Guide to Online Associate's Degrees in Human Services

If you’d like to get an associate degree that will put you on a path to make a real difference in the lives of people in your community, then you might want to think about getting an associate degree in human services.

Why Get A Human Services Associate Degree?

Human services in an incredibly rewarding field that enables you to work directly with the people in your community who need help the most.

For instance, you would work for local or state agencies or governments helping people apply for food stamps, or you could help reestablish heat for those families who are unable to pay their heating bills. You would work with adults who need help with basic living skills, teaching them how to cook and clean on their own. You could also work with children who have abusive or absent parents, helping place them in adoption or foster care programs.

In short, an associate degree in human services is going to allow you to make a difference in the lives of hundreds or thousands of people. It’s a field where you can immediately see the results of your efforts, and most people who work in human services report a very high degree of job satisfaction.

Human Services Associate Degree Programs: What You’ll Learn

Once you enroll in a human services degree program you can expect to learn about a wide-variety of subjects. Because you’ll be working so closely with people, many of your courses will revolve around psychology and sociology.

Some of the classes you might see in this degree program include:

Marriage and the Family
Abnormal Psychology
Counseling Theories and Techniques
Child Psychology
Management in Human Services
Crisis Intervention

Careers With An Associate Degree In Human Services

Most students who leave school with their associate degree in human services usually work as a human services assistant. Assistants are needed in several fields, from child development to food banks to welfare agencies.

Once you have your human services associate degree, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the number of human service assistant job openings will increase by 34% by 2016. This is much faster than the national average.

The reason why the field is growing so fast is because of our aging population. More and more people are coming to depend on social services to get by, which is why it’s such a growing part of local, state, and government agencies.

Some of the places you could work include:

Community hospitals
Psychiatric hospitals
Group homes or shelters
Private senior care agencies
Family services
Rehabilitation services

There are definitely a wide variety of companies and agencies that you could work for once you’ve gotten your degree. A lot depends on your interests, and who you’re most passionate about helping with your work.

With an associate degree in human services, you can expect to earn around $30,000 per year (as an assistant). Most agencies provide job training in the form of workshops and seminars, so chances are pretty high that you’ll continue learning once you’re done with school.

Your income potential will be higher if you continue with your education, however. If you stay in school and get your Bachelor’s degree in human services you’ll definitely earn more, and be qualified to work in a leadership position, perhaps heading a department or agency.

Guide to Online Associates Degree Programs

Associate degree holders generally have better job prospects than those with only a high school diploma. Earning an associate degree usually takes two years, and doing so in at an online school can be much more convenient than at a traditional campus. Below are the top accredited online schools offering associate degrees in the US.

	With one of the largest offerings of accredited online associate degrees, Post University is consistently highly rated by its students because of its flexibility and affordability. All associate degrees offered are fully accredited. Post was founded in 1890 and has been providing highly-rated degree programs to students ever since with an emphasis on practicality and application. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The University of Phoenix was one of the first accredited colleges to offer online degrees. Today, it has grown to become one of the nation's largest universities through its online division and campuses coast to coast. They remain one of the top choices for students looking for an associates degree online because of the broad array of choice and affordability they offer students. Read full school profile » Request Information
	With perhaps the largest number of online associates degrees offered, Kaplan University's degrees are fully accredited, affordable, and offer a flexibility that many other online schools cannot match. This unrivaled selection spans several industries, hundreds of specializations, and all degree levels of education, empowering students to choose their own path to a career. Read full school profile » Request Information
	One of the nation's leading Christian universities, Liberty offers a broad range of accredited associate degrees online. Their incorporation of moral and ethical considerations into study make them a popular choice for students seeking a well-rounded education built on academic integrity. Established in 1985, Liberty University has one of the longest-standing online education programs in the country. Read full school profile » Request Information
	The online associates degrees at Everest University can be completed in under 2 years, making this a great way for students to quickly works towards their life goals. An associates degree can give you a jump-start on your career and open opportunities around every corner. Many of the programs help students pursue positions in ever-growing fields. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Virginia College offers a wide range of accredited associates programs. VC takes several steps in helping students pays for college by offering financial aid to those who qualify, including textbooks in the tuition cost, and providing online programs that can be completed under two (2) years, giving students a quick way to jump start their careers. Read full school profile » Request Information
	DeVry University is a highly-regarded leader in education with campuses across the nation and several online degrees available. DeVry focuses on providing degrees centered in the technology industry or fields that require a broad understanding and need for technical skills. DeVry has several highly popular degrees like Accounting, Web Graphic Design, Health IT, and Network Systems Administration. Read full school profile » Request Information
	Strayer University has over the last decade become one of the most respected schools offering accredited online associate degrees. Their strong reputation among employers, broad course offerings, and over one hundred years in education make them consistently a top choice for students. Strayer has over 85 campuses and 60,000 students currently attending online or at one of its campuses. Read full school profile » Request Information