Associate Degree in
Human Services
- Associate of Science (AS)
- On Campus
- Online
- Hybrid
When you know you want to serve your community, but you’re not sure where to begin — you start with an Associate Degree in Human Services. An associate degree will prepare you with the necessary skills to attain, and succeed in, entry-level positions in the human services field.
You may already have the passion — and the compassion — that all human services occupations demand. Our Associate of Science in Human Services will help you focus that energy into a skill set that will carry you throughout your future career.
In addition to building a foundation in psychology, sociology, and counseling, you’ll learn about the many social and ethical issues that arise in different areas of human services. You’ll develop a higher level of cultural sensitivity when working with diverse communities, and you’ll build a wealth of professional experience along the way.
Why Major in Human Services?
Projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that jobs in social and community service occupations will increase by 10% by 2031 — with an even greater increase of 12% for social and human service assistants. All signs indicate that jobs for human services majors will increase far more quickly than the national average for all occupations.
An Associate in Human Services from our fully accredited School of Criminal and Social Justice will prepare you to take full advantage of those trends. Chances are, though, that if you’re interested in a human services career, you’re not just looking to benefit yourself. You’re looking for a way to benefit others.
Here are some of the communities you’ll be ready to serve when you earn a degree in Human Services from our fully accredited School of Criminal and Social Justice:
- People living with disabilities
- People living with mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders
- Victims of domestic violence
- Immigrant populations
- Unhoused persons
- Veterans
- Senior citizens
- The formerly incarcerated
As a Human Services major, you’ll also have access to practicum opportunities that will allow you to put your knowledge to the test in real-world professional settings. Your learning experience won’t be confined to the classroom. You’ll see firsthand why human services are so essential for so many.
Curriculum
Your human services classes won’t just teach you the basics. They’ll inspire you. Your instructors have been where you’re going — and they’re still there, making a difference every day. Our faculty come from areas as diverse as military and veteran services, group homes and foster care, adult day care, residential care, after-school programs, and more.
They’ll cover all of the topics and skills you need to get started — and to thrive — in your human services career, including:
- Ethics in human services
- Social issues
- Political science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Counseling theory
You’ll train to become more culturally competent when working with diverse communities. You’ll also develop your communication, presentation, writing, and research skills, so you can be a truly effective advocate for the people you serve.
Beyond the classroom, Human Services majors are required to participate in a supervised internship at a human services agency or community-based organization related to their area of interest.
By the time you finish your Associate in Human Services, you’ll have completed at least 160 hours of field experience. You’ll have the knowledge, the mentorship, and the hands-on training to go out into the world with well-earned confidence.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Human Services Associate Degree?
You can earn your Associate Degree in Human Services in just four (4) semesters on campus. If studied in consecutive semesters on our accelerated three (3)-semester academic calendar, you could finish your degree in less than a year and a half.
AS Human Services Degree Requirements:
62 total credits
- 32 credits of major-related courses
- 30 credits of general education and related courses
In addition to our on-campus degree program, Monroe offers other associate degree options: we offer both a fully online degree program and a hybrid curriculum that combines the flexibility of online classes with in-person training.
Learn more about the requirements for an Associate Degree in Human Services.
Psychology Across the Lifespan
From day-care programs to senior centers, human services professionals work with people at every stage of life. This course examines psychological, physical, cognitive, and social development in human beings, from infancy all the way to old age. Students will learn the major psychological approaches to development, and tackle contemporary issues including autism, adolescent suicide, midlife crises, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Admission Requirements
Candidates for a Human Services Associate Degree must fulfill the following admissions requirements:
- Candidates must possess either a high school graduation credential or high school equivalency diploma, or a recognized college associate degree or higher as listed in the transfer admissions policy.
- Candidates must also submit a completed application for admission, as well as a personal statement or essay.
Human Services candidates also participate in a pre-admission interview.
Tuition & Financial Aid
As a Human Services major, you’re preparing yourself to work hard for others. That’s why our financial aid office works hard for you. In addition to our affordable tuition and fees and manageable payment plans, we help you to find and secure every scholarship, grant, and loan for which you’re eligible. We’ll even help you to find any available work-study employment opportunities.
Your Future Human Services Career
Once you complete your associate degree program, you’ll have the credentials you need to begin working in a variety of settings, including:
- Social service agencies
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Correctional facilities
- Community centers
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities
- Homeless shelters
- The court system
- Foster care agencies
- Domestic violence centers
- Crisis intervention centers
After receiving their Human Services degrees, Monroe graduates can find employment as:
- Substance abuse counselors
- Juvenile counselors
- Child life specialists
- Correctional counselors
- Rehabilitation counselors
- Social casework assistants
- Group residence workers
- Mental health aides
- Neighborhood outreach workers
- Assistant probation officers
Why choose human services as a career? The answer is simple: because human services can give you your choice of career.
Professional Opportunities
With built-in practicum opportunities, our Human Services curriculum provides students with valuable real-world experience. Human Services majors get to apply their knowledge in professional settings, meet potential employers, and build a network of contacts even before they graduate.
Recent field placements for Monroe human services majors have included:
- The New York City Department of Probation
- The Boys and Girls Club of New Rochelle
- Compassionate Care Hospice
- The Children’s Village
- ACDP Sedgwick Cornerstone Community Center
- Success Outpatient Treatment Services
Our Human Services program is also a member of the National Organization of Human Services. NOHS can help students pay for their studies with numerous scholarship and grant opportunities. They also offer member students access to yearly conferences.
Our Human Services Club can help you form professional connections right here on campus, working with local agencies to tackle critical issues including domestic violence, poverty, and homelessness.
Discover What You Can Achieve
With an Associate Degree in Human Services, you can unlock your full potential, even as you help others discover theirs. It’s a rewarding path. It’s a stable one, too. And it’s yours to take at the Monroe School of Criminal and Social Justice.
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