Degree Overview: Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree in Human Services
Majors Overview December 26, 2013Students will be taught how to assist people with physical and emotional needs. Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree program in human services will provide students with the necessary knowledge for entry-level work as a client advocate, human service worker, social work assistant, and case management aide.
A.A. Programs in Human Services
Students enrolled in an Associate of Arts in Human Services programs are offered coursework in economic, political, social and learning systems, to augment knowledge about human development, service delivery, social and cognitive development, and group behavior.
Students are taught how to work with communities and families in work-related and educational environments. Students learn to develop writing, critical thinking and communication skills. Admission criteria in associate’s degree program require the submission of high school transcripts by students.
Coursework
During the course of a two-year human services program, students examine crisis intervention, developmental psychology, and sociological principles. They are also imparted knowledge about group values, learning theories and professional development in coursework that includes topic areas such as:
•Marriage topics
•Speech principles
•Sociology
•Casework methods
•Human biology
•Personal health
•Community health
•Family topics
Job and Wage Outlook
Most Associate of Arts in Human Services programs allow transfer of credits into a four-year program; students who chose to enter the workforce may seek entry-level jobs as human service assistants or social service assistants.
Human service assistants can seek entry-level positions in government organizations or social assistance and health care industries. A faster-than-average job growth rate of $23 has been predicted for social and human service assistants during the period from 2008 to 2018 (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2010, social and human service assistants earned an average annual wage of $28,200 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates of an associate’s degree program in human services may seek continued education by earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as social work, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in human services. Further training in applied research and social justice is provided through bachelor’s degree programs; coursework is augmented by imparting practical hands on experience through internships.
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