Getting your human services associate’s degree online can help you open doors to new opportunities for career growth and advancement.
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This online human services degree program specializes in solving social, community, and individual problems through tried-and-true techniques.
Online Associates in Human Services Degrees
An A.A. degree in human services can be a great tool that can enable you to work directly with people and help them solve their problems. A.A. stands for associates of arts, and this title will appear on your diploma when you get it. Human services is divided into three specific specialties: human services, health services and healthcare management.
Having diplomatic skills and knowing how to talk to people on all levels of an organization can help you succeed in all of these specialties. Having a thick skin and understanding how to cope with people at their worst is also beneficial. Those who succeed in these career fields tend to intuitive, tough, and able to think quickly on their feet.
Human Services
Careers in human services include jobs like child life specialists, psychologists and behavioral management workers.
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These people tend to be adept at learning what makes people tick and helping them resolve their issues. In addition to empathy, being able to separate your job from your day-to-day life can be beneficial because these jobs can be uniquely stressful.
Health Services
Health services is another aspect of human services and encompasses jobs like health information management, healthcare consultant, and clinical managers.
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Those that are exceptionally kind and able to calm people down quickly and effectively may do well in the healthcare profession.
Healthcare Management
Healthcare management is another field that deals with the more administrative side of things. It’s closely related to health services but has a business element to it that sets it apart. A good business sense and being able to unite their care of patients with the ability to run a facility can help a person succeed in this field.
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Ultimately, those that can be tough enough to deal with the inevitable curveballs that come with the job but compassionate and caring to their fellow people tend to do well in this field. It’s a unique skill set, but if you have it, you may be able to go far in this career path.
Associates in Human Services Curriculum & Courses
All schools are different, but there are a few core classes that you can expect to take for your associate’s degree in human services. Check your school for a full listing of electives and core classes.
As you advance in your education, you may have the opportunity to dig into more electives. Initially, you will probably take basic courses that will allow you to get a good overview of what the degree entails.
- Human Services 101 – This beginner level class gives an overview of what can be expected from your human services degree. You may learn about practical scenarios, human services ethics, and what human services jobs entail.
- Human Services Administration – This class deals with human services from an administrative perspective and how it operates within the field of business.
- Ethics in Healthcare – There are plenty of ethical concerns and norms when it comes to healthcare. This course can help you gain an understanding of the laws, including information on HIPAA and patient’s rights.
- Case Management – If you want to go into social work, this class can help you succeed. It gives an overview of how cases are handled in that arena.
- Sociology Principles and Ethics – This course handles the ethical side of sociology and looks into why we do the things that we do.
- Psychology – While psychology itself can take up an entire major, this introductory-level course can give you an overview of the guiding principles.
- Management and Leadership – Management skills are necessary for a lot of human services jobs, and this course can help you communicate in a more diplomatic fashion.
- Basics of Social Work – This introductory level course talks about the ins and outs of social work and what an average day looks like for social workers.
- Social Theory Class – Sociological theory is a big part of most human services jobs. This class can give you an overview of social theories and explain how they came about.
- Psychology and Development – Students who take this course can learn about how humans develop over the course of their lives.
If these classes sound like something that might interest you, a career in human services may be the exact thing that you’ve been looking for.
Human Services Careers & Salaries
Human services is a broad field, and there are plenty of different job opportunities associated with it. An associate’s degree may be enough to get your foot in the door with most job opportunities, and many of these jobs have excellent opportunities for advancement.
If you are serious about excelling in your field and are a quick learner, you may quickly rise up through the ranks.
Salaries differ depending on where you are in the country and how competitive the field is at the time. These are only rough estimates to give you a small idea of what you can expect after graduation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are typical salaries for jobs in human services.
