Associate of Applied Science in Human Services
The objective of the Associate of Applied Science in Human Services program is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for students to pursue a rewarding career in a wide variety of helping professions.* Students are taught to develop their talents, assess clients’ needs, identify community resources, and problem solve and advocate for their client—all with the goal of making a difference in the lives of those unable to help themselves.
Associate of Applied Science in Human Services Highlights
Through the curriculum’s blending of theory and practice, students study how to critically evaluate the public and private policies that drive the day-to-day operations of human service agencies in this country and how they can best intervene on behalf of the clients they will serve.
The curriculum emphasizes:
- Applying critical thinking to real-world situations
- Demonstrating knowledge of the theoretical bases, best practices, and historical and current trends related to the human services profession
- Understanding the application of theory and skills to identify, plan, and utilize resources to improve client situations
- Behaving professionally, ethically, and legally in the workplace
- Utilizing information and systems to appropriately manage and support human services delivery
- Understanding the importance of culture, gender, diversity, and global perspectives when working with clients
In addition, students can participate in regional student meet and greets. These daylong events feature presentations and discussions from faculty members on topics such as career and internship opportunities in human services. The Human Services Club also holds monthly speaker series events.
In HN 115: Human Services Program and Profession, students have the opportunity to view videos from actual human service agencies. The videos showcase what it's like to work in the field and in fields that require human services advocacy.
HN 205: Applied Skills for Human Services includes several videos on actual counseling sessions
In HN 144: Human Behavior and the Environment, students follow an actual inter-generational family through a case study to learn different developmental milestones, life stage crises, assessments, and interventions.
What are the Career Opportunities?
The Associate of Applied Science in Human Services program is designed to prepare graduates with a solid foundation in human services principles that can be applied in many areas including mental health, social services, education, rehabilitation, group and community work, nursing homes, court systems, and public policy. Positions may include, but are not limited to, life skills instructor, social service assistant, child advocate, adult day care worker, and case management aide.*