Last Updated on October 23, 2023 by Contributing Editor
These 25 best human social services associate degrees will start you on your path to a career in social work and move you towards a BSW. Earning an associate degree in human and social services is a gratifying choice for prospective students interested in helping professions. Associate programs require only two years of post-secondary education to unlock access to entry-level human service jobs.
Students gain the skills needed and cultural sensitivity to coordinate community programs for the poor, sick, abused, discriminated against, and other vulnerable populations. Associate degree holders can find work as human service assistants, social work assistants, casework aides, addictions counselors, and more. The job outlook is favorable with human services growing faster than average by 17% by 2030. Follow your altruistic passions and ethical standards with any of these 10 Best Human and Social Services Associate Degrees.
How We Ranked the Best Human Services Associate Degree Programs
To begin, we sourced campus-based associate programs that were accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). This ensures students will qualify for the National Organization for Human Services Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) credential. All colleges and community colleges had to be regionally accredited for credit transfer and financial aid. We looked for associate degrees offering specialization in various human and social services careers. All two-year programs had to incorporate real-world agency experience.
For our ranking of the best human services associate’s degrees, Social Work Degree Center editors focused on accredited, trusted institutions. Programs are ranked according to factors including cost, graduate median annual salary, and student satisfaction, using data from IPEDS and Niche.
1. Anne Arundel Community College
The Anne Arundel Community College Human Services Program is designed to engage students academically while providing the community support they need to succeed in the human service field. The program provides the theory, skills, experience, and classroom knowledge students need to thrive. Currently, Anne Arundel Community College is offering the AAS Human Services degree to prepare students for exciting career options in Human Services or to prepare students to move up into a Bachelor’s program at a four-year school.
Anne Arundel Community College located in beautiful Arnold MD is a community college that provides not only a robust academic environment but also many of the advantages of a four-year institution. These advantages include athletic opportunities as well as exciting art programs such as dance, opera, symphony orchestra, and theater. This school provides a well-rounded environment for obtaining an associate degree in human services.
Program: AAS Human Services
2. Central Ohio Technical College
The Central Ohio Technical College AAS in Human Services provides a strong foundation for students on a human service career path. It is also a solid transition degree for moving into a four-year program later on. At Central Ohio Technical College, students complete their degree on either a full or part-time schedule, using on-campus, online, or hybrid delivery. COTC offers four campuses to choose from, which makes planning classes easy and more convenient. Furthermore, graduates are eligible to apply as registered Social Worker Assistants. This registration can be completed through The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Graduates from this program are also eligible to apply as a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant or to apply for the examination for the Human Services- Board Certified Practitioner.
Central Ohio Technical College is committed to providing a strong support system for students during their educational careers. Support services such as Student Food Pantry and Counseling Services help ensure that students can navigate difficult times. The AmeriCorp Student Resource Center is also available to assist struggling students with varying issues.
Program: AAS in Human Services
3. University of Alaska-Anchorage
The AAS Human Services degree program at the University of Alaska Anchorage provides students with both the classroom knowledge and hands-on training they need in order to thrive in a human services career path. Upon graduation, students will be able to apply the skills necessary to assess the needs of clients and to develop plans and programs to help clients thrive and overcome challenges. Most importantly, after completing an associate degree in human services, students will be prepared to use active listening and counseling skills in order to deal with client conflict, communicate expectations, and help clients work toward sustainable goals for a better quality of life.
Located in the largest city of Alaska, The University of Alaska provides a great backdrop for educational dreams. Here students will find that culture, academics, and adventure combine to create a one-of-a-kind living experience.
Program: AAS Human Services
4. Vance Granville Community College
The AAS Human Services Technology at Vance Granville Community College provides students with everything they need to succeed in the human services field. This degree program will train students in a variety of community needs and human service settings. Once on this career path, students will be able to empower clients and those in their communities to live better quality, more productive lives. Not only will students learn these skills through classroom learning activities, but this program also provides work-based training so that students have the real-world experience they need in order to be prepared for this exciting and rewarding career. Students graduating with an associate in human services degree will be qualified for positions in family services, social services, rehab services, correction, child care, and mental health. Vance Granville Community College offers a fully accredited program, accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education.
Vance Granville Community College offers four different campuses to choose from making class planning convenient. This school also provides many financial aid opportunities such as the Van Guarantee Scholarship Program.