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Community Service Manager | $69,600 |
| Office Services Supervisor | $58,450 |
| Community Health Educator | $56,500 |
| Probation Officer | $55,690 |
| Social Worker | $51,760 |
| Youth Counselor | $47,660 |
| Corrections Officer | $47,410 |
| Community Health Worker | $42,000 |
| Social and Human Service Assistant | $35,960 |
| Medical Assistant | $35,850 |
Bear in mind that many of these salaries represent entry-level positions. With a little bit of experience and a strong work ethic, you may rise in your desired position and make a lot more money if you want to.
Choosing an Associates in Human Services Online Degree
Choosing where to get your degree is a personal choice that everyone will make differently. There are certain things that are important to you that might not be important to everyone else, and that’s totally okay.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re getting your degree online. Perhaps these will influence your decision and help illuminate which school is best for you.
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Many people who take online classes are looking for flexibility in their schooling. They want classes that they can log into at any time, and the freedom to earn their degree at their own pace.
This is especially true for adult learners who may have other responsibilities. If flexibility is important to you, make sure that you check out how the classes are structured.
Additionally, look at the technology that the school uses and see if it is compatible with what you are comfortable working with.
If you can’t access some aspects of your classes because you don’t have the proper equipment, or understand how it all works, you will just be setting yourself up for some significant frustration.
Finally, you can consider what kind of job placement the school has and if it has opportunities for internships or other networking options. These perks can help you significantly after graduation when you are looking to secure a job in human services.
Accreditation
Choosing a school with regional accreditation is essential. Regional accreditation is a stamp of approval that says that the school has been vetted by an independent body and is up to scratch.
Many employers will not even consider students from colleges that are not accredited. It’s a huge deal, and most people consider it to be a deal breaker.
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Regional accreditation occurs when the school’s curriculum and faculty are looked at by an authoritative, objective body and found to be worthy of approval. The body looks at the school and determines that the curriculum is sufficient to allow students to be able to practice in the field after graduation.
Most schools have information about accreditation right on their website. It should not be difficult to find. If you are having trouble locating it, feel free to give the school a call to verify that they are regionally accredited.
Human Services Professional Organizations
Like all other professions, human services has a set group of professional organizations affiliated with the career path. These organizations are fantastic places to do some networking, further your education, or simply find like-minded individuals to help further your career.
These are just a few organizations affiliated with human services. There are plenty more of them on the local and state level, so make sure that you check out what’s happening in your backyard as well.
- American Public Health Association – This organization is based in Washington D.C. and was founded in 1872. It currently boasts 25,000 members and is a great place for networking.
- American Public Health Services Association – This group was established in 1930 and works with communities to make them better. It’s a massive organization that is many believe is worth joining.
- National Council on Family Relations – This group is a well-known nonprofit that was founded in 1938 and is an authority on family dynamics.
- National Organization for Human Services – This organization offers the Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner credential. It may be a good way to further your education and set yourself apart in the field.
Joining one or more of these organizations may be very beneficial. Some schools have affiliations or links to organizations, so always check to see if your school of choice has a chapter.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
College can be expensive, but there are many financial aid options in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships to pursue. You may get scholarships and grants on the state or federal level. Some schools even offer their own scholarship programs.
Grants and scholarships are incredibly competitive forms of financial aid that you do not need to pay back. Often they are merit or income-based. Apply for any grants or scholarships that you think might be good for you you.
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Loans are another form of financial aid. You need to pay loans back after graduation, so it’s advisable only to take out as many loans as you can reasonably payback. You can use loans for classes, books, or living expenses.
If you need help funding your schooling, there are plenty of options to try. Be diligent and explore every avenue.
What Can You Do With an Associates Degree in Human Services?
Those looking for associates in human services jobs after graduation will find that there are plenty of offerings available to pursue.
You may work in community outreach, social work, or help victims get the justice that they deserve. Some people prefer to work in areas of addiction and substance abuse as well.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associates Degree in Human Services?
Typically, it takes two years to complete an associate’s degree, although it might take longer if you are getting your degree online with a flexible class schedule.
Some students can take more than two years to get their associate’s degree, and others might find that it takes less if they enter an accelerated program. It’s really up to you.
How Much Money Can You Make With an Associate’s Degree in Human Services?
