Best Online Associate in Human Services

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Updated October 10, 2023

Find the best online associate in human services degree with our list of top-rated schools that offer accredited online associate degrees.

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An online associate degree in human services can lead to a variety of roles in social work and healthcare.

The multidisciplinary degree examines foundational topics in psychology, social work, and biology, preparing graduates for entry-level human services jobs. Graduates can also pursue further study through a bachelor's program.

Human services professionals have strong job prospects. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for social workers will increase 11% between 2018 and 2028.

This guide ranks the best online associate in human services programs to help students find the right programs for their needs. It also covers important information for prospective students, including common courses, educational options, and potential careers and salaries for graduates.

Featured Online Human Services Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Online Associate in Human Services Programs

  1. Cornerstone University
    Location

    Grand Rapids, MI

    Tuition

    $20461

    At Cornerstone University, students can earn a human services associate degree online, preparing them for entry-level roles in areas like counseling, youth services, social work, and education.

    The 62-credit program covers topics like interviewing and counseling, introduction to human services, philosophy in culture, and current social issues. All students must complete a field experience or an applied project to culminate the degree. Students take one class at a time.

    As a Christian university, Cornerstone's program appeals to students considering both religious and secular jobs. Many graduates work in ministry positions.

    Admission requirements include an application fee, a high school diploma or GED, official transcripts, and at least two years of full-time work experience. International students must also supply TOEFL or IELTS scores. Regardless of where they live, all online students at Cornerstone pay the same tuition rate.

  2. Ohio Christian University
    Location

    Circleville, OH

    Tuition

    $25075

    Ohio Christian University is affiliated with the Churches of Christ and offers an online associate degree in human services. The program features courses taught through a Christian lens, preparing graduates to use their faith to address human service needs.

    The 60-credit program takes two years of full-time study to complete and does not lead to licensure. Classes include introduction to human services, applied skills for helping professions, opportunities in social issues, and public and private services.

    Applicants need a high school diploma or GED. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Active-duty military receive a tuition discount.

  3. Columbia College
    Location

    Columbia, MO

    Tuition

    $22306

    Established in 1851, Columbia College is a private liberal arts institution that offers an online human services associate degree. Some learners may need to visit the Columbia campus to complete all degree requirements.

    The 60-credit, online associate degree in human services features courses in working with communities and organizations, minority cultures and relations, introduction to human services, and working with groups and families. Learners can use 15 elective credits to tailor the degree to their interests.

    Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and submit unofficial transcripts. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Military students enjoy a tuition discount. Graduates can pursue entry-level roles in case management, administration and planning, probation and

  4. New England College
    Location

    Henniker, NH

    Tuition

    $27800

    New England College is a private liberal arts college that serves nearly 3,000 students each year. The institution's fully online associate degree in human services comprises 60 credits.

    In this program, learners examine topics like overcoming prejudice and discrimination, writing and research in the social sciences, client assessment and planning, and delivery of human services. Learners can also choose from several electives to customize the degree to their interests and goals.

    Graduates can pursue careers in social work, mental health, community outreach, and client advocacy. They can also pursue a bachelor's degree in a related field. The program offers seven start dates per year. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED and submit transcripts.

  5. Western New Mexico University
    Location

    Silver City, NM

    Tuition

    $12773

    Founded in 1893, Western New Mexico University hosts around 3,500 students each year. The fully online associate in human services program features asynchronous coursework and emphasizes professional, generalist social work training.

    The 64-credit program includes 34 general education credits and 26 human services core credits. Human services classes include introduction to human services, principles of diversity, individual and family development, and ethics in social work and human services.

    Graduates can work in halfway houses, government offices, and correctional facilities. They can also transfer to a bachelor's program and earn degrees in areas like nursing, social work, criminal justice, or mental health counseling.

  6. Franklin Pierce University
    Location

    Rindge, NH

    Tuition

    $29237

    Founded in 1962, Franklin Pierce University is a private, nonprofit institution that hosts around 2,000 students each year. Franklin Pierce hosts a main campus in Rindge, several satellite campuses across the state, and an online learning platform.

    Franklin Pierce's online associate of arts degree in human services focuses on individual and community empowerment while emphasizing the political, fiscal, and administrative infrastructures that allow human services systems to operate effectively.

    The 60-credit, interdisciplinary program examines ideas and concepts from psychology, sociology, social work, criminology, and business. Students take courses like child and adolescent development, research methods, and grassroots activism for social change.

    Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and submit transcripts.

  7. Ocean County College
    Location

    Toms River, NJ

    Tuition

    $11013

    Ocean County College hosts a main campus in Toms River, New Jersey; more than 20 satellite locations; and an online learning division. OCC's online associate of science in public service offers concentrations in human services, fire science, public administration, and social work.

    The 60-credit program includes general education and public service courses alongside electives focused on the student's concentration. Human services courses include introduction to social work, developmental disabilities, and human behavior. Learners can choose from electives in areas like addiction counseling, homeland security, and emergency services.