Program: AAS Human Services Technology
5. Quinsigamond Community College
The AS Human Services at Quinsigamond Community College prepares students for a variety of career opportunities within the human service field. This program has a two-fold mission. First, the program will qualify students for entry-level positions in human service careers. Secondly, this program can prepare students for transition into a four-year human services degree program if they so choose. The AS Human Service Degree will provide the first two years of courses and training needed to complete a Bachelor’s degree. This associate degree in human services allows students to choose electives that can help them pursue specializations later in their education or career. Electives include generalist, mental health, addictions, gerontology, and developmental disabilities.
Quinsigamond Community College prides itself on being a “College Made Smarter.” By providing students with flexible scheduling and over 120 degree and certificate programs available, they make it easy for students to make their educational dreams a reality.
Program: AS Human Services
6. Hillsborough Community College
The AS/AAS Counseling and Human Service Program at Hillsborough Community College brings together the best of convenience and academic excellence. This course of study will prepare students to work in the human service fields of counseling, social work, human services, or rehab. Through this career path, students can assist clients with achieving their life goals and creating a quality life. This particular program of study does not require a health sciences application. The academic advisor can assist students with how to follow the general HCC admissions process for this program. This associate in a human services degree program is fully accredited through the Council for Standards in Human Service Education.
In addition to providing a solid education in an exciting career field, Hillsborough Community College is also dedicated to providing students with exciting campus life. Hillsborough offers athletic opportunities as well as a wide range of clubs, organizations, and events to keep campus life interesting.
Program: AS/AAS Counseling and Human Services
7. Northern Essex Community College
The AS Human Services degree program at Northern Essex Community College will help prepare students for a fulfilling human service career. Students working through this program will be trained as human service generalists. This training will prepare students to work with clients in the following scenarios:
- Intellectual challenges
- Substance abuse issues
- Mental illness/disabilities
- Developmental disabilities
- Emotional challenges
One thing that sets this program outcomes apart from others is that students will not only be receiving solid classroom teaching but will also participate in real-life learning situations. This hands-on training can help students prepare for the challenges of social work. An associate degree in human services from Northern Essex Community College provides knowledgeable human service employees for our communities.
Northern Essex Community College prides itself on providing a top-of-the-line education for a very affordable price. Students starting out in Northern Essex can easily transfer their associate degrees to a four-year program in order to achieve their long-term goals.
Program: AS Human Services
8. Madison College
The AAS Human Service Associate program at Madison College brings together the best of both worlds by providing excellent classroom instruction and real-world work experience. This program trains students to bring support and advocacy within a human service setting. The skills acquired will qualify students to work with both individuals, groups, and community settings. Students will understand how to work with clients from a variety of backgrounds to overcome a variety of life challenges. Students will gain hands-on training during their second year of study through fieldwork placement in an actual human service agency. The associate’s degree in human services will prepare students for a fulfilling career in this important job field.
Madison College prides itself on moving students into a better place no matter where they begin. The beautiful campus located in Madison, WI offers many different types of educational delivery models to help students fit their further education into their current life.
Program: AAS Human Service Associate
9. St. Charles Community College
The AAS Human Services at St. Charles Community College prepares students for the real-world challenges of social work and other human service career paths. During this in-depth program, students will gain the knowledge they need to implement helping strategies that assist individuals or groups in the community who are experiencing challenges in living a thriving life. Some of these challenges include mental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, drug abuse, domestic challenges, unemployment, and challenges faced by the elderly. An associate’s degree in human services from SCC prepares students to not only pursue a secure, well-paying career but also make a huge impact in their communities.
The faculty and staff at SCC believe in putting the student first, always. This translates into programs built around empowering students for success. By providing workforce training, as well as personal and professional development, SCC puts a strong foundation under the future workforce of America.
Program: AAS Human Services
10. Southeast Community College
The AAS Human Services from Southeast Community College stands apart from others because of the wide variety of career paths this degree can help prepare students for. Here you will find the courses and real-world training you need to be an innovative leader. Graduates from this program will be qualified to seek employment in many types of human service occupations where they can provide support services to their community. These services will help to promote social justice, health, community services, and more. Some career paths include Substance use counselor, social worker case manager, community support professional, outreach worker, family advocate, and more. This associate’s in human services degree is accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Service Education.
Southern Community College prides itself on offering students a quality education at a very affordable price. In addition to keeping costs low, Southern Community College also offers helpful financial aid packages to assist students further. Students will also benefit from the many professional development programs and workforce development programs offered to further prepare them for their career paths.
Program: AAS Human Services
11. Trident Technical College
The Associate in Public Service Human Services from Trident Technical College is everything a student will need to start their career path in human services. The human service education students receive will provide them with both the classroom learning as well as the real-world experience they need to move confidently into this career field. Upon completing this course of study students will be ready to start a career in a variety of human service work. Some career paths can include social worker, case manager, support coordinator, addictions counselor, family advocate, and more. Those who thrive in this type of work have a passion and compassion for those in their communities and want to provide help and services so that each member of the community can live a quality life. The associate’s degree in human services has a simple enrollment process.