Your associate’s degree in human services salary will vary depending on where you are in the country and what kind of job market you are entering. It can also change based upon the type of specialty that you go into.
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Most people find that their salary starts in the $30,000 per year range (Bureau of Labor Statistics), but this may go up based on experience and talent.
Is Sociology a Human Services Degree?
While sociology is a degree all on its own, many components of sociology are often covered in human services degrees.
You may also work in sociology with your human services degree, although you might need to get more education to work in the higher levels of this field.
What Is an AA Degree in Human Services?
An A.A. degree is shorthand for an Associate of Arts degree. Most of the time, human services is considered an A.A. degree, so you might hear it referred to this way.
Your human service associate’s degree is generally a two-year degree program that sets you up for an entry-level job in the field after graduation. You may further your study by getting your four-year degree in human services, and even get your masters or doctorate in a related study.
What’s the Difference Between an A.A. in Human Services vs. A.S. in Human Services?
An AA is an Associate of Arts degree, and an AS is an Associate of Science degree. If you get your AS in human services, you can expect to take a lot more technical classes and learn more about the research side of things.
This is the primary difference between the two. Most employers will not have a preference, so just take the classes that appeal most to you.
What’s the Average Associates Degree in Human Services Salary?
On average, people just graduating with a human services degree make about $30,000 to $40,000 per year (Center on Education and the Workforce).
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While that might seem a little bit low, bear in mind that it’s an entry-level salary that may, and often does, increase as you get more work experience under your belt. Also, certain places might pay a bit more.
Is a Human Services Degree Online Accredited?
You should always look for an accredited college when considering where to get your degree. Plenty of online colleges that offer human services degrees, and all of the reputable ones are credited.
If you want to make sure that your college is accredited, simply check online. Most colleges will have accreditation information right on their website. If you can’t find it, don’t hesitate to ask.
Can I Get My Associate Degree in Human Services Online?
You may get your associate’s degree in human services online. There are many schools that offer these degrees along with online bachelor’s and online master’s in human services. The biggest benefit with online programs is that many of them allow you to have the flexibility of setting your own schedule and working at your preferred pace.
All you need to do is start your search online.
Universities Offering Human Services Associate’s Degree Online
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.
Alexandria Technical and Community College stands out as a public technical college in Minnesota that opened in 1961. ATCC takes pride in the practical learning experiences that are available in almost all of its 50-plus academic paths.
Students that ATCC can earn an AA, AS, AAS, and job skills certificates. Most associate degrees can be transferred to a four-year college.
- AAS in Human Services Practitioner
Alexandria Technical & Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Offering associate degrees and certifications since 1939, Bismarck State College is a well-established public vocational school that is located in North Dakota. Bismarck State leads the way in cybersecurity, technology, and human services. It has two bachelor’s degree programs to allow students an affordable way to higher education options.
- AAS in Human Services
Bismarck State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Brescia University began in 1925 as a way for the Catholic church to help educate local women but soon became a private, coeducational school that sits in the heart of Kentucky. BU has vast program options for students to earn several undergraduate and master’s degrees. It values its small class sizes and one on one attention provided.
- AA in Human Services
Brescia University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
As a private school that opened in 1854, Bryant and Stratton College has made its footprint in today’s educational world. It affords students with the ability to work inside and outside the classroom to earn vocational diplomas and undergraduate degrees in one of six instructional divisions. Distance learning includes various online course options.
- AAS in Human and Social Services
Bryant and Stratton College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
In 1854 the Methodist Church opened a school for women to obtain higher education, and Columbia College was born. Today Columbia College has undergrad and graduate degree options for both men and women that start with required humanities and core academics. As an esteemed private school, CC strives to make college affordable to all.
- AS in Human Services
Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
As a Christian-based private school that started in 1941, Cornerstone University accepts all denominational students into its various undergraduate and graduate studies programs. Cornerstone also is the founder of two seminaries and a school for radio.
Each program has a liberal arts basis. Popular programs at CU include human service, computers, and journalism.
