Human Services Associate Degree Online
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.