In addition to providing students with a top-rated education, Trident Technical College is located in beautiful Charleston, SC. This historic city offers a multitude of cultural experiences as well as outdoor activities for when students are not in class.
Program: Associate in Public Service Human Services
12. Metropolitan Community College
The AAS Human Services degree from Metropolitan Community College offers students a top-rated education in the human service field. This degree will prepare students for entry-level positions in the human service field. This degree can also help prepare students for continuing their education with a four-year degree. Graduates can seek employment in both public and private agencies which strive to help others live a quality, thriving life. Students will be prepared to work with homeless populations, those in rehab, family, and children in crisis, as well as with those struggling with mental health issues. The associate’s degree program in human services is fully accredited.
Since 1974, MCC has been striving to provide students with a quality education that prepares them for career placement. Through extensive workforce training and top-notch education, both in the classroom and in the real world, graduates from MCC will move with confidence into their chosen career paths.
Program: AAS Human Services
13. Columbus State Community College
The AAS Social and Human Services degree at Columbus State Community College is a five-semester program. This program integrates both classroom learning activities as well as real-world practicum training. This combination prepares students to meet the real-life challenges that will be faced in the human service careers of their choice. The associate’s degree in human services prepares students for employment in a variety of human service jobs with qualifications in the following specialties:
- Social Work and Human Services
- Addiction Studies
- Advanced Addiction Studies
- Advanced Mental Health
- Human service practitioner
- Social Work and Human Services
- Addiction Studies
- Advanced Addiction Studies
- Advanced Mental Health
- Human service practitioner
- Community outreach workers
- Health services
- Substance abuse counselors
- Criminal justice
Located in beautiful Columbus, OH, Columbus State Community College offers students opportunities to engage in their educational community. Opportunities include sports, concerts, volunteer work, sports, and many clubs. Students will grow academically and personally as they explore their interests and develop career skills.
Program: AAS Social and Human Services
14. Lehigh Carbon Community College
The AAS Human Services program at Lehigh Carbon Community College offers an interdisciplinary course of study. This program focus on the interwoven nature of citizens within a community. Students learn how to address the human condition within a community so that all members can lead quality lives that are both personally fulfilling and also fulfilling to the community as a whole. Graduates enter human service occupations with the ethics, knowledge, and also real-world skills to succeed as a generalist in human services. Additionally, they find employment providing therapy, direct client services, caregiving, life coaching, and also crisis intervention.
Lehigh Carbon Community College is proud to be an institutional member of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education. This association ensures that the programs of study are up to state standards and will provide the workforce with trained individuals who can supply the necessary skills and employment communities seek. Graduates will be prepared upon completion of this course of study to take the Human Services Board Certified Practioner credential exam.
Program: AAS Human Services
15. Delaware Technical & Community College
The AAS Human Services from Delaware Technical and Community College is designed for students who have a desire to pursue a rewarding career in human services. Those seeking this career path will help those in their communities who are experiencing personal, financial, or socialization issues which stop them from living a quality life of purpose. This program of study will provide students with resources for counseling, providing services, understanding human behavior, and crisis intervention. This information is delivered to students through both classroom experience as well as practical experience working in the field. Graduates will be qualified for entry-level employment in the human service industry. Some graduates may choose to take this associate’s degree in human services to complete their bachelor’s program. This program is not offered at all campuses.
Delaware Technical and Community College is the only community college serving the state of Delaware. This distinction gives the school the special opportunity of providing students with comprehensive, career-focused instruction. Upon graduating from the associate in human services degree program, students will be qualified to assist Delaware communities with providing services and outreach to its citizens.
Program: AAS Human Services
16. Midlands Technical College
Students participating in the AAS Human Services degree at Midlands Technical College will be prepared to enter many different careers working with people of different ages and backgrounds. Students seeking this career path should exhibit an interest in helping those within their community grow, heal and expand in order to create a better life for themselves and their families. Human service work is based on an understanding of the causes and consequences of human behavior on the individual, the family, and society as a whole. Human service workers will be able to assist individuals in better understanding how their behavior affects those around them and how changing behavior can create a better quality of life.
Career opportunities for graduates of the associate’s degree in human services include youth service workers, disability service workers, community health workers, human services agencies, working with those with substance abuse issues, developmental programs, child and family services, and mental health programs.