    Nearly 25% of the school's more than 8,000 students take online courses. Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED and submit transcripts.

  8. Waukesha County Technical College
    Location

    Pewaukee, WI

    Tuition

    $9620

    Located just west of Milwaukee, Waukesha County Technical College hosts approximately 23,000 students each year. The suburban institution offers a variety of degree and certificate programs, including many online options.

    WCTC's 60-credit, online associate of applied science in human services offers two tracks: mental health and addictions studies. Both tracks combine practical experiences with coursework in social work, psychology, and sociology. The addiction studies track serves as a pathway into an accredited substance abuse counselor certification program. Along with the associate degree, WCTC offers certificates in developmental disabilities and youth care counseling.

    Graduates can work as counselors, case managers, and human services technicians. They can also pursue further study with a bachelor's degree.

  9. University of the Cumberlands
    Location

    Williamsburg, KY

    Tuition

    $17588

    Located in southeastern Kentucky, University of the Cumberlands has offered academic and technical training since 1888. A private Christian university, the institution hosts more than 13,000 students each year. Students can choose from a variety of fully online degrees, including a human services associate degree that focuses on foundational social work skills and values.

    The 60-credit program includes 18 human services core credits. Core classes include survey of human services, introduction to sociology, basic counseling skills, and human behavior and group dynamics.

    As a religious university, Cumberlands delivers programs through a Christian lens, focusing on servant leadership. Propelled by the university's dedication to service, graduates can work as probation officers, drug abuse counselors, and life skills instructors. They can also transfer to a bachelor's program.

  10. Madisonville Community College
    Location

    Madisonville, KY

    Tuition

    $5304

    Madisonville Community College is one of 16 schools in the Kentucky Community College and Technical College System. MCC offers a variety of associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates, including many online options.

    MCC's online human services associate degree trains students for careers in community support, mental health, and social services. In addition to general education courses, students take human services classes like human services survey, values of human services in a contemporary society, group dynamics, and theories and techniques in human services.

    The 60-credit program takes two years of full-time study to complete. MCC also offers a variety of related certificates in areas like aging services, psychiatric mental health technician, recovery coach, and aging services. MCC maintains reciprocity agreements with several four-year institutions, such as University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Murray State University.

Online Associate in Human Services Programs Ranking Guidelines

We selected the following human services degree programs based on their quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

What Is Human Services

Human services professionals include counselors, psychologists, and social workers — careers unified in their dedication to serving individuals and communities, especially in times of crisis. Most places require human services workers, especially in low-income, high-risk communities. People with patience, compassion, and a commitment to serving others are prime candidates for human services jobs.

Human services professionals include counselors, psychologists, and social workers — careers unified in their dedication to serving individuals and communities, especially in times of crisis.

Human services professionals typically specialize in particular populations, needs, or services, such as substance abuse counseling, child and family social work, or health education. They may also assume roles as social services administrators, school social workers, or probation officers.

Earning an associate in human services degree provides students with knowledge and skills in areas like client interaction, public policy, and ethics, preparing them for a variety of entry-level human services roles. Graduates can also pursue further study through a bachelor's or master's program.

What Is a Human Services Associate Degree?

A human services associate degree introduces students to foundational topics in psychology, sociology, and social work. The degree typically takes two years of full-time study to complete, and graduates qualify for positions like social services assistant and human services assistant. Graduates can also pursue further study through a bachelor's program, often earning the degree with just two additional years of study.

Most associate in human services programs require a high school diploma or equivalent and high school transcripts for admission. Some schools have a minimum GPA requirement and request letters of recommendation and SAT or ACT scores to apply.

Choosing an Online Associate in Human Services Program

Students should consider the following factors when researching the best online associate in human services programs.

  • Program Cost: While costs vary by program, associate degrees tend to cost less than bachelor's degrees. It is also usually cheaper to attend a school in your home state than it is to enroll out of state. However, some schools allow all online students to pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.
  • Transfer Policies: Students with prior experience should research each prospective program's transfer policies. Many programs offer transfer credit for prior experience, including academic, professional, or military experience, which can minimize the length and cost of a degree.
  • School Size and Type: A school's size and type — such as whether it is a small private school or a large public institution — can affect class sizes, tuition rates, and student engagement. Smaller schools offer more personalized experiences, but they also tend to cost more than larger schools. Community colleges also tend to cost less than four-year schools.
  • Program Length: While most associate degrees take two years to complete, many programs offer accelerated timelines that allow students to graduate sooner.
  • On-Campus Requirements: Though rare, some online associate degrees in human resources have on-campus requirements. Students should ensure they can meet these requirements before committing to a program.
  • Thesis, Fellowship, and Work Requirements: Some associate degrees require a capstone experience to close the degree, though this is more common in a bachelor's program. Students may also need to complete clinical or practicum requirements.

