Associate of Arts (AA): Human Services Degree Overview
Programs with a focus in human services teach students to assist individuals with emotional and physical needs. Associate of Arts in Human Services programs provide students the entry-level knowledge to qualify for positions as social work assistants, client advocates, case management aides and human service workers.
Associate of Arts in Human Services
Associate of Arts in Human Services programs offer curricular studies in social, political, economic and learning systems, as well as information on group behavior, social and cognitive development, service delivery and human development. Students learn how to work with families and communities in educational and work-related settings. Students may gain skills in communication, critical thinking and writing. Applicants to an associate's degree program should submit high school transcripts.
Course Topics
Throughout a 2-year human services program, students investigate sociology principles, developmental psychology and crisis intervention. They also delve into professional development, learning theories and group values. Students in an associate's degree program may study topics such as:
- Human biology
- Casework methods
- Marriage topics
- Family topics
- Community health
- Personal health
- Sociology
- Speech principles
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
Associate of Arts in Human Services programs are typically designed for transfer into a 4-year program; however, students may be able to find entry-level positions as a social service assistant or human service assistant. Human service assistants can find career opportunities offered through health care and social assistance industries or government organizations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job prospects for social and human service assistants is supposed to be excellent with a faster than average growth of 23% from 2008-2018 (www.bls.gov). Additionally, the BLS reported that social and human service assistants had median annual wages of $28,200 in May 2010.
Continuing Education Information
After obtaining an associate's degree in human services, graduates can continue their education by pursuing a bachelor's degree in human services or a related field, such as social work. Bachelor's degrees programs provide further education in social justice and applied research, as well as hands-on practical experience through internships.
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5 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Associate
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- AA in Psychology
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be 22 years of age or have active military status
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Associate
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- AA in Liberal Arts
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Colorado (3 campuses)
Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Ohio (2 campuses)
Areas of study you may find at University of Cincinnati include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Human and Social Services
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Social Work
- Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
- Social Science and Studies
- Human and Social Services
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Human and Social Services
- Child Care Management
- Social Work
- Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Public Administration
- Social Science and Studies
- Social Studies and History
- Human and Social Services
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School locations:
- Louisiana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of Louisiana include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Human and Consumer Sciences
- Human and Social Services
- Child Care Management
- Child Care Services
- Social Work
- Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
- Political Science
- Social Science and Studies
- Social Studies and History
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School locations:
- New Hampshire (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at University of New Hampshire include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Cultural Studies
- Ethnic and Gender Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Human and Social Services
- Community Organization and Advocacy
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Social Work
- Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Social Science and Studies
- Social Studies and History
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School locations:
- Kentucky (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Eastern Kentucky University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Geography and Cartography
- Human and Social Services
- Child Care Services
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Social Work
- Liberal Arts, Humanities, and General Studies
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Social Science and Studies
- Social Studies and History