- AS in Human Services
Cornerstone University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Eastern Florida State College started in 1960 and has several beautiful campuses around the region, including an aerospace school at the Kennedy Space Center. Providing quality public education is imperative to EFSC, which is one reason it implemented a vibrant virtual campus for working adults.
With undergraduate and graduate degrees offered online and in-person, EFSC serves over 25,000 annually.
- AS in Social and Human Services – Aging Services
Eastern Florida State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Established in 1962 as a small private college, Franklin Pierce University’s main campus sits in Rindge, New Hampshire. With degree programs that range from an associate to a doctoral, students at Franklin Pierce University finish with fundamental knowledge that combines liberal arts with crucial information needed to excel in their field.
- Associate’s in Human Services
Franklin Pierce University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Genesee Community College opened in 1966 in Batavia, New York. GCC is a public postsecondary school that allows students to enroll in vocational certifications and two-year college transfer degrees. Most of the coursework at Genesee Community College is a blend of online and in-class learning, with some programs being offered entirely online.
- AAS in Human Services
Genesee Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Founded as a Christian-based school in 1945, Grace Christian University offers a well-rounded curriculum to students who want to better their career options. GCU has a wide assortment of programs for students to reach an associate, bachelorette, or master’s degree.
Some of the popular areas of interest at GCU include education, human service, and exercise.
- AA in Human Services
Grace Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Association for Biblical Higher Education.
Offering exceptional academic studies since 1967, Great Basin College strives to provide small classes for students to take part in learning activities.
Located in Elko, NV, GBC offers public education to the community that allows learners to achieve an associate or bachelor’s degree. It also has a variety of technical and vocational certificate programs accessible to all.
- AAS in Human Services
Great Basin College is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Helping students discover who they are and where they belong, Hagerstown Community College has been offering higher education options since 1946.
Located in the state of Maryland, HCC has a variety of virtual learning opportunities. Hence, students who struggle with traditional learning still have access to one of the many certificate programs and AA, AS, and AAS degrees offered.
- AS in Human Services
Hagerstown Community College is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Beginning in 1968, Hazard Community and Technical College have five public campus locations to help serve students looking to find success in career education and higher education. Offering the lowest tuition rates in the state of Kentucky, HCTC makes it easy for those who wish to gain workforce experience or obtain an associate degree.
- AAS in Human Services
HCTC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Located on a 500-acre suburban campus in Herkimer, NY, Herkimer State University of New York was created in 1966 and is now part of NY’s lucrative public education system. There are more than forty programs at HSUNY that allow students to acquire an associate degree or a workforce diploma or certificate.
- AAS in Human Services
The Herkimer State University of New York is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Iowa Central Community College has been providing public education since 1967. ICCC’s diploma and certificate programs help students achieve excellence in their area of study and opens the door to more career choices.
Associate degrees earned at ICCC can often be transferred to a four-year school. Online learning is one more way ICCC helps learners succeed.
- APS in Human Services
Iowa Central is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
Providing a means of achieving educational success since 1913, Minot State University serves student s in and around the ND area to increase their academic status. Minot State is a public school that provides undergrad and graduate degrees with a hands-on examination of the curriculum. Students attending MU leave with a big picture world view.
- AS in Human Services – Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
Minot State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 1961, Monroe Community College rose to be a comprehensive public school that serves over 40,000 students every year. Students attending MCC can acquire vocational training to take the next step in their profession. Associate degrees available at MCC can often be transferred to be used as the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.
- AS in Human Services
Monroe Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Montgomery County Community College started in Blue Bell, PN as a small academy in 1964. The school now has multiple campuses, learning facilities, art galleries, and more. MCCC allows learners a first-rate public education. MCCC gives access to professional training and associate degrees tailored to meet each students’ individual needs.
- Associate’s in Human Services
Montgomery County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
1946 marks the start of private education offered by the New England College. Students enrolled in NEC are connected with local agencies to gain practical experience in their learning field. Using research methods and technological advances, NEC enables students to attain a bachelor’s master and doctoral degrees in a plethora of academic majors.