Program: AAS Human Services
17. Great Basin College
An AAS Human Services degree from Great Basin College uses both classroom learning as well as real-life applications of concepts to develop graduates who are prepared for the challenges of social work and the helping field. Job shadowing plays an important part in this course. It is this real work experience that can complement the coursework students will complete in class. Students will enjoy the fact that the entry-level human services courses have no prerequisites. Students interested in this course of study can jump right in and hit the ground running. It is recommended that students speak with an academic advisor before registering for classes.
Great Basin College fills the educational needs of rural Nevada by bringing top-notch educational experiences to those in outlying areas. This prepares students for the workforce in other areas of Nevada as well as the rest of the country. By putting students first, Great Basin College has built a strong educational community to meet the needs of students.
Program: AAS Human Services
18. Community College of Denver
The AAS Human Services program from the Community College of Denver prepares students for entry-level work in the field of human services. In addition, this program of study also prepares students for a four-year transfer program with the following educational institutions:
- Metropolitan State University of Denver – Human Services
- Metropolitan State University of Denver – Social Work
- University of Colorado Denver – Human Development and Family Relations
Through the four-year transfer program, a student can begin their studies with an associate degree in human services with Community College of Denver and then transfer through a transfer agreement to the four-year bachelor’s programs at the above-mentioned schools. This option gives students a greater amount of flexibility when planning their college careers.
Community College of Denver is a fully accredited two-year community college located in the exciting city of Denver, CO. Programs at Denver Community College prepare students for entry-level careers as well as transfer programs to other four-year schools in Denver. Four-year transfer agreements help students navigate their career paths more easily while creating greater chances of success.
Program: AAS Human Services
19. College of DuPage
The AAS Human Services degree at College of DuPage prepares students for a variety of entry-level positions in the human service field. With a combination of both classroom and real-world experience, students can pursue one of the following specialties as it pertains to human services:
- Domestic Violence Counseling
- Applies Gerontology
- Corrections Counseling
- Addictions Counseling
- Human Services Generalist
- Veterans Counseling
- Residential Child Care
- community health workers
In addition to qualifying for these careers, students will also have the opportunity to use their associate degree in human services to qualify for transfer programs. Transfer programs allow students to transfer their credits to a four-year institution in order to complete a bachelor’s program. Be sure to speak with an enrollment specialist about which schools qualify under this program.
The faculty and staff at the College of DuPage bring each student the resources and education they need to succeed. In addition to this, they have a commitment to serving the community as a whole.
Program: AAS Human Services
20. Gateway Technical College
The AAS Human Services degree at Gateway Technical College is for students who have a passion for helping others and prepares them for jobs in human services. Students who thrive in this program have compassion and a desire to make their communities a better place. They learn to bring resources and services to those individuals in the community who are struggling with challenges both personal and economic. This course of study will explore counseling, abnormal psychology, and ethics. In addition to this, students will experience 300 hours of fieldwork where they will obtain hands-on experience working alongside social workers as they help assist those in the community.
Gateway Technical College is helping students make their educational dreams a reality. The school provides a wide variety of programs and also makes these programs available through different delivery models. Gateway Technical College currently offers 21 programs of study that are fully accessible online. This increases students’ options for completing their degree programs.
Program: AAS Human Services
21. Elgin Community College
The AAS Human Services degree at Elgin Community College offers specialty tracks in Generalist, Substance Abuse Counseling, or Family Violence Counseling. These specialty tracks help prepare students for more in-depth social service work within the human services field. By providing multiple specialty tracks, students can customize their college training specific to their area of interest as well as to their own personal strengths. Students can learn with confidence knowing that Elgin Community College is fully accredited. The Human Service Generalist Program is currently accredited by the Council for Standards in Human Services Education. For those pursuing the Human Services Substance Abuse Program, accreditation has been granted through the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc.
ECC offers several different types of career training programs to meet the needs of students. In addition to the academic offerings, ECC also provides child care, community health workers, an arts center, and work support services, all conveniently located on their beautiful campus.
Program: AAS Human Services – Generalist, Substance Abuse Counseling, or Family Violence Counseling
22. Florence Darlington Technical College
The Associate in Public Service Human Services degree at Florence Darlington Technical College is a popular program. This program runs about 190 students both full and part-time. Additionally, most students complete it within 7 semesters for students who are working full time on their education. The program of study is a balanced blend of general education, sociology, and human service courses. Completing this generalist program will prepare students to enter the human services job sector, or to take their credits on to complete a bachelor’s program of study.
Florence Darlington Technical College strives to combine both academic experiences with community experiences so that students come away well-rounded and ready to become active members of the larger community.
