  • Volunteer Coordinator

With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:

  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Program Director
  • Social Worker
Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
520-100 Introduction to Human Services 3
520-101 Community Resources and Services 3
520-102 Introduction to Gerontology 3
801-136 English Composition 1 3
804-134
Mathematical Reasoning
or Intermediate Algebra with Applications
3-4
 Credits15-16
Semester 2
520-103 Interviewing Principles & Documentation 3
520-104 Racial and Cultural Diversity in Human Services 3
520-105 Intro to Addiction and Substance Abuse Disorders 3
520-110 People with Disabilities 3
801-198 Speech 3
 Credits15
Semester 3
520-106 Professional Practices in Human Services 3
520-107 Field Experience / Human Services 1 3
520-108 Children and Family Services 3
520-109 Group Facilitation 3
809-198 Introduction to Psychology 3
 Credits15
Semester 4
520-111 Field Experience / Human Services 2 3
520-112 Human Services Organizational Operations 3
520-113 Rehabilitation Services 3
520-114 Victimology 3
809-196 Introduction to Sociology 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits60-61

General Education Courses Within Program

801-136English Composition 13
801-198Speech3
804-134Mathematical Reasoning3-4
or 804-118 Intermediate Algebra with Applications
809-196Introduction to Sociology3
809-198Introduction to Psychology3