- AS in Human Services
NEC is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Niagara County Community College opened in 1962 and is part of the state university of New York’s public educational system.
NCCC provides associate degrees to students looking to better their career choices or to transfer to a higher learning facility. It also offers numerous career development diplomas and certificates for workforce advancement.
- AA in Human Services
Niagara County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Students looking to advance in their discipline or gain a higher education often turn to Northcentral Technical College. NTC had been educating the public since its beginning in 1912.
With various programs that lead to technical certifications or associate degrees, Northcentral Technical College is a more affordable option for the first two years of higher education.
- Associate’s in Human Services
Northcentral Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Serving learners through online and face-to-face instruction, Ohio Christian University has been dedicated to higher learning since 1947. OCU gives students a path to various bachelor’s and master’s degrees with a focus on faith and spiritual leadership.
Allowing students to study at affordable private school rates, OCU works to engage every student in campus life.
- AA in Human Services
Ohio Christian University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Rasmussen College has been providing a means to private higher learning since 1900. Today Rasmussen College has degree programs across seven schools that give students the ability to pursue an associate, undergrad, or master’s degree. Rasmussen College offers a variety of program options, including human service, nursing, and technology.
- Associate’s in Human Services
Rasmussen College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Established in 1962, St Louis Community College serves more than 60,000 students annually by providing vast public education options. Over several campuses and through virtual learning platform, St. Louis Community College grants AA, AS, AAS, and AFA.
Other programs offered at SLCC include specialized certificates and diplomas to help promote career advancement.
- AAS in Human Services
STLCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
In 1972, the Thomas Edison State University was created to provide public education to students by using unconventional means to allow students to achieve undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Using experience gained in real-world working conditions, test-taking, and self-study opportunities, TESU assists students in finding a way to get professional and educational growth.
- AA in Human Services
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tompkins Cortland Community College opened in 1968 as a small public institution. Over the years and through extensive research in sustainability, Tompkins Cortland Community College now has students throughout the world.
It offers applied experience to each associate and professional certification it awards. Organic farming and solar power are essential to learning experiences provided at TCCC.
- AAS in Human Services
Tompkins Cortland Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Providing associate and bachelor’s degrees to students seeking higher education since 1965, the University of Maine at Augusta strives to provide the best public education in the area. It is a military-friendly school and has course programs for online and campus-based learners.
Notable programs offered at UMA include human service, architecture, and nursing.
- AS in Mental Health and Human Services
The University of Maine at Augusta is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of the Cumberlands has been giving students a private school education since it commenced in 1888. Sitting in the heart of Kentucky, the university strives to bring job stability and academic development to the area.
Giving credit for outside of the classroom work hours during apprenticeships and community service, gaining an undergrad or graduate degree at this university can help a student expand their abilities.
- Associate’s in Human Services
- AAS in Human Services
The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Founded in 1963 as a public institution, Wake Technical Community College prides itself on the ability to award students with AA, AS, and AAS degrees in a variety of programs that promotes critical thinking and innovation. WTCC helps train learners in job skills and grants completion certificates to help increase resumes and knowledge.
- AAS in Human Services Technology – Substance Abuse
Wake Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Offering both online and on-campus degree programs, Western New Mexico University has been giving students educational opportunities since 1893. WNMU has a vast course offering that enables students to pursue associate, undergrad, or graduate degrees in more than sixty areas of study.
Students looking for affordable public education may find a home at WNMU.
- AA in Human Services
Western New Mexico University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Associates Human Services Degree Online
If you have wanted to make a change and set yourself up for a bright future, human services might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Many find this diverse career path to be rewarding, lucrative, and fulfilling. If you love people and want to help them, a job in human services might be a perfect fit for you.
Taking the first step is often the hardest. These days, it’s easier than ever to get your associates degree online, and nearly anyone can go back to school to further their education. There’s no reason not to make an investment in yourself and your future. Start applying for schools today.