What Will I Learn in an Online Associate in Human Services Program?

Courses vary by program, but the following list outlines several common courses found in human services programs.

Human Services Careers

A human services degree qualifies graduates for positions in human services, social work, and community leadership. Graduates with an associate in human services can pursue entry-level jobs — like a human services assistant — or further study through a bachelor's degree, which expands career and salary opportunities. We cover several common human services careers and potential salaries below.

Social and Human Services Assistants

Social and human services assistants typically work under the supervision of a licensed social worker or psychologist to provide guidance and support to various populations. These professionals often collaborate with other social and human services workers to ensure their clients have access to resources and services.

They may conduct interviews with clients to determine their needs and help clients complete paperwork and apply for resources like Medicaid, food stamps, and social security benefits. Students with an associate in human services qualify for entry-level assistant positions.

Median Annual Salary

$33,750

Projected Growth Rate

13%

Social and Community Service Managers

Social and community service managers develop and implement public service programs tailored to community needs. They may work in settings like nonprofit organizations, neighborhood youth centers, or community recreation programs.

These professionals often oversee fundraising for an organization, collect data on community needs and services, develop and implement community programs, and represent organizations through speaking engagements. Most social and community service management jobs require a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field.

Median Annual Salary

$65,320

Projected Growth Rate

13%

Social Workers

Social workers assist individuals and families enduring financial, medical, social, or interpersonal challenges. They may serve individuals through direct service or through clinical social work. Direct-service social workers help clients with personal issues like divorce, illness, or unemployment. This type of social work job typically requires a bachelor's in social work.

Clinical social workers diagnose and treat emotional, mental, and behavioral disorders, such as anxiety, substance abuse, or depression. They consult with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive treatment plans for clients. Clinical social workers typically need a master's degree in social work and a state-issued license.

Median Annual Salary

$49,470

Projected Growth Rate

11%

Educational Paths for Online Human Services Associate Programs

In addition to entry-level jobs, an online associate in human services prepares students to pursue a bachelor's degree in disciplines like psychology, sociology, or human services. Generally, bachelor's degrees in human services and related majors enable students to pursue more specialized study than associate degrees. These programs also expand employment and salary potential. The following list outlines several common bachelor's majors for graduates with an associate in human services.

Accreditation for Online Associate in Human Services Degrees

When researching the best online associate degree in human services, students should only consider accredited schools. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to faculty qualifications, academic rigor, and student learning outcomes. Accreditation expands students' employment, education, and financial aid opportunities.

In general, schools can be regionally or nationally accredited, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation oversee accrediting bodies. For a human services degree, students should choose a regionally accredited school.

Individual programs within a school may also receive accreditation. Human services programs sometimes hold accreditation from the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). CSHSE accredits associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in human services. Students seeking the human services board-certified practitioner credential must complete a human services program with CSHSE accreditation.

Human Services Professional Organizations

Human services students and professionals can take advantage of professional organizations. Many organizations offer benefits like networking, professional development, financial aid, and continuing education opportunities.

APHA serves more than 25,000 health professionals and advocates about public health issues. Members have access to special interest groups, an annual meeting and expo, exclusive webinars, and discounts on continuing education opportunities. APHSA represents both state and local health and human service agencies, connecting its members with human services policymakers and organizations. APHSA members also have access to exclusive networking and research opportunities. NOHS promotes systematic policy change for the greater good. NOHS members can access exclusive publications, NOHS web content, scholarships and grants, and discounted national conferences. There is also a membership discount for students. An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, HRSA provides aid for vulnerable populations. It offers medical practitioner and health center directories on its website and funds human services research through grants and scholarships. Based in Washington, D.C., the National Assembly comprises some of the nation's largest nonprofit organizations. Members have access to discounts on professional products and services, networking events, industry publications, and policy research.

Featured Online Human Services Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Human Services?

Human services focuses on improving the lives of diverse populations by connecting individuals and communities with resources and services to meet their needs. Many healthcare and social work jobs are considered human services professions.

What Is a Human Services Degree?

A human services degree teaches students how to help various populations — particularly vulnerable individuals and communities — use services and resources to get their needs met.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Human Services?

Most associate degrees in human services take two years of full-time study to complete, though accelerated programs also exist.

Can You Be a Social Worker With a Human Services Degree?

Graduates with an associate degree in human services may work in jobs related to social work, but professional social workers typically need at least a bachelor's degree to practice. Some states require social workers to have a master's degree and a license.

What Is the Best College for Human Services?

The best colleges for human services degrees offer accredited programs that adequately prepare students for their intended career paths.

What Is a BS in Human Services?

A bachelor of science in human services includes courses in case management, lifespan development, and public policy. Graduates can pursue entry-level social work jobs or go on to a master's degree in social work program.

How Much Can You Make With a Human Services Degree?

Salaries vary by experience, job, and education, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that social workers made median annual salaries that ranged between $44,000 and $64,000 in 2018.

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