Program: Associate in Public Service Human Services
23. Montgomery Community College
The AAS Human Services Technology program at Montgomery Community College provides students with the knowledge and hands-on experience they need to succeed in entry-level occupations. Occupations can be both institutional and with agencies. These institutions and agencies will provide social, community, human services curriculum, and educational services, human services agencies to those in the community. Courses are available to provide students with specializations in specific human service tracts.
Montgomery Community College offers a wide range of educational options to help meet students’ needs. Two-year degree programs and certifications help prepare students for the workforce or for transfer into four-year programs.
Program: AAS Human Services Technology
24. Pitt Community College
The fully accredited AAS Human Services Technology program through Pitt Community College will open up entry-level employment opportunities for students in the field of human services. Students learn to assist those in their community with overcoming life challenges so that they can lead productive and thriving lives.
The beautiful campus of Pitt Community College caters to both the academic as well as social and cultural needs of students.
Program: AAS Human Services Technology
25. Blackhawk Technical College
Students who are looking to pursue a career in human services will find education and training through the AAS Human Services degree at Blackhawk Technical College. In addition to top-notch classroom instruction, this program also provides students with field job training that will help them deal with the challenges of social work.
Blackhawk Technical College prides itself on easy registration processes so that students can start their educational journey as quickly and easily as possible.
Program: AAS Human Services
Why Should I Get a Human Services Associate Degree?
You should get an associate’s degree in human services if you’re considering a career in the social services field but aren’t sure which career pathway is right for you. Earning your associate’s in human services degree also opens up more job opportunities at the entry-level in organizations and agencies that provide services and support to people in need.
These organizations provide assistance that includes health and social support, educating a populace on issues that directly affect them, and addiction counseling to name a few. Your associate’s degree in human services provides you with the education and comprehension you need to work with a given population, but allows you the flexibility to figure out the area of human services you ultimately want to work in.
How is Human Services Different from Social Services?
The field of human services is different from social services in that it’s more removed from the people that you assist. Human services focus on the administrative side of procuring and providing services to communities while social services engage one-on-one with clients. If you prefer to work in a setting that’s removed from individual interactions, you should consider an associate’s degree in human services to begin your career.
An associate’s in human services degree qualifies you to work primarily as an assistant in a human services organization. The role of the assistant is an entry-level position that offers insight into the workings of human services and how they support communities. Your work experience can help you decide if you want to return to school to earn your bachelor’s degree in human services, or if you want to transition into another area of social work that aligns with your career goals. An associate’s degree in human services is your opportunity to explore the field and see where it can take you as a career.
Is Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) Accreditation Important?
Yes, accreditation from the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE) is an important aspect of the associate’s degree program that’s offered by your school or community colleges of choice. In general, accreditation for degree programs shows that the education you receive meets standards that are expected by government and state agencies, employers, and the public at large. Accredited human services programs meet accepted standards of education that enable you to find employment in the human services sector as well as enable you to return to school and transfer your credits for a bachelor’s degree.
The Council for Standards in Human Service Education is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and has a mission to “improve the quality, consistency, and relevance of human service education programs.” CSHSE also assures best practices in human service education in order for students to have confidence in the school, teachers, and education they’re receiving. Students who earn a degree from a CSHSE accreditated program have excellent employment prospects because employers in the human services field recognize the value of CSHSE accreditation. Employers are more interested in accreditation as a type of assurance that the person they’re hiring has been taught to a standard that’s expected of someone working in the human services field.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Human Services Associate Degree?
The length of time required to get an associate’s degree in human services is typically two years, but you can engage in accelerated human services degree programs that can see you earning your degree in about 18 months. Earning an associate’s degree requires 60 credit hours which means an average of 15 credit hours over four semesters. You can opt to take classes during the summer semester in order to balance out your educational workload and graduate in a timely manner.
You have to decide if you’re capable of taking on the almost non-stop school work for an accelerated degree, or if you feel that it’s better to take your time and go for the two-year option. An accelerated degree program does give you the opportunity to find employment sooner, or enter into a bachelor’s degree program ahead of your peers. In contrast, a two-year program has more time off between semesters, allowing you to decompress from schoolwork and refresh yourself for the next semester.
What are the Advantages of a Human Services Associate?
There are advantages to taking your time getting your associate’s degree in human services, but there are also advantages to an accelerated human services degree program. If you’re someone who thrives under pressure and can perform well, you’ll find that taking an accelerated associate degree program in human services is advantageous to get your career started sooner.
However, if you prefer to take your time to learn and fully comprehend educational material, you’re best served by following a traditional human services educational curriculum that takes two years to complete. In addition, many students go on to ear a bachelor’s degree in human services. There are quite a few online and traditional degree programs available.
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