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Degree Overview: Associate’s (A.A.) Degree in Human Services Management

Majors Overview November 4, 2013

Students prepare for careers such as helping others solve family personal problems by enrolling in an associate’s degree program in human services management. These programs seldom are available from a few schools.

A.A. Programs in Human Services Management

Students enrolled in an associate’s degree program in human services management engage in the examination of the role played by human service organizations in society, in addition to learning about common practices used in providing human services. Program coursework focuses on case management procedures, development of care plans, marketing, strategies for funding, and government policy. Students can expect to become adept at assessing clients’ needs, linking them with the services they need and adapting care decisions in accordance with cultural differences, if any. Internship opportunities are provided by some programs.

Education Requirements

Admission criteria require applicants to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Those seeking admission to programs related to human services management are expected to complete high school level courses in computers, psychology, biology, algebra and English.

Coursework

Coursework in Associate’s degree programs includes liberal arts courses in natural sciences, composition and math, in addition to major-specific classes such as behavior management, theories of learning and human development. Coursework may also include the following topics involving service administration and human services:

•Human services and financial management
•Crisis intervention
•Human services and public policy
•Counseling techniques
•Human services introduction.
•Ethics in human services
•Human services grant writing

Job and Wage Outlook

In the majority of cases, employers for management positions don’t consider employing an associate’s degree holder in human services management. Those who graduate from a human services management program can seek entry-level occupations in human service assistant roles. A job growth rate of 28% has been projected for human service assistants, during the period from 2010 to 2020 (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The optimistic projection is based on an assumption that an aging population will experience an increased need for human services. In May 2012, human service assistants took home an average annual wage of $28,850.

Continuing Education Choices

Those aspiring for leadership positions would particularly benefit from a master’s degree in human services management. Associate’s degree holders would have to earn a bachelor’s degree before acquiring a master’s degree, to fill such positions. Many schools offer credit transfer programs.

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